West Ham’s U21 side were left disappointed after Newport scored late on to snatch a 1-0 win against the Hammers in their second EFL Trophy group stage tie.

Despite largely being in control of possession and having a large chunk of the ball, the 21’s were unable to convert any of the chances they did create and with less than ten minutes to go were undone by a goal from Newport County.

In what was a competitive match between the two sides, the young Hammers were comfortable on the ball and attempted to build from the back however Newport’s midfield restricted them to a limited number of clear cut chances. The Hammers would get some joy out wide with Ryan Battrum and Sean Moore combining well on a number of occasions.

Newport went more direct in the second half and would test Hammers keeper Finlay Herrick a number of times as they moved the ball forward with more intent. The 21’s did nearly take the lead, a ball floated over the top from Lewis Orford was brought down by Kamarai Swyer, who took it around the keeper only to see his effort kept out by a last ditch clearance from the Newport defender.

The Hammers had a couple more opportunities to go in front as the second half progressed. Ultimately however, it would be Newport who struck the decisive goal in the 83rd minute. A ball forward from Bryn Morris caught the Hammers defence out and led to a two versus one. Courtney Baker Richardson chipped Finlay Herrick and Oliver Greaves was in the right place at the right time to fire home and put Newport ahead.

In the remaining several minutes of the tie, Newport would do enough to hold on and secure the win. West Ham’s U21’s have now lost both of their first two games in the EFL Trophy so far this season, their chances of getting out of their group are now dependent on the result of the Cheltenham Vs Reading match.