Youth Triumph Tarnished

West Ham United's under-19 side secured a 1-0 win over Wolves in their final Academy league match of the season on Saturday - but the victory was overshadowed by the misfortune of triallist Raul Carrizo, who suffered a broken leg in his first game for the club.

James Allen's stunning free-kick 10 minutes from time sealed the three points against the midlanders, but the result paled into insignificance after the injury to Carrizo, who was stretchered off in the 75th minute following a reckless challenge that saw the Wolves offender sent off.

The young Australian midfielder, who plays for Fiorentina in Italy and holds a British passport, was experiencing his first taste of English football in the hope of earning a permanent move to Upton Park

Said Academy Director Tony Carr: "It is horrible for any young player to suffer this kind of injury, but it is especially unfortunate for Raul, who was only playing in his first game and is over here on his own.

"He is now in hospital over here and has had an operation. It is only right that we look after the boy and ensure he gets the best possible care.

"I have spoken to Raul's parents, but his father is currently in Switzerland, so it is difficult. It is just one of those things that happens in football, but it is very sad for the boy and we wish him all the best in his recovery."

On the victory in the final game of the season, Tony said: "It was a tough game but we deserved the win and it ended the season nicely for us.

"We have finished second in our group behind Ipswich and have been unbeatean since October, so the boys deserve a lot of credit.

"It has been a tough league and we have had to travel everywhere apart from London to play our matches, so I am pleased with the progress we have made."

Team: Jackson, McClenahan, Lumsden, Ferdinand, Ward, Carrizo (Ritchie 75), Akinsete, Mehmet, Smith (Fletcher 75), Eastwood, Allen. Subs unused: Pearson, Morris.