WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
A Pictorial History
2023-24 Premier League Under-18
Manager: Kevin Keen
The 2023-24 Under-18 Premier League is the 12th campaign of the top tier of the Under-18 Development League. A total of 26 teams are split regionally into north and south leagues. Teams face their regional opponents both home and away before the top two face each other to determine the national champion. Manchester City are the defending champions. Reading regained Category One status in the summer of 2023 and returned to this competition.
ARSENAL
London Colney
0 - 2
12 August 2023
Herrick
Caliste (Sowanmi)
Briggs (Nwosu)
Battrum
Mayers
Jones (Umolu)
Fearon
Akpata
Rigge (Uwandji)
Fawumni
Ajala
At London Colney, the Hammers were indebted to Finlay Herrick who kept Arsenal at bay with a string of saves throughout the fixture. He made a good stop to deny Osman Kamari early on, although the hosts took the lead with their next attack. Daniel Oyetunde found the net with 18 minutes played, slotting the ball past the on-rushing Herrick, with a neat touch, before tapping home the opener into an empty net.
Arsenal would soon double their lead when Louie Copley struck from the edge of the area. Herrick, at full stretch, could not keep the effort from finding the top corner.
Arsenal pushed for a third and looked to set to find one if Mayers had not intervened, recovering well, with a well-timed challenged to deter the Arsenal No9. He later found space behind once more but was fettered by another good stop by Herrick. Uwandji also struck over on the half-volley, while Ajala had another half-chance to get his shot away in the second half after a good press from the Hammers. West Ham unable to find a way back into the fixture following two first goals from the Gunners however, and the points stayed in north London.
FULHAM
Little Heath
3 - 0 (Ajala [pen], Battrum, Umulo [pen])
19 August 2023
Herrick
Battrum
Briggs
Mayers
Adeile (Jones)
Medine (Caliste)
Akpata
Fearon
Fawunmi
Uwandji (Sowunmi)
Umulo (Ajala)
West Ham United U18s secured their first U18 Premier League South victory of the season after a dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham.
The Hammers were a constant threat right from the start and both Favour Fawunmi and Jerry Umolu forced Dino Kaiser into impressive saves in the opening exchanges. After a dominant start, Kevin Keen’s youthful side were eventually rewarded with ten minutes remaining in the first half.
Umolu demonstrated his composure, tucking a penalty kick into the bottom left corner after a mistimed challenge on Fawunmi. Ryan Battrum then powerfully headed the ball across the goal and into the far corner to give the hosts a two-goal lead before the interval.
The Irons continued to dominate after the break, with Fawunmi and Blaise Uwandji striking narrowly wide before the visitors conceded a second penalty. Joshua Ajala then stepped up and whipped the ball into the bottom left corner to round off an excellent and victorious day for the young Hammers.
ARSENAL : Premier League Cup (Group B)
London Colney
1 - 1 (Ajala)
2 September 2023
Herrick
Battrum
Mayers
Adiela
Briggs
Medine (Ajala)
Akpata (Caliste)
Fearon
Umolu (Jones)
Fawumni (Sowunmi)
Uwandji (Rigge)
West Ham United U18s began their U18 Premier League Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
Both outfits threatened the opening goal as Arsenal’s Chidoze Chi smashed a low strike into the side netting, while Jethro Medine was later denied by the offside flag. Arsenal continued to threaten in the first half, as Osman Kamara forced Finlay Herrick into an impressive low stop, although Jemiah Umolu also saw his strike denied by the feet of Alexi Rojas.
With both sides battling for an opener, the Irons saw Herrick shown a straight red card shortly after the interval as a result of a late challenge on the edge of the 18-yard box.
With no goalkeeper on the bench, Kevin Keen had no choice but to turn to forward Liam Jones, who was unable to deny Harrison Dudziak from opening the scoring for the Gunners.
The West Ham response was emphatic and impressive, however, as Joshua Ajala ran in behind the Arsenal back line and salvaged a draw with a venomous effort into the bottom left corner. Despite the Gunners man advantage, West Ham would come the closest to winning their first fixture of the Premier League Cup campaign.
Dan Rigge saw his effort fly wide of the post late on, as the Irons settled for a valiant point as oppose to a brilliant three.
