WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
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theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
2001-02 FA Premier Youth Academy Under-19
Manager: Tony Carr
LEEDS UNITED
Rush Green
2 - 2 (Eastwood, McMahon)
25 August 2001
Jackson
Metitri
Dean
Johnson
Cleaver
Laurie
Allen
Cascione
Eastwood
Mehmet (Ritchie)
McMahon D.
A dramatic late strike from Irish midfielder Darryl McMahon rescued a deserved point for West Ham United's Under-19s in their opening FA Premier Academy fixture against Leeds United on Saturday.
In a contest that mirrored the senior side's determination later that afternoon, albeit with a far more eventful scoreline, the young Hammers made a bright start and deservedly led at the interval through Freddy Eastwood. West Ham were full of confidence in the first half, creating a series of chances and looking capable of building an even greater advantage.
The momentum swung after the break, however, as Leeds seized control of proceedings. The visitors dominated possession, applied sustained pressure and turned the match on its head with two second-half goals that appeared set to condemn the Hammers to an opening-day defeat.
But Tony Carr's side refused to concede. With the clock ticking down and Leeds seemingly on course for all three points, West Ham launched one final push. Their persistence was rewarded just two minutes from time when McMahon struck the crucial equaliser, ensuring the young Hammers emerged with a hard-earned share of the spoils.
CREWE ALEXANDRA
Alexandra Stadium
3 - 3 (Allen 2 [1 pen], Johnson)
1 September 2001
Jackson, Metitiri (Khan), Dean, Johnson, Laurie, Cleaver, Tobolewski (Collington), Cascione, Allen, Eastwood (Ritchie),
McMahon D.
James Allen's dramatic late equaliser completed a remarkable West Ham fightback against Crewe, earning the Hammers a point for the second successive match after they had looked dead and buried at 3-0 down.
A sloppy first-half display left West Ham facing an uphill battle. Crewe struck after just ten minutes when the ball broke kindly for Clark, who fired beyond Glen Jackson. The lead was doubled soon afterwards as Wilson's looping header sailed over the Hammers goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Despite the scoreline, Jackson prevented the deficit from becoming even greater. The West Ham keeper produced a string of impressive saves, including a superb one-handed flying stop that kept his side in the contest.
Crewe appeared to have settled matters on 58 minutes when Lee added a third goal, leaving the Hammers three behind with little over half an hour remaining. Yet that strike sparked an unlikely revival.
Allen gave West Ham a lifeline from the penalty spot after Johnson was brought down in the area, and suddenly the visitors sensed an opportunity. The momentum shifted further in their favour when Johnson climbed highest to head home Darryl McMahon's cross and reduce the arrears to a single goal.
With Crewe rocking and time running out, the Hammers launched one final assault. Their persistence was rewarded in the closing moments when Allen unleashed a thunderous drive that flew past the helpless goalkeeper to complete an extraordinary comeback.
From three goals down to level at the death, West Ham showed tremendous character and resilience to rescue a point that had seemed impossible for much of the afternoon.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Rush Green
1 - 1 (Allen)
8 September 2001
McMahon B.
Metitiri
Dean
Cleaver
Johnson
Smith D. (McMahon D.)
Britton
Eastwood
Ritchie
Cascione
Allen
West Ham's Under-19s recorded their third successive draw of the season at Rush Green in a hard-fought encounter with Tottenham Hotspur that saw both sides reduced to ten men.
The Hammers looked on course for victory after taking the lead on the half-hour mark. Leon Britton was brought down inside the penalty area and James Allen stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick. Although his initial effort was saved, Allen reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and give West Ham a deserved advantage. The game swung shortly after the interval when defender Anthony Dean was shown a red card, leaving the Hammers to battle with ten men. Spurs were unable to exploit their numerical advantage for long, however, as their right-back was soon dismissed after collecting a second yellow card, restoring parity in numbers.
Tottenham capitalised on a defensive lapse to draw level soon afterwards. The West Ham back line failed to clear a dangerous cross and the loose ball was driven past Billy McMahon for the equaliser. Despite the setback, the Hammers continued to pose a threat and came agonisingly close to claiming all three points. Allen was sent clear through on goal but could not find a way past the Tottenham goalkeeper, who made an important save to preserve the visitors' point.
