West Ham United’s penultimate U18 game of the season ended in a 1-0 away loss to Fulham this morning.
Steve Potts and Mark Phillips made a few changes following the 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, with U15 Josh Wilson-Esbrand coming in for his full debut at left-back, replacing fellow U15 Jayden Fevrier, whilst Kevin Dalipi, Anouar El Mhassani and Sean Adarkwa came back in and Mason Barrett, Aji Alese and Ben Wells dropped out.
Fulham took the lead just before the half hour mark through their top scorer this season Timmy Abraham, the younger brother of Chelsea striker Tammy, who was signed from Charlton Athletic last summer. Abraham would later be sent off in the second half as West Ham introduced U16 duo Veron Parkes and Keenan Appiah-Forson and first year Emmanuel Longelo, but to no avail.
The final game for the Hammers this campaign sees them play 9th place Aston Villa at Little Heath. A win would see them finish in 9th place themselves, but if they lose they will finish the season in 11th place.
Fulham U18s: Luca Ashby-Hammond; Daniel Martin (c), Scott Armsworth, Zico Asare, Cody Drameh; Sonny Hilton, Ben Davis (Cameron Antwi 89); Sylvester Jasper, Ryan de Havilland, Shawkat Tahir (Jonathan Page 60); Timmy Abraham.
Unused sub – George Wickens (GK)
West Ham United U18s: Joseph Anang; Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Jay Mingi, Kevin Dalipi, Will Greenidge (Veron Parkes 83); Kris Belic, Bernardo Rosa; Anouar El Mhassani (Emmanuel Longelo HT), Louie Watson (Keenan Appiah-Forson 70), Sean Adarkwa; Odysseas Spyrides.
Marcus Browne delivered a masterclass performance last night as the U23s stormed to a 4-0 win away at Everton.
The Hammers were without a recognised striker, but that did not stop captain Browne, who built on an excellent performance both from himself and team from last Thursday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City, by scoring all four goals.
Terry Westley made several changes – Anthony Scully and Joe Powell were given starts in the attacking trio alongside Sead Haksabanovic, replacing Grady Diangana, Nathan Holland and Oladapo Afolayan, whilst Alfie Lewis switched with Conor Coventry in the base of the midfield. Browne moved from the number 10 role as the sole striker.
Everton meanwhile named a strong team, with the majority of their side having some sort of senior team involvement in their career. England youth international Alex Denny and promising Dutch centre back Nathangelo Markelo were amongst the home side’s starting eleven – last season’s league champions.
The Hammers sought to attack from kick off, similar to last week’s performance at Manchester City. Joe Powell, who was playing in his more natural advanced role on the left hand side had the first chance, latching onto a lovely ball from Josh Pask before drilling wide of Mateusz Hewelt’s post.
Powell again would come close after good work from Alfie Lewis and Anthony Scully volleyed over the crossbar after connecting with a pinpoint Vashon Neufville cross. There wasn’t much action in the West Ham half as Everton found it difficult to create chances to score, thanks to the solid partnership of Josh Pask and Tunji Akinola, who were very impressive last week.
Sead Haksabanovic was impressive as the number 10. Despite failing to convert in two relatively clear-cut chances, he caused a number of problems for the Toffees defence with his lively, surging runs and clever distribution. He would get the first assist of the night, eventually turning it into the path of Browne who finished nicely from an acute angle 38 minutes in.
The Hammers went into the break 1-0 up but again they had dominated almost entirely. They kept the momentum going in the second half, with Vashon Neufville pulling it low across to Browne who took two touches before drilling it home into the far bottom corner, past Mateusz Hewelt’s reach. Everton made two changes at the break, bringing on Manasse Mampala, who has 12 goals to his name in the U18 Premier League this season, and Frenchman Boris Mathis for Shani Tarashaj and Shayne Lavery respectively.
Conor Grant had a chance for Everton 55 minutes in but Nathan Trott was on hand to make another trademark spectacular save to prevent Everton from halving the deficit. Alfie Lewis was also on hand to clear the ball off the line after Daniel Bramall had a shot at goal from a corner around the hour mark.
Browne completed his hat-trick 64 minutes in, latching onto a clever pass from Sead Haksabanovic who combined well with Anthony Scully on the right hand side, before smashing home again from another tight angle. The Hammers made two changes nine minutes after, with Grady Diangana and former Everton man replacing Scully and Powell respectively.
