For those Hammers fans struggling to enjoy watching the first team (myself included!), the Under-21s provided some much-needed entertainment in last night’s game at the County Ground. West Ham’s youngsters became the first development side to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2025/26 Vertu Trophy, edging past League Two contenders Swindon Town in dramatic fashion.
The Hammers started brightly, with Joshua Ajala opening the scoring in the 25th minute. George Earthy, returning from injury, doubled the lead before half-time. Swindon rallied in the second half, pulling one back through Paul Glatzel, before Josh Landers restored West Ham’s two-goal cushion. A late strike from Swindon made it 3-2, but the young Irons held firm to claim the win.
The result means West Ham leapfrog Reading in Southern Group D, securing their place in the next round regardless of Swindon’s final group game against MK Dons.
Landers scored another goal for West Ham to increase his impressive tally
Late Drama and Red Cards as Tempers Flare
However, the drama didn’t end with the final whistle. Tensions boiled over in stoppage time, culminating in a heated confrontation between players from both sides. In the 100th minute, Swindon’s Joel McGregor and West Ham’s Luis Brown were both shown red cards for violent conduct following a scuffle near the halfway line.
Match officials and coaching staff quickly intervened to separate the players, and the referee issued immediate dismissals to restore order.
Greg Lincoln has taken charge of the team following the promotion of Mark Robson to Nuno’s senior side and he couldn’t have been happier: “This is a great competition to bridge that gap from academy into senior football. Swindon are a very good team. You can see that reflected in their position in the league.
“They’re coached by a very experienced manager and coaching team. I think that was clear and evident, really, in the way that they approached the game and the way that they played. It was a great challenge for us.
West Ham United U21s became the first development team to secure qualification to the knockout stages of this season’s Vertu Trophy
West Ham U21s will now prepare for the knockout stages with renewed confidence, having shown resilience and maturity against senior opposition. Nuno Espírito Santo, take note!
According to reports, the FA is expected to review footage of the melee, and further disciplinary action could follow depending on the severity of the altercation.
This match will be remembered not just for the goals and result—but for its fiery conclusion too!
free Mo kante
Do the U21s ever play the seniors in a full on 11 v 11 match in training because from what i am seeing they would give them a real workout and might just stimulate them into life if they feel their places are up for grabs from the young lads.
The U21s are the only joy at West Ham at the moment.Winning,fighting for the shirt.Just a quick one here for anybody in the know.Do coaches like Nuno ever play the senior team against the U21S in a full on match in training to see how they perform.?because from what i have seen they would give our seniors a real workout at the moment.
The under 18’s are pretty good as well Merlin, I read that 5-6 of last nights team still qualify for under 18 selection
It was a great result for the Uber 21’s
Would love to see a few more come through into the first team squad, it might perk up the first team players if they think their places could be at risk
Some of the players just take for granted they will be picked, but I can tell you now there would be at least 6 players who should be looking over their shoulders
Performances by them and they know who they are need to step up and now, to give us a chance to move up the table
Was nice to have Earthy and Cummings back
I’ve been through multiple relegations in my time and supported the team to the end of each of those often terrible seasons but this year feels weirdly different and I’m over wasting my time watching and reading about our senior team. I was planning on starting watching foreign football instead of PL but I reckon getting behind this U21s team will be better. Defence was a bit shaky on the Swindon goals but our attacking moves looked decent – fast, good movement, some physically strong players. Come on you young Irons.
Exactly what i am doing now.There is far more enjoyment .Just feel like the seniors have a do not care attitude that somebody has to drill out of them.
Some of the fire needs putting into the first team. Well done to the development team
Good to see Earthy get a goal and assist in 45 minutes of action and to see Dan Cummings get a late run out too. Who is this new star that your headline proclaims Matt?
Josh Landers 😊