Arsenal U18s 0-3 West Ham United U18s
Matthias Fanimo scored twice and Eliott Lee bagged his first goal at Under-18 level as West Ham United scored a superb 3-0 FA Premier Academy League victory at Arsenal.
The Hammers made it seven wins from eight league matches with an outstanding display in difficult windy conditions at London Colney and fully deserved a convincing success.
West Ham, who had conceded a two-goal advantage in losing 4-3 to league leaders Southampton the previous Saturday, were strong at the back this time around and never looked like relinquishing their lead at any stage once Fanimo had put his side in front after half-an-hour.
The win also saw January capture from Dulwich Hamlet, 17-year-old striker Paul McCallum, make his debut for the club.
Academy Director Tony Carr was naturally pleased with a fine day's work.
"It is a good result," Carr told whufc.com. "It was a very windy day and the weather made it difficult to control the ball in the swirling wind. The conditions meant it was a game of misplaced passes and mistakes. To be fair, though, I thought we adapted very well and were full-value for our victory."
Fanimo's opener arrived following sensational play from left-back Callum Driver, who made more than 40 yards before reaching the by-line and cutting the ball back for the England U17 winger (pictured) to convert from close-range.
Into the second half and the Hammers continued to hold the upper hand. It was therefore no surprise when schoolboy forward Lee doubled the visitors' advantage.
Jack Powell released Danny Purdy down the right and the Irish youth international send over an early low cross that Lee was able to slide in off the post.
West Ham made sure of the three points five minutes from time when Fanimo cut in from the left flank and unleashed a low, hard shot that flew across the goalkeeper and nestled into the far corner of the net.
"It was a good performance all-round," said Carr. "Not many people go to Arsenal and get a result like we did, so I have got to be pleased."
The Academy Director also had words of encouragement for debutant McCallum, who was playing non-league football just a few days ago.
"It was a learning experience for Paul. In the first half he could not really get in the game, but he did better in the second half.
"His fitness is a little bit short so he will have to work on that day-to-day, but all-in-all it was a good introduction for him as they don't get much tougher than playing away at Arsenal."
The U18s will return to action next Saturday morning, when they play host to Norwich City at Little Heath. Kick-off is at 11am, with admission and parking both free of charge.
West Ham United U18: Larkins, Young, Sanchez, Craig, Driver, Purdy, Powell, Wearen, Fanimo (Vose 75), McCallum, E.Lee (Turgott 75)