Moncur aiming high

George Moncur is shooting for the top after netting his first goal for West Ham United's Under-18 side.

The all-action midfielder, whose playing style is very much in the mould of his father, former Hammer John, netted a spectacular 87th-minute equaliser from 25 yards in the 2-2 pre-season draw at Tiptree United on Wednesday.

The goal capped an impressive all-round performance for the 15-year-old, who completed a full 90 minutes against an Essex Senior League side containing players nearly twice his tender age.

"It was great. I really enjoyed the game," said a smiling Moncur, who also featured in the reserve team friendly at Cambridge United on 18 July. "I thought it was really good game against a good team.

"I just picked the ball up and hit it. It was a great feeling for me when it hit the back of the net. I scored a couple for the Under-16s last season, but that was a special moment for me."

Moncur, who has recently completed his studies at Roding Valley High School and will soon begin life as a full-time Academy scholar, seemed to be everywhere at Chapel Road, winning tackles and headers and picking out his team-mates with pinpoint passes.

The teenager said his father, who played 203 times for the Hammers, had urged him to get involved in proceedings as often as possible.

Having taken that advice on board, the younger Moncur is aiming to follow in his Dad's footsteps and one day step out at the Boleyn Ground in the Barclays Premier League.

"I just like to get on the ball and move it around the pitch quickly," said the youngster. "I don't mind getting stuck into a tackle either. My Dad has told me to get on the ball as often as possible and keep it moving quickly and that's what I try to do.

"I am an Academy scholar now so I'd love to have a regular place in the Under-18 squad this coming season. West Ham has always been my team so I'd love to follow my Dad and play for the first team.

"I used to come and watch West Ham when I was a kid and I'd love to get out there and play myself."

Before then, however, Moncur is expected to be part of a West Ham U17 side that will travel across London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 25 July in their second pre-season friendly.