West Ham’s U18’s recorded a remarkable turnaround to claim another victory in a promising season so far.

The U18 side were 2-0 down after just three minutes against Aston Villa. The young Hammers dug in and were rewarded for their hard work as they came back to win 4-2, securing what may well prove to be a huge three points.

The Hammers got off to the worst possible start. Villa attacker Luca Lynch’s shot was saved by keeper Fin Herrick, only for the rebound to find Cole Brannigan who fired home to give the hosts the lead. Villa were quick to double their lead, West Ham keeper Fin Herrick’s pass to Josh Briggs was intercepted by Ewan Simpson who drove with the ball into the 18 yard box and slotted his finish underneath Herrick to put Villa 2-0 up after just three minutes.

West Ham got themselves back into the game just before half time as Jethro Medine’s cut back was met by Dan Rigge who cut the deficit to 2-1. The Hammers were firmly on the front foot as the second half kicked off, pushing to find an equaliser. West Ham’s efforts were eventually rewarded as an effort from Dan Rigge sailed into the top corner in the 90th minute to make it 2-2.

Rigge scored his third goal of the game securing his hattrick in injury time of the second half as he converted from the penalty spot. In the dying moments of the game, Rigge turned provider as his ball found forward Mehmet Halim in the box, with the forward firing home the fourth goal for West Ham to wrap up all three points.

U18’s manager Kevin Keen was delighted with his side’s performance, speaking to the club’s official website after the game Keen said: “There’s something about this group, there is a resilience, toughness and they kept going into injury time and were rewarded. It shows what this group is about and they want to hang in there until the end of the season.”

West Ham’s U18 side are back in league action next Saturday as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion.

Written by Finlay Jackson