Highly rated Academy prospect Callum Marshall was among the goals as West Ham United U21s battled to a 3-3 draw against Southampton on Friday evening.
The Hammers included Conor Coventry in their side which may have given him some much needed minutes although as we have reported earlier the midfielder looks certain to be ion his way this season
The Saints took the lead when skipper Kamrai Doyle curled a free-kick over the wall and into the near corner after 19 minutes.
West Ham United’s fifth PL2 outing saw chances for both sides although Jacob Knightbridge making a string of exceptional saves, before the Irons pulled level through George Earthy.
The No10 finished Callum Marshall’s cross from close range to level midway through the first half.
Marshall was then on the scoresheet himself when he headed home a teasing cross from Dan Chesters, who again showed his quality in attack when bursting forward from right wing-back.
The game was in the Hammers’ favour at the break then, although the Saints struck twice in the second half to swing things back their way.
Samuel Amo-Ameyaw’s effort proved to be too powerful for Knightbridge, who could only tip the Southampton No7’s shot onto bar before it crept over the line. Princewell Ehibhatiomhan then finished a stunning counter-attack to put the visitors ahead.
Marshall though had other ideas. His eleventh goal in his last eight games stole a point after a delicious pass from Coventry sent the forward through on goal in stoppage-time.
Seven games unbeaten now for the U21s, but, with chances missed either side of the break, a case of what could have been against the Saints.
West Ham United U21s: Knightbridge, Chesters, Laing (Luizão 75), Casey ©, Johnson, Scarles (Moore 83), Coventry, Kelly (Orford 75), Marshall, Mubama (Kodua 75), Earthy
Subs not used: Terry (GK)
Goals: Earthy 24 Marshall 39 Marshall 90+4
Booked: Mubama Marshall