Cheltenham Town 0-4 West Ham United U21s
Bristol Street Motors Trophy, Tuesday 7 November, The Completely-Suzuki Stadium, 7.30pm GMT
Another win for West Ham United U21s arrived at Cheltenham Town as our impressive start to the 2023/24 season continued.
The U21s made it three wins from three matches in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy as a 4-0 victory played out on Tuesday evening.
Ollie Scarles opened the scoring with 23 minutes played, before Divin Mubama struck just a minute later.
The Hammers extended their two-goal lead with a third in just ten first-half minutes, as George Earthy’s deflected shot put the game beyond the well-beaten hosts.
Chances came for more goals in the second half as Callum Marshall, Mubama and Dan Chesters both went close to adding a fourth.
That goal would arrive, though. Marshall added his 18th goal of the season ten minutes from time as he finished a sweeping attacking move.
The Irons, who have scored nine goals in their last three games, extended a current unbeaten run to 12 games.
West Ham United U21s: Anang, Chesters, Johnson, Casey (Luizao 65), Forbes © (Laing 70), Scarles, Orford (Moore 81) Kelly (Clayton 81), Earthy (Kodua 70), Mubama, Marshall
Subs not used: Abraham (GK), Tarima
Orford credits togetherness for an impressive run of form!
Lewis Orford was delighted with the U21s showing, as they topped Group H with three wins from three.
Orford, alongside midfield duo Patrick Kelly, has been a key part of the U21s’ success over the past few weeks. Against Cheltenham Town, he was again impressive.
“I put the run we are on down to hard work and togetherness," Orford stated. "We work so hard with each other in training. There’s criticism but it is always constructive.
“It’s 12 games unbeaten, which looks good for us. But we just want to kick on and get as far as we can in the league and in this trophy too.
“It’s a big achievement being into the knockouts when you are playing against league teams and professional players. I think we just need to push on and focus on the next game.
“[The last 32 match] will be a tough one, especially when you are playing other teams that are qualified out of the group. Hopefully, we can go as far as possible!”
Orford praised the U21s tactical set-up and admits he is enjoying playing in a side that is always looking to be on the front foot.
“It’s good to play in a team that is always on the ball and looking to attack,” he added. “It’s the best type of team to be in as a midfielder.
“I like keeping the ball and pushing the team forward. I don’t like playing backwards so I like to be positive and go forward when we need to.”
Up Next
West Ham United U21s return to Premier League International Cup action on November 28.
They play Lyon, with kick-off set for 7pm at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
