West Ham United U21s finished their involvement in the 2022/23 Papa Johns Trophy with a deserved 2-1 win away to EFL League One side Cheltenham Town.
The Irons knew, heading into Tuesday's fixture, that they required a win to put themselves in contention to qualify for the knock-out stages, and opened the match at The Completely-Suzuki Stadium strongly.
Nonetheless, the Robins took the lead on 16 minutes when Charlie Brown was in the right place to turn home George Lloyd's header back across goal
Keenan Appiah-Forson went close for the Irons before Will Greenidge expertly levelled on 34 minutes, placing a well-taken left-footed effort past Shaun MacDonald.
Freddie Potts gave the Hammers the lead early in the second half, smashing in Appiah-Forson's pass back to the midfielder, putting the development team in a strong position to get out of the group.
Greenidge went close again, as did Callum Marshall, but the Hammers held on for an impressive 2-1 win.
Unfortunately, as a a result of Milton Keynes Dons 2-0 win at Walsall, the Irons ended the group stage in third on goal difference.
Check out full highlights in the video player above!
