Striker Sean Adarkwa scored a late equaliser against Braintree Town on Friday night as West Ham United U23s drew 1-1. It was West Ham’s first pre-season friendly of the 2019/20 season.
Hammers came up against a physical senior side but fashioned numerous chances throughout match.
“It was a hard game, coming back from the off-season, they were aggressive, but I thought we matched them” said Adarkwa.
Coach Steve Potts used 22 players on the night, but it was the introduction of the 18-year-old that saw West Ham have their best spell of the game.
The front man looked a constant threat, holding the ball up well throughout and striking the post with a well-hit volley.
With just five minutes left, Adarkwa struck calmly low into the bottom right corner to draw level.
"I saw the ball come to me and I thought, let me just beat the man and shoot and I scored so I was really happy."
Let me just beat the man and shoot and I scored so I was really happy. Sean Adarkwa
The academy side have been back in training since the start of the month and the squad looked pleased to be back on the pitch.
“It’s been a very good environment, around the training ground and everyone is really excited and ready to win, ready to play well and push on this season.”
The U23s now turn their attention to their pre-season training camp in Slovakia. The squad departs on Monday and Adarkwa is looking forward to the trip.
“I’m really excited it’s a new experience for me because I’ve never been there before, hopefully I can just keep getting more minutes ahead of the new year. I’m excited to play and keep putting more minutes under my belt.”
I’m excited to play and keep putting more minutes under my belt. Sean Adarkwa
The striker is sure to feature plenty in pre-season and will look to continue his fine start in the coming weeks.