Academy

Report & Highlights: U18s go second with Norwich City win

1st October 2023

West Ham United U18s 2-0 Norwich City
U18 Premier League South Division, Little Heath Training Ground, Saturday 30 September, 12 noon BST

Goals from Emeka Adiele and Daniel Rigge saw West Ham United U18s beat Norwich City U18s and extend a winning run to four games in U18 Premier League South Division.

A valuable three points – and a stunning performance too – saw the young Hammers move second in the table, with 12 points from their first five league games.

Unbeaten in five matches in all competitions, the U18s saw Emeka Adiele open the scoring showing composure to find the top corner with a placed first-time effort from the edge of the area. His first goal of the season put the Hammers ahead after just six minutes.

The Irons made their early start count too and scored a second just four minutes later. Jemiah Umolu flicked the ball effortlessly over his man and played a neat through ball to Daniel Rigge.

The attacking midfielder took a touch before he found the near bottom corner from inside the area.

Chances continued to flow for the Hammers but the two-goal cushion – one secured inside ten minutes, alongside a resolute defensive display – was enough for a victory.

West Ham United U18s: Herrick, Adiele (Jones 68), Battrum, Mayers, Briggs, Nwosu (Caliste 59), Fawunmi, Akpata (Boothe 73), Rigge, Umolu (Ajala 58), Sowunmi
Subs not used: Abraham (GK)

Goals: Adeile 6 Rigge 10
Booked: Fawunmi Sowunmi

Coggin praises Rigge's efforts to beat Canaries

Lauris Coggin was full of praise for scorer of the second goal on Saturday Dan Rigge.

The young Hammer suffered an injury against Arsenal in the opening game of the season but has shown bravery and determination to play over the past weeks with a face mask.

Skilful on the ball and a worker without it, Rigge also showed his finishing skills, with a neat goal on ten minutes.

And the assistant coach was delighted No10, who also featured in the U21s friendly against Canvey Island over the summer.

Coggin said: “It's brilliant to have Dan back and playing. His goal was something he has been working on and he always shows quality on the pitch and is a big [part of the group.

“His assists and goals are going to be vital over the season and we want him to keep working to improve his game going forward.

“The togetherness shown by the group is of huge importance though and behind all the good things that we do.

"I also want to pick out the defensive unit, who were outstanding yet again. The clean sheet highlights our desire to get that perfection on the pitch and we want to keep working hard to improve our game ahead of a busy October schedule.”