SOUTHAMPTON
Staplewood
1 - 0 (Cascione)
15 September 2001
McMahon B.
Metitri
Dean
Johnson
Cleaver
Britton
Smith D.
Cascione
McMahon D. (Tobolewski)
Eastwood (McClenahan)
Allen
Italian midfielder Manny Cascione proved the match-winner as West Ham edged a hard-fought encounter away to Southampton.
In a closely contested game with chances at a premium, the Hammers showed patience and determination before finding the breakthrough. James Allen and Freddy Eastwood both went close to breaking the deadlock, but the Saints' defence stood firm during an evenly balanced contest.
The decisive moment arrived courtesy of Cascione, whose quality ultimately settled the match. The skilful Italian midfielder capped an impressive display by superbly finding the net, scoring the only goal of the game and securing a valuable away victory for Tony Carr's side.
Reflecting on the win, coach Tony Carr said: "It was a tough game and I thought the boys did extremely well to win."
ARSENAL
London colney
1 - 3 (Allen)
22 September 2001
McMahon B.
Ferdinand A. (Tattam)
Metitri
Johnson
Cleaver
Britton
Smith D. (Ritchie)
Cascione
Allen
Eastwood
McMahon D. (Tobolewski)
West Ham were left to rue a series of defensive lapses as a promising first-half display ultimately ended in defeat, despite a late consolation from James Allen.
The Hammers enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes and created enough opportunities to feel unfortunate to trail at the interval. However, a costly defensive mix-up allowed Nacumra to take advantage and put the home side ahead against the run of play.
Any hopes of a West Ham recovery suffered a further setback eight minutes after the restart when Brown capitalised on more slack defending to double the advantage. The hosts grew in confidence thereafter and Brown effectively settled the contest with his second goal of the afternoon, cleverly lobbing Billy McMahon to make it 3-0.
To their credit, the Hammers continued to battle and were rewarded with a late goal. Manny Cascione's pinpoint cross-field pass picked out James Allen, who took the ball in his stride before firing beyond Holloway to reduce the arrears.
While Allen's strike provided a small measure of consolation, West Ham were ultimately punished for defensive errors on an afternoon when their first-half performance deserved more than the final scoreline reflected.
WIMBLEDON
Venue
? - (??)
Date
McMahon B.
Tobolewski
Metitri
Cleaver
Johnson
Smith D.
Britton
Cascione
Ritchie
Eastwood
Allen
West Ham United came from behind to claim a deserved victory over Wimbledon at Chadwell Heath, overturning an early deficit with a strong second-half display.
The visitors struck first when Innocent seized upon a misplaced pass from Manny Cascione before unleashing a superb 30-yard effort beyond Billy McMahon to give the Dons the advantage.
The Hammers responded positively and created enough chances to be level before the interval. James Allen and Freddy Eastwood both found themselves one-on-one with the Wimbledon goalkeeper, but neither could find the finishing touch as the visitors held their lead at the break.
West Ham's persistence was rewarded shortly after half-time. Dean Smith's incisive pass released Allen, who finished confidently with a shot that cannoned in off the post to restore parity.
With the momentum now firmly in their favour, the Hammers continued to press and eventually found the winner. Good work from Glen Johnson created the opening for Eastwood, who curled a superb right-footed effort beyond the goalkeeper to complete the turnaround.
Having recovered from an early setback and missed opportunities in the first half, West Ham fully merited their victory, showing both character and quality to secure the points.
IPSWICH TOWN
Rush Green
3 - 6 (Allen 2, eastwood)
6 October 2001
McMahon B.
Tobolewski
Metitri
Cleaver
Johnson
Smith D.
Britton
Cascione
Allen
Eastwood
McMahon D.
The young Hammers made the worst possible start, conceding twice in the opening stages as slack defending allowed Ipswich to seize control. Yet Tony Carr's side showed impressive character to fight their way back into the contest before half-time.
James Allen sparked the revival with a superb left-footed drive, reducing the deficit late in the first half. Then, deep into stoppage time, Freddy Eastwood pounced on a poor Ipswich clearance and smashed home the equaliser to send the teams into the break level at 2-2.
