Match Report | Defeat for U18s in return to competitive action against Palace

West Ham United U18s 0-5 Crystal Palace U18s
U18 Premier League South, Little Heath Training Ground, Tuesday 14 January 2025, 12.15pm GMT 

West Ham United U18s endured a tough afternoon in their return to Premier League South action, falling to a 5-0 defeat against a clinical Crystal Palace side at Little Heath Training Ground.

Despite the result, the young Hammers showed flashes of promise, particularly in the first half, as they worked to regain their competitive rhythm following a month-long absence from fixtures.

The match began at a blistering pace, with both teams carving out clear opportunities within the opening minutes. Palace’s Benjamin Casey went through on goal inside the first 30 seconds but fired his effort wide, and moments later, Gabriel Caliste was denied at the other end after being played in by an excellent ball from U16s defender Tomas Jonyla.

The first half saw West Ham grow into the game with composure in midfield, led by Chinaza Nwosu, who contributed with some key defensive interventions while keeping the ball moving effectively when in possession. Elisha Sowunmi and Jethro Medine - who also played his part defensively with a goal-saving tackle to deny Casey - proved dangerous with their link-up play on the right, while Mehmet Halim came close on several occasions, forcing saves from Crystal Palace goalkeeper Marcus Hill.

However, just as it looked as though the two sides were going into the break level, Palace struck first. A blocked shot from Kai-Reece Adams-Collman fell kindly for Chuks Okoli, who made no mistake with a composed finish to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The Hammers made changes at the interval, introducing first-year scholars Jonathan Unwin, in his first appearance of the season having recovered from a long-term injury, and Andre Dike, who injected energy and trickery into the attack.

West Ham were on the front foot in the opening exchanges as they chased for an equaliser but long intervals to treat injuries to goalkeeper Lanre Awesu and Rayan Oyebade interrupted their momentum. In the 75th minute, Palace doubled their advantage when captain Seb Williams capitalised on a loose ball following a corner to slot home.

West Ham nearly responded immediately, as Halim was played through and forced a save from the goalkeeper under pressure. But a penalty conceded shortly after saw Casey convert from the spot to give the visitors a three-goal buffer.

The young Hammers continued to press for a way back into the game with a determined response despite the scoreline. However, late goals from Okoli, who produced a clever long-range first-time effort after winning possession from a misplaced pass in midfield, and George King, who poked home from close range following a corner, sealed the result for the visitors.

West Ham United U18s: Awesu (Hooper 55), Medine, Jonyla (Unwin HT), Kamara, Oyebade, Nwosu, Sowunmi, Hargan (Beckford 67), Halim © (Chigwada 79), Caliste, Balogun (Dike HT)

Booked: Hargan

Crystal Palace U18s: Hill, Judd (Fasida 80), Cowin, Adams-Collman, Somade, King, Drake-Thomas, Okoli, Casey (Montjen 90), Williams © (Osei 90+1), Henry (Oduro 90+1)
Sub not used: Mason (GK)

Goals: Okoli 44, 83, Williams 74, Casey 78 (pen), King 90+3

Booked: Judd

Up Next...

West Ham United U18s return to Premier League South action next weekend on Saturday 25 January when they travel to Arsenal for a London derby at 11am GMT.

U18 Premier League South