ASTON VILLA
Little Heath
5 - 2 (Ajala 2, Fawunmi, Rigge, Umolu)
16 September 2023
Abraham
Battrum
Briggs
Mayers
Jones (Adeile)
Fawunmi
Akpata (Nwosu)
Caliste
Ajala (Medine)
Rigge
Umolu (Sowanmi)
Joshua Ajala’s brace saw West Ham United U18s secure a stunning 5-2 win over Aston Villa.
The 16-year-old was in imperious form turning in the Club’s second and third in an incredible afternoon that moved Kevin Keen’s men to unbeaten in three matches in all competitions.
The Irons’ second victory of the season was set in motion by striker Jemiah Umolu, who got the ball rolling when he found the bottom right corner with a neat swish of his left foot on 18 minutes. His effort was followed by Ajala’s brace. His fourth goal in his last three matches saw the young Hammers into a 3-0 lead in 40 minutes.
Aston Villa did pull a goal back on the stroke of half-time through Luka Lynch but any jeopardy around the result was quickly forgotten when Dan Rigge found Favour Fawunmi, who netted the Irons fourth 23 minutes after the restart.
Rigge later found the net himself as his penalty would round off the win after Villa scored a second through Abube Onuchukwu with three minutes to play. And as a result, the Hammers, with six points from their first three league games, move third in the U18 Premier League South Division table, with both of the top two – Fulham and Crystal Palace – to have played one game more.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
American Express Elite Football Performance Centre
3 - 1 (Umolu 2, Rigge)
23 September 2023
Herrick
Battrum
Briggs
Mayers
Medine
Jones (Adeile)
Caliste
Fearon (Akpata)
Rigge
Ajala (Fawunmi)
Umolu (Uwandji)
Jerry Umolu scored either side of half-time to give the Irons the lead before Dan Rigge put the result beyond all doubt with 72 minutes played.
The Hammers were keen to make a fast start and Josh Ajala almost opened the scoring inside five minutes. The striker forced Lorenz Ferdinand into an outstanding early save and Josh Briggs also saw his strike deflect narrowly over the crossbar moments later. Despite the Irons’ fast start, Brighton opened the scoring. Zane Albarus poked the ball into the bottom left corner after a scramble in the penalty area. The Hammers looked for a response and Ajala saw another effort tipped behind for a corner before Ezra Mayers made a goal saving challenge midway through the first half.
Pushing forwards, the U18s were finally rewarded at the end of the first half when Umolu raced onto a long pass and drilled the ball into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box. Umolu then put the visitors in front after the interval. The striker impressively smashed the ball past Ferdinand and into the back of the net to secure his brace. Fin Herrick was called into action to deny Aidan West before Umolu and Dan Rigge both saw their efforts bounce off the post. But the Irons got an important third when Rigge found the back of the net with just under 20 minutes remaining.
NORWICH CITY
Little Heath
2 - 0 (Adiele, Rigge)
30 September 2023
Herrick
Battrum
Adiele (Jones)
Akpata (Boothe)
Briggs
Mayers
Fawunmi
Nwosu (Caliste)
Umolu (Ajala)
Rigge
Sowunmi
Goals from Emeka Adiele and Daniel Rigge saw West Ham United U18s beat Norwich City U18s and extend a winning run to four games in U18 Premier League South Division.
A valuable three points – and a stunning performance too – saw the young Hammers move second in the table, with 12 points from their first five league games.
Unbeaten in five matches in all competitions, the U18s saw Emeka Adiele open the scoring showing composure to find the top corner with a placed first-time effort from the edge of the area. His first goal of the season put the Hammers ahead after just six minutes.
The Irons made their early start count too and scored a second just four minutes later. Jemiah Umolu flicked the ball effortlessly over his man and played a neat through ball to Daniel Rigge.
The attacking midfielder took a touch before he found the near bottom corner from inside the area.
Chances continued to flow for the Hammers but the two-goal cushion – one secured inside ten minutes, alongside a resolute defensive display – was enough for a victory.
SOUTHAMPTON
Staplewood
2 - 2 (Briggs, Umolu)
7 October 2023
Herrick
Battrum
Mayers
Briggs
Jones (Adiele)
Medine (Fawunmi)
Caliste (Fearon)
Akpata
Rigge (Sowunmi)
Umolu
Ajala
Despite Josh Briggs’ early goal for the Hammers, Southampton led at the break after two quick goals midway through the first half.
Still, Keen’s side responded well after the break and equalised through Jerry Umolu but, in the end, had to settle for one point, even after a dominant second-half display.
