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2024-25 Premier League 2

Manager: Mark Robson : Coaches Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville

The Professional Development League 2 is Under-21 football's second tier, designed for those academies with Category 2 status. The league is split regionally into north and south divisions, with each team facing opponents in their own region twice both home and away and opponents in the other region once resulting in 31 games played. The sides finishing in the top two positions in both regions at the end of the season will progress to a knockout stage to determine the overall league champion. Sheffield United are the defending champions.

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Amex Elite Performance Centre
2 - 0 (Adiele, Moore)
16 August 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Akpata

Casey

Luizao

Moore (Battrum)

Orford

Ajala (Adiele)

Simon-Swyer

Scarles

West Ham United U21s opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a well-earned victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Elite Performance Centre.

The young Hammers displayed resilience and composure, handling Brighton's high press effectively, maintaining possession, and creating quality chances while limiting their opponents' opportunities.

Sean Moore’s first-half strike from a West Ham corner set the Irons on their way. However, a second bookable offence for Junior Robinson with half-an-hour remaining set up a nervy finish for the U21s. Despite being down to ten men, West Ham stayed compact at the back and remained dangerous on the counter-attack.

Their disciplined defending paid off in stoppage time. After stealing possession on the edge of his own penalty box, Lewis Orford set Emeka Adiele free with a precise pass. Adiele outpaced Brighton’s centre-backs and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, calmly slotting home to seal all three points with his first Premier League 2 goal.

READING : EFL Trophy Southern (Group H)
Select Car Leasing Stadium
1 - 3 (Dean [og])
20 August 2024

Herrick

Robinson (Dolaghan)

Mayers

Akpata

Casey

Luizao

Moore (Battrum)

Orford

Ajala (Adiele)

Simon-Swyer

Scarles

West Ham United’s U21s kicked off their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign with a spirited performance against League One side Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Despite their determined efforts, the young Hammers were defeated 3-1.

The match began with Reading capitalising on their early momentum, as Jayden Wareham put the Royals ahead. Fifteen minutes later, Kelvin Abreva doubled their lead with a powerful, low shot that found its way past Finlay Herrick in the West Ham goal.

Undeterred, the Hammers fought back and got themselves on the scoresheet when Junior Robinson’s deflected cross snuck in at the near post, catching out Reading's goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke.

West Ham came out for the second half with renewed energy, applying a more effective press that limited Reading’s chances to break through the lines. The young Hammers had opportunities to level the match but, unfortunately, were unable to convert them. Reading secured all three points five minutes from time when substitute Tyler Sackey finished neatly to seal the victory.

SOUTHAMPTON
Rush Green
5 - 1 (Ajala 2, Scarles 2, Moore)
23 August 2024

Herrick

Battrum

Mayers

Scarles

Casey (Tarima)

Luizao

Moore

Orford

Ajala (Rigge)

Simon-Swyer (Dolaghan)

Adiele (Akpata)

West Ham United U21s delivered an emphatic performance in their first home game of the season, overpowering Southampton U21s 5-1, surging to the top of the Premier League 2 table.

The Hammers were clinical in their finishing and put in a solid defensive play, securing their second consecutive win in style. West Ham who seized the initiative in the eighth minute when Ollie Scarles opened the scoring. A pinpoint long ball from Lewis Orford found Kamarai Swyer on the wing, who worked the ball inside to Scarles, who made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to put his side ahead.

Southampton thought they had equalised ten minutes later, only to be denied by the linesman’s offside flag. This proved to be a turning point, as West Ham began to assert more control over the game. Five minutes from half-time, Moore found the back of the net. Winning possession in midfield, West Ham broke quickly, with Swyer threading a pass to Orford, who navigated his way through the Southampton defence before laying it off to Moore. The forward finished with authority, scoring his second goal in as many games to give West Ham a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the interval.

The young Hammers came out strong in the second half, quickly adding a third goal in the 52nd minute. Scarles, involved once again, played a brilliant pass that split the Southampton defense, allowing Josh Ajala to race through on goal. Ajala kept his composure and slotted home to put the Hammers firmly in control. Just two minutes later, Ajala was at the double, embarking on a dazzling solo run past three defenders before finishing coolly to make it 4-0.

Although Southampton captain Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh pulled one back in the 69th minute, West Ham remained untroubled. They sealed victory five minutes from time when Scarles netted his second of the game, following a well-executed counter-attack initiated by substitute Tyron Akpata.

NORWICH CITY
Rush Green
1 - 0 (Ajala)
30 August 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Akpata (Tarima)

Battrum

Luizao

Moore

Orford

Ajala

Simon-Swyer

Adiele

West Ham United U21s claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Norwich City at Rush Green Stadium thanks to a second-half effort from Josh Ajala, maintaining their perfect start to the season with three wins from three games going into the international break.

The match began with West Ham pressing high up the pitch, nearly capitalising on an early mistake by Norwich goalkeeper Caleb Ansen. Kamarai Swyer's clever interception set up Lewis Orford for a shot from the edge of the box, but his effort sailed just over the bar. The Hammers continued to apply pressure, with Sean Moore and Swyer both coming close to breaking the deadlock, but neither able to guide their efforts on target.

