Inspired 10-man Hammers in another fabulous win

West Ham United U23s  lead coach Dmitri Halajko was left proud and delighted after the team won their way through  their first ever International Cup quarter final at Derby County last night.

The Rams youngsters – a division abovef the young Irons – were finally seen off via extra time and penalties as our boys continued their amazing season.

The U23s  raced into a two-goal lead at Pride Park after just eight minutes – Oladapo Afolayan putting the finishing touches to two excellent flowing moves.

The Rams hauled themselves back into the contest with goals each side of half-time via a contentious penalty from –  Jahmal Hector-Ingram and  Jordan Brown from a near-post corner.

West Ham went ahead again through Bernardo Rosa but, with seven minutes to play, Hector-Ingram struck again from close range – forcing extra time and, after 30 goalless further minutes, penalties.

The Hammers had another setback after Alfie Lewis was unlucky to pick up a second yellow card on the stroke of full-time, requiring them to hold out for extra time with ten men.

Then deep into sudden death, Anang made his second stop of the shoot-out, plunging on Tyree Wilson’s penalty kick to win the shoot-out in dramatic circumstances – 6-5, after 16 kicks taken.

Lead coach Dmitri Halajko said: “I thought we got what we deserved in the end. It took a long time to get there, but we were the better team really. 

The win sets up a Premier League International Cup semi-final against Arsenal, another Premier League 2 Division 1 side.

They’re a really tight group and work really hard. They want to do wel. They’re a hard-working group of lads and when a challenge comes, they want to rise to it and do well. ”

As Premier League 2 Division 2 leaders – West Ham U23s maintain a three-point advantage at the top of the league, with just four games left to play – a repeat trip to Derby could well be on the cards next season.

Having also beaten Division 1 opposition in Brighton in the Cup this season, therefore, Halajko believes Tuesday night’s game was further evidence of their top-flight credentials.

O West Ham United U23s return to Premier League 2 Division 2 action against Swansea City at London Stadium on Monday 16 March, with kick-off 7pm. Tickets are free for Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members. For non-members, they are priced at £5 for Adults and £3 for Over-65s/Under-21s. Click here to book.

ClaretandHugh says: The under 23s have been nothing less than extraordinary this season. Despite allowing the likes of Nathan Holland and Conor Coventry out on loan they have overcome in scintillating style and their games are always highly exciting and very often high scoring affairs. Top player Ben Johnson was injured for a long part of the season and his natural replacement Jeremy Ngakia called into first team action called into first team action. Despite that the youngsters have scored 57 goals in all competitions and remain unbeaten in Premier League 2 Division Two this season – an amazing record. Given the changes at the top in the summer with the likes of Terry Westley and Jack Collision leaving, it’s hard to speak highly enough of the new regime who are guiding the team back to promotion after relegation. The barren wilderness years – when nothing came through the academy – are seemingly behind us and its a tribute to everybody involved. They deserve everybody’s support on March 16 at te London Stadium.