An Elliot Lee double fired West Ham Under-21s to their first victory of the season last night after they beat Sunderland 2-0 at Upton Park.

The development squad have endured a tough start to the season, taking only two points from their first five games, but last night saw a change.

The Hammers made the better start as the game began at pace, before the contest settled down with neither side able to capitalise on their chances.

By half-time the visitors could have been two or three up but the opening period ended scoreless.

West Ham’s defence was again tested after the restart, but in the 69th minute they took the lead when Lee headed home a Matt Jarvis corner from six yards.

The Black Cats’ frustration was evident as Lee curled a fine shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 78th minute to double his side’s advantage.

Sunderland didn’t give up and kept playing their passing game until the final whistle, but they were unable to prevent their opponents from recording their first win of the campaign.