West Ham’s U21 side bowed out of the National League Cup after losing 2-0 against Dagenham & Redbridge. The victory saw the Daggers move ahead of the Hammers claiming the last qualification spot needed to progress to the competition’s knockout stages.

Mark Robson’s side made a slow start to the tie, giving away a penalty in the first couple of minutes which was converted by Dion Pereira giving the Daggers an early lead. Despite going behind early on, the Hammers competed throughout the 90 minutes and created some excellent opportunities of their own.

Shortly after the half time break, Dagenham & Redbridge doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute. Trent Rendall headed home after a pinpoint free kick delivery, increasing the pressure on West Ham’s U21s and leaving them with an uphill battle to find their way back in to the game.

Although they enjoyed spells on top and in the ascendancy, a well organised and solid defensive performance from the Daggers meant West Ham payed the price for not converting their chances as Dagenham & Redbridge held on to secure the win.

Speaking to the Club’s official website, reflecting on his side’s defeat and their time in the competition coming to an end, U21s lead coach Mark Robson said: “It’s a massive learning curve. I thought even when we were 2-0 down, there were large periods where we were in control. We mixed it up with the shape which helped us and we created the best two chances of the game. On another day, we put those away. It just wasn’t to be.”

This season was West Ham’s U21s debut in the National League Cup. Although going out of a Cup competition is disappointing, playing against senior opposition is always going to be a tough test for a youth team. That being said, the Hammers can take great pride in their two wins in the competition against senior opposition having secured victories against both Ebbsfleet and Sutton.

Mark Robson’s side can now focus on their league campaign. The Hammers currently sit in 9th place, just three points of Manchester United in 5th, and have games coming up against teams currently below them. A good run of form in their remaining regular season games would see the Hammers certainly push for a top six if not a top four finish.

New first team head coach Graham Potter is clearly not afraid to give youngsters opportunities. Those playing regularly for the U21s or who are in and around the squad now have an added incentive to perform well knowing that a more defined route to first team opportunities is beginning to open up.