Norwich gradually grew into the game, and as the first half wore on, they began to create chances of their own. Finlay Herrick produced a crucial save to deny Daniel Ogwuru's powerful header, keeping the score level as the visitors pushed for an opener. Despite Norwich's late surge before half-time, the teams went into the break still deadlocked.

West Ham emerged from the interval with renewed energy. Luizão nearly opened the scoring with a towering header that narrowly missed the far post. The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute when Orford won the ball deep in Norwich's half. His cross found Swyer, whose blocked effort was retrieved by Ajala. Despite calls for offside, the flag stayed down, and Ajala calmly slotted home from close range to give the Hammers a vital lead.

Norwich pressed hard for an equaliser in the final minutes, forcing West Ham to defend resolutely, seeing out the game to earn all three points.

NEWPORT COUNTY : EFL Trophy Southern (Group H)
Rodney Parade
0 - 1
17 September 2024

Herrick

Robinson (Battrum)

Luizao

Scarles (Akpata)

Casey (Tarima)

Luizao

Moore (Fawunmi)

Orford

Ajala (Dolaghan)

Simon-Swyer

Adiele

West Ham United U21s were left frustrated at Rodney Parade as Newport County claimed a late 1-0 win in their second EFL Trophy group stage fixture.

Despite controlling possession and showcasing solid build-up play, the young Hammers were unable to convert their superiority into goals and were ultimately undone by a decisive County move late in the game.

In the 83rd minute, Newport made their decisive move. A superb forward ball from Bryn Morris caught West Ham's defence off guard, leading to a two-on-one situation. Courtney Baker-Richardson chipped the oncoming Herrick, and substitute Oliver Greaves was on hand to finish, putting the home side ahead.

​Despite a strong performance in terms of possession and limiting Newport’s chances, the Hammers were left to rue their missed opportunities. With two defeats from two games in the EFL Trophy, West Ham’s hopes of progressing from Southern Group H now rest on the result of Cheltenham's match against Reading.

NEWCASTLE UNITED
Whitley Park
1 - 0 (Simon-Sywer)
20 September 2024

Herrick

Battrum

Mayers

Akpata

Tarima (Briggs)

Luizao

Moore

Orford

Simom-Swyer

Scarles

Adiele (Ajala)

West Ham United U21s made it four wins from four at the start of the 2024/25 Premier League 2 season with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Whitley Park.

The young Hammers were made to work hard by a much-fancied Newcastle side.

The decisive moment arrived after 77 minutes in spectacular fashion as Orford's stunning long ball over the top from deep inside his own half was pounced on by Simon-Swyer, who finished the game’s only goal with incredible composure earned us a hard-fought three points.

Premier League International Cup

First introduced in the 2014/15 season as part of a strategy to provide Premier League Academies with international experiences, the PLIC comprises of the 16 top finishers in the Premier League 2 and 16 invited international clubs.

Participating clubs are split into four groups of eight, with four PL2 and four invited international clubs occupying each group. Each side play four group-stage games, with every fixture featuring one PL2 team hosting an international opponent at their home ground. The top two of each group progress to the quarter-finals.

SL BENFICA B
Chigwell Construction Stadium
2 - 2 (Dolaghan, Guilherme)
24 September 2024

Terry

Tarima

Brown

Akpata

Casey (Golambeckis)

Briggs (Luizao)

Rigge

Fearon (Orford)

Dolaghan

Guilherme (Fawunmi)

Scarles (Adiele)

Pre-match teamsheet shows Josh Briggs (5) and Kaelan Casey (6) allocated wrong shirt numbers

West Ham United U21s clawed back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against SL Benfica B in their opening fixture of the Premier League International Cup (PLIC) at Chigwell Construction Stadium.

After trailing by two goals at half-time, the young Hammers rallied and imposed themselves on the second half. Mason Terry’s standout performance in goal, as well as debut goals from Luis Guilherme and Brad Dolaghan, were key in helping the U21s secure a valuable point in their PLIC opener.

Benfica’s pressure finally paid off as João Veloso scored two quick-fire goals to put them firmly in command. The first came in the 36th minute after a brilliant solo run from Beni Souza, who was a constant threat with his tricky footwork. Souza broke down the byline and found Veloso, who curled a shot into the top corner. The visitors deserved their lead, with their approach putting West Ham on the back foot for much of the game. Benfica moved through the pitch comfortably, and their second goal came just two minutes later. Veloso dribbled into the penalty box from the left flank before adding a second to his tally.

After the break, West Ham began to assert themselves, linking up more effectively in attack. In the 49th minute, they nearly pulled one back after a brilliant combination between Guilherme and Ollie Scarles. The latter’s low cross into the penalty area was almost turned in by Dolaghan, but the ball was scrambled away by some desperate Benfica defending.

However, it was not long before Guilherme brought West Ham back into the game, confidently finishing after an exquisite lobbed through ball from Dan Rigge. That goal shifted the momentum, and the young Hammers grew in confidence. Despite Robson’s side controlling much of the second half, Benfica remained dangerous. Terry made another crucial save, tipping Félix’s curling effort over the bar when it seemed destined for the top corner.

That save injected fresh belief into the U21s, who continued to push for an equaliser. The levelling goal finally came from Dolaghan, who latched onto a long ball over the top from Lewis Orford, battled past two Benfica centre-halves, and coolly slotted it home with ten minutes to go.

