Cheltenham Town v West Ham United U21s
EFL Trophy Southern Group H, EV Charger Points Stadium, Tuesday 29 October 2024, 7pm GMT
West Ham United U21s will travel to Cheltenham Town on Tuesday evening for their final group stage of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
With two defeats in their first two EFL Trophy Group H outings, chances of qualification for the knockout stages are slim. But all hope is not lost if results go their way. To qualify, the young Hammers must beat Cheltenham by two goals or more and hope Reading win their remaining two group-stage fixtures.
How To Follow…
Tuesday evening’s game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+, so will not be streamed on the West Ham United YouTube channel. However, fans can follow the action through a live blog on the Club’s website and app, while a match report and reaction will follow shortly after the full-time whistle. Highlights will be available on Wednesday.
Tickets...
Cheltenham will be opening the Colin Farmer stand for away supporters. West Ham fans can purchase tickets online via the link HERE.
| Category | Price |
| Adult | £8 |
| Senior (+65) | £5 |
| Under-18 & Student | £5 |
| Under-14 (must be accompanied by an Adult) | £1 |
Coach’s View…
Despite the challenging outlook for qualification, Mark Robson and his young players will approach Tuesday evening’s game as they do any other, looking to win.
“For me these are the best games because you’re playing against seasoned professionals,” he said. “It gives the boys invaluable experience to play in a stadium environment, with the added exposure of a live television broadcasted game in front of fans.
“It’s always a challenge, but we learn a lot from matches like these. We’re approaching the game positively because, with a win and some goals, there’s still a chance to progress if other results go our way.”
Opposition…
West Ham United U21s have visited Cheltenham in each of their last two EFL Trophy campaigns, claiming 2-1 and 4-0 wins, respectively. That being said, only Lewis Orford and Ollie Scarles remain available for selection from last year’s starting XI that claimed an emphatic victory over the Robins.
Cheltenham Town, recently relegated to League Two after three successive seasons in League One, have had a challenging start but are finding their form. Sitting 16th in the standings, they are closer to the Play-off Places than the relegation zone, thanks to a three-match unbeaten streak, which includes wins over Colchester United and Carlisle United.
While EFL sides are no strangers to demanding schedules, with five games in two weeks, fatigue could play a part for both teams, especially as the home side gear up for their first round FA Cup tie away to Rotherham United on Saturday. Having already registered three points on the board in their opening EFL Trophy fixture against Newport County, the home side will be hoping for three more and progression to the knockout stages.
The Story So Far…
West Ham United U21s have enjoyed a strong start to the Premier League’s development league and currently sit three points adrift from leaders Manchester City. However, they are still seeking an elusive first victory over senior opposition in the EFL Trophy this season.
Having reached the quarter-finals last season, where they narrowly fell to eventual finalists Wycombe Wanderers, this year’s West Ham U21s side is determined to finish the group stage with a win.
In their last Bristol Street Motors Trophy outing, the young Hammers suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Newport County. Despite controlling much of the game and showing assured play throughout, they were undone by a late goal from Oliver Greaves. Tuesday’s match offers a chance to rebound, cap off the group stage with a strong performance, and potentially keep their qualification hopes alive.