Nathan Trott suited up and started for the West Ham United Premier League Under 23 team that took on Arsenal.
With David Moyes in attendance, Trott was called into action in the 21st minute. Kido Taylor-Hart chipped the ball in and Trott claimed the comfortably. Four minutes later Arsenal looked to break and an attempted backheel into Taylor-Hart's path, saw Trott come for the ball - and scooped it up.
West Ham took the lead in the 56th minute, Conor Coventry whipped a corner that was on the money into the six-yard area, and – an unmarked Ademipo Odubeko got his 12th development squad goal of the season with a simple, reactive header from close range.
In the 75th minute, Arsenal was level, after being awarded a penalty Trott went to his left, Nikolaj Moller went to his left, but the pace on the ball beat Trott and hit the back of the net.
In the 87th minute, West Ham went back in front, Andriy Yarmolenko picked it up and looped in a superb cross towards the back post - where a Trialist could not miss.
Arsenal would get the equalizer in stoppage time when Alex Kirk won a cross at the far post, and Taylor-Hart flicked on from close range.
Meanwhile, Remy Coddington and his West Ham United Under 18 teammates recorded their fourth consecutive unbeaten game in Under 18 Premier League South with a thrilling 3 - 2 win over Southampton Under 18’s.
Having been set the challenge by lead coach Kevin Keen and assistant coach Mark Phillips of avoiding defeat in their last five games of the season, it was the younger members of the side who ensured that mission remained on course against the spirited Saints.
Schoolboy striker Divin Mubama scored twice – his sixth and seventh goal respectively in his last five games, making him the Under 18s’ top scorer this season – whilst a fellow Under 16, midfielder George Earthy, also scored his third goal in his last two Under 18’s games.
Under 16’s left-back Regan Clayton also recorded two assists on a proud day for the Academy of Football coaching staff, who continue to further such bright talents by playing them above their natural age group.
With the Under 23s in action at Meadow Park just hours later, the game took place at Rush Green Stadium and saw first-team players and staff in attendance to witness the Under 18s’ latest triumph.
Much as they were against Norwich last week, the young West Ham United were the superior team in the opening exchanges, with Coddington twice coming close to scoring inside the initial quarter of the game.
Jaaziah Van Lowe and his Bowers & Pitsea Youth Under 13 White teammates took on Hullbridge Sports Youth Under 13 in League action and came away with a 6 – 0 win.
Van Lowe went into the match fighting a dead leg injury and was uncertain when he was going to be able to play football again.
Van Lowe’s injury started to feel better and he didn't want to let his team down, so he suited up.
Van Lowe recorded yet another clean sheet and overall awesome performance from his teammates.
|
