Highlights & Reaction | U21s secure back-to-back wins in National League Cup at Ebbsfleet

Ebbsfleet United 1-2 West Ham United U21s
National League Cup Group D, Kuflink Stadium, Tuesday 7 January 2025, 7pm GMT

West Ham United U21s took all three points from their opening game of the calendar year with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ebbsfleet United at Kuflink Stadium, marking their third consecutive win and second in a row against senior opposition in the National League Cup.

Dominating for large spells, the young Hammers took the game to their National League opponents, creating plenty of chances while staying tight at the back, and scoring two excellent team goals. Despite a late surge from the hosts, West Ham deservedly took the three points back to east London, setting up a decisive final group game against Dagenham & Redbridge.

After a three-week fixture break, the young Hammers wasted no time in asserting themselves. Their control of possession and creativity in the final third quickly yielded results, with Josh Ajala scoring his third goal in as many games in the competition. The forward calmly finished off a slick team move in the ninth minute after Kamarai Swyer had spotted the forward’s run following an Emeka Adiele interception in midfield.

Ajala grabs his third goal in as many games in the National League Cup 🪄 pic.twitter.com/V4MnvrDBpj

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 7, 2025

West Ham's defence, marshalled by Ezra Mayers, Levi Laing and Luizão, held firm throughout the first half, restricting Ebbsfleet to very limited opportunities. The young Hammers created a flurry of chances to extend their lead, including a penalty, saved by young Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Felix Goddard, as well as efforts from Preston Fearon, Junior Robinson and Ryan Battrum. Despite their attacking dominance, the score remained 1-0 at the break.

Keeping the momentum into the second half, the Hammers doubled their lead in the 55th minute. Following a spell of patient build-up play, the Hammers suddenly upped the tempo. Played in by Fearon, Adiele broke down the left and delivered a perfectly weighted cutback for Swyer, who smashed the ball home with confidence to score his second goal of the season against senior opposition.

The goal that ultimately proved the difference 💪 pic.twitter.com/1MbzMzYX7Q

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 7, 2025

Ebbsfleet threatened to mount a comeback late on, with Nathan Odokonyero denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Fin Herrick in a one-on-one situation. The hosts did manage to pull one back in the 86th minute when Odokonyero capitalised on a lofted free-kick to fire in from close range, setting up a very tense finale. Ebbsfleet pressed high, but would ultimately end up ruing their late misses. In stoppage time, firstly Adiele denied a goalscoring chance with an excellently timed tackle inside the penalty area, before the resulting corner was well cleared by substitute Airidas Golambeckis who rose highest to deal with the danger.

The win moves West Ham to second in the Group D standings, occupying the final qualifying spot ahead of the deciding fixture at Dagenham & Redbridge on 21 January. The young Hammers return to action on Sunday looking to carry their momentum into their next Premier League 2 match away to Liverpool.

Ebbsfleet United: Goddard, Bingham, Moncur (Manktelow 61), Samuel (Odokonyero HT), Poleon (Domi 11), Chapman (John HT), Olagunju (Wakeley 73), Dallison, Kane, Aoraha, Davies
Subs not used: Firth (GK), Anthony

Goal: Odokonyero 85
 

West Ham United U21s: Herrick, Laing (Golambeckis 73), Mayers, Luizão, Robinson, Orford © (Akpata 66), Fearon (Moore 89), Mayers, Battrum (Tarima 89), Swyer, Ajala (Dolaghan 89)
Subs not used: Terry (GK), Caliste

Goals: Ajala 9, Swyer 54

Booked: Junior Robinson

Swyer: I look forward to these games that bit more

Among the standout performers in the U21s’ latest victory in the National League Cup was Kamarai Swyer. Facing physically robust senior sides in the EFL Trophy and National League Cup is something Swyer relishes, confident in his ability to compete and contribute, this time, with a goal and assist.

“Obviously, every game is important,” he said. “But for me, being one of the older lads, I definitely look forward to the games against senior opposition that bit more. It’s good to come here, get the win, and grab a goal as well.”

“I held my own,” he continued. “They’re men, but I didn’t look out of place physically. I got on the ball well and created for my teammates, which is what I always try to do.

“For our first goal, the ball broke to me, and I saw Josh [Ajala] peeling off. He’s a good finisher, so I had no doubt he’d put it away. As for the second one, it was a really good team goal, with some one-touch passes in there. When Emi [Adiele] got the ball, I was screaming at him! Luckily, he heard me and found me, and I was able to put it away.”

Robson: I'm really happy with how we played

After a commanding 2-1 win, West Ham United U21s lead coach Mark Robson praised his side for their overall team effort. The young Hammers secured their third consecutive victory, with standout performances all over the pitch, while also taking away valuable lessons from a nervy ending.

“I was really pleased tonight,” he said. “I thought we controlled the game for large parts of it, and some of our play was outstanding. There were some excellent individual performances, and as a team, I was really happy with how we played.

“We said in the dressing room at the end that those final few minutes and stoppage time caused us some problems. We didn’t clear our lines when we needed to. Sometimes, you just have to kick the ball up the pitch. It doesn’t have to be pretty all the time. When you get the chance to ease the pressure and push up, you have to take it. It’s a good learning curve for some of our younger players who are sometimes more inclined to play it out. It’s a lesson learned.”

Speaking of the younger members of the squad, Robson took a moment to commend those who have stepped up to the U21s from the U18s this season, including recent additions Preston Fearon and Airidas Golambeckis.

He said: “All round, it was really pleasing. The young lads who’ve joined the U21s this season have done so very well. Credit to Lauris [Coggin] and Zav [Hines] for the work they do with the U18s, and Kevin Keen for his contributions in the last few seasons. They’ve set a great foundation, allowing these players to come into this environment and thrive. The whole team was excellent, both in and out of possession. The work that Steve [Potts] and Gel [Prenderville] do really came together.”

After a three-week period without a competitive fixture, Robson’s young Hammers took on Norwich City U21s in a training game in preparation for their return to the National League Cup.

Robson added: “We went to Norwich last week with two squads, each playing 45 minutes, to shake off the cobwebs. That served its purpose. You wouldn’t have thought we’d had three weeks without a fixture given how we hit the ground running tonight. I’m impressed with everyone, players and staff alike. We’ve worked hard to get where we are today.”

National League Cup Group D