The final few minutes were intense, but both teams ultimately cancelled each other out, with the match ending 2-2.

CHELSEA
Rush Green
3 - 2 (Adiele 2, Moore)
27 September 2024

Herrick

Battrum

Mayers

Akpata

Casey (Tarima)

Luizao

Moore (Ajala)

Orford

Simon-Swyer

Scarles (Rigge)

Adiele

West Ham United U21s secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Chelsea at Rush Green Stadium to move to the top of the Premier League 2 table. The win sees the Hammers leapfrog Arsenal, having been tied on points before kick-off. Despite Chelsea controlling most of the possession, West Ham's clinical counter-attacking, with a brace from Emeka Adiele and a second-half strike from Sean Moore, proved decisive.

The match kicked off at a brisk pace, with Chelsea almost immediately taking the lead when Tyrique George beat the offside trap and found himself one-on-one against Fin Herrick, but his effort sailed well over the bar.

Moments later, West Ham made the Blues pay for that miss. Adiele capitalised on Chelsea's high defensive line, racing onto a perfectly weighted ball over the top from Ezra Mayers. After outpacing his marker, Adiele confidently finished past oncoming goalkeeper Max Merrick to give West Ham the lead in the fifth minute.

Chelsea responded with pressure of their own but struggled to break down a resolute West Ham defence. Despite controlling possession, the Blues were unable to convert their chances in the opening exchanges.

Midway through the first half, West Ham doubled their lead. Once again, Adiele exposed the space behind Chelsea's left flank. Tyron Akpata played a well-timed ball to release the wing-back, and Adiele repeated his earlier feat, lifting the ball over Merrick for his second goal of the game. The Hammers could have put the match beyond reach before the break, but Kamarai Swyer one-on-one effort was denied by Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick. On the stroke of half-time, Chelsea took advantage of that let-off as Donnel McNeilly headed in from a Harvey Vale corner to give the visitors a lifeline going into the break.

West Ham came out strongly in the second half and quickly restored their two-goal cushion. Sean Moore was sent through on goal by Lewis Orford, and the winger made no mistake, cutting inside onto his favoured left foot before slotting it past Merrick to make it 3-1. The Hammers had further chances to extend their lead, with Ollie Scarles and Orford both going close. Chelsea, however, continued to probe and found a late goal through captain Vale in the 87th minute. With Scarles down injured, Chelsea exploited their temporary numerical advantage, with Vale's deflected effort from inside the box to setting up a nervy finale.

Despite sustained pressure and ten minutes of stoppage time, West Ham held firm, seeing out the game to secure their fifth straight Premier League 2 win continuing their 100 per cent record.

ATHLETIC BILBAO B : PL International Cup
Rush Green
2 - 2 (Dolaghan 2)
2 October 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Brown

Akpata (Battrum)

Briggs

Luizao

Fawunmi (Moore)

Orford (Tarima)

Ajala (Dolaghan)

Rigge

Scarles (Adiele)

For the second week running, West Ham United U21s mounted yet another second-half comeback, drawing 2-2 against Athletic Club B in their second Premier League International Cup (PLIC) clash. A brace from Brad Dolaghan helped the Hammers recover from a two-goal deficit, though they were unfortunate not to secure all three points after dominating the second half.

The game began with West Ham seeing much of the ball in the opening minutes but struggling to move up the pitch. Bilbao, on the other hand, quickly grew into the contest, and they capitalised on a pair of defensive errors to take a commanding lead after just a quarter of an hour.

The first blow came in the eleventh minute, as West Ham were caught in possession in their own half. Bilbao’s Adrián Pérez picked up the loose ball before finding Aritz Conde who unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area that flew beyond Fin Herrick, leaving the Hammers goalkeeper with little chance.

Just three minutes later, Bilbao doubled their advantage. A failure to clear their lines allowed Igor Oyono to pounce on the ball inside the penalty box, and he calmly slotted it into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

The visitors could have easily added a third before the 20-minute mark, but Herrick kept West Ham in the game with a crucial one-on-one save, using his legs to deny Oyono and prevent further damage.

The young Hammers looked shell-shocked as Bilbao took control of the game. Despite their struggles, the hosts began to find some rhythm as the half progressed. Ollie Scarles, Dan Rigge and Josh Ajala combined well on the left, but a crucial last-ditch tackle from Daniel Belategi prevented the striker from pulling one back.

As half-time approached, the U21s showed signs of improvement but went into the break frustrated and two goals behind. Lead coach Mark Robson made key changes at half-time, bringing on Emeka Adiele and Brad Dolaghan in an attempt to change the course of the encounter.

The substitutions had an immediate impact, as West Ham came out firing in the second half, and it did not take long for the momentum to shift in their favour. In the 52nd minute, Dolaghan sparked the comeback. A header from Josh Briggs on the halfway line bounced towards the Bilbao goal. Latching onto the ball from an onside position, Dolaghan reacted quickest and finished coolly one-on-one to halve the deficit.

The goal injected life into the Hammers, who continued to pile on the pressure. Just eight minutes later, they nearly drew level when Favour Fawunmi rattled the crossbar with a curling left-footed effort from the edge of the box. The visitors struggled to contain West Ham’s relentless attacks, and they were fortunate to see a dangerous cross from Fawunmi headed goalwards by Dolaghan rattle the woodwork just minutes later.

