Chelsea U18s 4-3 West Ham United U18s
U18 Premier League South Division, Cobham Training Ground, Saturday 6 April 2024, 11am GMT
West Ham United U18s suffered a setback to their title hopes as Chelsea edged a seven-goal thriller on Saturday.
Dan Rigge's opener was cancelled out by Donnell McNeilly, before three second-half goals in an incredible three-minute spell put Chelsea in control of the title race.
Josh Ajala scored twice late on as the Hammers tried to mount an unlikely comeback, but to no avail as the hosts clung on for victory.
The destination of the U18 Premier League South title is in the balance and Saturday's showdown at Cobham could prove a turning point in a prolonged see-saw scrap.
It was the visitors who made a bright start and after Ajala had earlier forced a smart save from Max Merrick and Airidas Golambeckis had a header cleared off the line, Rigge opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Jethro Medine went down under a challenge.
West Ham ought to have doubled their lead when Ajala burst into the box, but this time his goalbound effort - via a deflection - went inches wide of the post.
However, Chelsea levelled with their first attack of the afternoon eight minutes later. The Hammers were unable to deal with a dangerous cross from the right, and McNeilly took full advantage from close range.
The hosts were in the ascendancy and, after finishing the first half strongly, they turned the contest on its head after 56 minutes.
Tyrique George picked up the ball in the penalty area, shifted the ball onto his left foot and fired his effort beyond Fin Herrick.
West Ham had barely caught their breath before George notched his second of the afternoon, the 18-year-old finishing smartly from 12 yards with a powerful finish, having latched onto a Reiss Russel-Denny through-ball with a well-timed run in behind the Irons defence.
Their onslaught continued, with Ato Ampah adding a fourth from close range, after finding his way through the visitors' defence, while the visitors had goalkeeper Herrick to thank for a whole array of strong saves to keep the scoreline down during a spell of relentless pressure from the Blues.
However, despite looking beaten, Kevin Keen's side fought back and reduced the deficit through Ajala, as he steered home after a brilliant ball from Rigge.
Ajala added another on 88 minutes to set up a nervy finish, when a marauding run saw him slalom through the Chelsea defence, before curling an effort into the far corner.
West Ham threw everything at the Blues in the final few minutes, but were unable to snatch a dramatic point, with Ajala's acrobatic effort in stoppage time flying off target.
West Ham United U18s: Herrick, Medine, Oyebade (Sowunmi 46), Nwosu (Dike 63), Briggs, Golambeckis, Caliste (Hargan 84), Akpata ©, Ajala, Rigge (Halim (84), Adiele
Subs not used: Hooper (GK)
Goals: Rigge 17, Ajala 77, 88
Keen: I'm proud of the players
West Ham U18s lead coach Kevin Keen says he is proud of his players, despite suffering defeat at the hands of title rivals Chelsea.
It could have become a difficult afternoon for the young Hammers after a three-goal blitz saw the Blues establish a 4-1 lead, but they never gave up and were unfortunate not to rescue a point.
The lead coach said: “It was a bit of a rollercoaster game. The wind was really strong one way which made it tough, but I’m pleased with the lads' effort. They’re a great group, stuck at it, and nearly managed to nick a draw at the end, which in my eyes would’ve been fair.
“I think we are all disappointed, as that gives Chelsea a great chance to go on and win the league, but I’ve just told the players that we still have four games left and have to make sure we do everything right. If we don’t finish first, we need to make sure we finish second by winning the rest of our games.
“You’ve got to give Chelsea credit as they’ve got some wonderful individuals in their team and they turned up for a three-minute spell and showed what they could produce.
“For 85 minutes of the game we have defended really well and played some good football, but that three-minute spell has cost us.
“It sums this group up [to show the fight and determination that they did]. They dig in for each other, for the badge, are proud they won the league last year, and are trying to keep hold of that. The two goals we scored [in the second half] were cracking goals. It’s a wonderful group to work with and I’m really proud of them.”
Up next
West Ham United U18s continue their league campaign against Arsenal on Saturday 13 April.
Kick-off is set for 11am at Little Heath Training Ground.
