West Bromwich Albion U18s 2-2 West Ham United U18s
U18 Premier League South, West Bromwich Albion Training Ground, Saturday 21 September 2024, 12pm BST
West Ham United U18s earned a 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday continuing their unbeaten start on the road this season.
Airidas Golambeckis was on target again for his side with his third goal in five competitive games this season to put the young Hammers ahead. Strikes either side of half-time gave the Baggies the initiative going into the final half-an-hour. But a well worked West Ham move finished off by Mauritius international Gabriel Caliste rescued a point for Lauris Coggin’s side and ensured the Hammers did not leave the West Midlands empty-handed.
As was the case in their trip to the Midlands the previous week, West Ham opened the scoring. Midway through the first half, captain Preston Fearon delivered a looping free-kick to the far post. Brought down expertly by Tomas Jonyla, he bounced a ball past goalkeeper Louis Brady to his centre-back partner Golambeckis who was on hand to tap in the opener.
Despite an equaliser from Charlie Blackshields 15 minutes later, the Hammers had the chance to retake the lead on the stroke of half-time, but Caliste was unable to convert from the penalty spot.
Just before the hour mark, West Ham were made to rue for their missed opportunity as Dan Chimezri added a second for the Baggies.
However, atoning for his earlier penalty miss, Caliste finished off a flowing Hammers move 15 minutes from time. It all began when substitute Riley Hargan spotted Fearon in space. Closed down quickly by Matthew Crowther, Fearon nutmegged his opposite number, creating a clear path towards goal. Unselfishly, the captain distributed it to Andre Dike on the left who put a low ball in across the penalty area. With Mehmet Halim’s run distracting the oncoming defender, Caliste was left unmarked and finished calmly just outside the six yard box to set up an intriguing finale.
Although re-energised having got back on level terms and looking to secure their first league win of the campaign, they would have to settle for a share of the spoils.
West Ham United U18s: Hooper, Medine, Golambeckis, Jonyla, Kamara (Ebho), Nwosu (Hargan), Fearon ©, Dike (Balogun 82), Sowunmi, Chigwada (Halim 64), Caliste
Sub not used: Awesu (GK)
Goals: Golambeckis (25), Caliste (74)
Booked: Hooper
Coggin: "The key moments didn’t fall for us, but no doubt with our hard work and togetherness that will change"
Reflecting on a hard-fought draw against West Bromwich Albion, Lauris Coggin expressed his pride in the team’s performance. Despite the challenges of playing away at a physical side, the young Hammers showed resilience and control throughout the game, continuing their unbeaten run on the road this season.
He said: "It’s always a difficult place to travel to, but I thought we controlled large parts of the game in an intelligent way. West Brom are strong from set-pieces, and the tight pitch suits their style, but we managed the physical challenge well.
"Airidas and Jethro [Medine] were outstanding. Both played with maturity, rising to the challenge the opponent set, so I'm very pleased with their performances.
"The team, especially Gabs [Caliste], showed incredible resilience and determination. It’s that mentality that drives us every day. The only disappointment was that the key moments didn’t fall for us, but no doubt with our hard work and togetherness that will change."
