- The Hammers U18s take on Fulham at Little Heath on Saturday
- They were beaten last time out against Reading and also suffered defeat to Stoke City in the FA Youth Cup
- Assistant boss Mark Phillips is looking forward to the London derby
West Ham United U18s will look to arrest a three game winless run at home to Fulham on Saturday at Little Heath.
The Hammers have endured a frustrating couple of weeks, losing twice in the league and being knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by Stoke City at the third round stage.
Most recently, a defeat last weekend to Reading meant the young Irons dropped down to fourth in the U18 Premier League South.
Speaking on Saturday, assistant manager Mark Phillips said: “I think Reading deserved to win today. They had the better chances than us. I wouldn’t say they’re a better footballing side than us but they definitely deserved to win on the day.
“It was a similar game to Tuesday (vs Stoke). They (Reading) were a physical, robust side and we struggled to deal with them.”
The defeat has blown the race for the top four wide open with five teams now vouching for the spots that will guarantee a place in the top division once the league splits in February.
The Hammers currently lie in fourth, having been top just a few weeks ago, and Phillips is urging his players to improve their form in a bid to finish in those places.
“If we keep playing in that vein, it’ll be us who misses out. I know that fact and I hope the players realise it.
“I think other teams have maybe analysed us and looked at the way we play and that’s fair enough. But it’s up to our players to stand up to that and be counted.”
This Saturday’s U18 Premier League South match between West Ham United U18s and Fulham kicks off at 11am at Little Heath. Parking and admission are both free.