Oladapo Afolayan replaced Haksabanovic with ten minutes to go and in the 89th minute Browne completed the rout with a powerful finish into the bottom corner from 20 yards out after an excellent driving run. The win sees the Hammers move up to fifth in the table with just two fixtures remaining – Derby County away next Monday and Arsenal at the London Stadium on Friday next week.
Irrespective of the results of those two fixtures coming up, it has been a brilliant return to the top flight for the U23s, and a season all the players and staff can be proud of.
Everton U23s: Mateusz Hewelt; Nathangelo Markelo, Matty Foulds, Con Ouzounidis, Daniel Bramall; Conor Grant (Ellis Simms 73), Alex Denny; David Henen (c), Josh Bowler, Shani Tarashaj (Manasse Mampala 46); Shayne Lavery (Boris Mathis 46).
Unused sub – Joe Hilton (GK)
West Ham United U23s: Nathan Trott; Vashon Neufville, Tunji Akinola, Josh Pask, Ben Johnson; Domingos Quina, Alfie Lewis; Joe Powell (Nathan Holland 73), Sead Haksabanovic (Oladapo Afolayan 80), Anthony Scully (Grady Diangana 73); Marcus Browne (c).
West Ham’s U18s slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat away against Reading this morning.
Steve Potts made several changes to his side at Hogwood Park. There was a return for U16 full back Will Greenidge, who had spent time on the sidelines due to injury, plus a first start for U15 Jayden Fevrier who filled in at left back. Aji Alese and Kris Belic also came into the side, with Jeremy Ngakia, Mason Barrett, Rosaire Longelo and Alfie Lewis all dropping out.
Reading meanwhile included recent signings Moroyin Omolabi from Tottenham and striker Adam Liddle who joined from grassroots football. The latter would put Reading in front 36 minutes in before Odysseas Spyrides continued his excellent run of goalscoring form, equalising eight minutes into the second half. Khalid Simmo would seal the game however, putting Reading back in front on the hour mark.
Meanwhile, the U23s won 1-0 away at Manchester City on Thursday night courtesy of an excellent Marcus Browne free kick. Before that, U23 right back Alex Pike departed the club by mutual consent, leaving Reece Burke as the only remaining member of the class of 2013 still contracted to the club. I’d like to wish Alex the very best of luck in his future career.
Reading U18s: Jokull Andresson; Jamal Balogun (Josh Brooking 60), Roberto Yohana Nditi, Harry Philby, Joe Wilson; Jack Buchanan (Samuel Faniyan 73), Moroyin Omolabi; Jack Nolan, Charlie Lawrence, Khalid Simmo; Adam Liddle.
Unused subs – Myles Roberts (GK), Shamar Moore, Conor Lawless.
West Ham United U18s: Joseph Anang; Jayden Fevrier, Ben Wells, Aji Alese, Will Greenidge (Sean Adarkwa 74); Kris Belic, Jay Mingi; Bernardo Rosa, Korrey Henry (Emmanuel Longelo 90+2), Louie Watson (Kevin Dalipi 80); Odysseas Spyrides.
Unused subs – Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Daniel Jinadu (GK).
West Ham United’s U18s returned to action in style with a 2-0 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.
With this game originally scheduled to be played a couple of weeks ago, combinations of the international break and bad weather has meant that the Hammers haven’t played for over a month.
There was no rustiness however, with the home side coming close a few seconds in after Rosaire Longelo burst down the left wing and saw his shot blocked by a Tottenham defender. Odysseas Spyrides, Bernardo Rosa and Jeremy Ngakia amongst others throughout the first half, whilst the opposition caused a few problems for debutant goalkeeper Joseph Anang.
The highly rated Ghanaian shot stopper was finally able to make his competitive debut after a long period of waiting for international clearance. During that time he has often trained with the first team and appeared for them in friendlies. There were also returns to the side for the aforementioned Longelo and Ngakia plus Korrey Henry, Jay Mingi (from suspension), plus a first callup to the squad for U15 left back Josh Wilson-Esbrand, who would go onto make his debut late into the second half.
Anang made several good saves throughout the first half and was called into action again after the restart. But before long Spyrides was on hand to poke home and continued his good scoring form. He was involved in the next goal too, after being fouled in the box he was able to win a penalty which Korrey Henry comfortably dispatched.
