West Ham United 0-2 Bolton Wanderers
West Ham United were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup tonight after a disappointing home defeat by an impressive Bolton Wanderers side.
On a chilly evening at the Boleyn Ground, goals in each half from Temitope Obadeyi and Sam Sheridan ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. Freddie Sears, back in the home attack after injury and a heavy cold, had the best of the chances for Tony Carr's team but was unable to make the most of his opportunities.
Bolton took the lead through England U19 striker Obadeyi in the 12th minute as he got on the end of Kevin Wolze's inswinging free-kick to score past Marek Stech. Obadeyi could have added to his tally afterwards as the visitors showed real attacking intent. Ben Hunt also had a good chance at the other end but headed over - while Sears and the lively Ashley Miller similarly had good opportunities.
The visitors started strongly in the second half with Danny Ward particularly going close just before the hour mark with a mazy run. West Ham United then tried to force the issue. It looked like the equaliser had come in the 67th minute when Sears surged through the middle and appeared ready to score beyond Bolton keeper Tom Brocklehurst - only for the keeper to save with his legs.
That was to be as good as it got for Carr's kids with Sheridan getting a similar chance at the other end within five minutes. He made no mistake with a confident finish that Stech could do nothing about. Bolton could have added to their tally as the hosts threw on Matty Fry and Robbie Blackwell to try and get the two goals that would mean extra time but it was to no avail. As a result, it is Bolton who will play Port Vale at home in the next round.
West Ham United Under-18s: Stech, Spence, Miller, Payne, 'Gala (Blackwell 75), Harvey, Stanislas, Lee (Kearns 60), Hunt (Fry 75), Sears, Edgar
Subs (from): Loveday, Brookes, Ashman
Bolton Wanderers Under-18s: Brocklehurst, McDonald, Carlisle, Gbemie, Eckersley, Sheridan, O'Halloran (Mooy 46), Brooks (Lainton 82), Obadeyi, Wolze, Ward (Riley 89)
Subs: McGeechan, Michail