West Ham carried that momentum into the second half and began to dictate proceedings. Allen twice went close before finally putting the visitors ahead with 20 minutes remaining. Darryl McMahon's perfectly weighted ball over the top split the Town defence, allowing Allen to race clear and finish confidently for his second goal of the afternoon.
At 3-2, the Hammers appeared on course for an excellent comeback victory. However, the game turned dramatically when Allen was denied a hat-trick just minutes later. Ipswich were handed a route back into the contest when possession was conceded on the edge of the area, allowing the hosts to bundle home an equaliser.
With six minutes remaining, Dean Cleaver was outpaced and Ipswich regained the lead at 4-3. The late setback triggered a complete collapse. A mistake by Johnson gifted the home side a soft fifth goal before a deftly executed chip beat Billy McMahon to complete the scoring and leave the Hammers stunned.
Having fought back from two goals down and led with only 14 minutes remaining, West Ham looked set to take all three points. Instead, a disastrous final spell saw Ipswich score four times in little more than 12 minutes, leaving Tony Carr's side to reflect on an afternoon that slipped away in extraordinary fashion.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Away
1 - 3 (Johnson)
13 October 2001
McMahon B.
Tobolewski (Ritchie)
Khan
Cleaver (Ward)
Laurie
Johnson
Smith D.
Cascione
Allen
Eastwood (Metitiri)
Tattam
West Ham United’s Under‑19s made the perfect start, taking the lead inside nine minutes. Dean Smith won the ball in midfield and fed James Allen, who slipped in Glen Johnson. The full‑back’s low strike beat the Birmingham goalkeeper to put the Hammers in front.
The home side responded strongly, forcing Billy McMahon into a superb save from Carter. From the resulting corner, McMahon was tested twice more, standing firm to preserve the lead going into the break.
Birmingham levelled after the restart, just as West Ham looked poised to extend their advantage. Brent Tattam’s headed clearance fell kindly for Gilbert, who finally found a way past McMahon.
The Blues then seized control. Substitute Evans cut in from the left and rifled a shot beyond McMahon to turn the game around, before Carter capped his impressive, hard‑working display with Birmingham’s third — a deflected effort on 79 minutes that left the Hammers’ keeper helpless.
NORWICH CITY
Colney Training centre
2 - 2 (Cascione, Eastwood)
20 October 2001
McMahon B.
Khan
Dean
Cleaver
Laurie
Metitri
Smith D.
Cascione
Eastwood
Britton
Ritchie (Pearson)
Freddy Eastwood and Manny Cascione scored the goals as the Hammers won their first point in three games with a fine display against a strong Norwich City team.
In a game that flowed from end to end,our Under-19s created the better chances and Eastwood forced the Norwich 'keeper to make two very good saves early on. The Hammers took the lead on 26 minutes when Steven Laurie's header from the halfway line found Eastwood who turned his marker and sent a cracking right foot drive into the back of the net.
Norwich equalised with a deflected free kick from outside the penalty area just before half-time.
The home side went ahead on the hour,following a mistake by Anthony Dean, but Cascione
levelled the scores with a long-range effort just four minutes later.
FULHAM
Rush Green
0 - 2
27 October 2001
McMahon B.
Khan
Dean
Metitri
Cleaver (Smith D.)
Laurie
Britton
Ritchie (Johnson)
Cascione
Pearson
Eastwood
The young Hammers did not do themselves justice against a Fulham side languishing at the foot of the table.
The Cottagers looked the livelier side from the outset and tookthe lead on 11 minutes with one of the most bizarre goals of the season. As Riehman launched a high ball into the penalty area Hammers 'keeper Billy McMahon came off his line to claim, but with an opponent lurking he lost concentration and allowed the ball to bounce over his head and into the empty net.
Niall Ritchie then went close for the Hammers before Freddy Eastwood created their best chance on 39 minutes, putting Greg Pearson through, only for him to shoot wide with the 'keeper beaten.
Dean Smith and Leon Britton both squandered chances after the break, but when Kes Metitri conceded a penalty on 58 minutes, Shevel secured the points for Fulham.
LEICESTER CITY
Rush Green
0 - 1
3 November 2001
Jackson
Khan
Tattam
Ritchie
Ward
Lumsden
Akinsete
Cascione
Allen
Eastwood
Britton
A late blow denied West Ham any reward for their efforts in this FA Premier Youth Academy Under‑19s clash, as a physically stronger Leicester City side snatched the points at Rush Green.
