West Ham United’s U18s were subject to late heartbreak as a last minute Kazaiah Sterling penalty saw them lose 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Hammers went behind in the opening 20 minutes when Jack Roles pounced on a clearance by Nathan Trott, only for Jahmal Hector-Ingram to draw the sides level with a neat finish 20 minutes later.
However, Spurs stole the three points in injury time when Sterling slotted home from the spot after Rosaire Longelo’s foul.
“It wasn’t a pleasant mood in the dressing room but we’ve had some last minute wins this season ourselves,” said assistant manager Mark Phillips.
“At the end of the day we’re developing players so it’s a good learning curve for them. They’ll hopefully learn to see games out and to play for the allotted 94 minutes.”
Manager Steve Potts made a few changes from the side that drew with Arsenal before the international break. Trott, Hector-Ingram, Declan Rice and Dan Kemp came in for Rihards Matrevics, the suspended Ben Johnson, Joe Powell and Ben Wells.
In windy conditions at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Ground, the Hammers created the first meaningful chance when Hector-Ingram forced a great save from Spurs keeper Brandon Austin.
It was the home side who took the lead though on 21 minutes. A scuffed clearance from Trott was chased down by Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Jack Roles rolled in the ball into the net.
Hector-Ingram sliced a great chance to equalise ten minutes later but the striker made amends five minutes before half-time, latching onto a brilliant through ball by Ireland U18 midfielder Anthony Scully.
The Hammers No9 showed his typical composure to slide the ball past the on-rushing Austin.
The second half was as even as the first with both sides having their fair share of possession.
Reece Hannam and Conor Coventry both had great chances for the Hammers to snatch a vital victory with long range efforts both missing the target.
Unfortunately for them, they would rue their missed opportunities. With virtually the last action of the match, Longelo fouled Jonathan Dinzeyi and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Substitute Sterling scored from the spot to succumb the Hammers to their first defeat in five matches.
“We had a number of opportunities to create chances today but just lacked a bit of that clinical edge in the final third.
“I can’t fault the boys for their commitment, desire and hunger and we’ve got the chance to bounce back quickly on Tuesday.”
Hammers XI: Trott; Eggleton (Wells, 46), Akinola, Rice, Hannam; Coventry, Henry; Kemp (Ngakia, 63), Scully, Longelo; Hector-Ingram (Rosa, 68).
Subs not used: Matrevics.
Goals: Hector-Ingram.