West Ham United U23s advanced to the semi-final of the Premier League International Cup for the first time on Tuesday night as they overcame Derby U23s on penalties.
Dmitri Halajko's side raced into a two-goal lead at Pride Park after just eight minutes – Oladapo Afolayan putting the finishing touches to two excellent flowing moves.
Derby brought themselves back into the contest with goals either side of the break – the first a contentious penalty scored by Jahmal Hector-Ingram, the second a header by Jordan Brown from a near-post corner.
The Hammers took the lead again through Bernardo Rosa but, with seven minutes to play, Hector-Ingram struck again from close range – forcing extra time and, after 30 goalless further minutes, penalties.
The Hammers had another set back after Alfie Lewis was unlucky to pick up a second yellow card on the stroke of full-time, requiring them to hold out for extra time with ten men.
Then, deep into sudden death, Anang made his second stop of the shoot-out, plunging on Tyree Wilson’s penalty kick to win the shoot-out in dramatic circumstances – 6-5, after 16 kicks taken.
Both Andriy Yarmolenko and Carlos Sanchez featured for the U23s on Tuesday evening.
You can watch all the highlights above!
West Ham United U23s return to Premier League 2 Division 2 action against Swansea City at London Stadium on Monday 16 March, with kick-off 7pm. Tickets are free for Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members. For non-members, they are priced at £5 for Adults and £3 for Over-65s/Under-21s. Click here to book.
