Five-star Hammers thrash Bermuda Select side

Bermuda

 

A five-star West Ham United U17 side were 5-1 winners over a Bermuda Select XI on Thursday in their second fixture at the Bermuda International Football Festival.

The east Londoners, who picked up a 1-1 draw in their opener against the country’s U19s, took on the home outfit made up of the best young players in the top two Bermuda FA leagues.

The young Hammers started very well, playing on the front foot and attacking from the start. The early breakthrough came after a clever one-two from Bernardo Rosa and Evan Khouri, with the latter finishing superbly well on the volley to put the Hammers into the lead.

West Ham continued to dominate the game with the midfield players Bernardo Rosa, Louie Watson, Sebastian Nebyla, Evan Khouri and Jay Mingi, and it was no surprise when we went further ahead when again Evan Khouri landed on a lose ball to slot past the advancing keeper.

Early in the second half, the Hammers were again celebrating when Bermuda defender Seth Somner was caught in possession, allowing the impressive Emmanuel longelo to steam in on goal and sweep the ball home from close range.

 

The young Hammers met with former West Ham striker Clyde Best and the Bermudan Sports Minister after the match

 

Bernardo Rosa, playing as a withdrawn striker, extended West Ham’s lead on the hour mark, crashing home a bouncing ball beyond substitute goalkeeper Shaquille Trott.

Summer signing Anouar El Mhassani missed a good opportunity for the Hammers soon after, forcing a fine save from Trott, while at the other end, Donovan Thompson, a second half introduction, saw an effort blocked and Jahiem Iris dragged a shot wide.

West Ham added a fifth when sub Kyle McGeachy effort took a wicked deflection off Somner before ballooning over the outstretched arms of Trott.

Bermuda Select pulled a goal back when Calin Maybury powered home a free-kick late on.

The Hammers will now prepare for a final group match against the Azores, heading into the fixture with a strong chance of qualification for the tournament’s final having picked up four points already.