Tottenham tried their best to get back into the game, and came close but a shot was cleared off the line by captain Ben Wells, who has been on trial with QPR and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks. It remains to be seen if he and the other second year scholars will be retained for next season, but all should become more clear soon.
Next up for the U18s is a trip to Reading on the 7th April.
West Ham United U18s: Joseph Anang; Rosaire Longelo, Ben Wells (c), Mason Barrett, Jeremy Ngakia; Korrey Henry, Jay Mingi; Bernardo Rosa, Alfie Lewis, Louie Watson (Sean Adarkwa 78); Odysseas Spyrides (Josh Wilson-Esbrand 81).
A large contingent of West Ham youngsters made their first team debuts for the club this evening in a 3-1 friendly win over Dagenham & Redbridge.
The friendly, held to raise funds for the Daggers after some financial issues, saw a decent turnout which will hopefully be of assistance to the National League Club, who lend their ground to our U23s for their home games.
A strong team was named by David Moyes – Arthur Masuaku returned to the fold after his suspension and two youngsters were given the nod, winger Nathan Holland who returned after a hamstring injury and central midfielder Alfie Lewis, the second year scholar impressing upon return from injury for the U18s and U23s recently.
The bench contained nine prospects as well, including goalkeeper Joseph Anang, currently ineligible for competitive fixtures due to work permit issues, and Ben Johnson, who has appeared on the Hammers first team bench this season. Meanwhile Dagenham & Redbridge named Charlee Adams in their starting XI, who was with West Ham up until U16 level before joining Birmingham City in 2011.
18 year old Alfie Lewis, who will step up to Terry Westley’s U23s on a full-time basis next season, was one of the most impressive players for the away side, orchestrating the play very well with some clever passes and tricky runs that caused several issues for the Dagenham & Redbridge defence.
The Hammers made their first change 28 minutes in – James Collins was taken off due to a knock and was replaced by Josh Pask. Pask’s first loan spell was with the Daggers and he has impressed for the U23s this season, but an unfortunate injury prevented him from going out on loan this season.
Nathan Holland also made a decent start, charging down a clearance by Jake Howells before sending it into the path of Michail Antonio, who fired home just before the break. The Daggers themselves had a few chances, mainly through centre-forward Mason Bloomfield, one of their academy products.
The home side made several changes at half time at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, with one of those coming on being West Ham academy product Bondz N’Gala, who replaced former Hammer Charlee Adams. The powerful defender, himself a West Ham fan, has spent time with Leyton Orient this season as well as making 7 appearances for his parent club.
Alfie Lewis in action (Credit: whufc.com)
The Hammers doubled their lead through Antonio once more 56 minutes in, who held off N’Gala to slot home past Mark Cousins. That happened after Josh Pask played a delightful pass through the centre of the pitch to cap off a solid defensive performance from the youngster, who will hope for some first team experience either here or out on loan next season.
Mason Bloomfield then pulled one back for the host three minutes later, thumping home from six yards out after several shots were blocked or diverted off the line following a corner. At the other end, Alfie Lewis came close twice – his first shot well saved by Mark Cousins and the other going inches wide.
Joe Powell, Ben Johnson and Mason Barrett were all brought on for Mark Noble, Pablo Zabaleta and Aaron Cresswell repeatedly a few minutes after the hour mark. Barrett has impressed for the U18s after his long term injury and will hope to be awarded a professional contract much like Lewis and Johnson and step up to the U23s this season – whilst Powell has featured in a variety of positions for the second string.
Anthony Scully replaced Nathan Holland 77 minutes in and Dagenham brought on a couple of academy products of their own in Jordy Mongoy and David Agboola. Former Arsenal and Stevenage youngster Fejiri Okenabirhie also replaced ex Birmingham, Chelsea and Brighton youngster Chike Kandi.
Scully was able to get himself an assist – completing a hat-trick of assists by academy players in the game, when his pinpoint cross was turned home by Jordan Hugill for his first goal in West Ham colours, to seal the game. Tunji Akinola and Bernardo Rosa were then brought on for Patrice Evra and Michail Antonio in the final minutes.
To summarise, it was a brilliant experience for the youngsters to play alongside several first team players whilst raising money for our neighbours, a club that has kindly allowed them to play in when turning out at U23 level.
