West Ham United U21s 3-2 Derby County U21s
Premier League 2, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 5 April 2024, 7pm BST
West Ham United U21s moved back to the top of Premier League 2 with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Derby County U21s on Friday evening.
The young Hammers were made to work for three points by a stubborn performance from the visitors at Rush Green Stadium, although their hard work paid off.
After Junior Robinson, who signed a new contract last month, found the opening goal – scoring for a successive Premier League 2 match – with a neat finish on seven minutes, Derby levelled the fixture with 14 minutes played.
Lennon Wheeldon found the net to leave the game level at the break, although West Ham proved too strong in the second 45 minutes after Regan Clayton was denied by Derby goalkeeper Jack Thompson twice before the interval.
The Hammers came out roaring in the second half, pressing home the man advantage after visiting skipper Darren Robinson was sent off for a second booking on 63 minutes, to move two goals in front.
Kamarai Swyer made in 2-1 just two minutes later when he capped a superb move from the flying Hammers, before Sean Moore, with the aid of a slight deflection, doubled the West Ham advantage 12 minutes from time.
Despite a late Derby goal from Niall McAndrew in the 13th minute of stoppage time, West Ham saw out the win to move top of Premier League 2, ahead of a Premier League International Cup semi-final on Tuesday 9 April.
West Ham United U21s: Terry, Robinson, Tarima, Casey ©, Luizao (Mayers 18), Clayton (Briggs 90+1), Battrum (Rigge 79), Orford, Earthy, Swyer, Moore (Ajala 90+2)
Subs not used: Herrick (GK)
Goals: Robinson 7, Swyer 65, Moore 78
Booked: Robinson
Potts praises Hammers’ resilience to get over the line
There is no doubt the U21s had to work for their victory against Derby County, with lead coach Steve Potts praising the attitude of the Hammers to get over the line.
It was a bit scrappy at times, but the side moved top of the tree and have recorded successive wins in PL2 after recent triumphs over Brighton & Hove Albion and then Derby.
Potts said: “We limited them in the second half and forced them to play on the counter. I thought we did some good stuff and got into some good positions, but we just couldn’t finish the game off.
“I am disappointed with the goals that we conceded because they didn’t have too many chances, but they got two goals still.
“I thought we dominated chances overall but never really put the game away with them getting a man sent off.”
As the Hammers battled to victory, the lead coach also praised the defensive line and thought that U18 Ezra Mayers did well when he replaced Luizao after 18 minutes.
He added: “Ezra came on and played the majority of the game. He did well and looked comfortable at this level. I thought he got better and better as the game went on."
Swyer's strike the highlight of the three West Ham goals
Scorer of the West Ham second, Kamarai Swyer was pleased to play his part in the win.
The Hammers No9 showed his quality once again after returning from a loan with EFL League Two side Crawley Town, finding the net not long after the hour.
Our U21s are back ahead after a brilliant strike from Kamarai Swyer 👏 pic.twitter.com/4efHkOv7xG
— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 5, 2024
His finish was arguably the biggest moment of quality in the game, as his one-touch strike hit the roof of the net to make it 2-1.
“I definitely feel that in the first half Derby made it difficult for us and they are a tough team to play,” he explained.
“Steve told us to keep on doing what we are doing, keep moving the ball and chances will keep on coming and that’s what happened.
“We were playing well before the red card, but when that happens it is important you capitalise, and we did that.
“We scored quickly after [the red card] and it gave us a good boost, changed the momentum and we managed to kick on from there.
“I think [a goal] has been coming. I’ve been unlucky in the last couple of games, so I’m delighted to score and be able to help the team.”
Up next
West Ham United U21s are next back in action against PSV in the Premier League International Cup semi-finals.
The fixture will be played at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Tuesday 9 April, with kick-off set for 7pm.