Bilbao managed to steady themselves for a brief spell, but West Ham’s dominance finally paid off in the 83rd minute. Dolaghan, picked out by Adiele after another bursting run down the left, was once again in the right place at the right time and saw his deflected shot loop over the Bilbao goalkeeper Oier Ariznabarreta and into the net, making it 2-2.

With the game level, the young Hammers pushed hard for a winner. Despite their late surge however, Bilbao held firm to see out the draw and ensure a share of the spoils.

MANCHESTER CITY
Etihad Campus
1 - 4 (Scarles)
5 October 2024

Herrick

Battrum (Robinson)

Mayers

Akpata

Casey

Luizao

Moore (Ajala)

Orford

Simon-Swyer

Scarles

Adiele

West Ham United U21s saw their impressive five-match winning streak in Premier League 2 brought to an end by Manchester City, who leapfrogged Mark Robson’s side on goal difference to claim top spot with a 4-1 victory at the Etihad Campus.

The match began with both sides looking to assert themselves, but it was City who carved out the first clear opportunities. Ten minutes in, Kaelen Casey misjudged the weight of pass from his goalkeeper Fin Herrick, allowing Emilio Lawrence to pounce on the mistake. The City forward’s quick reaction saw him direct an effort towards goal, only to be denied by a fine Herrick save, narrowly missing out on an early breakthrough.

The warning signs were there for West Ham, and City soon capitalised. On the half-hour mark, City took the lead through Matty Henderson-Hall. After drawing their opponents out from their deep and compact set up, the hosts produced a slick, fast-paced transition move down the left which ended with Henderson-Hall meeting a cross in the box, finishing neatly to give his side a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Despite the setback, the Hammers responded well and nearly found an equaliser eight minutes later. A lofted ball from Luizão picked out Emeka Adiele on the left, who controlled well and darted into the box. His tight-angled effort forced City goalkeeper Jack Wint into a great save, keeping his side ahead.

Moments later, West Ham got their breakthrough, as Lewis Orford was fouled on the edge of the area, allowing Ollie Scarles to step up and level the scoring. Scarles’ effort into the far corner left City’s goalkeeper Wint rooted to the spot, and the Hammers, despite being second-best for much of the half, went into the interval level.

The second half started evenly, with City controlling most of the ball but West Ham threatening on the counter. However, it was City who broke the deadlock once again. In the 73rd minute, Jacob Wright span into space down the middle on the edge of the box before picking out the bottom left corner, putting City back in front.

Shortly after, they extended their lead to two. A well-worked move down the left saw Lawrence and Nico O'Reilly combine, with the former delivering a dangerous low cross into the box. Substitute Justin Oboavwoduo, fresh off the bench, was perfectly positioned to finish with a first-time strike, leaving the Hammers with a mountain to climb in the final stages of the game.

Compounding West Ham's misery, City added a fourth deep into stoppage time. Lawrence, who had been lively throughout, capped off the win with a clinical finish from close range, sealing a dominant display and ensuring his side leapfrogged the Hammers to claim top spot in the league heading into the international break.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Aggborough Stadium
0 - 1
25 October 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Akpata

Tarima

Luizao

Moore (Fawunmi)

Orford

Ajala (Rigge)

Simon-Swyer

Scarles

A last-gasp goal deep into stoppage time condemned West Ham United U21s to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Aggborough Stadium, as Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s made it three home league wins on the bounce sealing all three points with their only shot on target.

The young Hammers began with fluid attacking play and composure through midfield, creating a handful of half-chances in the opening exchanges. Sean Moore set up captain Lewis Orford on the edge of the box who registered the game’s first effort on target, but Wolves goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin was equal to it making a comfortable save.

Wolves, meanwhile, posed their own threat from set pieces, with Matt Whittingham narrowly missing the target after a cleverly worked corner kick routine.

Both sides managed to build from the back with confidence but found clear cut opportunities hard to come by. Orford and Moore linked up well once again around the 20-minute mark, creating a promising opening down the right, but when Moore put the ball into the box, Josh Ajala and Kamarai Swyer were unable to find the decisive touch to break the deadlock. Defensively, both teams held firm, leaving the score goalless at the interval.

The young Hammers resumed with renewed energy in the second half, as substitute Favour Fawunmi injected fresh momentum on the wing, finding more success in breaching the Wolves’ defensive line. Shortly after the restart, he broke free and squared the ball to set up Ajala for the Hammers’ biggest chance of the game, but the striker saw his close-range shot comfortably saved. The Hammers continued to press, with Swyer coming close moments later at the far post following a dangerous cross, yet the finishing touch remained elusive.

As the game entered the final stages, Wolves began to build some momentum of their own, sensing that a single goal would likely be decisive. In the dying moments, West Ham’s defence appeared to have weathered the pressure, with Fin Herrick confidently collecting a ball across goal from a dangerous lofted free-kick with just two minutes left.

However, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Wolves found the breakthrough. A pinpoint corner delivery from Ethan Sutherland to the back post was met by captain Alfie Pond, who nodded the ball back across goal. Substitute Caden Voice pounced, prodding home from close range to secure a last-minute victory for the hosts.

It was a frustrating end to a game that West Ham had largely controlled without reward. The young Hammers will look to put this defeat behind them when they return to action on Tuesday, as they take on Cheltenham Town in their final EFL Trophy group-stage match.

