Umolu scores three goals as the U18s defeat Leicester City 5-0.

Umolu scores three goals as the U18s defeat Leicester City 5-0.

 

Umolu scores three goals as the U18s defeat Leicester City 5-0.

The West Ham United U18s defeated Leicester City 5-0 on Saturday to maintain their stellar season opening performance.

Despite the bitter weather, the youthful Hammers were playing at a high level,

with goals from Jerry Umolu and Liam Jones putting Kevin Keen’s team ahead.

Umolu scored his first hat-trick of the season with two more goals in eight

minutes at the beginning of the second half, and Tyron Akpata’s late goal completed an incredible day for the U18s.

The first goalie to see action was Finlay Herrick of West Ham,

but the shot stopper excelled in his maiden test, snatching a last-second save to deny Reece Evans.

His save allowed the Hammers took the lead though Umolu after fourteen minutes.

Ezra Mayers’ clever cross found the No9 in space and the striker finished superbly after bringing the ball down on his chest.

Then, halfway through the first half, Jones doubled the lead for the hosts.

The left wing-back’s long-range goal was too strong for Foxes goalkeeper Harry French to stop it from entering the net.

Following the interval, the visitors attempted to rally and Yassin Toure

nearly cut the score in half by nodding a header wide and then putting Herrick

under pressure to make a near-post save a few minutes later.

There were opportunities on the opposite end as well.

Elisha Sowanmi produced an outstanding save out of the goalkeeper after

Favour Fawunmi’s thunderous strike struck the crossbar, and Umolu nodded the rebound into the net.

And just after the hour, Umolu would win the match ball. With great force,

the No. 9 sprinted down the line, cut inside, and curled the ball into the lower left corner.

French had no chance as Akpata, who had given a five-star performance,

finished it off with a shot into the lower right corner.

Starting eleven for West Ham United’s U18 team are Herrick, Nwosu,

Golambeckis (Oyebade 57), Mayers, Jones, Medine, Akpata, Caliste, Fawunmi (Dike 73),

Sowanmi (Uwandji 73), and Umolu (Ajala 73).

Umolu 14, 53, 61, Jones 27, Akpata 90+1 are the goals.

Jones, Akpata, and Golambeckis are booked.

Coggin delighted with all round performance

West Ham United U18 assistant coach Lauris Coggin was pleased with how the side started the match on the front foot.

Coggin was also keen to focus on the impressive depth of the young squad,

with several key players absent for the commanding victory.

“It’s a really pleasing performance. We took a real control of the match after the first ten minutes and we scored goals at good times. Jerry got a hat-trick and he performed really well so we’re delighted for the whole group.

“We’re especially pleased for some of the boys who stepped into the team. We had three U16s in the squad today and they all showed their quality.

“The clean sheet was great and Fin Herrick made some important saves. It’s another good performance which helps us on our way to achieving what we’re trying to achieve.”

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