A goal late into second half stoppage time condemned West Ham’s U21 side to a disappointing 1-0 defeat away against Wolves. 

The West Midlands side sealed the win with their only shot on target, picking up their third consecutive win at home in the league.

In the early stages of the game, the Hammers showed composure on the ball in midfield and looked fluid in their forward play as they created a number of chances. Their opponents Wolves caused the young Hammers a number of problems of their own, particularly from set pieces. Matt Whittingham’s effort went just wide of the target after a well worked corner kick.

Both teams were able to build out from the back, however they would find it hard to create any real clear cut opportunities. 20 minutes in, Orford and Moore combined well for West Ham. Moore delivered a ball into the box, however both Josh Ajala and Kamarai Swyer were unable to get a touch on the cross and guide it into the net.

At the back, both teams were well organised and resolute as the first half finished goalless. Substitute Favour Fawunmi helped the Hammers begin the second half with more energy and injected some much needed fresh legs out wide. Early in the second half Fawunmi broke into space squaring the ball for Josh Ajala whose effort was easily saved by the Wolves keeper.

Moments later Kamarai Swyer came close to putting the young Hammers in front however Mark Robson’s side remained unable to find that finishing touch in front of goal. As the match entered its latter stages, Wolves started to build some momentum of their own. It seemed as though West Ham’s defence had weathered this storm as Fin Herrick collected a ball from a dangerous free kick with a couple of minutes to play.

Unfortunately for the Hammers, Wolves would find a goal in added time. A corner to the back post from Ethan Sutherland was met by Wolves skipper Alfie Pond who headed the ball across goal into the path of Caden Voice who prodded home his finish to snatch the three points at the death for the West Midlands side.

Speaking to the Club’s official website about a disappointing defeat for his side, U21’s lead coach Mark Robson said: “I’m disappointed with the result, but not overly disappointed with the performance. Our final ball let us down, and that ultimately cost us the game. In the last 20 minutes, we dfifted away from our style, complicating the game, when we didn’t need to, which gave Wolves a bit of energy and momentum. There’s a lesson here for us, we need to stay professional all the way through, for the full 90 plus minutes.”