Lead coach Kevin Keen
By Hughie Southon
The Hammers U18s showed the first team how to do it when securing the U18 Premier League South division title with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal U18s.
A close-fought contest saw Mason Terry called into action on numerous occasions to deny the Gunners at Rush Green Stadium before substitute Divine Mukasa opened the scoring on 68 minutes, netting his first goal at U18s level.
Captain Gideon Kodua doubled the lead on 80 minutes to secure the win over an Arsenal side coached by former Hammers midfielder Jack Wilshere.
It was an imprssive win against the young Gooners whom the lads will meet in the FA Youth Cup final in just under two weeks and it secured West Ham’s status as U18 Premier League South division champions.
“I’m really, really proud of the players,” U18s lead coach Kevin Keen said. “From day one in pre-season, they have been on it. They have a fantastic attitude, great work-ethic and togetherness, and then you add in that there are two or three good players too, and it’s a good mixture.
ClaretandHugh says: Much has been said about the players that have been allowed to leave following their Academy upbringing but in fairness to David Moyes he had admitted this have to happen to clear the way for better youngsters. And so it has proved with the under 18s showing themselves to be the best team in the Premier League south division who now stand one game from a brilliant double. Well done lads. Great stuff.