The next scheduled games for the academy are an U23 trip to Manchester City on the 5th of April, plus the rescheduled U18 fixture against Tottenham Hotspur next Wednesday (28th March).
Dagenham & Redbridge: Mark Cousins (Lewis Moore 64); Jake Howells, Luke Pennell (Dave Agboola 77), Craig Robson (Matt Robinson 46), Ben Nunn (Liam Gordon 46); Andre Boacaud (Elliot Bonds 64), Charlee Adams (Bondz N’Gala 46); Chike Kandi (Fejiri Okenabirhie 83), Dan Sparkes (Jordy Mongoy 77), Luke Howell (Glen Southam 77); Mason Bloomfield (Mike Cheek 64).
West Ham United: Adrian; Patrice Evra (Tunji Akinola 90), Aaron Cresswell (Mason Barrett 63), James Collins (Josh Pask 29), Pablo Zabaleta (Ben Johnson 63); Mark Noble (Joe Powell 63), Alfie Lewis; Arthur Masuaku, Michail Antonio (Bernardo Rosa 90), Nathan Holland (Anthony Scully 77); Jordan Hugill.
U23s shot-stopper Rihards Matrevics featured for Birmingham’s U23s this afternoon, as they lost 2-1 away at Huddersfield Town. Despite a solid performance he was unable to stop England youth international Matty Daly and Abdelhamid Sabiri netting for the Terriers.
The Latvian, who joined during the 2015/16 season, has found game time hard to come by this season since he has made the step up to U23 level. Despite this he has made a total of ten appearances at U18 level as an overage goalkeeper, but just one for the second string.
Matrevics’ contract expires in the summer and with the form of Nathan Trott and the emergence of schoolboys Daniel Jinadu and Serine Sanneh, plus fellow U18s goalkeeper Tyler Forde also potentially available, it looks likely he will be leaving East London for pastures new.
Meanwhile, the U18s continued their good form with a 3-0 away win over Norwich City this Saturday. A double from Odysseas Spyrides early in the first half plus a goal from Louie Watson in the second saw the Hammers earn three points, giving them another confidence boost before the derby against Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday.
West Ham United U18s: Daniel Jinadu; Reece Hannam, Ben Wells, Aji Alese, Harrison Ashby; Kevin Dalipi, Mason Barrett; Bernardo Rosa, Alfie Lewis, Louie Watson (Jayden Fevrier 87); Odysseas Spyrides (Keenan Appiah-Forson 82).
Unused subs – Joshua Okotcha, Serine Sanneh (GK), Daniel Chesters.
Today was a good day for the West Ham United academy, as there were wins for both the U18s and the U23s who played Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool respectively.
The U18s kicked off the day with a home tie against Brighton, winning 3-1. The Seagulls travelled up after a 5-2 win over Norwich on Wednesday and they made two changes – Ben Eden-Clark and Charlie Ferguson replacing Tareq Shihab and Alex Cochrane. The Hammers meanwhile made four – Aji Alese (who made his first start this season at this level), Harrison Ashby, Kevin Dalipi and Odisseas Spyrides replacing Joshua Okotcha, Jeremy Ngakia, Alfie Lewis and Sean Adarkwa.
The entirety of the first half was goalless. The Hammers took the lead though, Spyrides getting the first goal after being set up by Ashby. Spyrides was making his first start of the season after a spell on the sidelines. Nine minutes later however the visitors equalised through their top scorer Stefan Ljubicic, thanks to an assist from birthday boy Jayden Onen – with the former Arsenal and Palace attacker turning 17 today.
However the stalemate didn’t last long, with Yiannis Constantinou putting the Hammers back in front – his first goal at U18 level after being found by Amadou Diallo. Bernardo Rosa sealed the game off, turning home after being played in by Reece Hannam. It was a good win as the Hammers continued to gain momentum. Meanwhile, the U16s drew 1-1 against their counterparts, with a goal from Kai Corbett.
