Report & Reaction | U21s move up to fifth in PL2 with win over Stoke

West Ham United U21s 1-0 Stoke City U21s
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 31 January 2025, 7pm GMT

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.

The young Hammers almost got off to the perfect start when they were gifted an early chance inside the first minute. Stoke City captain Jake Griffin misjudged a header back to goalkeeper Alfie Brooks, allowing Ajala to close in. Brooks reacted quickly to block, but with the rebound falling to Sean Moore, Stoke defender Jaden Dixon had to make a crucial recovery tackle to keep the scores level.

Stoke posed an early threat themselves, a well-placed corner into the six-yard area was almost nodded home by Chinonso Chibueze, but Fin Herrick intervened with a decisive punch. The visitors then had  penalty claims waved away in the 14th minute when Jack Griffiths dribbled into the penalty area and went down under pressure from Ezra Mayers, but the referee saw no infringement.

As the game settled, West Ham carved out the first clear sight of goal on 20 minutes. Regan Clayton released Kamarai Swyer down the left, and the winger squared for Moore, who looked certain to score, only for Dixon to make another vital intervention, this time off the goal line.

West Ham’s pressure paid off just before the half-hour mark. Winning possession in midfield, Tyron Akpata found Moore, who spotted Swyer in space on the left. Swyer’s first-time delivery evaded Brooks and picked out Ajala at the far post for a simple tap-in.

The cross. The finish. 🫰 pic.twitter.com/bSX52zDaoL

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 31, 2025

Moments later, they nearly doubled their lead. A clever ball over the top from Luizão found Ajala in behind the Stoke defence. His pull-back to Junior Robinson was well timed, but under pressure from the recovering defenders, Robinson couldn't quite find the space to get a shot away and the visitors stayed within one.

In the second half, West Ham picked up where they left off, continuing to threaten the Stoke City goal down both wings. Firstly, Robinson and Swyer combined well down the right, with the latter reaching the byline before his cutback to Ajala was intercepted by Christy Grogan. Then, Swyer beat two defenders on the left before squaring to Moore, whose goal-bound effort was blocked once again by Dixon. Shortly after, Moore went close again, testing Brooks from just outside the penalty area forcing the goalkeeper into a sharp low save.

Despite West Ham's attacking momentum, the visitors came very close to equalising in the 81st minute. Substitute Dean Adekoya, with some excellent footwork, weaved his way into the box before striking a the side netting from close range.

However, Adekoya's effort would only prove to be a warning sign for the hosts as West Ham held on to claim all three points and move up to fifth in the Premier League 2 standings.

West Ham United U21s: Herrick, Golambeckis (Briggs 68), Luizão, Mayers, Robinson, Akpata, Fearon (Rigge 68), Clayton © (Brown 76), Swyer, Moore, Ajala (Dolaghan 68)
Subs not used: Terry (GK)

Goal: Ajala 29

Booked: Moore, Dolaghan
 

Stoke City U21s: Brooks, Dixon, Bickerton, Griffin ©, Grogan, Kelly, Agina, Gromek, Jeffers (Willox 80), Chibueze (Adekoya 54), Griffiths 
Subs not used: Cooper (GK), Gyimah, Watts

Booked: Gromek, Agina

Robson: We've had a few physically demanding matches recently, and this was another

After their sixth win in seven games, lead coach Mark Robson praised his young side’s ability to see out yet another one-goal advantage and their work ethic in keeping the game under control. Another clean sheet means the young Hammers remain the second-best defence in the 26-team league, with just 13 goals conceded in 12 games, with Robson crediting his coaching staff and the hard work in training for their strong run of form.

"It was another tough game. I was really impressed with Stoke and how they approached it. They were very organised and made it difficult for us, especially in the second half. We had a couple of good chances to put the game beyond them and make it more comfortable, but in the end, we had to be really disciplined in our work, which was pleasing. We’ve had a few physically demanding matches recently, and this was another.

"They put us under a bit more pressure than we would have liked, but we managed to see it through. We also gave one or two players an opportunity to get valuable game time, which is always important. In the end, we got the result we wanted.

"The lads look really strong physically, which is a credit to the work they do during the week with Mike and Craig [physical development coaches]. Their effort in training is outstanding, and the sports science department has played a huge role in ensuring we can keep going at such a high intensity for the full ninety minutes.

"A lot of credit has to go to Steve [Potts] for the work he does with the defence, and to the players for taking it on board. The understanding of what’s required as a team is improving all the time, and the work rate off the ball was excellent tonight. Hopefully, we can keep building on that.

"A special mention for Fin [Herrick]. Another clean sheet for him. He played a key role in launching our attacks. His ability to play out from the back, pick his passes, and see the bigger picture was really impressive. Kam [Swyer] has also been excellent. He’s had a really strong season, which is exactly what I expect from him because he’s a talented player. He’s got a lot of ability and has really excelled in the U21s."

Fearon: I feel like I've adapted well

Having stepped up from the U18s in the last couple of months, Preston Fearon has quickly settled into life at U21s level. Embracing his role in the heart of midfield, the U18s captain's influence continues to grow with each game. After making his fifth consecutive start for the development side, Fearon reflected on his transition and the team’s progress.

"It’s a big step up from what I’m used to, but I feel like I’ve adapted well. Everything is going in the right direction at the moment. I just want to keep playing a key role in the team and help us win games." 

"It’s tough in midfield—there’s a lot of running, both ways. As a team, we want to keep picking up three points and climbing the table."

Up Next...

The young Hammers return to action next Friday at home to Arsenal, aiming to build on their current momentum and climb further up the Premier League 2 standings.

Premier League 2