West Ham’s U21 side ended 2024 victorious, picking up a 2-0 win against Sutton United at Gander Green Lane in the National League Cup.

A first half goal from Josh Ajala and a late second half goal from Junior Robinson saw the young Hammers claim their first victory against senior opposition this season. As well as securing an impressive win, the Hammers managed to secure a clean sheet which they have found hard to come by so far this campaign. West Ham now have a great opportunity of progressing through to the competition’s knockout stages.

Before the game kicked off, West Ham’s opponents Sutton United held a moment of silence in memory of young Oscar Fairs. The West Ham academy goalkeeper passed away last week at the age of just 15 having bravely battled against a brain tumour since last summer. Players from West Ham and Sutton wore t shirts in memory of Oscar.

Speaking to the Club’s official website and reflecting on a great night for the young Hammers, U21 coach Steve Potts said: “They (Sutton) didn’t have many chances, which was a credit to everyone. It wasn’t just the back players, the front players put in a shift as well, running and working hard for the team. Everyone contributed, on and off the ball. That’s exactly how it’s got to be.”

Having struggled for form particularly over the last couple of months, signing off 2024 with a win is massive for West Ham’s U21 side and will do their confidence the world of good. A win against senior opposition will give them hope that they can progress further in the National League Cup and enjoy a good Cup run in the competition this season.

The Hammers are not back in action until their next league game against Liverpool on the 12th of January. West Ham’s U21’s will be wanting to make a positive return to action from the winter break. They will be hoping for more consistency across the remainder of the season in order to improve on their current league position of 12th place.