Highlights & Reaction | U21s go top after hard-fought Newcastle win | West Ham United F.C.
Newcastle United U21 faced off against West Ham United U21 in a Premier League 2 match, held at Whitley Park on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 7 PM BST. The final score was 0-1 in favor of West Ham United U21.
West Ham United's Under-21 team continued their perfect start to the 2024/25 Premier League 2 season by securing their fourth consecutive win, defeating Newcastle United 1-0 at Whitley Park.
The young Hammers faced a tough challenge against a highly-rated Newcastle team, but a fantastic goal from Kamarai Swyer in the 77th minute secured a well-deserved three points for us.
During a first half without any goals, there weren’t many clear chances as both teams effectively neutralized each other. Swyer, Lewis Orford, and Sean Moore missed the target with shots for the away team, while Ben Parkinson sent a header over the crossbar for Newcastle United.
The second half unfolded in a completely different way, becoming a fast-paced back-and-forth match where both teams created opportunities. However, it was Swyer who made the crucial play, receiving a well-placed ball from Orford and scoring past Aidan Harris.
The visitors began with great energy when Swyer connected with Ryan Battrum’s excellent low cross, but he couldn't get it past Harris. Shortly after, Orford tested the Newcastle goalkeeper with a clever shot aimed at the near post, which resulted in a quick save.
At the 30-minute mark, the young Hammers missed another opportunity when Moore managed to find some room just outside the penalty area after showcasing some clever footwork. Unfortunately, his shot flew just past the left post. It wasn't until just before halftime that the home team finally generated a serious chance. Johnny Emerson sent in a cross that Parkinson connected with, but his header was deflected off course by Luizão, missing the goal.
Following a mostly quiet first half, the game came alive in the second half. Newcastle took the initiative with Trevan Sanusi's bending shot, which Finlay Herrick managed to deflect around the post while fully stretched. Sanusi then went on an impressive solo run through the midfield, getting off a shot at goal, but Herrick was quick to react, diving to his left to make the save.
The game-changing moment came after 77 minutes in dramatic style when Orford sent a remarkable long ball from deep within his own half. Swyer seized the opportunity and calmly converted it into the only goal of the match.
The young Hammers came close to increasing their lead when Ollie Scarles took a bending free-kick late in the game. Although we had to endure some intense moments as Newcastle pushed for an equalizer, we managed to hold on and secure the three points needed to rise to the top of the Premier League 2 standings.
West Ham United U21s: Herrick, Battrum, Luizão, Mayers, Tarima (substituted for Briggs in the 90+3 minute), Orford (captain), Akpata, Adiele (substituted for Ajala in the 43rd minute), Moore, Scarles, Swyer Unused substitutes: Abraham (goalkeeper), Rigge, Fawunmi
Reserved: Mayers, Orford, Akpata, Moore, Scarles
Robson: We Displayed The Key Character In Football
Head coach Mark Robson was understandably thrilled with how his team persevered, earning their fourth consecutive victory in the Premier League 2 to start the 2024/25 season.
Robson expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, saying, “I was really happy with the boys this evening. It’s been a challenging week for us, with our trip to Newport on Tuesday followed by our visit to Newcastle tonight. We anticipated a tough match and were aware that tiredness might be a factor, but I felt we showcased some excellent play in the first half. We exhibited some very nice, composed football.”
"If we had taken advantage of one or two opportunities we had, we could have felt more at ease going into the half-time break. In the second half, we had to really hold our ground as Newcastle increased their pressure on us. I’m really happy for the team, especially since we didn't get the result we deserved on Tuesday, but we displayed a different kind of determination tonight that's essential in football. There's a great vibe right now."
“The pass from Lewis [Orford] is truly exceptional; it was that impressive. He sent it about 60 or 70 yards to reach Kamarai [Swyer], who displayed remarkable calmness to finish it off beautifully.”
Swyer: Proud To Support The Team
Kamarai Swyer was the standout player in the North-East, expertly timing his run to connect with a long pass from Lewis Orford. He scored with determination, even after taking a hit from the Newcastle goalkeeper as he struck the ball.
The reward was scoring a goal and earning three points, much to the joy of the forward, who also participated in the 1-0 EFL Trophy loss against Newport County in South Wales on Tuesday.
The hero of the match expressed, "It's been quite a challenging week for us. We faced some bad luck on Tuesday, but today we played in a similar way and secured a crucial victory. I believe we were the stronger team in the first half, but we missed several opportunities. In the second half, we demonstrated a different approach and capitalized on our chances."
"On Tuesday, we found ourselves in a situation like the one they capitalized on Friday, but this time we were able to convert our opportunity. We felt some pressure at that moment, so scoring was crucial, and I'm really happy to have contributed to the team's success."
"I believe we've been quite steady in the league and have had a strong start to the season. If we continue to play the way we have been, we should be able to keep winning!"
