By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Joel Kerr came off the bench to score twice as West Ham United Under-21s opened their Premier League International Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Valencia Mestalla.
The 17-year-old was introduced shortly after the hour mark with the match still goalless at Victoria Road.
Kerr made the breakthrough following excellent work from Tyrone Omotoye, who collected a loose ball and released the striker. The youngster beat his marker before firing clinically into the bottom corner.
Kerr keeps his cool with Panenka
Valencia continued to threaten and struck the woodwork, but Kerr settled the contest during stoppage time.
After being brought down inside the penalty area, the teenager took responsibility and produced a composed and somewhat cheeky Panenka, chipping his spot kick down the middle as goalkeeper Raúl Jiménez dived away.
Under-21s lead coach Mark Robson praised his team’s determination after the final whistle.
“Our work ethic is unreal,” Robson told the official West Ham website. “Joel’s first goal was outstanding and the chipped penalty was really clever.”
The young Hammers return to action against Millwall at The Den in the U21 Premier League Cup on Friday 9 October.