The Hammers started on the front foot on the south coast and took a deserved lead after eleven minutes. Liam Jones’ dangerous corner found Briggs at the back post and the centre back directed the ball into the roof of the net.
But the Saints responded immediately and Alejandro Gomes unselfishly squared the ball to Nicholas Oyekunle, who tapped the ball into the bottom left corner from close range.
The hosts then took the lead after 26 minutes. Jay Robinson pounced on a misplaced pass and slid the ball through to Oyekunle who secured his brace, slotting the ball pass Herrick and into the bottom corner.
But Kevin Keen’s Irons found an equaliser midway through the second half after Umolu raced onto a poor back pass before calmly placing the ball into the bottom left corner.
DERBY COUNTY : Premier League Cup (Group B)
Little Heath
2 - 1 (Ajala, Rigge)
21 October 2023
Herrick
Briggs
Mayers
Medine (Nwosu)
Adiele
Battrum (Boothe)
Fearon (Caliste)
Fawunmi
Sowunmi
Rigge
Ajala (Uwandji)
Following Dan Rigge’s incredible long-range strike, which settled the tie at Rush Green Stadium, the young Hammers occupy the top spot. It was a difficult start for the hosts, goalkeeper Herrick was called into action twice in the opening ten minutes and denied Lennon Wheeldon twice from the edge of the box.
In response, the Hammers’ first big opportunity came with 15 minutes played when Josh Ajala side-footed the ball over the crossbar after Elisha Sowunmi’s neat cutback. Both sides then had further chances to open the scoring midway through the first half as Ajala forced Harley Price into another save, before Derby’s Farren Simons placed his effort wide of the post.
After an action-packed but ultimately goalless first half, the visitors struck immediately after the interval when Wheeldon found space down the left flank, cut inside, and curled the ball into the top left corner. But the West Ham response was emphatic as Ajala smartly intercepted a defensive error before he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to level the scores.
With the match in the balance, Rigge produced a moment of supreme quality with 67 minutes on the clock.
The attacking midfielder was well-placed to intercept Price’s clearance, lob the Derby goalkeeper with a first-time strike from 30 yards, and seal the three points.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
WBA Training Ground
0 - 2
28 October 2023
Herrick
Battrum
Briggs
Mayers
Jones (Ajala)
Akpata (Fearon)
Caliste (Adiele)
Uwandji (Sowunmi)
Rigge
Fawunmi
Umolu
Lauris Coggin has challenged West Ham United U18s to bounce back as their five-game unbeaten run in the league came to an end at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The young Hammers fell to a 2-0 defeat at West Brom’s training ground, with Divine Onyemachi and Eseosa Sule on the scoresheet for the hosts.
Coggin, assistant coach to Kevin Keen for the U18s, was quickly focused on how the Hammers can get back to winning ways when they play Reading on Saturday 11 November.
He reflected on the match in the Midlands and wants this talented group of players to attack the next week on the training ground to return to their early season form next time out!
READING
Bearwood Park
5 - 1 (Umolu 2, Adiele, Rigge)
Date
Abraham
Briggs
Mayers (Oyebade)
Battrum
Adiele
Medine
Fearon
Caliste (Akpata)
Fawunmi (Sowunmi)
Rigge
Umolu (Jones)
West Ham United U18s bounced back from defeat last time out as the young Hammers hit Reading for five on Saturday morning.
Jerry Umolu opened the scoring in a cagey first half with a superb strike, before the game exploded into life at the start of the second half.
Reading pulled one back after Umolu doubled his tally after the break, but three goals in four minutes saw Kevin Keen’s side race into a four-goal advantage and up to third in the U18 Premier League South division, with a game in hand on sides around them.
MIDDLESBROUGH : Premier League Cup (Group B)
Rockliffe Park
5 - 1 (Fawunmi 2, Mayers, Orford, Umolu [pen])
25 November 2023
Abraham
Battrum
Adiele
Orford
Nwosu
Mayers
Medine
Scarles (Akpata)
Ajala (Umolu)
Rigge (Jones)
Fawunmi (Sowunmi)
West Ham United U18s reached the knockouts of the Premier League Cup following a comprehensive 5-1 win at Middlesbrough.
Lewis Orford and Ollie Scarles combined to see the Hammers open the scoring on 26 minutes when Orford found the net after Scarles won the ball in midfield. Favour Fawunmi then added the second on the stroke of half-time - with a stunning volley - to see West Ham into a 2-0 lead.
