Academy: Lee strike is not enough to stop the rot

Although Elliot Lee (pictured) netted a first-half strike on Saturday to put the U21s one-nil up against Stoke City – the Hammers youngsters eventually slumped to another defeat.

after two second half goals by Stoke City meant the Hammers finished on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline.

The oss to the Potters condemned the Hammers to a fifth defeat from six outings – and just one point to show for their efforts.

Terry Westley’s side remains bottom of division – two points adrift of Brighton and Newcastle.

Team: Howes, Knoyle, Page, Dobson, Chambers, Oxford (Onariase 76), Parfitt-Williams (Brown 81), Cullen, Lee, Browne (Makasi 69), Samuelsen Subs: Pike, Boness

Last week West Ham rewarded Academy Manager Westley with a new five-year contract – even though his charges are winless this season and got relegated last season from the Barclays U21 Premier League Division One.

The team’s next game is against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday 19 October. Kick-off at Rush Green is 7pm.