West Ham United U21s 5-0 Middlesbrough U21s
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 27 October, 7pm
Twenty goals in PL2 already in 2023/24 as five more arrived at Rush Green Stadium on Friday night in another sensational attacking display.
Callum Marshall poked home the first of the night in a 5-0 win over Middlesbrough, before the in-form forward struck twice in the second half to secure another PL2 hat-trick. He had three against Leeds United last month and Boro were next in his sights.
George Earthy was also on the scoresheet and found the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time, while Lewis Orford, introduced as a second-half substitute, found the net just three minutes after his introduction.
A sixth goal could have arrived had Marshall not seen his penalty saved in second-half stoppage time, although the forward had already netted his 13th, 14th, and 15th of a stunning campaign, before he stepped up from 12 yards.
With victory, the Hammers rise to third in the PL2 table leapfrogging Middlesbrough, who started the evening in the top three, in the process.
Steve Potts’ men are now nine games unbeaten in all competitions and head to Newport County confident of getting a second positive result in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
West Ham United U21s: Knightbridge, Robinson, Laing (Luizao 46), Casey, Forbes ©, Coventry, Kelly (Orford 46), Kodua (Scarles 61), Marshall, Earthy (Chesters 61)
Subs not used: Terry (GK)
Goals: Marshall 11, 61, 77, Earthy 45, Orford 49
Forbes: It’s a great performance all-round from the lads
Returning skipper Michael Forbes was delighted by the performance of the Hammers, who struck five goals in East London.
But while credit will go to the attackers once more, there is no doubt the defence played their part.
A game that was at one point in the balance – Middlesbrough had their chances in the first half – saw the Hammers’ defence, alongside keeper Jacob Knightbridge stand tall to lead the charge for victory.
Their performance gave the Irons the chance to push on and grab a comprehensive win in the second half.
“We haven’t played a competitive game for a while,” Forbes said, “but in the first half Jacob made some really good saves and defensively as a unit, I thought we were really strong.
“It was nice as a defence to keep a clean sheet because you are not the ones scoring goals! It’s great to do that, especially when you win 5-0.
“They were a good side don’t get me wrong, but we blew them away, especially our attack.”
On a personal level, Forbes was pleased to make his first start since opening day for the U21s.
The defender has featured across the October international break for Northern Ireland U21s but he was delighted to lead his Club out on Friday following a return to fitness.
He added: “It’s unbelievable to be back out there. It has been a long time; I think it is my second competitive game for the U21s since February. So, to be back out there and to have the captain’s armband on it is really special.
“Having the armband, you feel that responsibility to lead the boys a bit more. I think that is important, but we must keep doing things right.
“I am honoured to get back out there in the starting XI and lead the team in a win."
Up Next
West Ham United U21s are next in action against Newport County on Tuesday 31 October.
The young Hammers head to Rodney Parade, with kick-off set for 7.30pm.