The Hammers played the better football for long spells and carved out several good openings, with James Allen and Leon Britton both going close during an encouraging first half.
The match seemed destined to finish goalless until the final moments, when Glen Jackson’s goal‑kick fell straight to a Leicester player. The quick return shot crept inside the far post, leaving West Ham empty‑handed at the death.
WATFORD
Rush Green
3 - 1 (Allen 3)
10 November 2001
Jackson
Khan
Tattam
Ward
Lumsden
Akinsete (Ritchie)
Britton
Allen
Eastwood
Cascoine
McMahon D.
James Allen fired a superb hat‑trick as West Ham’s Under‑19s bounced back from their disappointing defeat to Leicester with an impressive win over Watford at Rush Green.
The Hammers dominated the first half, and Allen opened the scoring on 20 minutes, rounding the goalkeeper with real composure. Ten minutes before the break, Leon Britton whipped in a low cross and Allen reacted sharply to stab home his second.
Watford rallied after the interval and pulled one back from a free‑kick with twenty minutes remaining, setting up a tense finish as they pushed hard for an equaliser.
But with the Hornets throwing bodies forward, Allen struck again at the death - racing onto a ball cleared from defence and drilling home his third right on the final whistle to seal a deserved victory.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Rush Green
3 - 1 (Allen, Eastwood, McMahon)
17 November 2001
Jackson
Khan
Tattam
Ferdinand A.
Ward
Britton
Akinsete
Cascione (Ritchie)
Eastwood
Allen (Smith D.)
McMahon D.
West Ham United’s Under‑19s should have been out of sight long before the finish at Little Heath, such was their dominance in this FA Youth Academy League encounter with Wolves. Glen Jackson barely had a save to make, yet the Hammers didn’t finally secure the points until the closing stages.
Freddy Eastwood passed up a good early chance, and James Allen saw a goal ruled out for offside before eventually breaking the deadlock on 31 minutes. A slick move orchestrated by Leon Britton ended with Allen calmly side‑footing home.
Wolves hit back seven minutes later, McCrystal heading in from a corner that West Ham players felt had already gone out of play.
The Hammers remained firmly on top after the interval, but Eastwood, Britton and Allen all squandered opportunities before Eastwood restored the lead on 68 minutes with a confident finish.
Ten minutes later, the result was sealed. Elliot Ward rose well to nod the ball down, and Darryl McMahon met it with a stunning right‑footed strike from 25 yards, thundering it into the top corner to cap a fully deserved victory.
ASTON VILLA
Rush Green
3 - 2 (Allen 3)
23 November 2001
Jackson
Khan
Tattam
Cascione
Ward (Cleaver)
Ferdinand A.
Akinsete
Britton
Allen
Eastwood
Dean (Ritchie)
James Allen scored his second hat-trick in three games as the Hammers came from behind to record their third win in succession at Rush Green.
Villa stunned West Ham with a goal in the opening minute, but they struck back six minutes later when Manny Cascione chipped a pass over the Villa defence and Allen raced through to beat the 'keeper. Hammers went 2-1 up in the 16th minute when a great pass from Leon Britton found Allen who took advantage of a similar one-on-one situation. But Villa scored an equaliser with 20 minutes remaining and it was left to Allen to restore Hammers lead, receiving a long throw-in from Terry Khan turning his marker to fire home.
Villa put pressure on the West Ham defence in the closing minutes but they held on to take the three points.
Coach Tony Carr said:"We deserved the win and James Allen took his goals well. We are looking a more balanced team now.James was a winger last year, but we've put him up front this season out of necessity. He's by no means the finished article but he can score with both feet and, if you judge him on the number of goals he's scored this season, he's done extremely well."
EVERTON : FA Youth Cup (Third Round)
Upton park
1 -2 ([og])
27 November 2001
Jackson
Khan
Tattam
Lumsden (Dean)
Ferdinand A.
Akinsete
Cascione
Johnson
McMahon D. (Ritchie)
Allen (Carrick)
Eastwood
West Ham United's FA Youth Cup hopes were ended in heartbreaking fashion at Upton Park as Everton struck twice in extra-time to snatch victory from a tie the young Hammers had largely controlled.
Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession and territory throughout normal time, West Ham were unable to find the breakthrough against a stubborn Everton defence. Their best chance arrived midway through the second half when Freddy Eastwood unleashed a tremendous low drive from the edge of the area, only to see the ball crash against a post and rebound to safety.
Everton's only real threat during the 90 minutes had come much earlier. On 19 minutes, Michael Symes struck the crossbar from close range, offering a reminder that the visitors remained dangerous despite spending much of the match on the back foot.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the tie moved into extra-time, where West Ham's fortunes began to unravel. Six minutes into the additional period, Symes capitalised on a defensive slip to fire past Glenn Jackson from 12 yards and put the Toffees ahead.
The setback rocked the Hammers and, just four minutes later, Symes struck again. Another defensive lapse allowed the Everton forward an opportunity he accepted with a low finish beyond Jackson, leaving West Ham facing elimination.
To their credit, the young Hammers refused to surrender. With only three minutes of extra-time remaining, England Under-19 defender Glen Johnson produced a determined run, weaving past two defenders before unleashing a fierce shot that was diverted into his own net by Everton's Robert Southern.
The late goal set up a tense finish, but there was insufficient time for West Ham to force a penalty shoot-out. Instead, the final whistle brought disappointment for Tony Carr's side, whose FA Youth Cup campaign came to an end despite a performance that deserved far greater reward. Their dominance for long spells counted for little in the end, as two costly defensive errors in extra-time proved decisive.
FULHAM
Motspur Park
2 - 1 (Carrick, Eastwood|)
15 December 2001
Jackson
Khan
Tattam
Cascione
Lumsden
Smith D.
Akinsete
Carrick G.
Allen
Eastwood
Britton
West Ham wrapped up their pre‑Christmas schedule with a fourth straight win, edging Fulham in a tense under‑19 clash. After dominating the early stages, they broke through on 27 minutes when Freddie Eastwood finished smartly following neat approach play from Graeme Carrick.
Eight minutes before the interval, a gift arrived: Fulham keeper Flitney sliced a goal‑kick straight to Leon Britton. His shot was cleared off the line, but Carrick followed in to double the lead. Just as the Hammers looked set for a comfortable half‑time cushion, a Doherty cross was turned into his own net by Brent Tattum, dragging Fulham back into it.
The second half tightened considerably, but West Ham managed the tension well and saw out the game with discipline and composure. It wasn’t as smooth as it might have been, but the three points - and a fourth consecutive victory—were fully earned.
LEICESTER CITY
Aylesome Road
4 - 1 (Allen 2, Ferdinand 2)
12 January 2002
Jackson
Johnson
Tattam (Khan)
Ferdinand
Ward
Akinsete (Smith D.)
Britton
Carrick
Allen
Eastwood
McMahon (Ritchie)
West Ham struck early, controlled long spells, and finished with a flourish to stay firmly in the hunt for second place. James Allen opened the scoring after five minutes, heading in at the far post following a flurry of corners. Leicester’s only real threat of the half came from a free‑kick after Glen Johnson was caught in possession, but Glenn Jackson saved well. At the other end, Elliott Ward sparked a flowing move that ended with Anton Ferdinand smashing in West Ham’s second after the keeper spilled a low cross. Allen might have added another but fired over from 15 yards.
The Hammers dominated the rest of the half with slick passing, though wasteful finishing kept the margin at 2–0. Leicester came out sharper after the break, but once West Ham rediscovered their intent they carved out three strong chances through Allen and Leon Britton. Then came the turning point: Jackson lost grip of a loose ball, the chasing striker made the most of the contact, and Leicester converted the penalty to pull one back.
Under pressure, West Ham dug in superbly, then shifted gears and stretched the game with longer, incisive passing. Their reward came when a half‑cleared corner found Ferdinand, who shimmied past his marker and drilled a superb low finish into the corner—good enough to earn applause from the home crowd. The visitors were enjoying themselves now, and a classic West Ham move sealed it: Carrick’s one‑two to the byline, a cut‑back, a fine save, and Allen pouncing for his second. With the younger lads injected into the side, the winning run continues—and on this evidence, it may run for a while yet.