CHELTENHAM : EFL Trophy Southern (Group H)
Whaddon Road
1 - 3 (Simon-Swyer)
29 October 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Akpata

Tarima (Rigge)

Luizao

Ajala (Fawunmi)

Orford

Simon-Swyer

Scarles

Adiele

West Ham United U21s’ Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign came to an end at Whaddon Road as they fell to a 3-1 defeat against a battle hardened Cheltenham Town side.

The Robins took the lead just before the half-hour mark through Liam Dulson and never looked back. A well converted penalty on 57 minutes from captain Matty Taylor gave the young Hammers a mountain to climb going into the final half-an-hour. Although West Ham did get a goal back after a neat move finished off by Kamarai Swyer, Tom King put the result beyond doubt with his first senior goal for Cheltenham.

FULHAM
Rush Green
0 - 3
1 November 2024

Herrick

Battrum

Brown

Akpata (Tarima)

Briggs

Luizao

Fawunmi (Robinson)

Orford (Scarles)

Dolaghan (Simon-Swyer)

Rigge

Moore

West Ham United U21s saw their unbeaten home streak come to an end at the hands of an in-form Fulham side, who extended their own winning run on the road to four consecutive matches.

Fulham set the tone early at Rush Green Stadium, with Šekularac breaking the deadlock after just five minutes. Despite a confident start in possession, the Hammers were caught out by a Fulham transition down the left flank. Terrell Works slalomed his way into the West Ham penalty area, reaching the byline before pulling it back to Šekularac, who slotted home from close range in a crowded West Ham penalty area.

After conceding, West Ham looked to respond, Favour Fawunmi forcing a save out of goalkeeper Alex Borto who was able to parry his tentative strike away from danger. West Ham continued to create promising moments in attack, with Sean Moore delivering a well-placed cross that was only just too high for Brad Dolaghan. Shortly after, West Ham’s biggest chance to equalise fell to Josh Briggs in the box following a corner, but his close-range effort went wide.

The Hammers came very close again to drawing level on 33 minutes when Fawunmi’s strike rebounded off the post after Borto’s mishandled punch from a corner left the net exposed. Despite their encouraging attacking play, including an effort from Lewis Orford from the edge of the box, Fulham held their one-goal advantage heading into the break.

The second half saw Fulham take the early initiative, but West Ham responded with quick transitional play. Fawunmi’s shot from just outside the box only just missing the target, set up by great build-up play from Moore, Dolaghan and Dan Rigge, hinted at a potential Hammers breakthrough. Momentum continued to swing toward West Ham as Orford’s deft pass picked out Rigge, only for Borto to smother his effort.

Fulham punished the Hammers for their missed chances, doubling their lead in the 53rd minute, as Aaron Loupalo-Bi’s driven cross was met by Callum Osmand, who made no mistake in doubling the visitors’ lead.

In an attempt to swing the momentum back in their favour, Mark Robson introduced fresh legs in Kamarai Swyer, Sean Tarima and Ollie Scarles. Despite West Ham’s late efforts, Fulham remained composed, absorbing pressure while managing possession effectively. A late flurry of chances brought Borto back into action, including a decent strike from Ryan Battrum and a close-range effort from Junior Robinson.

With time winding down, Fulham capitalised once more on a fast break. Deep into stoppage time, after West Ham had gone down to ten men through a Luis Brown professional last man foul, Šekularac sealed the result, his second of the night, a well controlled first time left-footed effort from just inside the box, securing a 3-0 win for the visitors.

National League Cup

West Ham United U21s will participate in the first edition of the National League Cup. The new competition will pit 16 National League clubs – the fifth tier of senior men’s football – against 16 Premier League 2 sides, with the twin aims of giving National League clubs the chance to host the best U21 teams in England in their own stadia, while also offering young players from Premier League and EFL clubs the opportunity to test themselves against senior opposition.

The participants will be split into four groups of eight – four from the National League and four from Premier League 2 – with the National League teams hosting a group-stage tie against each of the four Premier League 2 sides in their group. The top two finishers in each of the four groups will qualify for the quarter-finals.

West Ham have been drawn in Group D alongside National League clubs Braintree Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United and Sutton United, as well as fellow Premier League 2 sides Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion.

BRAINTREE : National League Cup
Cressing Road
2 - 4 (Ajala, Scarles)
5 November 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Luizao (Briggs)

Akpata

Tarima (Golambeckis)

Casey (Brown)

Simon-Swyer

Orford

Ajala

Scarles (Fawunmi)

Adiele

West Ham United U21s suffered a 4-2 defeat against Braintree Town in their National League Cup opener, concluding a demanding spell of games since the last international break which has seen them pick up four consecutive defeats.

The young Hammers delivered a promising first-half performance, showing attacking intent with goals from Josh Ajala and Ollie Scarles putting them ahead at the break. In the second period, they were ultimately undone by Braintree’s physical dominance and clinical set pieces as goals from Inih Effiong, Kyrell Lisbie and George Langston, in addition to John Akinde’s strike in the first half, secured a 4-2 victory for the Iron.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Leigh Sports Village Stadium
0 - 1
29 November 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers (Battrum)

Akpata

Tarima

Luizao

Moore

Orford

Ajala (Dolaghan)

Simon-Swyer

Adiele

For the second league away trip in a row, West Ham United U21s fell to a stoppage-time winner, as Ethan Ennis’ 96th-minute free-kick secured all three points for Manchester United.

