West Ham United U18s 2-1 Derby County U18s
U18s Premier League Cup, Saturday 21 October, Rush Green Stadium, 12:30pm BST
West Ham United U18s secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Derby County U18s in Premier League Cup Group B.
Following Dan Rigge’s incredible long-range strike, which settled the tie at Rush Green Stadium, the young Hammers occupy the top spot with just one group-stage match against Middlesbrough remaining.
While Kevin Keen’s side eventually stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches, it was a difficult start for the hosts.
Goalkeeper Fin Herrick was called into action twice in the opening ten minutes and denied Lennon Wheeldon twice from the edge of the box.
In response, the Hammers’ first big opportunity came with 15 minutes played when Josh Ajala side-footed the ball over the crossbar after Elisha Sowunmi’s neat cutback.
Both sides then had further chances to open the scoring midway through the first half as Ajala forced Harley Price into another save, before Derby’s Farren Simons placed his effort wide of the post.
After an action-packed but ultimately goalless first half, the visitors struck immediately after the interval when Wheeldon found space down the left flank, cut inside, and curled the ball into the top left corner.
But the West Ham response was emphatic as Ajala smartly intercepted a defensive error before he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to level the scores.
With the match in the balance, Rigge produced a moment of supreme quality with 67 minutes on the clock.
The attacking midfielder was well-placed to intercept Price’s clearance, lob the Derby goalkeeper with a first-time strike from 30 yards, and seal the three points.
West Ham United U18s: Herrick, Briggs, Mayers, Medine (Nwosu 66), Adiele, Battrum (Boothe 83), Fearon (Caliste 73), Fawunmi, Sowunmi, Rigge, Ajala (Uwandji 66)
Goals: Ajala 56, Rigge 67
Keen hails resilient Hammers
While Kevin Keen was disappointed to see his side concede quickly after halftime, the U18s lead coach was delighted with his side’s response to secure all three points.
“It was a high-quality, competitive game,” Keen explained. “Both teams played to win and there were some fantastic goals.
“We were able to come back again after falling behind and that just shows the mentality of this group. The first years have come in and adapted very quickly, and this group has a real togetherness.
“Derby are one of the best teams we’ve played this season but this group of players know what it means to win games.
“It was a big win for us and there were some brilliant performances. Fin Herrick was brilliant in goal and the subs came on and all made a real impact.”
With the match in the balance, Rigge produced the moment of quality to secure the victory and Keen was full of praise for his attacking midfielder after an outstanding goal.
He continued: “Dan has fantastic technique and fantastic vision. But he also does his job defensively and he works so hard at the top end of the pitch alongside Josh. It wasn’t necessarily his best performance today, but it was a special goal and a special moment.
“It was a fantastic finish and a special goal which deserved to win the game for us.”
Rigge: I didn't know how to celebrate when I scored!
Dan Rigge was delighted to help his side come from behind to claim three points on Saturday afternoon.
The attacking midfielder produced a moment of quality to put the Hammers 2-1 ahead after Keen’s side initially fell a goal behind seconds after half time.
And Rigge, who signed his first professional contract earlier this month, praised his teammates in another comeback victory.
“This is a really good group and we’ve been training well,” Rigge began. “We know our quality and we always believe that we have what it takes to come back in games. We showed that again today.
“Derby were very good, and it was tough for us to get our press right in the first half. In the end, we showed our quality and got the job done though. We’re on a good run and getting stronger every week.”
On his goal, Rigge added: “It’s probably the best goal I’ve ever scored. As soon as it left my foot it felt sweet, and I knew it was going in.
“The keeper was a decent distance off his line, and I hit it on the half volley, and I wasn’t sure what to do when it went in, to be honest!”
You can read more about Dan Rigge's start to life in East London by clicking here.