In the second half, the U18s showed their class to take all three points, producing a clinical attacking display. Orford was again involved, although this time the provider, as Ezra Mayers poked home his wicked free-kick, before Fawunmi added his second of the match and finished a neat move to make it 4-0 to West Ham with 55 minutes played.
Dan Rigge then hit the bar as West Ham proved too strong for their opponents. And while the hosts would net a consolation goal through Ajay Matthews on the hour, Jemiah Umolu’s penalty, ten minutes from time, sealed a stunning win and a place in the knockouts.
LEICESTER CITY
Little Heath
5 - 0 (Umolu 3, Akpata, Jones)
2 December 2023
Herrick
Nwosu
Jones
Akpata
Golambeckis (Oyebade)
Mayers
Medine
Caliste
Umolu (Ajala)
Sowunmi (Uwandji)
Fawunmi (Dike)
The young Hammers were on red-hot form despite the bitter conditions and saw Jerry Umolu and Liam Jones put Kevin Keen's side two goals ahead. Two further goals in eight minutes at the start of the second half saw Umolu score his first hat-trick of the season, before Tyron Akpata’s late strike rounded off a superb day for the U18s.
West Ham shot stopper Herrick passed his first test superbly, reacting quickly to deny Reece Evans from close range. His save allowed the Hammers took the lead though Umolu after fourteen minutes. Jones then doubled the hosts’ lead midway through the first half. The left-wing-back's long range strike had too much power for the Foxes' goalkeeper Harry French, who was unable to keep the ball out of the net.
Favour Fawunmi saw his powerful effort rebound off the crossbar and Elisha Sowanmi forced the keeper into an impressive stop before Umolu nodded the ball into the net on the rebound. And Umolu would secure the match ball just after the hour mark. The No9 powerfully ran down the line before cutting in and curling the ball into the bottom left corner. Akpata rounded off a five star performance at the death, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving French with no chance.
SOUTHAMPTON : FA Youth Cup (Third Round)
Rush Green
1 - 1 (Fawunmi) a.e.t. [4-2 pens]
8 December 2023
Herrick
Golambeckis
Scarles
Akpata
Briggs
Mayers
Medine (Fawunmi)
Orford
Umolu (Sowunmi)
Rigge (Caliste)
Ajala ((Jones)
West Ham United U18s saw a dramatic penalty shootout book a place in the FA Youth Cup fourth round. On a bitterly cold evening at Rush Green Stadium, an enthralling tie twisted and turned its way through 90 minutes, extra-time and finally a shootout.
Southampton started the brightest of the two sides and deservedly took the lead through Jay Robinson on 43 minutes.
But the Hammers showed immense quality and character to overturn the lead in the second half, as Favour Fawunmi, introduced at the break, struck the equaliser. Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford, who both featured as the U21s booked their place in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy last 16, played their part. The two combined before Fawumni volleyed home on 49 minutes.
Chances came and went for both sides with West Ham United indebted to a string of stunning saves from Finlay Herrick and an impressive showing from U16 Airidas Golambeckis to reach the shootout.
But here the Hammers stood the tallest, as Orford, Scarles, Liam Jones, and Josh Briggs all found the net in style from 12 yards, while Herrick made a superb save diving to his right to deny Aston Daley.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre
4 - 2 (Sowunmi 2, Halim, Jones)
16 December 2023
Herrick
Golambeckis
Oyebade (Jones)
Akpata
Briggs
Mayers
Medine
Caliste (Hargan)
Ajala (Umolu)
Rigge
Sowunmi (Halim)
West Ham United U18s concluded 2023 with a memorable 4-2 win over U18 Premier League South Division leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
The Irons showed great character to respond to a first-half strike from Callum Olusesi as four goals in the second 45 minutes took a huge three points.
Elisha Sowunmi found the net from close range to start the comeback, before Liam Jones struck with his first touch to make it 2-1. Spurs would draw level thanks to Damola Ajayi, although the Hammers struck twice more to move within touching distance of the leaders.
Another substitute Jerry Umolu found Sowunmi after a stunning pass forward from Dan Rigge set the Hammers’ attack in motion.
A late bit of chaos from an in-swinging Jones corner saw Mehmet Halim head home from close range to cap his return to action in style and secure a deserved victory.