The result saw the Red Devils leapfrog the Hammers in the Premier League 2 standings on goal difference, despite a solid performance from the visitors that deserved at least a share of the spoils.

The young Hammers matched their opponents for almost the entire contest and came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the dying moments, only for Sean Tarima’s late strike to be disallowed. It marked another frustrating evening for the development side, extending their losing streak to six matches.

e a result.

OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS 2 : PL International Cup
Rush Green
0 - 2
3 December 2024

Terry

Robinson

Mayers (Akpata)

Scarles

Tarima

Luizao

Moore (Rigge)

Orford

Ajala

Simon-Swyer (Battrum)

Adiele (Fawumni)

Olympique Lyonnais 2 cemented their place at the top of Group B of the Premier League International Cup with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United U21s at Rush Green Stadium.

The young Hammers showed moments of promise but ultimately fell to a Lyon side that capitalised on their chances and defended resolutely. The result guarantees Lyon’s progression to the knockout stages, with nine points from their group games, while West Ham fall to last place on goal difference after suffering a seventh consecutive defeat in all competitions.

BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACK : PL International Cup
Chigwell Construction Stadium
3 - 1 (Luizao, Orford, Simon-Swyer)
10 December 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Luizao

Akpata (Mayers)

Tarima (Fawumni)

Casey

Battrum

Orford

Simon-Swyer

Moore (Adiele)

Scarles

West Ham United U21s delivered an inspired second-half performance to overturn a first-half deficit and secure a 3-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach II in their final Premier League International Cup group game at Chigwell Construction Stadium.

Goals from Lewis Orford, Luizão, and Kamarai Swyer sealed the Hammers’ first win since September, keeping their very slim qualification hopes alive.

West Ham goalkeeper Finley Herrick was in error named twice on the original issued teamsheet

As both teams exchanged blows in a fast-paced first half, Mönchengladbach grew into the game. Their breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Jonathan Foss' excellent ball over the top found Fleck. The winger weaved past Luizão and Kaelan Casey before firing into the far corner to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Despite their recent struggles, the young Hammers did not let their heads drop. Ryan Battrum nearly equalised just four minutes later, meeting Ollie Scarles’ pinpoint cross with a towering header that went over the bar. Despite their persistence though, West Ham went into the break trailing 1-0.

Mark Robson's side emerged from the tunnel reinvigorated, making two attacking substitutions that paid immediate dividends. Just four minutes into the second half, West Ham leveled through Lewis Orford. Pressing high, the Hammers forced a turnover, and after clever interplay between Battrum and Sean Tarima, Swyer then flicked Tarima’s into the path of Orford who slotted a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

The goal ignited West Ham's confidence, with Emeka Adiele and Swyer both going close to putting the home side ahead. At the other end, Casey made a crucial tackle to deny Pesch, as Mönchengladbach continued to threaten on the counter.

West Ham’s persistence paid off in the 74th minute. Yet another excellent Orford corner delivery was met by Luizão, whose towering header found the far corner to complete the turnaround.

Mönchengladbach pushed for an equaliser, but West Ham’s defence held firm, with Herrick making a smart save to deny substitute Tony Reitz in added time. Deep into stoppage time, the Hammers struck again to put the result beyond doubt. Favour Fawunmi’s effort, saved by Pereira Cardoso, kindly fell to Swyer, who volleyed home emphatically to cap a commanding second-half display.

The win lifts West Ham into provisional qualification contention in the Premier League International Cup, although their fate was later decided with results elsewhere going against them and ultimately they finished in 4th place in the standings.

SUTTON UNITED : National League Cup (Group D)
Gander Green Lane
2 - 0 (Ajala, Robinson)
17 December 2024

Herrick

Robinson

Luizao

Fearon (Moore)

Tarima

Golambeckis

Battrum

Orford (Akpata)

Ajala (Dolaghan)

Simon-Swyer

Mayers

West Ham United U21s signed off their calendar year in style with a well-earned 2-0 National League Cup Group D victory over Sutton United at Gander Green Lane.

Goals in either half from Josh Ajala and Junior Robinson ensured the young Hammers were rewarded for a fine all-round performance against their National League opponents, who were relegated from EFL League Two last season, with an impressive clean sheet and three points that has put Mark Robson's young side firmly in contention for the knockout stages.

EBBSFLEET UNITED : National League Cup (Group D)
Kuflink Stadium
2 - 1 (Ajala, Simon-Swyer)
7 January 2025

Herrick

Robinson

Luizao

Fearon (Moore)

Laing (Golambeckis)

Mayers

Battrum (Tarima)

Orford (Akpata)

Ajala (Dolaghan)

Simon-Swyer

Adiele

West Ham United U21s took all three points from their opening game of the calendar year with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ebbsfleet United at Kuflink Stadium, marking their third consecutive win and second in a row against senior opposition in the National League Cup.

Dominating for large spells, the young Hammers took the game to their National League opponents, creating plenty of chances while staying tight at the back, and scoring two excellent team goals. Despite a late surge from the hosts, West Ham deservedly took the three points back to east London, setting up a decisive final group game against Dagenham & Redbridge.
 

