U18s defeat Urchins

West Ham United's Under-18s continued their preparations for the 2010/11 FA Premier Academy League season with an impressive 2-1 victory at AFC Hornchurch.

Academy Director Tony Carr sent his youngsters out against the Ryman League Premier Division club's first team with the aim of getting them used to the physical nature of senior football.

The U18s rose to the occasion in front of a 1,100-strong crowd at The Bridge, battling back from a goal down to secure a well-deserved win.

Jack Werndly (pictured) and Kieran Sadlier were on target for the Hammers, cancelling out a 39th-minute strike from Urchins striker Jamie Richards.

Prior to the opening goal, Sadlier had forced a fine save from Darren Behcet before Daniel Subuola fired an effort narrowly off-target.

At the other end, Richards shot against a post, while West Ham goalkeeper Sam Cowler had to be at his best to keep out Martin Tuohy's well-struck drive.

Into the second period and Sadlier was again denied before Werndly saw his shot take a big deflection and spin past the helpless Behcet on 53 minutes.

With substitute Daniel Purdy pulling the strings in midfield, the Hammers went on the hunt for a winning goal and it duly arrived when Sadlier struck a low shot into the bottom corner.

Having seen their advantage evaporate, Hornchurch launched a spirited fightback of their own, but Ross Hall and Paul Shave failed to trouble Cowler when well-placed.

The U18s complete their pre-season schedule with a trip to Norwich City U18s on Saturday before kicking-off their FA Premier Academy League season on Saturday 21 August with a visit to West Bromwich Albion.

West Ham United U18: Cowler, Hurley, Craig, Sanchez, Powell, Hunt, Sadlier, Vose, Werndly, Subuola
Sub: Purdy