Aston Villa U18s 2-4 West Ham United U18s
U18 Premier League South Division, Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Saturday 9 March 2024, 12 noon GMT
A first hat-trick at this level for Dan Rigge saw West Ham United U18s come from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 4-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Cole Brannigan and Ewan Simpson scored within the first three minutes to put the hosts on the front foot, but a hat-trick from Rigge, and a late strike from substitute Mehmet Halim kept West Ham top of the U18 Premier League South Division.
Kevin Keen's side were unbeaten in two league games ahead of kick-off in the Midlands, having registered back-to-back wins against Southampton and Norwich City.
But despite that run of form, the young Hammers made the worst possible start. Luka Lynch cut into the box from the right wing and fired a shot towards Fin Herrick, who saved well, only for the ball to fall perfectly for Brannigan, and he fired home the rebound unmarked from six yards.
West Ham had barely caught their breath before the home side doubled their advantage just one minute later. Goalkeeper Herrick played a risky short pass to Josh Briggs, but it was intercepted by Simpson, who took full advantage as he collected the loose ball, raced into the penalty area and slotted underneath Herrick.
Bradley Burrowes spurned a gilt-edged chance to add a third goal for Aston Villa after five minutes, when he latched onto a long through ball and found himself one-on-one, but he miscued his shot and Herrick was able to save from close-range.
The Irons stuck to their game plan well and showed a positive reaction, almost levelling through Rayan Oyebade’s effort that was parried to safety by Sam Proctor.
Josh Ajala then had an effort cleared off the line after he connected with a clever cut-back from Dan Rigge, before Elisha Sowunmi mistimed his effort from a dangerous position.
West Ham, though, eventually found a way back after 39 minutes, when Jethro Medine was allowed space and time to cut the ball back for Rigge to convert.
The U18s continued to dominate as the second half got underway, probing for a leveller. It almost arrived after 51 minutes, Tyron Akpata pulled the ball back for Sowunmi, but he could only blaze an effort over the bar, while up the other end Theodore Carroll headed a set-piece wide with the goal at his mercy.
Favour Fawunmi, Medine, Akpata all had efforts blocked as the Hammers tried to beat inspired home goalkeeper Proctor, before Ezra Mayers headed wide from a corner.
However, after Herrick made a magnificent double save to thwart Trai-Varn Mulley’s low right-foot drive and then Lynch’s follow-up, the Irons eventually levelled the scores as Rigge’s effort flew into the top corner.
Keen’s side had their tails up, and even after it appeared both sides looked to settle for a point, Rigge took control of the fixture in the final moments.
He completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Halim was clattered by Proctor. The midfielder then turned provider by picking out an unmarked Halim inside the box for the forward to fire home a fourth and seal an important three points.
West Ham United U18s: Herrick, Trialist, Briggs (Golambeckis 60), Oyebade (Dike 75), Mayers, Akpata ©, Nwosu, Medine, Rigge, Sowunmi (Fawunmi 60), Ajala (Halim 79)
Subs not used: Abraham (GK)
Goals: Rigge 40, 90, 90+4, Halim 90+7
Keen: This group's character is really special
At 2-0 down after just three minutes, it could have quickly become a disaster for the young Hammers’ title hopes, but they never gave up and were rewarded with what could prove to be a crucial three points.
As such, lead coach Kevin Keen was thrilled with his sides never-say-die attitude.
“It was one of those days where they started really fast and we started really slow, were 2-0 down inside five minutes and were wondering how are we going to do this,” Keen explained.
“Their goalkeeper played really well, we missed chances and you think it’s not quite going to be your day. But there’s something about this group, there is a resilience, toughness and they kept going into injury time and were rewarded. It shows what this group is about and they want to hang in there until the end of the season.
“I’m so pleased for Dan Rigge too, because he has been due a performance where all the little technical bits that perhaps people miss come off. He scored a great goal to equalise, then showed calmness to get the winner and created the fourth goal as well.
“I’m especially pleased for Mehmet [Halim] as well. He’s been out injured for a long time and has had to wait for his chance, but he’s come on and scored in the last two games and won us the penalty and scored the fourth goal as well.”
Rigge hat-trick inspires memorable win!
There is no doubt that Dan Rigge has been instrumental in the Hammers’ success so far this campaign. Today's hat-trick was no different.
The 17-year-old, who penned his first professional contract in Claret and Blue earlier this season, said: “I thought we started quite slow and found ourselves two goals behind pretty quickly but we showed good character to come back.
“It’s a first hat-trick in West Ham colours for me, so it’s a really proud moment and a good day for me on a personal note, scoring three goals and proving an assist as well.
“It will give me a lot of confidence and I’ll be looking to take that into the next game.”
Up Next
West Ham United U18s continue their league campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 16 March.
Kick-off is set for 11am at Little Heath Training Ground.
