West Ham United U21s face a crunch game tonight as we take on League Two side Newport County in our second match of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, Group H.
I was lucky enough to attend the boys’ first EFL Trophy game of the season against Reading at The Car Leasing Stadium. The competition gives clubs’ academies the chance to play against senior teams from League One and League Two. Last season, the Hammers won their group comfortably.
An eventual loss in the knockout rounds to a seasoned Wycombe Wanderers ended an impressive run, which saw the youngsters shine both domestically and in continental competition.
Mark Robson’s young Hammers have been in stellar form in Premier League 2 this season, boasting three straight victories. However, they face mounting pressure to secure a positive result at Rodney Parade.
With both teams coming off two losses in the first couple of group matches—West Ham to Reading and Newport to Cheltenham Town—the Irons need to win this one to have any chance of qualifying from the group.
The team undoubtedly misses key players like George Earthy, Gideon Kodua, Patrick Kelly, and Callum Marshall, who are all out on loan. The competition is tough even for seasoned players, but the Hammers’ squad is well below the U21 limit, packed with 17 and 18-year-olds, so expectations must be realistic.
It would certainly be an amazing achievement if Robson can guide his young Hammers to victory tonight.
Surely the perfect game to play Guilherme!!! Else how else will he get any game.time??