Flastav Zlin 4-2 West Ham United U18s
Zlatý Kahan Cup, 23 July 2022
West Ham United U18s suffered a late heartbreak as a 4-2 loss to Flastav Zlin saw the Hammers miss out on the Zlatý Kahan Cup.
The Irons headed into Saturday’s match knowing that losing by only one goal would be enough to secure themselves as winner of the tournament, but found themselves two goals down at half-time.
Excellent strikes from Gideon Kodua and Callum Mashall in the second half had the Hammers back on level terms on the day, and in the driving seat for the Cup, but two further late goals for Zlin broke West Ham hearts.
It was a bright start for the U18s in their fourth match in five days as Umolu attempted his first effort of the afternoon, striking a shot from distance after skipping over a challenge. His attempt was narrowly wide of the near post.
The Irons found space to work with on the left side as Favour Fawunmi and Tyron Akpata combined, with the duo working an opportunity after 12 minutes. The resulting ball across goal was turned over the bar by Umolu.
It proved to be a crucial moment too as, just seconds later, Zlin countered, firing home a low shot at Finley Herrick’s near post to take the advantage.
The U18s looked to battle back in the first period, with Umolu heading just over, but the Czech side would double their lead on 25 minutes, powering home after a well-worked move on their left.
With a two-goal deficit, the Hammers had it all to do in the second half.
Lead coach Kevin Keen made use of the rolling substitutes rule implemented in this tournament at half-time, bringing on a number of fresh faces for the second period, and the Irons got their just rewards for a strong start six minutes after the restart.
Marshall was in the right place to steal in as Zlin played out from the back. The striker took possession, played across to Kodua, who gratefully powered home to half the deficit.
The Hammers continued to show their class in the second half, despite having to contend with some expert game management from Zlin, and finally made the possession and chances count with a terrific leveller.
Lewis Orford received a quick fee-kick from Ryan Battrum and an intrinsic, one-touch move saw the ball come out to Marshall. The striker was around the back of the defence and smashed in a fantastic strike.
With the tie level, the Hammers were on their way to securing the Cup, but a swift counter allowed Zlin in on the right. The ball fell kindly and a low strike squirmed home.
Caught out by the finish, the Hammers allowed Zlin to get forward again, scoring a fourth deep in the second half. The goal was the one that the Czech side needed to claim the tournament, handing the Hammers their first loss in the final game of the competition.
West Ham United U18s: Herrick, Falase, Briggs, Casey, Fawunmi, Scarles, Akpata, Uwandji, Rigge, Kodua, Umolu
Rolling substitutes used: Jones, Earthy, Orford, Battrum, Mukasa, Kelly, Marshall
Subs not used: Terry, Nallo, Boothe, Mayers
Goals: Kodua 36, Marshall 54