WATFORD
London Colney
1 - 0 (McMahon)
19 January 2002
Jackson
Khan
Lumsden
Ward
Ferdinand A.
Carrick
Akinsete
Britton
Allen
Eastwood
McMahon
West Ham extended their winning run, but only after surviving a sustained second-half onslaught from Watford in difficult conditions at their London Colney training ground.
With a gusting wind at their backs in the first half, the Hammers made the early running. Darryl McMahon, Phil Lumsden and James Allen all threatened, while a series of corners kept the visitors pinned back. The breakthrough arrived on 23 minutes in spectacular fashion when McMahon's inswinging corner from the right curled wickedly through the air, deceiving goalkeeper Hughes before nestling in the far corner of the net.
The match changed completely after the interval as Watford gained the advantage of the wind and forced West Ham onto the defensive. Phil Lumsden, Anton Ferdinand and Elliot Ward stood firm under increasing pressure, while Allen was denied at the other end after a superb through-ball from Ferdinand sent him clear on goal.
As Watford pushed for an equaliser, Glenn Jackson emerged as the Hammers' match-winner. The goalkeeper produced a magnificent fingertip save to divert a curling 30-yard effort over the crossbar when the ball seemed destined for the top corner.
Tony Carr introduced Niall Ritchie and Lou Riddle, making his first appearance since a serious injury suffered the previous season, but the defining contribution remained Jackson's heroics. His outstanding display preserved West Ham's slender lead and ensured another hard-earned victory for the young Hammers.
IPSWICH TOWN
Playford Lane
2 - 2 (Lumsden, Ward)
16 February 2002
Jackson
Khan
Lumsden
Ferdinand A.
Ward
Akinsete (Dean)
Britton
Carrick
Smith D.
Eastwood (Ritchie)
Allen
West Ham’s U19s showed real character to claw back a 2–2 draw against league‑leaders Ipswich after a first half in which they were second best and fortunate to trail by only a single goal. Ipswich doubled their advantage early in the second half, leaving Tony Carr’s side with a mountain to climb.
The response was exactly what he hoped for. On 60 minutes Ayo Akinsete battled well down the flank and set up Elliott Ward, who finished confidently to halve the deficit. Ten minutes later James Allen slipped a clever pass into Phil Lumsden, who struck cleanly from the edge of the box to level the match.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, and West Ham twice came close in the final five minutes, but neither could find the decisive touch. Carr felt the draw was fair, praising Ipswich’s quality but also his own team’s resilience. After chasing shadows in the first half, they produced two well‑worked goals and showed the belief to turn a difficult afternoon into a valuable point.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Rush Green
0 - 1
23 February 2002
Jackson
Khan
Dean
Lumsden
Ward
Ritchie (Fletcher)
Akinsete
Carrick
Allen (Mehmet)
Eastwood
Smith D. (Britton)
West Ham’s Academy sides endured contrasting fortunes in gale‑force conditions, the U17s edging Birmingham 1–0 while the U19s were undone 1–0 by a freak goal that the wind all but carried into the net.
The U19 match was barely a football contest. With the wind swirling and long balls turning unpredictable, both Freddy Eastwood and Elliott Ward still managed to carve out chances, but neither could convert. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when a speculative effort from the edge of the area appeared to be sailing harmlessly over the bar—until the wind caught it, dropped it sharply, and left Glenn Jackson helpless as it dipped under the crossbar.
Tony Carr didn’t hide his frustration afterwards. The conditions made any attempt at controlled play impossible, and the match descended into a battle against the elements rather than the opposition. Still, he noted that it was the team’s first defeat since November, a reminder of how consistent they had been despite setbacks.
A miserable day weather‑wise, a harsh way to lose, and one of those fixtures that simply had to be endured rather than enjoyed.
NORWICH CITY
Rush Green
4 - 1 (Eastwood 2, Lumsden, Mehmet)
2 March 2002
Jackson
Khan
Lumsden
Ferdinand A.
Ward
Smith D. (Ritchie)
Akinsete (Mehmet)
Britton (Fletcher)
Allen
Eastwood
Dean
West Ham’s U19s produced one of their best displays of the season, sweeping aside Norwich 4–1 and marking Billy Mehmet’s long‑awaited return with a hugely emotional third goal. Freddy Eastwood opened the scoring on 25 minutes, reacting quickest in a crowded box, but loose marking allowed Norwich to level soon after. The Hammers restored control on the stroke of half‑time when Anthony Dean’s low free‑kick ricocheted kindly for Phil Lumsden to finish from close range.
