West Ham United U18s 0-2 Manchester City U18s (AET)
FA Youth Cup fourth round, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 12 January, 7pm GMT
West Ham United U18s’ FA Youth Cup campaign came to an end as Manchester City edged a tense fourth-round tie 2-0 at Rush Green Stadium.
The Hammers, who lifted the competition’s trophy last season, were unable to follow their heroics against Southampton in round three, as they eventually succumbed to a narrow defeat on Friday evening.
Lewis Orford hit the bar as the hosts had chances to find the net before a gripping battle between two top youth sides went to extra-time following a goalless first 90 minutes.
A Jacob Wright penalty then put Manchester City ahead midway through the first half of extra-time, with Ezra Mayers harshly judged to have committed a foul after City hit the post.
Justin Oboavwoduo doubled the visitors’ lead a few minutes later, with a well-struck finish that found its way past Finlay Herrick at the near post.
Kevin Keen’s side, who sit top of the U18 Premier League South Division, had opportunities to set up a nervy ending as Orford saw his header well saved by True Grant late on.
But the Irons could not find their way back into the fixture and saw their FA Youth Cup defence end at the hands of last year’s semi-finalists - and three-time winners - Manchester City.
West Ham United U18s: Herrick, Battrum (c) (Medine), Golambeckis, Briggs, Mayers, Adiele, Orford, Scarles, Rigge (Jones), Ajala (Umolu), Sowunmi (Fawunmi)
Subs not used: Abraham (GK), Akpata, Oyebade
Booked: Orford
Keen proud of Hammers’ efforts against experienced City side
It was always going to be a tough ask for the young Hammers, especially against a side whose players regularly play up at the Premier League 2 level.
Kevin Keen, though, was pleased with his team’s efforts and made it clear that only narrow margins came between his side and round five.
The lead coach explained: “I am so proud of our performance tonight. It should make everybody connected to the Academy proud.
“I thought we were strong tonight. Manchester City are a really good team, but I thought we showed a lot of intelligence in defence with our performance.”
With many former and current Academy players watching on, and David Moyes in attendance too, there was a huge Claret and Blue feel to east London despite the final scoreline.
Keen agreed, and stated: “This Club is built around getting young players through to the first team and getting chances.
“Hopefully, the Gaffer might have seen a few performances that he likes. I think the future is really promising.
“The boys have been great all season. There is a really good feel and spirit about the squad.
"Whatever happens, they will keep working their socks off for West Ham and they will be driven by me to do that.”
Up next...
West Ham United U18s will return to league action at home to Chelsea on Tuesday 23 January.
The match will kick off at 12noon and be played at Little Heath training ground.