SUNDERLAND
Rush Green
1 - 0 (Ajala)
17 January 2025

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Fearon (Clayton)

Golambeckis

Luizao (Tarima)

Battrum

Akpata

Ajala (Moore)

Simon-Swyer

Adiele

In their first Premier League 2 game since November, West Ham United U21s marked their return to league action with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunderland U21s at Rush Green Stadium.

The decisive moment came in the 59th minute with Josh Ajala’s third goal in as many games. A youthful Hammers side, featuring five U18 scholars in the starting line-up, defended solidly throughout, nullifying Sunderland’s attacking threat, securing their fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE (National League Cup (Group D)
Chigwell Construction Stadium
0 - 2
21 January 2025

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Fearon

Golambeckis

Laing (Tarima)

Battrum (Clayton)

Akpata

Ajala (Moore)

Simon-Swyer

Adiele

West Ham United U21s saw their National League Cup campaign come to an end at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, as Dagenham & Redbridge claimed a 2-0 victory to leapfrog the young Hammers into the final qualification spot for the knockout stages.

Early goals at the start of each half gave the home side the upper hand, leaving the young Hammers to rue missed opportunities in what was an otherwise competitive display.

Dion Pereira opened the scoring in just the third minute, converting a penalty after Connor Parsons went down under pressure in the box. Dagenham continued to press home their momentum forcing some great saves out of Fin Herrick, including a one-on-one stop to deny Pereira and another sharp intervention from a Junior Morias strike.

West Ham returned for the second half with renewed energy and almost equalised within moments of the restart, as Swyer’s driving run and long-range effort forced Harvey into a strong save. However, Dagenham doubled their lead in the 52nd minute, Trent Rendall nodding home from a well-delivered free kick. With this result the Hammers failed to reach the knockout stages.

LEEDS UNITED
LNER Stadium
2 - 1 (Moore, Simon-Swyer)
27 January 2025

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Fearon

Casey

Luizao

Moore (Akpata)

Orford

Simon-Swyer

Adiele (Rigge)

Clayton (Golambeckis)

West Ham United U21s secured a 2-1 victory over Leeds United at LNER Stadium in York, a result that lifts the young Hammers up to seventh in the Premier League 2 standings with at least a game in hand on the teams around them.

After building a healthy lead thanks to goals from Kamarai Swyer and Sean Moore in the first half-an-hour, the U21s were made to sweat after a well-taken goal from Cian Coleman shortly after half-time put the hosts within one. The young Hammers defence held firm, withstanding intense pressure to see out the win and move six points clear of the play-off cut-off point.

STOKE CITY
Rush Green
1 - 0 (Ajala)
31 January 2025

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Fearon (Rigge)

Golambeckis (Briggs)

Luizao

Moore

Akpata

Ajala (Dolaghan)

Simon-Swyer

Clayton (Brown)

West Ham United U21s secured their second straight 1-0 home victory, this time, over Stoke City U21s. This, their third league win in a row, lifts them to fifth in the standings, still with a game in hand. A first-half strike from Josh Ajala proved decisive as Mark Robson's men delivered another disciplined performance to secure their sixth win in seven games in all competitions.

ARSENAL
Rush Green
1 - 0 (Casey)
7 February 2025

Herrick

Briggs

Mayers

Akpata (Fearon)

Casey

Luizao

Moore

Orford

Ajala (Rigge)

Simon-Swyer

Adiele

West Ham United U21s secured their seventh win in eight games in all competitions with a 1-0 win in their all-London clash against Arsenal.

Their latest three-point haul is their third victory and clean sheet in a row at Rush Green Stadium and sees them move up to fourth in the Premier League 2 standings.

A goal straight out of half-time from captain Kaelan Casey proved to be enough to see off the young Gunners in a dominant display from Mark Robson's men.

BLACKBURN ROVERS
Rush Green
2 - 1 (Orford, Simon-Swyer)
14 February 2025

Herrick

Briggs

Mayers

Fearon (Akpata)

Casey

Luizao

Moore

Orford

Simon-Swyer

Rigge (Ajala)

Adiele

West Ham United U21s extended their winning run in the Premier League 2 to five games with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green Stadium, moving provisionally into third place in the table.

Prior to kick-off, a minute’s silence was held in tribute to Academy of Football legend Ronnie Boyce, a key figure in West Ham’s 1964 FA Cup triumph and the Club’s historic 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup victory, as well as winning the 1975 and 1980 FA Cups as part of the coaching staff.

The young Hammers started very brightly, asserting themselves early on with first-half goals from Kamarai Swyer and Lewis Orford giving them control, but Blackburn responded after the break through Joe Boggan to set up a tense second half.

READING
Select Car Leasing Stadium
3 - 0 (Ajala, Moore, Simon-Swyer)
24 February 2025

Herrick

Briggs

Mayers (Brown)

Akpata (Fearon)

Golambeckis

Casey

Simon-Swyer

Orford

Ajala

Rigge (Robinson)

Moore

West Ham United U21s extended their winning run in Premier League 2 to six games, with goals from Josh Ajala, Sean Moore and Kamarai Swyer securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Reading U21s.

Their latest victory and clean sheet not only consolidates their place within the top three, but also sees the young Hammers claim the best defensive record in the 26-team division.

