Highlights & Reaction | Ajala and Robinson on target as U21s close out 2024 with a win

Sutton United 0-2 West Ham United U21s
National League Cup Group D, Gander Green Lane, Tuesday 17 December 2024, 7.30pm GMT

West Ham United U21s signed off their calendar year in style with a well-earned 2-0 National League Cup Group D victory over Sutton United at Gander Green Lane.

Goals in either half from Josh Ajala and Junior Robinson ensured the young Hammers were rewarded for a fine all-round performance against their National League opponents, who were relegated from EFL League Two last season, with an impressive clean sheet and three points that has put Mark Robson's young side firmly in contention for the knockout stages.

Before kick-off at Gander Green Lane, Sutton United hosted a minute's silence to honour the memory of Oscar Fairs, West Ham United’s schoolboy Academy goalkeeper who sadly passed away following his battle with cancer. Players from both teams also wore special tops in tribute to the young stopper.

With Ollie Scarles and Kaelan Casey involved in Premier League action for the first team on Monday night, opportunities arose for scholars Airidas Golambeckis and Preston Fearon, who seamlessly stepped into the development side.

Even without two of their most experienced players, the young Hammers were on the front foot from the opening whistle, controlling possession and showing great maturity, both out of possession with their defensive play, as well as their attacking movement when on the ball.

The early exchanges set the tone, with West Ham looking bright and dangerous. A free kick from Lewis Orford inside the opening minutes hinted at their intent, though his low strike was collected comfortably by Sutton goalkeeper Sam Roberts. Moments later, Kamarai Swyer was brought down after beating his marker, setting up another dangerous set-piece which Orford narrowly missed.

Sutton had their first sight of goal on 15 minutes, when Josh Coley’s shot deflected off Luizão and was gathered calmly by goalkeeper Fin Herrick under pressure. It was a rare moment of concern for the visitors in an opening half that they largely dictated.

The breakthrough arrived on 28 minutes, and it came from a superbly worked move. Swyer combined with Robinson down the right, with the wing-back delivering an early cross into the box. Ryan Battrum controlled well and shot back across goal, his effort blocked on the line by Coley. However, Ajala was quickest to react, rifling the rebound into the net despite a desperate attempt to clear.

West Ham carried their one-goal advantage into the break, having limited Sutton to half-chances while creating a handful of dangerous moments themselves.

The home side emerged with more purpose in the second half, and West Ham had to stay sharp. Herrick was called into action to claim a series of dangerous crosses.

As Sutton pushed for an equaliser, the young Hammers held firm. Sean Tarima made a vital interception on 76 minutes to deny Nana Boateng after a slick Sutton move, keeping his side ahead at a crucial stage in the game.

The decisive second goal arrived with eight minutes remaining. Starting from the back, goalkeeper Herrick picked out Fearon in midfield. Fearon turned and fed Swyer, who got away from his marker and drove forward before finding Ezra Mayers on the left. Mayers’ low cross found Ajala, whose first-time effort came off the inside of the post. The rebound fell kindly for Robinson, who was on hand to poke home and seal the points for West Ham.

Sutton continued to battle, but the Hammers managed the game well in the closing stages. Substitutes Brad Dolaghan and Sean Moore were introduced late on to help see out the victory, and the visitors did so comfortably earning a crucial three points to stay in contention for the National League Cup knockout stages.

Sutton United: Roberts, Okoli ©, Ransom (Eccleston 61), Odelusi (Moore 41), Coley (Tume 31), De Silva, Vaz, Boateng, Sivi, Jackson, Williams (Wadham 61)
Subs not used: Sims, Muller, Topalloj

West Ham United U21s: Herrick, Tarima, Golambeckis, Luizão, Robinson, Orford © (Akpata 61), Fearon (Moore 86), Mayers, Battrum, Swyer, Ajala (Dolaghan 87)
Subs not used: Hooper (GK), Rigge, Fawunmi, Caliste

Goals: Ajala 28, Robinson 82

Mayers: We've improved a lot in terms of dealing with senior teams' physicality

Playing in a more advanced role as a wing-back, Mayers reflected on an impressive team performance, highlighting the squad's progression in matches against senior sides.

He said: “I think throughout the games against senior sides this season, the performances have been there, and we’ve certainly been getting better. I thought we played really well against Cheltenham, but tonight we took those lessons on board and put them into practice. The main thing is learning how to deal with the physicality, and I think we’ve improved a lot in that aspect.

“Even though I’m a defender, I love going forward. It was great to get that opportunity today as a wing-back. Playing alongside Preston [Fearon] and Lewis [Orford], who can pick out those passes in behind, suits me perfectly. With my pace, it’s a good combination!”

Potts: A big thank you to Sutton for their Oscar tribute

Two excellent team goals and a first clean sheet in eleven games for the U21s saw them move up in Group D of the National League Cup to within a point of second place with a game in hand. Coach Steve Potts was full of praise for his young side for their ability to improve on their opening group game and sustain the level for the full 90 minutes.

Potts said: “After our last game in this competition, I thought we were really good in the first half against Braintree. Tonight, we were even better. We learned our lesson from that night, put in a solid performance in the second half, kept it tight, and played some good stuff. We were good value for our second goal, which really finished the game off.

“They didn’t have many chances, which was a credit to everyone. It wasn’t just the back players, the front players put in a shift as well, running and working hard for the team. Everyone contributed, on and off the ball. That’s exactly how it’s got to be.

“I thought the young scholars did really well. Josh [Ajala] and Ezra [Mayers] have been with us most of the season, and Preston [Fearon] and Airidas [Golambeckis] came in and were outstanding. They stepped up, came into the team, and didn’t look out of place at all. They were excellent.

“I’d also like to take a moment to thank Sutton for what they did tonight. The minute’s silence, the flowers, and the pre-match tributes to Oscar were touching and mean a lot to us all.”

National League Cup Group D