- West Ham United U18s face Chelsea this Saturday at Little Heath
- The Hammers know a win will ensure qualification for the Elite Merit Group
- Jahmal Hector-Ingram has called on his teammates to forget Chelsea's current form and most recent result
Jahmal Hector-Ingram has urged his teammates to forget Chelsea’s recent results and form as West Ham’s U18s take on the Blues in their last U18 Premier League South fixture of the season.
After this weekend, the North and South divisions will merge into three separate leagues, with the Hammers needing a positive result against the Blues on Saturday to finish in the top four and qualify for the Elite Merit Group.
Hector-Ingram admits his team have been through a tough spell but knows a strong result at Little Heath on Saturday will show that the Hammers can compete with the top teams in the country.
“We’ve been on a bad run but I do believe we can turn things round against Chelsea,” declared Hector-Ingram. “I just see Chelsea as human beings in blue kit and, as far as I’m concerned, we can play against them and do what we need to do on Saturday.
“It’s been a good season, full of ups and downs which is part and parcel of the game but we want to be playing against the best of the best. Beating Chelsea would lead us to be playing teams like Man City and what not.
I just see Chelsea as human beings in blue kit and, as far as I’m concerned, we can play against them and do what we need to do on Saturday.
Jahmal Hector-Ingram
“We competed with Arsenal and we were very unfortunate. With Chelsea, we need to play with the same mindset like we did against Arsenal and finish our chances.
Hector-Ingram also admits the team are fully aware of Chelsea’s mammoth victory over Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, but insists the Hammers are confident of getting something from the match.
“Obviously I’ve heard about them beating Brighton 13-0, which I don’t understand how that happened! I can say that won’t be happening to us. I reckon we can actually get something from the game.”
Hector-Ingram has been the U18s main goal outlet this year, scoring 12 goals in all competitions, as well as two for Terry Westley’s U23s.
Despite missing a period through injury, the striker is keen to get back on the scoresheet and continue his progression this season.
“I’m pleased but I’ve set my target for 20+ goals before the end of the season,” Hector-Ingram continued. “I’ve still got a few games left to get that done so I’m content with what I’ve done so far but there’s loads more to come from me. There’s always something you can improve on.
“I would love to get more starts for the U23s. Things are starting to get quite interesting so now that I’m back from injury and I’ve got a couple of games under my belt and there’ll hopefully be a few surprises before the end of the season.”
West Ham United U18s take on league leaders Chelsea on Saturday (11am kick-off) at Little Heath Sports Ground. Parking and admission are both free.