West Ham United U21 vs Middlesbrough U21

KO:19:00

27/10/2023

The Rush Green Stadium

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West Ham United U21s v Middlesbrough U21s
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 27 October, 7pm BST

West Ham United U21s return to Premier League 2 action on Friday when Middlesbrough travel to east London.

The young Hammers seek to move nine games unbeaten in all competitions following a 2-2 draw with Manchester City last time out.

A tough test awaits in the U21s’ seventh league outing of the season against third-placed Middlesbrough, however.

Read on for our full preview below...

Potts: We expect a good game against Boro

Lead coach Steve Potts has challenged his side to continue their good start to the campaign.

In only the Hammers' second competitive match in October, Potts wants his side to maintain the high levels they have set so far.

He expects a solid performance against Middlesbrough, then.

“We’ve had a few weeks without a competitive game,” Potts stated. “But we put in three friendlies so that time didn’t drift by with just training.

“This year has been a real mix of opponents. We haven’t played Boro for a few seasons but they have started the season really well.

“I think Middlesbrough aren’t going to give us much. They have been really hard-working but they have quality going forwards because they have scored a lot of goals this year.

“It will be a real test both in and out of possession for us.”

Knightbridge: We must keep the momentum after good start

It has been quite the year for goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge, who has returned to Premier League 2 action following a loan with non-league outfit Harrow Borough last summer.

The young goalkeeper has started each of the Hammers’ league outings this season and has been in inspired form.

Against Southampton, he showed his quality between the sticks with a string of top saves, while at Manchester City the goalkeeper showed his ability with his feet. His crossfield pass set the Hammers’ second goal in motion.

As such, Knightbridge is adamant he can continue his own - and the team’s - run of form on Friday night.

"It has been good with some of the boys away on international duty for us to re-group," he explained.

"We have worked on a few things with the lads, to rest and to recover, and there's been opportunities to train with the first team too.

"Every game is an opportunity for three points but you have to careful when we play teams we haven’t faced before.

"Yes, it should be a good test, but I feel like it has been a great start to the year. On a personal level, I think I have been in some of the best form I've ever been in.

"I am hoping to carry that on through the next games and the next months, starting with Middlesbrough."

Last Time Out

A resolute showing from West Ham United U21s at Manchester City saw goals from Callum Marshall and Gideon Kodua secure a point.

The Hammers moved seventh in the Premier League 2 table, four points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur, with an impressive performance in the defending champions' backyard.

Opposition

It has been a bright start to the season for Middlesbrough, who sit third in the Premier League 2 table ahead of Friday’s fixtures.

The visitors are unbeaten so far, winning four of their first six games of 2023/24.

Middlesbrough seek a fifth straight win after taking three points from Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, and Stoke City across their last four matches.

Tickets

Tickets are available to buy from the turnstiles on Friday evening. U18s tickets are priced at £1, while Adult tickets cost £5.

West Ham United Season Ticket Holders can attend the fixture for free and just need to show proof of ownership at turnstiles.

How to Follow

We will have a live blog on the Club’s website, with a report, reaction, and highlights to follow shortly after the full-time whistle.

West Ham United U21s 5-0 Middlesbrough U21s
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 27 October, 7pm

Twenty goals in PL2 already in 2023/24 as five more arrived at Rush Green Stadium on Friday night in another sensational attacking display.

Callum Marshall poked home the first of the night in a 5-0 win over Middlesbrough, before the in-form forward struck twice in the second half to secure another PL2 hat-trick. He had three against Leeds United last month and Boro were next in his sights.

George Earthy was also on the scoresheet and found the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time, while Lewis Orford, introduced as a second-half substitute, found the net just three minutes after his introduction.

A sixth goal could have arrived had Marshall not seen his penalty saved in second-half stoppage time, although the forward had already netted his 13th, 14th, and 15th of a stunning campaign, before he stepped up from 12 yards.

With victory, the Hammers rise to third in the PL2 table leapfrogging Middlesbrough, who started the evening in the top three, in the process.

Steve Potts’ men are now nine games unbeaten in all competitions and head to Newport County confident of getting a second positive result in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

West Ham United U21s: Knightbridge, Robinson, Laing (Luizao 46), Casey, Forbes ©, Coventry, Kelly (Orford 46), Kodua (Scarles 61), Marshall, Earthy (Chesters 61)
Subs not used: Terry (GK)

Goals: Marshall 11, 61, 77, Earthy 45, Orford 49

Forbes: It’s a great performance all-round from the lads

Returning skipper Michael Forbes was delighted by the performance of the Hammers, who struck five goals in East London.

But while credit will go to the attackers once more, there is no doubt the defence played their part.

A game that was at one point in the balance – Middlesbrough had their chances in the first half – saw the Hammers’ defence, alongside keeper Jacob Knightbridge stand tall to lead the charge for victory.

Their performance gave the Irons the chance to push on and grab a comprehensive win in the second half.

“We haven’t played a competitive game for a while,” Forbes said, “but in the first half Jacob made some really good saves and defensively as a unit, I thought we were really strong.

“It was nice as a defence to keep a clean sheet because you are not the ones scoring goals! It’s great to do that, especially when you win 5-0.

“They were a good side don’t get me wrong, but we blew them away, especially our attack.”

On a personal level, Forbes was pleased to make his first start since opening day for the U21s.

The defender has featured across the October international break for Northern Ireland U21s but he was delighted to lead his Club out on Friday following a return to fitness.

He added: “It’s unbelievable to be back out there. It has been a long time; I think it is my second competitive game for the U21s since February. So, to be back out there and to have the captain’s armband on it is really special.

“Having the armband, you feel that responsibility to lead the boys a bit more. I think that is important, but we must keep doing things right.

“I am honoured to get back out there in the starting XI and lead the team in a win."