Mark Jackson gave his views to LUTV after his side lost to table-topping West Ham United at the Rush Green Stadium on Monday night.

The Whites went into the game knowing that they were facing a tough challenge against the Hammers, who had won all eight of their home matches this season, scoring 23 goals.

The game was level at half-time after a hard-working performance, but the hosts showed their quality and experience in the second half to claim the three points. 

“We’re disappointed to lose the game, let’s say that first and foremost,” Jackson explained. 

“We had full belief in ourselves that we could come here and get the victory, like we do in every game we play. 

“Our feelings regarding this defeat, it’s very contrasting to what it was after the Sunderland game. I know we didn’t lose that game, we drew it, but that felt like a defeat.  

“The boys are feeling down in there but there are certain elements of their game that they can be pleased with, and happy with how we performed in the game.”

Jackson detailed the parts within the game that he was pleased with from his young side, despite suffering defeat in East London. 

He said: “I thought first half we were good and we dominated the ball, we looked to play out. Just before we came in for half-time we created a great chance to go one up. 

“We came in and we wanted to keep that going, but unfortunately with the young players have in our team at the minute we just don’t have that extra gear to go to. 

“West Ham are a big powerful team, they were on the front foot and aggressive, so they just overpowered us in that second half. 

“I was pleased that the lads tried to play our way and I asked them to make decisions and take ownership on the pitch, which I felt they did for large parts of the game. 

“Ultimately we just didn’t have that next gear to go to in the second half to kick on and get the victory."