Sutton United (3) 3-3 (4) West Ham United U21s (West Ham win bonus point on penalties)
Natiional League Cup, Group C, VBS Community Stadium, Tuesday 21 October 2025, 7pm BST
West Ham United U21s claimed a bonus point on penalties after an entertaining 3-3 draw against Sutton United in the National League Cup.
A brace from Emeka Adiele and a late penalty from Josh Ajala were unfortunately not enough to secure all three points as the hosts equalised twice late on.
Undeterred, our young Hammers’ four flawless spot kicks earned a really important extra point which sees them sit just a point off Woking in second. The Cardinals, who West Ham beat in their first game in this competition, currently occupy the second qualifying spot, albeit with an extra game played.
Stepping into the dugout for the second time with our U21s was once again Head of Coaching and Player Development Greg Lincoln, who watched his young side make a sprightly start at Gander Green Lane.
The early stages were dominated by our young Hammers, who played with energy and purpose from back to front.
Preston Fearon drove forward from defence to spark the first chance of the game, setting up Ryan Battrum for a shot that deflected inches wide. Moments later, clever interplay between Adiele and Fearon created another opening, while Josh Landers went close after a surging run through the middle.
Despite their strong start, the home side struck first against the run of play. A cross from Aaron Jones was met by Noa Boutin at the back post, giving Sutton the lead midway through the first half.
But West Ham responded superbly. The equaliser came just over ten minutes later when Battrum’s driving run allowed Adiele to continue his charge and fire a low effort into the far corner. The same pair combined again moments later, Battrum feeding Gabriel Caliste, who slipped the ball through for Adiele to slot home his second and turn the game around before half-time.
Two in two minutes for Adiele 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5HlBSf3zZl
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 21, 2025
West Ham went into the break deservedly ahead and began the second half looking to extend their advantage. Battrum went close with a low effort, while Fearon and Josh Landers continued to trouble the Sutton defence with their movement.
As the game entered its final stages, Adiele almost capped a brilliant performance with a hat-trick after a dazzling solo run, only to see his shot saved by goalkeeper David Aziaya.
It proved a key moment, as Sutton equalised moments later after through Jayden Harris.
The young Hammers showed great mindset, hitting back immediately when substitute Jethro Medine was brought down in the box. Returning from injury, substitute Ajala confidently tucked away the resulting penalty to restore the lead with two minutes of normal time remaining.
However, there was another late twist as Brandon Njoku levelled for Sutton in stoppage time, meaning the game would be decided by a penalty shootout for a bonus point.
Captain Airidas Golambeckis, Ajala, Adiele and Battrum all converted from the spot, while Krisztián Hegyi, in his first competitive appearance since undergoing surgery following an injury picked up on international duty with Hungary in March, produced the decisive save to seal a 4-3 shootout win and the extra point for the young Hammers.
The result sees West Ham move to within one point of Woking in the second qualifying spot, with a game in hand. Lincoln’s side will travel to Truro City at the end of November for their third National League Cup fixture.
Sutton United: Aziaya, Phipps, Simper (Bell 77), Pruti (Taylor 45+1), Tizzard, Jones © (Eccleston 77), Wadham, Harris, Boutin, Njoku, Muller
Subs not used: Eyers (GK), Vincent, Sheargold
Goals: Boutin 23, Harris 85, Njoku 90+1
Booked: Harris, Simper
Penalty takers: Harris (scored), Njoku (missed), Muller (scored), Bell (scored), Dabre (saved)
West Ham United U21s: Hegyi, Golambeckis ©, Oyebade, Mayers, Battrum, Fearon, Kanté, Brown, Akpata (Caliste 36), Adiele, Landers (Ajala 69)
Subs not used: Wooster (GK), Hargan, Briggs, Sowunmi
Goals: Adiele 35, 37, Ajala 88 (pen)
Booked: Golambeckis, Kanté
Penalty takers: Golambeckis (scored), Ajala, (scored), Adiele (scored), Battrum (scored)
Lincoln: There was some really good stuff to take away from today
Stepping into the dugout as interim lead coach, Head of Coaching and Player Development Lincoln oversaw the young Hammers’ lively display at Gander Green Lane, with the U21s’ staff promoted to Nuno Espírito Santo’s first-team setup.
Reflecting on the contest, Lincoln was encouraged by what he saw from his side against an experienced Sutton outfit.
“I think there were lots of positives to take out of the performance,” he said. “This tournament helps to bridge that gap between U21s and senior football. Sutton showed us a lot of respect in terms of the team they fielded; they made only three changes from the side that drew with Hartlepool at the weekend.”
Lincoln praised his team’s attacking intent while also acknowledging areas for improvement.
“It was a really good test for the boys. I thought we played some really good, front-foot football in moments, and I suppose the next stage for us is to turn those moments into complete performances,” he explained.
“It’s about managing those periods in games where the opposition have a spell and seeing them out a little better.”
Lincoln also commended the group’s togetherness and mentality, qualities he’s seen consistently since joining the Academy over the summer.
“The boys showed a fantastic spirit and togetherness, which I’ve seen in abundance since I joined,” he continued. “Whenever I’ve played West Ham teams in the past, that was something you’d always associate with them. You could see that again tonight, especially with how they handled the penalty shootout, the concentration and composure they showed really impressed me.”
Not one to single out players, it was hard to ignore Adiele’s man of the match performance. The 18-year-old winger was unfortunate not to have bagged a hat-trick before slotting in at wing-back in the closing stages and proving equally as impressive in his defensive duties.
“He had a real big impact on the game,” Lincoln said. “If he’d finished off that run late on, it would have been a great hat-trick. He was equally impressive with his defensive work. He’s got real ability and high potential. It’s our job to keep challenging and nurturing those qualities to help push him to the next level.
“There was some really good stuff to take away from today, certainly.”
