Parfitt-Williams & West Ham Continue Unbeaten Streak
IslandStats.com
Djair Parfitt-Williams was part of a youthful West Ham United Development Squad that extended their unbeaten run to 11 games following a 1-1 draw away at league leaders Derby County.
Despite blustery conditions at St. George’s Park, the young West Ham team put in a near faultless display, one that was made even harder when Marcus Browne was somewhat harshly sent off after just 30 minutes.
Despite going a man down, West Ham refused to be cowed and regrouped manfully, keeping the scores level at half-time.
West Ham United’s efforts were rewarded on the hour mark after Grady Diangana won back possession and drove forward, before playing an incisive through ball into Luka Belic who finished his chance with aplomb.
However, as the game wore on, the extra man slowly began to aide Derby’s cause and they equalized after a period of pressure on 77th minutes when Ivan Kalero headed home from close range following a corner.
There was still time for plenty of drama as Derby defender Tom Koblenz was given a second yellow card after tripping Jahmal Hector-Ingram.
From the resulting free-kick, Leo Chambers, talismanic all evening as captain, saw his header crash off the crossbar and away.
Another West Ham United stand out was Parfitt-Williams who was a constant outlet all evening. His pace, trickery and desire to run at people, almost bore fruit but the Derby goal was not to be breached again as he fired viciously into the side-netting..
With just minutes to go Derby went close to stealing an unlikely victory, yet Sam Howes, largely untested pulled off a magnificent fingertip save to earn his side a deserved point.
The draw takes West Ham to fifth in the Barclays Under 21 Premier League Division two table with 24 points from 16 games.
