Reading 3-West Ham U21’s
The Select Car Leasing Stadium may not be the most memorable name, but it was my destination last night as I headed to watch West Ham’s U21 team take on Reading’s senior side in the EFL Trophy.
This competition saw the Hammers reach the quarterfinals last season, only to be eliminated by eventual finalists Wycombe Wanderers.
For those unfamiliar with the format, the EFL Trophy is a lower-league tournament that allows select academy teams to compete against League One and League Two sides. It’s the very definition of men against boys, providing academy players with the chance to test themselves against seasoned professionals from the lower leagues.
My intention last night was to support the team and also to observe Lewis Orford, who yesterday signed a new five-year contract with West Ham. Some fans may have first noticed Orford during this summer’s pre-season, but he has been an integral part of West Ham’s development and U21 team since helping lift the FA Youth Cup against Arsenal in the 2022/23 season.
Unfortunately, last night’s 3-1 defeat to Reading was far from a classic, with the team clearly missing several key components. With Callum Marshall, Patrick Kelly, and George Earthy all out on loan, the Hammers’ line-up was packed with U18 players. It’s worth noting that Orford himself is only 18 years old.
West Ham put out an inexperienced young team against Reading
I’m confident that had West Ham been able to field our best young players, we would have been too strong for a Reading team that is a League One club in name only.
Orford displayed his usual swagger, playing with his head up and looking for early passes whenever possible. The young midfielder has a tendency to switch play with accurate long balls, a quality that will undoubtedly appeal to first-team head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Too good for this level
Lewis is too good for this level which is something I said about Callum Marshall last season, he would immediately benefit from the type of loan deal which served Freddie Potts so well last season.
It was evident from the start of the game that the age gap would be too much for many of Orford’s teammates, who have only recently made the step up to U21 level. Kaelan Casey, one of the few other established U21s, did his best at the back but was under pressure for most of the game.
There was a moment of concern when Casey went down after a collision and remained on the ground for several minutes, but fortunately, he managed to complete the game after receiving treatment.
Tricky Robinson
One bright spot was Junior Robinson, who was a menace to Reading throughout the game. Not only did he score West Ham’s solitary goal, but he also showed excellent balance, good technique, and resilience. He was deployed at right wing-back, which I suspect is not his best position given the added defensive responsibilities.
However, Robinson looks to be a promising player, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of him in the future. As is often the case, good players recognise one another, and Orford clearly identified Robinson as West Ham’s major threat, attempting to play him in with cultured long balls whenever possible.
West Ham will face Newport County and Cheltenham Town in the remaining group games.
The Reading side had an a average age of 21 and that included Harley Dean who I think is 32. We were playing 16 year olds as well as lots of other youngsters. We did start with 4 first teamers all very young in their own right. Our first team in it’s own right is pretty young. West Ham were poor last night. Reading under 21s playing champions league this year.
One of the most surprising things was deciding to give Robson his old position back. He was failing miserably last year when Moyes picked him to offer nothing to the first team.
Potts took over and they went on that long winning streak.
I know we’ve lost some personnel, but surely Potts would do a better job than Robson. We’ve gone back to square one.
Thanks for going to the match. It’s great supporting all of age levels.
One of the most surprising things was deciding to give Robson his old position back. He was failing miserably last year when Moyes picked him to offer nothing to the first team.
Potts took over and they went on that long winning streak.
I know we’ve lost some personnel, but surely Potts would do a better job than Robson. We’ve gone back to square one. Oh and last season saw a number of U18s step up and after Robson was moved ‘up’ Potts did a great job.
Thanks for going to the match. It’s great supporting all of age levels.