The young Hammers picked up their seventh win in ten league games and move two points behind Spurs, with a game in hand.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Little Heath
5 - 4 (Fawunmi, Jones, Medine, Rigge, Umolu [pen])
6 January 2024
Herrick
Adiele
Mayers
Briggs
Golambeckis
Medine (Jones)
Nwosu (Fawunmi)
Caliste
Sowunmi (Umolu)
Ajala (Oyebade)
Rigge
West Ham United U18s moved top after winning a nine-goal thriller against Crystal Palace U18s. Jerry Umolu eventually decided the Hammers’ eleventh league fixture of the season with a well-converted spot-kick in additional time.
The striker’s effort came after eight goals were equally shared in an enthralling 90 minutes. Kevin Keen's outfit struck last though and held on to leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur into first.
Jethro Medine opened the scoring on seven minutes for the Hammers when he converted a pass from Elisha Sowunmi. The Irons then needed Dan Rigge’s neat finish to pull level by the break after a brace from Crystal Palace’s Zach Marsh, although the drama had just begun.
Palace's Marsh completed his hat-trick three minutes into the second half, before the three second-half substitutes, Liam Jones, Favour Fawunmi, and Jerry Umolu made their mark. Jones and Fawunmi both struck from inside the area to put the Hammers ahead for the second time in the match. But after George King looked to have snatched a point for the visitors, Umolu’s spot-kick, won by a swashbuckling run from Emeka Adeile, secured West Ham’s eighth league win of the season.
MANCHESTER CITY : FA Youth Cup (Fourth Round)
Rush Green
0 - 4 (aet)
12 January 2024
Herrick
Battrum (Medine)
Golambeckis
Briggs
Mayers
Adiele
Orford
Scarles
Rigge (Jones)
Ajala (Umolu)
Sowunmi (Fawunmi)
West Ham United U18s’ FA Youth Cup campaign came to an end as Manchester City edged a tense fourth-round tie 2-0 at Rush Green Stadium.
The Hammers, who lifted the competition’s trophy last season, were unable to follow their heroics against Southampton in round three, as they eventually succumbed to a narrow defeat on Friday evening. Lewis Orford hit the bar as the hosts had chances to find the net before a gripping battle between two top youth sides went to extra-time following a goalless first 90 minutes.
A Jacob Wright penalty then put Manchester City ahead midway through the first half of extra-time, with Ezra Mayers harshly judged to have committed a foul after City hit the post. Justin Oboavwoduo doubled the visitors’ lead a few minutes later, with a well-struck finish that found its way past Finlay Herrick at the near post.
Kevin Keen’s side, who sit top of the U18 Premier League South Division, had opportunities to set up a nervy ending as Orford saw his header well saved by True Grant late on. But the Irons could not find their way back into the fixture and saw their FA Youth Cup defence end at the hands of last year’s semi-finalists - and three-time winners - Manchester City.
READING
Little Heath
3 - 0 (Ajala 2, Adiele)
27 January 2024
Herrick
Battrum
Mayers
Briggs
Oyebade (Medine)
Adiele
Akpata
Caliste (Halim)
Fawunmi (Nwosu)
Ajala (Umolu)
Rigge
There were plenty of plaudits from assistant coach Lauris Coggin as West Ham United returned to the top of the U18 Premier League South Division following a comprehensive 3-0 win over Reading.
A Josh Ajala brace, taking his season-tally in the league to six goals, would grab the headlines in the young Irons’ ninth league win of the season.
Responding well to their FA Youth Cup setback last time out, first-year scholar Emeka Adiele was also on the scoresheet as the Hammers swept past the visiting Royals.
Consecutive league wins to start 2024 saw the U18s leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur and lead the pack, with their 12 games played one game less than their North London rivals in second.
Coggin was delighted to see the U18s move to the top of the table and challenged his side to keep their levels high ahead of a Premier League Cup quarter-final away to Manchester City on Saturday 3 February.
MANCHESTER CITY Premier League Cup (Quarter-Final)
Manchester City Training Ground
1 - 2 (Harlim)
3 February 2024
Herrick
Medine
Oyebade
Golambeckis
Briggs
Mayers
Akpata
Caliste (Dike)
Ajala (Halim)
Rigge (Hargan)
Fawunmi (Kamara)
West Ham United U18s exited the Premier League Cup at the quarter-final stage following a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.
