Through the nature of their displays in the Papa John’s Trophy so far, West Ham United’s U21s have earned the right to test themselves on the next stage up on Tuesday evening.
That is the feeling of assistant coach Steve Potts, whose defensive diligence and organisation have been key features of the young Hammers’ outstanding cup results so far this season.
Following respective 3-1 and 1-0 wins at League Two sides Southend United and Colchester United – performances characterised by the players’ steeliness against senior professionals – the U21s secured qualification from Southern Group A.
The Hammers went on to conclude their group stage campaign by topping those standings, recording another impressive clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
In doing so, they became the first side to defeat Pompey inside 90 minutes in the Papa John’s Trophy in over two-and-a-half years, toppling last season’s finalists with a display of real determination, discipline and – when it mattered – decisiveness in front of goal.
Since academies were invited to participate in 2016/17, only one previous West Ham development squad has reached the second round of the competition.
On that occasion, in 2017/18, a series of late goals led to a 4-0 loss to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, with the Hatters going on to win promotion later that season.
The U21s therefore travel to League One high-flyers Peterborough United on Tuesday knowing that the opportunity is there for them to make Academy history.
We thought this spell of games would be a real good test for the players and where they are
Steve Potts
As they will likely go into the game as second-favourites to Darren Ferguson’s impressive Posh side, who sit fifth in the third tier of English football, Potts believes the test aligns perfectly with the remainder of the development squad’s festive fixture programme.
“We thought this spell of games would be a real good test for the players and where they are,” he told whufc.com.
“We were at Leicester at the King Power Stadium recently and they had a few senior players playing there, which was a big test for everyone. [The 2-0 win] against Manchester United was obviously a really tough game for all of the lads, but we came through it.
“Now, we’ve got Peterborough away – which is a big game – and then we play Everton and Man City away before Christmas, so all-in-all, it’s a really good test for the boys.”
The stage is well and truly set for Tuesday’s exciting tie, with this being the first fixture the young Hammers will have played in front of supporters in over nine months.
Seeking a result at the Weston Homes Stadium, West Ham will be looking to double down on the quality of their last performance: a first Premier League 2 win of the season, 2-0 against Manchester United’s U23s, a week ago.
Up against hitherto free-scoring opposition, the Irons had to dig in for stretches of the first half against technically adept players, but showed tremendous endeavour and quality on the ball to work their way into the match and ultimately win out.
“They’ve got to understand that it’s not all about pretty football all the time,” Potts reflected. “We’ve played some good stuff in previous games, but have sometimes been punished for not making it count.
“Against Manchester United, the lads proved that they can do the other side of the game. Now, it’s a case of putting that and our previous play in possession together, and hopefully we can kick on from there.”
West Ham United Under-21s take on Peterborough United on Tuesday 8 December in the second round of the Papa John's Trophy. Kick-off is at 7pm; you can follow all the action with our live blog on whufc.com from 6.30pm.
