The young Hammers lost 4-3 away at Blackburn Rovers
In a frantic match at Ewood Park, the Development Squad were edged out in a seven goal thriller by Blackburn Rovers on Monday 14 September.
Playing at the same time as the first team were dispatching Newcastle United, Terry Westley named a strong squad which made the journey to Lancashire. Seven of the starting eleven have been involved in first team action this season, including Canadian centre-back Doneil Henry, playing 45 minutes in his return to action following injury.
The young Hammers got off to a fantastic start as right-back Kyle Knoyle netted a stunning strike from the edge of the box after ten minutes, however Rovers equalised shortly after as Devarn Green raced away from his man and tucked his effort away confidently.
In a game that was full of chances, its ebb and flow never ceased, the Hammers retook the lead through forward Djair Parfitt-Williams’ first goal of the season. His deflected effort gave the Irons a slender half-time lead.
Shortly after the break, the momentum shifted again in favour of the hosts. Anton Forrester’s fine finish levelled things before Hammers’ captain Josh Cullen despatched an exquisite free-kick which gave Rovers’ goalkeeper Simon Eastwood little hope of saving.
With little under half an hour to play, the Hammers looked set to record their first win of the season however Connor Mahoney had different ideas.
His superb solo effort on 79 minutes set up a grandstand finish. The Hammers had chances to wrap the game up once and for all, however it was Mahoney, the England youth international who popped up in the 83rd minute with a fierce finish to seal the three points for the hosts.
U21: T. Brown, Knoyle, Hendrie, Dobson, Henry (Pask 46), Onariase, Samuelsen, Cullen (c), Lee, Browne (Nasha 71), Parfitt-Williams
Subs: Boness, J. Brown, Diangana
The Hammers are in action next on Monday 21 September at the Boleyn Ground against Newcastle United.
Admission is FREE for all fans, so come along and support the future stars West Ham United! Kick off is 7pm.
Playing at the same time as the first team were dispatching Newcastle United, Terry Westley named a strong squad which made the journey to Lancashire. Seven of the starting eleven have been involved in first team action this season, including Canadian centre-back Doneil Henry, playing 45 minutes in his return to action following injury.
The young Hammers got off to a fantastic start as right-back Kyle Knoyle netted a stunning strike from the edge of the box after ten minutes, however Rovers equalised shortly after as Devarn Green raced away from his man and tucked his effort away confidently.
In a game that was full of chances, its ebb and flow never ceased, the Hammers retook the lead through forward Djair Parfitt-Williams’ first goal of the season. His deflected effort gave the Irons a slender half-time lead.
Shortly after the break, the momentum shifted again in favour of the hosts. Anton Forrester’s fine finish levelled things before Hammers’ captain Josh Cullen despatched an exquisite free-kick which gave Rovers’ goalkeeper Simon Eastwood little hope of saving.
With little under half an hour to play, the Hammers looked set to record their first win of the season however Connor Mahoney had different ideas.
His superb solo effort on 79 minutes set up a grandstand finish. The Hammers had chances to wrap the game up once and for all, however it was Mahoney, the England youth international who popped up in the 83rd minute with a fierce finish to seal the three points for the hosts.
U21: T. Brown, Knoyle, Hendrie, Dobson, Henry (Pask 46), Onariase, Samuelsen, Cullen (c), Lee, Browne (Nasha 71), Parfitt-Williams
Subs: Boness, J. Brown, Diangana
The Hammers are in action next on Monday 21 September at the Boleyn Ground against Newcastle United.
Admission is FREE for all fans, so come along and support the future stars West Ham United! Kick off is 7pm.