West Ham United U18s: Serine Sanneh; Reece Hannam, Ben Wells, Aji Alese, Harrison Ashby; Kevin Dalipi, Mason Barrett; Amadou Diallo, Bernardo Rosa, Louie Watson; Odisseas Spyrides (Yiannis Constantinou 67)
Brighton & Hove Albion U18s: Thomas McGill; Cameron Tutt, Matthew Weaire, Ben Eden-Clark, Hamish Morrison; Tyrese Fornah, Charlie Ferguson (Tareq Shihab 71); Matthew Everitt (Isaac Hutchinson 67), Jayden Onen, Mamadou Kone; Stefan Ljubicic.
Unused subs – Sam Packham, George Bentley (GK), Jack Spon.
Later on in the afternoon, the U23s secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool. Two changes were made – Vashon Neufville and Jahmal Hector-Ingram replacing Joe Powell and Domingos Quina. Part of the squad was U16 attacker Daniel Chesters, who wasn’t involved this morning.
Josh Pask got the Hammers goal early on, firing home after Marcus Browne’s free kick was not cleared by the Liverpool defence. There were further chances for the Hammers in the first half – with Oladapo Afolayan and Hector-Ingram coming close, as well as George Johnston at the other end for the hosts.
Chesters made his debut at this level, replacing Hector-Ingram late into the second half. He became the third U16 to do so this season, following Joshua Okotcha and Will Greenidge. There was nothing the hosts could do to put things level and the Hammers came away from the Merseyside with the three points.
Liverpool U23s: Caoimhin Kelleher; Tony Gallacher, Conor Masterson, George Johnston, Neco Williams; Elijah Dixon-Bonner (Bobby Adekanye 63), Herbie Kane; Yan Dhanda, Curtis Jones, Adam Lewis (Glen McAuley 81); Liam Millar (Rafael Camacho 70).
Unused subs – Shamal George (GK), Tom Clayton.
West Ham United U23s: Nathan Trott; Vashon Neufville, Josh Pask, Tunji Akinola, Ben Johnson; Grady Diangana, Alfie Lewis (Joe Powell 57); Oladapo Afolayan (Anthony Scully 70), Marcus Browne, Sead Haksabanovic; Jahmal Hector-Ingram (Daniel Chesters 85).
West Ham’s U23s battled to a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur this evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, with a penalty from Marcus Browne in the latter stages of the game securing a point for the Hammers.
Three changes were made – Josh Pask returned to the side to replace U16 defender Joshua Okotcha, Ben Johnson replaced Reece Hannam, whilst Alfie Lewis made his first U23 start of the season, coming in for Jahmal Hector-Ingram. Joe Powell filled in at left back after playing the previous fixture against Sunderland on the right hand side, with Johnson taking that place.
Tottenham took an early lead through Keanan Bennetts three minutes in, tapping home after a driving run from Shilow Tracey down the right hand side. That came moments after there were appeals for a penalty to West Ham after Marcus Browne seemed to be brought down in the Tottenham penalty area, but the visitors took an early advantage.
It triggered a strong response from the hosts however, with January signing Oladapo Afolayan seeing his shot blocked by the legs of Alfie Whiteman, and Grady Diangana curling his shot narrowly wide of the post. Tottenham sought to double their lead as well, not holding back at all – Josh Pask clearing a dangerous cross from Bennetts after he had beat Ben Johnson.
Diangana, Marcus Browne and Afolayan all came close but West Ham managed to finally get an equaliser – Domingos Quina curling home on the twenty minute mark after good work from Browne. The 20 year old had plenty of space on the right hand side and remained composed to find Quina in space, who took his time to control the ball and coolly fired past Whiteman.
It was hard to determine who the better team was for the majority of the first half, in fairness. Tottenham did regain the lead 26 minutes in with the roles being reversed for their first goal – Bennetts finding Tracey who was played through by the former, chipping over the onrushing Nathan Trott.
Domingos Quina fires home. Credit: whufc.com
Tottenham went into the break with the advantage, and attempted to seal the game off from the start of the second half. Christian Maghoma saw his header from a corner well collected by Trott and at the other end Browne brought the ball down after a lovely floated ball in from Joe Powell, cutting inside and firing towards goal with his left foot but he saw it go over the bar.
The Hammers made their first change shortly after the hour mark. Pask, who had played just over an hour on his return, was replaced by first year scholar Jeremy Ngakia who made his U23 debut. The young winger was a late callup to the squad after replacing Ben Wells on the teamsheet. Seven minutes later Jahmal Hector-Ingram was brought on for Sead Haksabanovic as West Ham looked to field a more attacking team.
