Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 West Ham United U21s
Bristol Street Motors Trophy last 16, Adams Park, Tuesday 9 January 2024, 7pm GMT
West Ham United U21s exited the Bristol Street Motors trophy at the last 16 stage following a 2-1 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers.
A performance full of heart, skill, and fight narrowly came up short as the Hammers’ 16-game run ended at Adams Park Stadium.
To the U21s’ credit, they pushed their EFL League One opposition right to the end and almost forced penalties late on.
Gideon Kodua’s second-half strike breathed life into a tie that looked to have gone away from the U21s after a Lewis Orford own-goal and Richard Kone strike in the first half.
A dramatic late equaliser almost arrived when Callum Marshall and Gideon Kodua both went close in additional time.
But Wycombe held on to progress to the last eight at the young Irons' expense.
The Hammers, though, will take confidence and pride from their performance on Tuesday evening, as well as their previous four wins over EFL opponents in the competition.
They return to Premier League 2 action next Monday away to West Bromwich Albion.
West Ham United U21s: Anang, Chesters (Robinson 81), Casey, Forbes © (Laing 61), Luizao, Scarles (Moore 88), Kelly (Ajala 88), Orford, Earthy, Marshall, Kodua
Subs not used: Knightbridge (GK) Tarima, Clayton
Goal: Kodua 58
Potts: U21s will grow a lot from this experience
It has taken 16 games but the U21s' unbeaten run has finally come to an end.
Despite the final result, there were plenty of positives to take from the way the U21s battled back into the tie.
Potts was adamant the young Irons can grow from the defeat and the experience of going toe-to-toe with EFL opposition.
The lead coach explained: “I’ve said a lot that this tournament is a great experience for the boys, and it was the case again tonight…maybe for different reasons.
“It was a real taste of what League football is about. I think in the first five minutes they started quickly, and it could have been two or three [goals] for them.
"We got into the game, but I don’t think we really got going like we do and that is a credit to Wycombe. They made it really difficult for us.
“Parts for the second half were good, but it still wasn’t at the level we have been this season. Hopefully, the boys will take a lot from this game because it is not easy being a footballer.”
Trailing 2-0 at the interval, the lead coach was proud of the spirit shown in the second half.
Gideon Kodua’s effort on 58 minutes threatened to take the game to penalties, which the Hammers almost forced late with chances in additional time.
Potts, though, admitted he could not fault the effort of his side.
“I can't criticise the boys because 16 games unbeaten is a fantastic run and it is always going to come to an end eventually,” he added.
“I hope they take on board what league football is all about, though. They know how difficult it can be and that wherever you play you are going to be tested and I thought they really were tested tonight.”
Up Next
The U21s are next in action away to West Bromwich Albion in Premier League 2 on Monday 15 January.
Our U18s, meanwhile, will return to FA Youth Cup action with a fourth-round tie against Manchester City on Friday 12 January at 7pm at Rush Green Stadium.
