Conor Coventry -with the first team
Everton 2 Hammers 1
West Ham’s battling under 23s – shorn of around 11 regulars -produced a really brave performance at Everton tonight but ultimately went down 2-1.
The injury ravaged squad was short of several players several of whom – including Joe Powell, Grady Diangana and Conor Coventry – were unavailable because they are involved with the first team training regime.
We will be bringing more details as we receive them from Southport where the game was played but at this stage we can report the Irons took the lead through under 17 youngster Vernon Parks – playing his first game.
Sadly the youngsters were hauled back by third placed Premier League 2 Division One Toffees via an equaliser from Morgan Feeney and Bassala Sambou’s late penalty.
With the Hammers being forced to field eight under 18s and young Parks – the lads can take great credit from what we have been told was a very brave performance.
However, the defeat means the team has now suffered five defeats in League and Checkatrade Trophy action and are without a win since beating Liverpool away in early September and are far too close for comfort to the bottom of the table.