And the latter made a good impact. After breaking down the right and seeing his shot saved by Whiteman, he was brought down in the box moments later by Joe Pritchard and was able to win a penalty. And Browne stepped up and hit it straight down the middle, levelling the score, after being superb all evening.
Tunji Akinola had a chance to put the Hammers in front, heading over the bar from Powell’s curling left footed free kick from the right hand side. Shortly after the Hammers made their final change, with another first year in Bernardo Rosa replacing the impressive Diangana. Rosa is no stranger to U23 football, making a handful of substitute appearances prior to this game this season and the last.
Afolayan saw his shot blocked by Maghoma and Tottenham brought on Maximum Tainio (son of Teemu) and Rayan Clarke for Dylan Duncan and goalscorer Shilow Tracey, but neither team could eventually find a winner, and the points were shared between the two.
Next up for the Hammers is a trip to Merseyside on Saturday, to face Liverpool, with kickoff scheduled for 3PM.
West Ham United U23s: Nathan Trott; Joe Powell, Josh Pask (Jeremy Ngakia 61), Tunji Akinola, Ben Johnson; Domingos Quina, Alfie Lewis; Grady Diangana (Bernardo Rosa 83), Marcus Browne (c), Sead Haksabanovic (Jahmal Hector-Ingram 68); Oladapo Afolayan.
Unused subs – Daniel Jinadu (GK), Reece Hannam.
Tottenham Hotspur U23s: Alfie Whiteman; Jaden Brown, Jonathan Dinzeyi, Christian Maghoma, Joe Pritchard; George Marsh (c), Dylan Duncan (Maximum Tainio 87); Keanan Bennetts, Jack Roles, Shilow Tracey (Rayan Clarke 90+3); Kazaiah Sterling.
Unused subs – Samuel Shashoua, Brandon Austin (GK), Jeremie Mukendi.
Talented U15 goalkeeper Serine Sanneh finally made his U18 debut as the Hammers achieved a solid 2-1 win over this season’s surprise package Leicester City this afternoon.
Whilst Leicester’s form may have dipped in the second half of the season, they’ve certainly done well this season – perhaps better than expected, claiming victories over both Tottenham and Arsenal. Regardless it was a great win for the Hammers as they look to regain confidence and turn things around for the remainder of the season.
The aforementioned Sanneh first came to attention after appearing on the U18s bench whilst still an U13 in 2015-16. Numerous callups to the squad have followed since but today marked his debut at U18 level.
Steve Potts and Mark Phillips named a good but fairly youthful team, lining up in a 3-5-2 formation. Mason Barrett was amongst those starting, his second game of the season after returning from injury layoff lasting over a year, and Sanneh’s fellow U15 teammate Amadou Diallo made his second start of the season. Striker Odisseas Spyrides also returned from injury to make the bench.
In contrast to the relatively young West Ham team, Leicester named a total of eight second-year scholars in their starting lineup, with a further three on the bench. Their top three scorers this season – attacking midfielder Conor Tee, striker Tyrese Shade and winger Kairo Edwards-John were partnered in attack by an U15 of their own – winger Terell Pennant, nephew of former Arsenal and Stoke City winger Jermaine.
West Ham took the lead 58 minutes in, with Sean Adarkwa notching his third of the season. Alfie Lewis doubled the lead six minutes later before Edwards-John pulled one back for the visitors five minutes after that. They were unable to find an equaliser and the game ended with the hosts taking the three points, moving off bottom spot in the table.
Unfortunately the U16s lost 3-2, with Veron Parkes and Kai Corbett on the scoresheet for West Ham. Next up for the U18s is a home game against Brighton & Hove Albion on the 17th February.
West Ham United U18s: Serine Sanneh; Ben Wells (c), Joshua Okotcha, Mason Barrett (Kevin Dalipi 73); Reece Hannam, Bernardo Rosa, Alfie Lewis (Keenan Appiah-Forson 73), Louie Watson, Jeremy Ngakia; Amadou Diallo, Sean Adarkwa (Odysseas Spyrides 90+2).
Unused subs – Daniel Jinadu (GK), Harrison Ashby.
