U18s defeat Arsenal

Tony Carr was a happy man after watching his West Ham United Under-18s secure a hugely impressive 3-1 FA Premier Academy League victory over Arsenal.

The Academy Director admitted to being impressed after watching his side battle back from a goal down at half-time to defeat the highly-rated Gunners at Little Heath.

Former Arsenal youngster Ahmed Abdulla, Cristian Montano and substitute George Moncur were all on target as the Hammers won for the second straight match and extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

Having seen his youngsters put their indifferent start to the season behind them, Carr was pleased with the performance of his players at both ends of the pitch.

"We started brightly and Danny Subuola had a great chance to put us 1-0 up, but fired it wide. Arsenal then took the lead about halfway through the first half, so we went into half-time a goal down," said Carr.

"We also lost Eoin Wearen to a knee injury after half-an-hour, with George Moncur coming on to replace him.

"We started the second half well and Ahmed scored the equaliser from close-range five minutes in following good work from Cristian and Conor Okus.

"After the goal, we controlled the game and looked the better team, and were rewarded on 70 minutes when a really good passing move ended with Cristian firing high into the top corner from an acute angle.

"Our third goal came in the last minute, when Calum Driver's header from a corner was cleared from off the line to George on the edge of the penalty area. He took a touch and drove it high into the goal.

"That is two wins on the spin now and four games unbeaten, so hopefully we've turned the corner. We've been more ruthless in front of goal and more stingy at the back, which is a good combination to have."

The U18s return to action with a trip to Fulham next Saturday morning.

West Ham United U18: Street, Driver, Craig, Sanchez, Brown (Purdy 86), Barrett, Okus, Wearen (Moncur 30), Subuola (Modelski 90),  Abdulla, Montano
Subs not used: Loveday, Lampe, Smith, Werndly