West Ham United’s Academy were crowned Bermuda International Football Festival champions as they were 5-3 winners in the final contest against the Azores.
With both sides going into the all-important clash unbeaten throughout their group stage matches, a sizeable crowd was in a attendance to watch what promised to be an intriguing final.
And the game began in the worst possible fashion for the U17s, with the east Londoners conceding within five minutes.
But not to be deterred, the Hammers got into their stride and equalised with a powerful Bernardo Rosa shot which levelled the scores at 1-1.
Those in Claret and Blue then began to dominate possession and Anouar El Mhassani was able to latch onto a superb through ball and put his side ahead after rounding the goalkeeper.
West Ham were then forced to withstand some intense pressure before the break, but could not hold up. From a corner kick, it was 2-2.
After the restart, the game failed to settle down and more goals were inevitable. West Ham again took the lead when Rosa grabbed his second of the game, rocketing an unbelievable shot into the net from 30 yards out.
With 20 minutes remaining, the tie swung another way as the Azores levelled for 3-3. Again, it was a set-piece that undid West Ham.
Within minutes, an opening landed at the feet of Sebastian Nebula who coolly took the ball with his first touch and volleyed past the keeper with his second for 4-3.
Azores pushed forward searching for the equaliser but with Louie Watson intercepting the ball in midfield and sliding the ball through the open defence to Manny Longelo, West Ham were two goals to the good as the attacker rounded the Keeper and superbly put the ball in the bottom corner.
After lifting the trophy, proud Academy Director Terry Westley said: “The trip has been a great learning experience for this young team. We’ve experienced a hostile environment, a physical encounter, coming back from set-backs and then having courage to continue to play in an attractive and entertaining style to win the first Bermudian International Cup is fantastic.
“Great credit goes to the players for keeping their composure and showing their technical ability against a much older Azores team.
“I’d also like to thank the staff who were here with us; Billy Lepine, Ben Male, Hayden Gale and Jake Hurst, who deserve great credit for the way they have worked with the players throughout this trip.
“It’s bee a great experience for all and one we are extremely grateful to Clyde Best and the organisational committee of this inaugural International Cup for.”