A youthful Hammers’ side battled hard throughout an even 90 minutes, although the hosts would progress to the last four, despite a late goal from Mehmet Halim.
Kevin Keen’s outfit beat Middlesbrough and Derby County – and drew with Arsenal – to progress to the knockouts as Group B winners, but the last eight proved a step too far.
Goals from Michael Okeke and Ashton Muir gave the Citizens a two-goal advantage inside 15 minutes and from there it was always going to be a difficult task.
FULHAM
Motspur Park
4 - 3 (Ajala 2, Akpata, Rigge)
10 February 2024
Herrick
Medine
Adeile (Umolu)
Briggs
Mayers
Oyebqade
Akpata
Caliste (Kamara)
Rigge
Ajala (Halim)
Sowunmi (Dike)
West Ham United U18s returned to the top of the U18 Premier League South table with a hard-fought, thrilling 4-3 victory at Fulham.
The Irons, so defensively strong this season, found themselves behind twice, but showed grit and resilience to extend their winning league run to six games.
Callum Osmand opened the scoring against the run of play before Daniel Rigge levelled for the Hammers five minutes later.
Fulham then regained their lead almost instantly from the penalty spot, and Josh Ajala restored parity on the stroke of half-time.
Ajala fired the Hammers ahead after 66 minutes with a near-post finish. Tyron Akpata doubled West Ham's advantage from close range soon after.
Osmand grabbed his second to hand the hosts a lifeline, but it could not ignite a fightback as the Irons defended resolutely to seal three vital points.
CHELSEA
Little Heath
2 - 3 (Ajala, Oyebade)
13 February 2024
Herrick
Medine (Kamara)
Golambeckis
Briggs (Oyebade)
Mayers
Adiele
Akpata
Nwosu (Dike)
Sowunmi (Umolu)
Rigge
Ajala
West Ham United U18s fell to a hard-fought 3-2 defeat at the hands of Chelsea U18s in a pulsating London derby.
The young Hammers went toe-to-toe with their city rivals and almost snatched a point late on, with Ezra Mayers and Airidas Golambeckis unable to convert Dan Rigge’s whipped cross in stoppage time. A draw would have been the least those in Claret and Blue deserved, having taken the lead after just two minutes and impressed throughout. Josh Ajala found the net when he poked home against his former club, but Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny would pull the visitors level just 90 seconds later, finding the top corner from 25 yards out. Frankie Runham then put Chelsea ahead before the break, but West Ham found their way back into the fixture at Little Heath, with a superb second-half showing. Substitute Rayan Oyebade produced a stunning volley to make it 2-2, finding the roof of the net after Mayers’ knockdown fell into his path on the hour, but the Hammers fell behind once again. Fin Herrick’s England U17 teammate, Russell-Denny, would find the net once more, as his whipped free-kick flicked the post and nestled into the bottom corner on 70 minutes.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Rush Green
2 - 5 (Fawunmi 2)
17 February 2024
Herrick
Golambeckis
Oyebade
Mayers
Medine
Adiele (Umolu)
Battrum (Kamara)
Akpata
Sowunmi
Fawunmi
Ajala
West Ham United U18s suffered a disappointing home defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion, losing out 5-2 at Rush Green Stadium.
Eseosa Sule capped off an early move to put the visitors ahead inside ten minutes, before Favour Fawunmi’s quick-fire double turned the game on its head. Adriel Walker then levelled minutes later with a looping header for West Brom when the Hammers failed to deal with a set-piece.
Sule headed home Divine Onyemachi’s cross to restore the visitors’ advantage a minute after the restart, before completing his hat-trick on 84 minutes. Cheick Kone added a fifth for his side late on to round off a forgettable afternoon for the young Hammers.
SOUTHAMPTON
Little Heath
2 - 1 (Ajala 2)
24 February 2024
Herrick
Medine
Golambeckis
Oyebade
Mayers
Adiele
Akpata
Battrum
Sowunmi (Halim)
Ajala
Rigge
West Ham United U18s remained top of the Premier League South Division after a tense 2-1 win over Southampton on Saturday lunchtime.
Forward Josh Ajala struck a first-half brace to set an eleventh league win of the season in motion as Kevin Keen’s side moved three points clear of second-place Tottenham Hotspur with victory.
A neat reverse pass from Tyron Akpata left Ajala with a tap-in to open the scoring with 21 minutes played.
