Colchester United v West Ham United U21s
Tuesday 5 December, Bristol Street Motors Trophy, JobServe Community Stadium, 7.30pm GMT
West Ham United U21s continue their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign away to Colchester United on Tuesday.
The Irons would reach the last 16 of the competition for the first time with victory in Essex.
Steve Potts’ outfit are currently unbeaten in their last 14 matches in all competitions.
How did the Hammers reach the last 32?
West Ham United U21s reached the knock-out stages as Group H winners!
The young Irons beat EFL League One sides Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town and EFL League Two outfit Newport County to reach the knockouts for the first time since 2020/21.
Across their three group games, West Ham scored eight goals, with some stunning finishes including Gideon Kodua's strike against Newport County and Callum Marshall's effort against Bristol Rovers.
You can watch the highlights here.
Coach Potts excited for last 32 test
Steve Potts is prepared for another tough outing when the U21s travel to Colchester United.
The young Hammers have beaten three EFL teams in the competition so far, but are well aware of the test to come when they face Matty Etherington's U's on Tuesday evening.
The lead coach expects a real battle, then, saying: “We have got to realise how tough the game against Colchester will be. You are going up against senior opposition and you wouldn’t be surprised if they are full-strength which is what we want when going up against these senior teams because we get to see what the boys can do.
“They’ll be a few fans there. It’s in a [senior EFL] stadium as well, which is the beauty of this competition. So it is great to get another go against senior professionals.”
Orford believes U21s can reach the last 16
Lewis Orford admits he will relish the chance to prove himself against experienced professionals once more.
The 17-year-old, who was part of the first team’s matchday squad against FK TSC last Thursday, has been an important part of the U21s side to move 14 games in all competitions.
The challenge now is to continue that run and reach the last 16.
He explained: “We were pleased with the performance against Nottingham Forest, and I think we really showed our levels in the first half. Then, in the second half, we dug deep to get the win.
“It is amazing to be part of this group at the moment. The run shows the connection we all have as well as the pride and passion we all have to play for this Club.
“Tuesday is a big game for us against a league opposition full of senior and more physical players. We just need to rest and work hard to get ready for the game against Colchester United because it is a big game for all of us.”
Last Time Out
West Ham United U21s continued their impressive run of form in Premier League 2 with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
A bitterly cold night at Rush Green Stadium saw the U21s entertain as a thoroughly impressive attacking showing brought a sixth league victory of the season.
Tickets
West Ham United's allocation of tickets is available to purchase online now by clicking here.
Advance purchase is recommended as on-day sales are only possible by a self-serve machine in Colchester United's club shop.
More details can be found here.
Opposition
Colchester United are currently 21st in EFL League Two, with six wins from their first 20 league games.
Former West Ham winger and Hammer of the Year Matty Etherington was appointed manager in October and has won four of his nine games in charge.
The U’s progressed as runners-up in their group following wins over Peterborough United and Cambridge United and a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur U21s.
Colchester's best performance in the EFL Trophy was back in 1996/97, when the Essex side reached the final at Wembley Stadium, where they were defeated on penalties by Carlisle United.
How to Follow
We will have a live blog on the Club’s website, with a report, reaction, and highlights to follow shortly after the full-time whistle.