Norwich stayed competitive after the break and forced a superb save from Glenn Jackson, but the match swung decisively on 65 minutes. Mehmet, back after almost a year out with a back injury, came off the bench and calmly buried the third—an instant lift for the team and a moment everyone had been waiting for. Eastwood then wrapped things up with his second, sealing a convincing and hard‑earned win.
Tony Carr praised the resilience behind the scoreline, stressing that the game was far tighter than 4–1 suggested, and highlighted Mehmet’s goal as the day’s standout moment. With momentum restored, West Ham now push to secure second place in the group - a target Carr sees as a major achievement after a difficult start to the season.
BRISTOL CITY
Rush Green
0 - 0
9 March 2002
Jackson
Khan
Dean
Ferdinand A.
Ward
Ritchie (Akinste)
Mehmet
Allen
Britton
Eastwood
McMahon (Saunders)
West Ham began brightly under the Rush Green lights, Craig Saunders clipping the bar before giving the Hammers the lead with a deflected left‑footer that looped over the Villa keeper. Elliot Ward almost doubled it after turning onto a Mitchell Cole cross, but his shot flicked narrowly wide. Villa’s only first‑half threat brought a full‑stretch save from George Sealey.
The match sagged after the break. Villa, having used all their substitutes, lost a player to injury and played the final half‑hour with ten men. They pushed late on but never truly troubled West Ham, who saw out ten minutes of stoppage time to secure the win. Solid at the back but lacking spark going forward after the early spell, the Hammers did enough to bank the points.
ASTON VILLA
Bodymoor Heath
1 - 1 (Eastwood)
23 March 2002
Jackson
Khan
Dean
Ritchie
Fletcher
Johnson
Britton
Smith D.
Mehmet
Eastwood
Allen
West Ham needed every ounce of resilience at Tamworth, rescuing a point through a late Freddie Eastwood strike after going down to ten men when James Allen was sent off in an off‑the‑ball incident. Before the drama, the Hammers had started well: Billy Mehmet headed straight at Henderson from a Terry Khan cross, but Villa struck first on 12 minutes when Allen was dispossessed and Moore eventually forced the ball past the grounded Glenn Jackson.
Villa grew stronger for the next spell, defending solidly through Christensen and Dillon, though West Ham still carved chances. Eastwood headed wide from Anthony Dean’s deep free‑kick, and Dean Smith saw a powerful effort blocked by Henderson. After the interval, the Hammers pushed harder - Eastwood just failed to connect with a teasing Allen cross, and Jackson produced a superb fingertip save to deny substitute Hynes’ deflected rocket.
Allen’s free‑kick was then clawed out of the top corner, and Mehmet was denied a deserved equaliser by another sharp stop. Jackson kept West Ham alive again with a strong save from a close‑range header, while Glen Johnson and Ronnie Fletcher held firm at the back.
Then came the turning point: Allen was shown a straight red after an off‑the‑ball exchange, leaving West Ham to chase the game with ten men. But they refused to fold, and in the dying moments Eastwood pounced, firing home to salvage a point the team’s fight fully merited.
READING
Cantley Park
2 - 1 (Britton, Johnson)
27 March 2002
Jackson
Khan
Lumsden
Ferdinand
Ward
Johnson
Britton
Saunders (Ritchie)
Allen
Eastwood (Morris)
Cole M. (Fletcher)
West Ham snatched a dramatic win at Cantley Park thanks to Leon Britton’s stunning strike five minutes into stoppage time, settling a fiery contest that threatened to boil over. The Hammers, chasing second place in Group B, started superbly and were ahead inside six minutes. Britton improvised brilliantly on the byline, back‑heeling for Terry Khan to deliver a perfect cross that Glen Johnson powered into the top corner with a towering header.
West Ham kept the pressure on. Mitchell Cole, impressive on his U19 debut, almost doubled the lead with a clever lob that Cox clawed away, and Johnson saw another header cleared off the line. But Reading rallied before the break, forcing Glenn Jackson into a fingertip save and hitting the post during a late scramble.