Henry Upstell then gifted the Hammers a second when the Southampton goalkeeper’s pass was intercepted by Ajala, who gratefully struck home 15 minutes later.
A third West Ham goal almost arrived when the No9 headed a hat-trick chance over and Emeka Adiele hit the crossbar, as the Hammers were good value for their two-goal lead by the break.
Southampton, though, fought their way back into the fixture when Nicholas Oyekunle found the net from the spot with 50 minutes played.
NORWICH CITY
Lotus Training Ground
5 - 1 (Sowunmi 2, Battrum, Halim, Rigge)
5 March 2024
Herrick (Abraham)
Battrum
Adiele (Mayers)
Golambeckis
Oyebade
Brown
Akpata
Nwosu (Medine)
Ajala (Dike)
Rigge (Halim)
Sowunmi
West Ham United U18s extended their advantage at the top of the U18 Premier League South Division with an emphatic 5-1 victory at Norwich City.
First-half goals from Dan Rigge and Ryan Battrum put the Hammers in command before Finlay Corke halved the deficit after the restart.
But a second-half double from Elisha Sowunmi, and Battrum’s second goal of the afternoon, capped off a five-star performance from the young Hammers.
Corke reduced the deficit for Norwich in the 52nd minute when he thumped home a header which went in off the underside of the crossbar.
ASTON VILLA
Bodymoor Heath Training Ground
4 - 2 (Rigg 3 [1 pen], Halim)
9 March 2024
Herrick
Medine
Oyebade (Dike)
Briggs (Golambeckis)
Mayers
Brown
Akpata
Nwosu
Ajala (Halim)
Rigge
Sowunmi (Fawunmi)
A first hat-trick at this level for Dan Rigge saw West Ham United U18s come from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 4-2.
Cole Brannigan and Ewan Simpson scored within the first three minutes to put the hosts on the front foot, but a hat-trick from Rigge, and a late strike from substitute Mehmet Halim.
Keen’s side had their tails up, and even after it appeared both sides looked to settle for a point, Rigge took control of the fixture in the final moments.
Rigge completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Halim was clattered by Proctor. The midfielder then turned provider by picking out an unmarked Halim inside the box for the forward to fire home a fourth and seal an important three points to keep West Ham top of the U18 Premier League South Division..
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Little Heath
3 - 1 (Akpata, Briggs, Halim)
16 March 2024
Herrick
Battrum
Adiele
Brown (Dike)
Briggs
Mayers
Medine
Akpata
Ajala
Rigge (Caliste)
Halim (Sowumni)
West Ham United U18s remained in the U18 Premier League South Division title race following a 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
A sun-soaked Little Heath training ground was the stage as two top youth sides went toe-to-toe in an even fixture, the Hammers ultimately edged thanks to goals from Mehmet Halim, Josh Briggs, and Tyron Akpata.
CHELSEA
Cobham
3 - 4 (Ajala 2, Rigge [pen])
6 April 2024
Herrick
Medine
Oyebade (Sowunmi)
Nwosu (Dike)
Briggs
Golambeckis
Caliste (Hargan)
Akpata
Ajala
Rigge (Halim)
Adiele
West Ham United U18s suffered a setback to their title hopes as Chelsea edged a seven-goal thriller.
It was the visitors who made a bright start and after Ajala had earlier forced a smart save from Max Merrick and Airidas Golambeckis had a header cleared off the line, Rigge opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Jethro Medine went down under a challenge.
Rigge's opener was cancelled out by Donnell McNeilly, before three second-half goals in an incredible three-minute spell put Chelsea in control of the title race.
Josh Ajala scored twice late on as the Hammers tried to mount an unlikely comeback, but to no avail as the hosts clung on for victory.
The destination of the U18 Premier League South title is in the balance and Saturday's showdown at Cobham could prove a turning point in a prolonged see-saw scrap.
ARSENAL
Little Heath
1 - 8 (Ranson [og])
13 April 2024
Awesu
Medine
Adiele (Halim)
Nwosu
Briggs
Brown
Dike (Caliste)
Akpata
Ajala
Rigge
Sowunmi (Hargan)
West Ham United U18s fell to a heavy defeat by Arsenal in a top-of-the-table U18 Premier League South Division clash.
A youthful Hammers side, missing a number of the U18 squad playing in our U21s' 2-0 win over Norwich City on Friday evening, ultimately came up short following an impressive performance from the visiting north Londoners.
