Mark Jackson shared his thoughts with LUTV after his Under-23s side played out a 2-2 draw with West Ham United.

The Saturday afternoon clash at Thorp Arch was entertaining throughout as the Whites went into the lead before being pegged back, then showing resilience to draw the game level again. 

"It was a really really tough game of football against an excellent team,” Jackson explained, after the game.

“With the ball and physically as well, they caused us a lot of problems today. They’re a very good team and it made for a really competitive game. 

“I don’t think we controlled enough periods of the game well enough today and the players know that as well.

“One thing is for sure, when we went a goal down we didn’t drop our heads, we stayed positive, we looked to play our game and we actually got stronger towards the end of the game. 

“We just ran out of time in the end because we sensed maybe that winning goal was coming, but we didn’t make to get it.

“It’s good point in the end against a very good West Ham team.”

The match was physical and hard-fought throughout, with both teams looking to assert their authority on the pitch, in the right way. 

“It was a proper game of football,” Jackson summarised. 

“That’s what I like and it is what our players need, these types of game against that kind of opposition to challenge ourselves.

“I am pleased with some elements of the game and not so pleased with others, that’s like every game, you can always improve on things.

“I really liked how we finished the game today, we kept pushing until the end and tried to find that winning goal.”