West Ham United U21s 2-2 SL Benfica B
Premier League International Cup, Chigwell Construction Stadium, Tuesday 24 September 2024, 7pm BST
West Ham United U21s clawed back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against SL Benfica B in their opening fixture of the Premier League International Cup (PLIC) at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
After trailing by two goals at half-time, the young Hammers rallied and imposed themselves on the second half. Mason Terry’s standout performance in goal, as well as debut goals from Luis Guilherme and Brad Dolaghan, were key in helping the U21s secure a valuable point in their PLIC opener.
Lead coach Mark Robson made eight changes to the starting line-up, including full debuts for Preston Fearon and Dolaghan, as well as a surprise start for Guilherme.
The visitors pressed high early on, forcing a flurry of corners. Terry was called into action within 13 minutes, making a crucial save to deny José Melro, who rose highest to meet a cross. Terry then made another outstanding stop after half-an-hour, denying Nuno Félix, who found space in the box following a turnover by the Hammers.
Benfica’s pressure finally paid off as João Veloso scored two quick-fire goals to put them firmly in command. The first came in the 36th minute after a brilliant solo run from Beni Souza, who was a constant threat with his tricky footwork. Souza broke down the byline and found Veloso, who curled a shot into the top corner.
The visitors deserved their lead, with their approach putting West Ham on the back foot for much of the game. Benfica moved through the pitch comfortably, and their second goal came just two minutes later. Veloso dribbled into the penalty box from the left flank before adding a second to his tally.
After the break, West Ham began to assert themselves, linking up more effectively in attack. In the 49th minute, they nearly pulled one back after a brilliant combination between Guilherme and Ollie Scarles. The latter’s low cross into the penalty area was almost turned in by Dolaghan, but the ball was scrambled away by some desperate Benfica defending.
However, it was not long before Guilherme brought West Ham back into the game, confidently finishing after an exquisite lobbed through ball from Dan Rigge. That goal shifted the momentum, and the young Hammers grew in confidence.
Despite Robson’s side controlling much of the second half, Benfica remained dangerous. Terry made another crucial save, tipping Félix’s curling effort over the bar when it seemed destined for the top corner.
That save injected fresh belief into the U21s, who continued to push for an equaliser. The levelling goal finally came from Dolaghan, who latched onto a long ball over the top from Lewis Orford, battled past two Benfica centre-halves, and coolly slotted it home with ten minutes to go.
The final few minutes were intense, but both teams ultimately cancelled each other out, with the match ending 2-2.
West Ham United U21s: Terry, Tarima, Briggs (Luizão 66), Casey © (Golambeckis 62), Brown, Rigge, Akpata, Fearon (Orford 62) , Dolaghan, Guilherme (Fawunmi 62), Scarles (Adiele 66)
Subs not used: Hooper (GK), Ajala
Goals: Guilherme (57), Dolaghan (82)
SL Benfica B: Souza, Lacroix, Fonseca (Spencer 46), Parente, Santos (Luis 68), Nuno Félix, Okon, Gerson Sousa (Hugo Félix 46), Beni Souza (Rego 61), Melro (Domingues 72), Veloso
Sub not used: Ribeiro (GK)
Goals: Veloso (36, 38)
Robson: Across the board, there were excellent performances
Reflecting on a spirited comeback, lead coach Mark Robson praised his side for their resilience and adaptability. Despite conceding two goals in quick succession, the young Hammers rallied in the second half to secure a valuable point in their PLIC opener.
"They were really good tonight,” he said. “We discussed some things at the break, mainly around defending, and the boys took what Steve [Potts] said on board. To come back into the game with such a fantastic goal was really pleasing. I’m happy for Luis [Guilherme] - it was great to get him some game time, and I thought the boys responded really well.”
He continued: "There were so many positives. A lot of players have had to be patient, but tonight they got their chance and everyone stepped up. Dan’s [Rigge] pass for the goal showed exactly what he’s capable of. That’s the level we expect from him, and we want to see more of it going forward.
"Across the board, there were excellent performances. Preston [Fearon], for example, has been doing brilliantly with coach Lauris in the U18s, and it was great to give him an opportunity tonight - he played a key role in our first goal. Airidas [Golambeckis] also defended superbly when he came on for the last 30 minutes. It really shows that we have the talent to step up to this level.
"And I have to say, Mason [Terry] was outstanding. He was unbelievable. Some of his saves were world class, which kept us in the game. He’s been doing exceptionally well on loan at Hornchurch, and tonight, he absolutely earned us the draw."
Guilherme: It was great to be out there on the pitch
After putting in an impressive performance for the U21s, summer signing Luis Guilherme reflected on his return to competitive action. The Brazilian forward, who was instrumental in the team's attacking play and scored a vital goal, shared his gratitude and optimism moving forward.
He said: “It was a good game against a tough opposition. I’m really happy to be playing. I want to thank God and all those who have kept believing in me. It was great to be out there on the pitch. I’ve been putting a lot of work into training over the last few months to be able to be ready when called upon. I hope it’s the first of many!”