Leicester City U18s: Jakub Stolarczyk; Calvin Ughelumba, George Heaven, Ed Elewa-Ikpakwu (Trialist 82), Sim Thandi; Khanya Leshabela (c), Rubyn Gill; Kairo Edwards-John (Alassane Meite 82), Conor Tee, Terell Pennant; Tyrese Shade.
Unused subs – Sammie McLeod, Rhys Davies (GK), Tom Fielding.
With several key U23 players departing on loan in the January transfer window, Terry Westley and Liam Manning will have to make some considerable changes to the regular starting lineup.
Captain Moses Makasi joined League One side Plymouth until the end of the season – his first professional loan spell after a stint with Chelsmford City in 2015. Toni Martinez is spending time with Real Vallodolid, the two Reeces are back at Bolton and Borussia Monchengladbach and Martin Samuelsen has linked up with Burton Albion.
The arrival of Oladapo Afolayan from Solihull Moors has provided competition for Jahmal Hector-Ingram up front and despite the U18s disappointing performances this season, there is a host of talented youngsters looking to make the step up.
Goalkeeper
Some may have expected first choice Nathan Trott to depart Stratford on a temporary basis, but he has remained with the club and will likely continue to the main keeper for the U23s. Latvian shot-stopper Rihards Matrevics will continue to deputise, with Tyler Forde in the U18s avilable if need be. New U18s signing Daniel Jinadu is unlikely to be involved unless there is an injury crisis.
Left back
Vashon Neufville was linked with moves away to Kilmarnock, Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers and Northampton last month but remains with the Hammers as he continues to impress since returning from injury. In his absence first year scholar Reece Hannam has filled in but it seems like Neufville will be Westley’s first choice for the remainder of the season.
Centre back
With Reece Burke and Reece Oxford returning to their loan clubs, and Declan Rice increasingly involved with the first team, it seems like that Josh Pask and Tunji Akinola will become the main partnership in the heart of the defence. Aji Alese has been involved recently after returning from injury, with the highly-rated U18s defender impressing when he has stepped up. Ben Wells is also able to fill in, as he looks to earn a professional contract.
Right back
Alex Pike is a player who really should’ve been loaned out as the 20 year old approaches the end of his contract. With the emergence of Ben Johnson at right-back it seems like the former won’t be renewing his deal at the London Stadium. Johnson, initially a winger, has impressed when called upon in the U23s despite being a second year scholar still. Mason Barrett, a natural RB has returned after fourteen months out with injury to play for the U18s the other week and he will seek to step up to the next level at some point.
Central midfield
With captain Moses Makasi gone, and Josh Cullen not returning to Bolton Wanderers, the latter seems the obvious choice to captain the team. Noha Sylvestre is currently out due to injury and there are doubts as to wherever the combative Swiss midfielder will be a West Ham player next season, with his contract expiring. Domingos Quina seems Cullen’s likely partner after impressing in the deeper midfield role, or another option would either be one of Conor Coventry or Alfie Lewis, with the two second years impressing when they’ve made the step up. First years Kris Belic or Jay Mingi could also be an option.
Wing
The majority of the wingers that have featured have switched sides throughout the season. Sead Haksabanovic and Nathan Holland have often been a first choice pairing, but since the arrival of David Moyes talented left-sider Grady Diangana has been involved more with the first team. Anthony Scully will seek to get a run of U23 games under his belt after only making two starts and coming on five times this season. Second years Rosaire Longelo and Malyk Hamilton will also seek to prove themselves at this level.
Attacking midfield
The aforementioned trio of Quina, Diangana and Haksabanovic can feature as a number 10, but the likely choice will be Dan Kemp. In recent days Marcus Browne has gradually returned from his spell on the sidelines, so he could also be an option – on the wing as well. Joe Powell is another player who is comfortable here or on the wing, and first year scholar Bernardo Rosa could also feature.
Striker
Recent signing Oladapo Afolayan will contest to lead the line with the talented Jahmal Hector-Ingram, who hasn’t featured as much due to the form of Toni Martinez. Competing with the two will be scholars Korrey Henry, who seeks to earn a professional contract, and Sean Adarkwa, who recently made his U23 debut against Swansea.
A possible U23 starting XI.
Of course, injuries and suspensions have been a problem throughout the academy recently. The U18s will start to look different as next season’s squad starts to take shape, with the second years staying on moving up to the U23s and next season’s scholars start to play more regularly.
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