The hosts came out flying after half‑time and levelled when a corner was headed onto the far post and volleyed in by Bird. West Ham responded through Eastwood and Allen, but the match grew increasingly bad‑tempered, prompting Tony Carr to plead for calm.
The Hammers still carved chances - Johnson struck the post, Ward had a header cleared off the line, and Allen saw a fierce drive blocked. With seven minutes of added time signalled, it looked as though the game would finish level.
Then came the moment. Substitute Niall Ritchie recycled a loose ball, Britton stepped forward from 22 yards, and unleashed a blistering drive into the top corner - his first goal from open play all season and a worthy match‑winner. Ronnie Fletcher came on to help see out the final seconds, sealing a hard‑earned and richly satisfying away victory.
CHELSEA
Rush Green
1 - 1 (Eastwood)
6 April 2002
Jackson
Tucker
Blewitt
McClenahan
Metitiri
Laws
Mehmet
Parrington
Lee
Eastwood
Khan
West Ham’s final home match of the U19 season burst into life after the break, capped by a stunning Freddie Eastwood equaliser - one of the best strikes seen at Rush Green in months. A youthful Hammers side had struggled early on, with Chelsea controlling most of the first half and taking the lead on 23 minutes when Pulman calmly finished after being slipped through.
West Ham’s best moment before the interval came from a flowing move involving McClenahan, Mehmet and Blewitt, ending with Eastwood forcing a save. Whatever was said at half‑time worked: the Hammers emerged sharper, Kes Metitri rattled the bar with a towering header, and pressure began to build.
The breakthrough arrived when Eastwood collected the ball, drove at the defence, spun into space and unleashed a rocket into the top corner - an outrageous finish that lifted the whole ground. West Ham pushed Chelsea back from then on, with San Lee and Billy Mehmet both going close, and the young side finishing far stronger than they started.
A much‑improved second half, a spectacular equaliser, and a performance that showed just how quickly this group is growing.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Sparrows Lane
2 - 0 (Cole, Eastwood)
13 April 2002
Jackson
Lumsden (Morris)
Tattam
Ward
Fletcher
Akinsete
Mehmet
Ritchie
Khan
Eastwood
Cole M. (Collington)
West Ham’s under‑19s eased to a 2–0 win over Charlton, sealing their fourth straight league victory with two early strikes that set the tone for a controlled performance. Freddy Eastwood opened the scoring inside two minutes, finishing a sharp move sparked by Graeme Carrick. Mitchell Cole doubled the lead 18 minutes later after Charlton keeper Flitney gifted possession to Leon Britton; his effort was cleared off the line, but Carrick followed in to make it 2–0.
The Hammers could easily have been out of sight by half‑time, having carved out several more chances. Charlton rallied after the break and hit the post, forcing Glenn Jackson into action, but West Ham stayed organised, defended well, and saw out the game with authority.
Tony Carr summed it up: his side dominated the first half, weathered the second‑half push, and fully deserved the points.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Away
1 - 0 (Allen)
20 April 2002
Jackson
McClenahan
Lumsden
Ferdinand
Ward
Carrizo (Ritchie)
Akinsete
Mehmet
Smith D. (Fletcher)
Eastwood
Allen
West Ham United's Under-19s signed off their Academy League campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Wolves, although the result was overshadowed by a serious injury suffered by trialist Raul Carrizo in his first appearance for the club.
James Allen's superb free-kick ten minutes from time settled a closely fought contest and secured all three points for the Hammers, but thoughts quickly turned to Carrizo after the young midfielder was stretchered off following a reckless challenge that resulted in a Wolves player being sent off.
The Australian-born midfielder, who was on the books of Fiorentina in Italy and held a British passport, was enjoying his first taste of English football while hoping to earn a permanent move to Upton Park. His afternoon was cruelly cut short in the 75th minute when the challenge left him with a broken leg, casting a shadow over an otherwise positive afternoon for the Hammers.
Allen's decisive strike ensured the Hammers ended a highly encouraging campaign in style. Having finished runners-up to Ipswich and extended an unbeaten run stretching back to October, West Ham could reflect on a season of considerable progress, even if the unfortunate injury to Carrizo tempered the celebrations on the final day.
