West Ham United U18s v Manchester City U18s
FA Youth Cup fourth round, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 12 January, 7pm GMT
West Ham United U18s continue their FA Youth Cup defence against Manchester City at Rush Green Stadium on Friday evening.
The Hammers - who lifted the prestigious trophy for the fourth time in the Club’s history last term - earned a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Southampton last month to reach the fourth round.
A mouth-watering contest against three-time winners Manchester City awaits - the same opponents Kevin Keen’s outfit were edged out by in the U18 Premier League national final last season.
Read on for our full preview...
Tickets...
Tickets for our FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester City can be purchased at the turnstiles, priced at just £3 for Adults and £1 for Under-18s.
Season Ticket Holders can attend for free.
Travel...
The postcode for Rush Green Stadium - situated at West Ham United’s first-team training ground - is RM7 0LU. It is about a 20-minute walk from Chadwell Heath station, which is served regularly by the Elizabeth line.
Alternatively, take a train to Romford station, then board a 5, 103 or 175 bus for the 15-minute ride and get off at the Barton Avenue stop.
Supporters using public transport are advised to check their journeys before they travel, using resources such as TfL’s Journey Planner and the TfL Go app. Supporters may also wish to visit the National Rail website if travelling on the rail network.
Fans wishing to attend this FA Youth Cup fixture by car should note that parking at Rush Green Stadium is extremely limited and cannot be guaranteed.
How To Follow...
Fans in the UK will be able to watch the fixture via a live stream on the Club’s website and YouTube channel. Our stream will start around five minutes before kick-off.
We will also have a live blog of the fixture on the Club’s website, with highlights and reaction to follow shortly after the full-time whistle.
Opposition...
The Hammers could barely have been pitted against tougher opposition in the last 32 of the FA Youth Cup, with Manchester City - who currently occupy second place in the U18 PL North Division - having lifted the last of their four national league crowns last season.
That title win came at the expense of South champions West Ham after extra-time at Etihad Stadium in May, with Gideon Kodua’s opener ultimately being cancelled out by a Justin Oboavwoduo brace.
The Irons had secured the FA Youth Cup trophy a month earlier, and they know they will have to overcome another tough test here - against a side who comfortably saw off Watford 2-0 in the third round of this year’s competition - if they are to replicate that success.
Coach’s View...
With two quality teams set to go toe-to-toe under the lights, an exciting night awaits according to U18s assistant coach Lauris Coggin.
He said: “We are excited. Coming through a tough game in the last round means we’re going up against one of the best youth sides in the country.
“But we’re a talented group too, and we want these types of games. It’s a knockout competition as well, which brings a different type of pressure.
“I think it’s important the young lads don’t get overwhelmed by the occasion and stick to what we do best. We’re really looking forward to the game.”
The Story So Far...
West Ham United U18s were dealt a tricky hand for their first bout of FA Youth Cup action this season, and they duly came through a dramatic penalty shootout against last season’s semi-finalists Southampton to book a place in the fourth round.
The Hammers showed immense quality and character to come from behind in the second half, as Favour Fawunmi - introduced at the break - struck the equaliser to make it 1-1 following Jay Robinson’s opener at Rush Green.
With the score still level after extra-time, Lewis Orford, Ollie Scarles, Liam Jones and Josh Briggs all found the net in style from 12 yards for the hosts, while Finlay Herrick made a superb save diving to his right to deny Aston Daley and help clinch the win.