Arsenal, sat third in the league, started well with striker Chidozie Obi completing his hat-trick inside 26 minutes before the 16-year-old added his - and the Gunners’ - fourth of a disappointing afternoon for Kevin Keen’s outfit on 40 minutes.
The young Irons made a similarly slow start to the second half as the Gunners' fifth and sixth goals arrived through Osman Kamara, before Obi added his fifth of the game from the penalty spot to make it 7-0 with an hour played.
West Ham did pull a goal back through an own-goal from Khari Ranson, although Arsenal added an eighth via Dan Casey late on.
LEICESTER CITY
Leicester City Training Ground
3 - 0 (Ajala, Sowunmi, Amartey [og])
20 April 2024
Herrick
Battrum
Adiele (Dike)
Golambeckis (Brown)
Briggs
Mayers
Medine
Akpata (Caliste)
Ajala
Rigge
Sowunmi (Jonyla)
West Ham United U18s convincingly beat Leicester City 3-0. A bizarre own goal by Bobby Amartey gave the visitors the lead four minutes after half-time, before Elisha Sowunmi doubled West Ham's advantage just one minute later.
With just over quarter-of-an-hour remaining, Josh Ajala netted from close range to seal an important victory for Kevin Keen's outfit.
Hammers goalkeeper Herrick was finally called into action on 53 minutes when he was forced to produce a smart save to deny Otchere, while Jayden Joseph shaped an effort narrowly wide moments later.
The Foxes should have halved the deficit after 70 minutes, but Laolu Omobolaji could not steer home Olabade Aluko’s low-driven cross.
And they were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal as West Ham sealed all three points when Josh Briggs headed a corner back to Ajala, who tapped home unmarked from underneath the crossbar.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Crystal Palace Training Ground
4 - 1 (Ajala 3, Rigge)
7 May 2024
Herrick
Medine
Adiele
Golambeckis
Briggs
Mayers (Brown)
Akpata
Calliste (Fearson)
Ajala
Rigge (Parker)
Sowunmi (Halim)
West Ham United U18s secured second place in the U18 Premier League South Division as Josh Ajala hit a superb hat-trick in a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace. Ajala’s first of the afternoon curled into the top corner from the edge of the area, before he poked home a second from close range. He added his third of the game late on after good work from Emeka Adiele.
Finley Marjoram for Palace and Dan Rigge were also on the scoresheet as West Ham confirmed a top-two finish regardless of the outcome of the season finale at home to Tottenham Hotspur. After Rigge’s penalty was saved by Palace stopper Billy Eastwood, West Ham deservedly took the lead through Ajala with 20 minutes played. Kevin Keen’s side swept forward through Elisha Sowunmi, before the in-form Ajala tricked inside, skipped past his man, and saw his effort kiss the post on its way into the top corner.
A second arrived just six minutes later. Jethro Medine’s cross left Ajala with his easiest finish of the afternoon - a tap-in from five yards. Marjoram curled a Palace response on 54 minutes from 18 yards into the bottom corner, but West Ham fought back impeccably. After Sowunmi struck the bar with a fierce flash of his left foot, Rigge saw his header on the rebound slip through Eastwood’s palms to restore our two-goal lead. Then following a neat cross from Adiele in stoppage time, Ajala struck his third to confirm that both the points and the match ball were heading back to east London.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Little Heath
2 -3 (Hargan, Rigge)
11 May 2024
Herrick
Medine
Adiele (Caliste)
Golambeckis
Briggs
Brown
Fearon (Nwosu)
Akpata
Ajala (Halim)
Rigge (Hargan)
Sowunmi
West Ham United U18s concluded their 2023/24 season with a 2-3 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, despite two stunning goals from Dan Rigge and Riley Hargan.
Rigge scored the opener directly from a corner in the first half, before Hargan repeated the feat two minutes from full-time.
The second half saw Tottenham quickly come out of the blocks as three goals in 17 second half minutes would ultimately decide the London derby.
Leo Black curled his free-kick into the bottom corner, and Ellie Lehan tapped home a well-worked move, before Luca Williams-Barnett tricked his way into the penalty area and slotted in a third.
West Ham teased a possible comeback late on when Hargan added the Irons' second directly from a corner, and Josh Briggs then almost poked home an equaliser in stoppage time.
However, Keen's side could not find a third and had to settle for a narrow defeat in their final outing of 2023/24.
