A team made up of the 1999 West Ham FA youth cup winning side drew 2-2 with Coventry this afternoon at Rush Green only to be edged out on penalties.
The game was arranged to mark the twentieth anniversary since the historic 9-0 win over Coventry two decades ago.
In 1999 the young Hammers defeated Stockport County, Walsall, York City, Arsenal and Everton to set up a two-legged final with Coventry. With Michael Carrick and Joe Cole in the team, the Irons beat the Sky Blues 3-0 at Highfield Road before thrashing them 6-0 in front of 25,000-plus supporters at the Boleyn Ground.
That winning team included: Stephen Bywater, Adam Newton, Sam Taylor, Terrell Forbes, Izzy Iriekpen, Stevland Angus, Michael Ferrante, Joe Cole, Bertie Brayley, Richard Garcia, Michael Carrick, Anwar Uddin, Louis Riddle, Ashley Cooper and Stephen Omonua.
Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe were part of the side today and the club’s official TV channel was in attendance to record the game for later publication.
Tony Carr managed the team with the team sheet as follows: Lee Richards. Adam Newton, Sam Taylor, Terrell Forbes, Izzy Iriekpen, Stevland Angus, Joe Cole, Bertie Brayley, Steve Clark, Ryan Briggs, Ashley Cooper, Louis Riddle, Amos Foyewa, Anwar Uddin, Jermain Defoe & Joe Seally
Was missing a few players I think certainly Carrick who was the best player on either side by a country mile.
Since the busby babes there wasn’t a better performance at youth level than our boys across both legs.