Reading 3-1 West Ham United U21s
EFL Trophy Group P, Madejski Stadium, Tuesday 20 August 2024, 7pm BST
West Ham United’s U21s kicked off their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign with a spirited performance against League One side Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Despite their determined efforts, the young Hammers were defeated 3-1.
The match began with Reading capitalising on their early momentum, as Jayden Wareham put the Royals ahead. Fifteen minutes later, Kelvin Abreva doubled their lead with a powerful, low shot that found its way past Finlay Herrick in the West Ham goal.
Undeterred, the Hammers fought back and got themselves on the scoresheet when Junior Robinson’s deflected cross snuck in at the near post, catching out Reading's goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke.
West Ham came out for the second half with renewed energy, applying a more effective press that limited Reading’s chances to break through the lines. The young Hammers had opportunities to level the match but, unfortunately, were unable to convert them. Reading secured all three points five minutes from time when substitute Tyler Sackey finished neatly to seal the victory.
West Ham United U21s: Herrick, Robinson (Dolaghan 87), Mayers, Akpata, Casey ©, Luizão, Moore (Battrum 69), Orford, Ajala (Adiele 69), Swyer, Scarles
Subs not used: Hooper (GK), Rigge, Tarima, Brown
Goal: Dean (og) 38
Booked: Akpata, Robinson
Attendance: 3,022 (245 away fans)
Robson: It was a good test for us
The Bristol Street Motors Trophy presents a valuable developmental opportunity for Mark Robson’s young Hammers, who continue to test themselves against senior opposition.
“We played some good football and even looked in control at times throughout the match," Robson reflected. "Our press was effective, and we managed well when out of possession."
While West Ham remained competitive for much of the encounter, Robson acknowledged that the team struggled to maintain their momentum in the latter stages.
“We started the second half quite well but lost our way a bit as the game progressed. We weren’t as fluent as we’d like to be, and a few mistakes crept in, which they capitalised on. I’m particularly disappointed with the third goal, as it was very avoidable."
Despite the setback, Robson remains positive about the experience: "It was a good test for us and a great experience for the boys, especially playing in such a nice stadium. We’ll take a lot of positives from today into our next game on Friday.”
Ajala: I enjoyed the challenge
Making the step up from the U18s this season, centre-forward Josh Ajala is embracing the challenge of facing more physical opponents as he continues to develop his game.
The 17-year-old made his Bristol Street Motors debut on Tuesday, coming close on several occasions to leveling the score for his side.
“My first start in this competition, and it was a great experience playing in such a big stadium," Ajala shared. "I thought the boys did well. Even when we were two goals down, I felt like we were still in the game, but we let it slip away in the second half."
Ajala acknowledged the increased physicality of the opposition but welcomed the opportunity to adapt: “The defenders were bigger, stronger, and faster. It was a different type of test, but I enjoyed the challenge of having to adjust my game.”
