Former Albion man Chuba Akpom has his first goal for Ajax.

But he missed a great chance to double his tally in the much-needed 2-0 win at home to Volendam last night.

The Amsterdam outfit moved off the foot of the Eredivisie by winning one of their games in hand.

It was their first match under new boss John van’t Schip and the win was secured by goals in the second half.

Steven Berghuis, who was a threat on the right, said: “I'm just relieved and happy for certain guys.

“Especially for Akpom, who has had a difficult period so far and comes into a team where the conditions are not right for a new player to show qualities.

“I do have faith in those new guys."

Victory was greeted with relief by Ajax.

Akpom netted with a soaring header from a corner although the Volendam keeper should arguably have saved it.

He had just sent a similar effort on to the crossbar and, right at the end, hit the post after rounding the keeper to leave himself with an open goal.

The big threats from Ajax, as Albion will have noted, came from Steven Bergwijn and Berghuis cutting in off the wings.

Bergwijn scored the opening goal in that fashion having earlier hit the bar.

But Ajax, who had lots of chances, were grateful to Diant Ramaj for a crucial save in a one-on-one going into the final 20 minutes.

Van’t Schip sprang one surprise in his line-up as he gave Arjany Martha a debut at left-back.

Martha, 20, was not even in the matchday squad at the Amex but looked a lively outlet going forward.

Ajax host Heerenveen on Sunday before thoughts turn to Albion’s visit in the Europa League next Thursday.

Berghuis recognised self-confidence has been hit by recent defeats and is keen to put that right before the Seagulls visit.

He added: "I speak for myself. In the first half, for example, I was in promising situations, but I felt like I was thinking more than I normally do.

"And that's what makes it a bit indecisive, where normally you're more likely to pull the trigger or see the free man in front of the goal sooner."

"I didn't have that today and hopefully we can get more confidence in that, myself included.

"Experiencing success gives that self-confidence, so this is a small step,