DERBY COUNTY
Proctor Cars Stadium
1 - 0 (Akpata)
28 February 2025

Awesu

Briggs

Mayers

Fearon

Golambeckis

Brown

Simon-Swyer

Akpata

Ajala (Landers)

Rigge

Moore

West Ham United U21s extended their remarkable winning streak in Premier League 2 to seven matches with a 1-0 victory over Derby County U21s at Proctor Cars Stadium. Another really solid defensive display meant Tyron Akpata’s incredible strike before half-time proved to be the difference.

LIVERPOOL
AXA Training Centre
1 - 0 (Mabaya [og])
9 March 2025

Awesu

Robinson

Mayers

Akpata (Fearon)

Briggs

Casey

Moore

Orford

Simon-Swye

Rigge (Ajala)

Adiele

West Ham United U21s were held to a 1-1 draw against Liverpool U21s at AXA Training Centre, with two own-goals cancelling each other out in a closely-contested match on Merseyside.

The Hammers took the lead in bizarre circumstances via a defensive error when Isaac Mabaya's backpass to Davies found its way past the goalkeeper and into an unguarded net.

With Liverpool ramping up the tempo in search of an equaliser, substitute Keyrol Figueroa thought he had levelled having charged down on Awesu. He blocked a clearance from our No1, leaving the ball to loop towards goal, but appeals that the ball had crossed the line were swiftly waved away by the referee. 

It looked like the young Hammers had done enough for an eighth successive Premier League 2 win, but we were forced to settle for a point in unfortunate circumstances.

After Emeka Adiele was dismissed in the third minute of stoppage time for a second bookable offence, the resulting free-kick was crossed into the box and inadvertently headed into his own net by Orford with what was the last touch of the game.

LEICESTER CITY
Rush Green
2 - 3 (Ajala, Casey)
14 March 2025

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Fearon

Briggs

Casey

Simon-Swyer

Orford

Ajala

Rigge (Landers)

Moore

A late Leicester City goal succumbed West Ham United U21s to a cruel 3-2 defeat - their first at home this calendar year - under the lights at Rush Green Stadium.

The young Hammers twice took the lead through Josh Ajala and Kaelan Casey, but the visitors responded on both occasions before snatching victory in the closing minutes.

CRYSTAL PALACE
Rush Green
2 - 5 (Orford 2)
4 April 2025

Herrick

Briggs

Brown (Golambeckis)

Akpata

Casey

Mayers

Simon-Swyer

Orford

Ajala

Fearon (Landers)

Moore (Oyebade)

It was a tough evening for West Ham United U21s, who despite leading throughout most of the contest, fell to a 5-2 defeat against Crystal Palace in their final home fixture of the Premier League 2 regular season.

The young Hammers twice led on the night through Lewis Orford, but a ruthless late showing from the visitors saw them overturn a 2-1 deficit and extend their unbeaten run to seven matches.

MIDDLESBROUGH
Riverside Stadium
1 - 1 (Simon-Swyer)
11 April 2025

Herrick

Briggs

Brown

Akpata

Golambeckis

Mayers

Moore

Orford

Ajala

Smon-Swyer

Adiele

West Ham United U21s came from behind to secure at least a top-five seeding in the Premier League 2 table with a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough U21s at the Riverside Stadium, setting up a home tie in the upcoming play-offs.

It was the worst possible start for the young Hammers, who fell behind inside the opening minute. A ball over the top from Cain Sykes released Boro down the right, and Charlie Lennon was on hand at the far post to steer a low cross back across goal to give the hosts an early lead.

But the response from Mark Robson’s side was immediate. Kamarai Swyer and Emeka Adiele combined well on the left to create West Ham’s first opening, before Lewis Orford almost levelled with an effort from the edge of the box.

The equaliser soon followed, and it came courtesy of an excellent long ball from the captain. From almost the halfway line, Orford executed a perfectly volleyed pass over the top into the path of Swyer. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, Swyer kept his composure to roll the ball into the bottom corner and restore parity.

SUNDERLAND : Round of 16
Rush Green
3 - 1 (Ajala, Battrum, Orford)
26 April 2025

Herrick

Robinson (Briggs)

Mayers

Akpata

Golambeckis

Casey

Moore (Battrum)

Orford

Ajala

Smon-Swyer

Adiele

West Ham United U21s booked their place in the Premier League 2 play-off quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Rush Green Stadium.

Against the side that had knocked them out last season on penalties in the quarter finals, the young Hammers got their revenge, with goals from Josh Ajala, Lewis Orford and Ryan Battrum setting up a quarter-final tie with Manchester United.

MANCHESTER UNITED : Quarter Final Play-Off
Leigh Sports Village Stadium
1 - 4 (Adiele)
5 May 2025

Herrick

Robinson

Mayers

Akpata (Briggs)

Golambeckis (Rigge)

Casey

Simon-Swyer

Orford (Briggs)

Ajala

Adiele

Clayton (Battrum)

West Ham United U21s saw their Premier League 2 campaign come to an end at the quarter-final stage of the play-offs following a 4-1 defeat away to Manchester United.

Despite a promising and controlled first-half showing, capped by a composed finish from Emeka Adiele, the young Hammers were undone by a strong second-half response from the hosts, who struck four times after the break to turn the tie around.

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