West Ham United's Under-18s returned to FA Premier
Academy League action on Saturday morning with a 2-2 draw against
group leaders Arsenal at Little Heath.
Tony Carr's side had to come from behind twice against their
London rivals, as goals from Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas
rescued a point.
After the visitors had taken an early lead, Hammers forced their
first equaliser in the 30th minute, as a deep cross from the right
found its way through to Collison, who slammed the ball home from
six yards out.
Hammers keeper David Blackmore produced a superb diving save to
keep the scores level early in the second half, but was left
red-faced soon after, as the Gunners took the lead in comical
fashion. A long punt forward from a defender in his own half
appeared to be causing no danger, but Blackmore was deceived by the
bounce of the ball and only managed to palm it into the net.
Despite the setback, the hosts regained their momentum and were
rewarded for their efforts with a second equaliser 10 minutes from
time, as Collison threaded a perfect pass through for Stanislas,
who ran clean through and finished well from close range.
Hammers almost grabbed victory late on, when Bondz Ngala crashed a
volley against the bar from just eight yards out, but in the end
both sides were forced to settle for a point.
Carr was also boosted by the return from injury of defender James
Tomkins, who appeared as a 75th minute substitute - his first taste
of action since suffering a dislocated shoulder while playing for
the reserves, ironically against Arsenal, back in October.
Hammers: Blackmore; Miller, Spence (Tomkins 75), Ngala, Widdowson;
Harvey, Hales (Fitzgerald 70), Collison, Stanislas; Jeffery
(O'Neill 85), Sears. Subs unused: Stech, Blackwell.
*TO SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YOUTH TEAM'S 2-2 DRAW WITH ARSENAL, GO TO WHUTV NOW AND HEAD TO THE BUBBLING UNDER CHANNEL...