Despite West Ham’s U18’s best efforts, they were beaten 4-2 by Southampton on Tuesday afternoon, with the win taking the Saints to the top of the Premier League South table.

Southampton sailed into an early two goal lead, Korban McMullan opened the scoring after six minutes, before Nick Oyekunle doubled their advantage eight minutes later with a powerful finish. West Ham responded well as Joe Scanlon fired home after a well worked move, and the in form Josh Landers netted soon after with a composed finish inside the box to bring the Hammers level before half time.

The second half saw fewer opportunities. Southampton edged back in front and scored a third after 73 minutes, Harry Gathercole tucked away his finish after a clever pass in behind. The young Hammers continued to battle, but their hopes of a comeback were ended deep into added time when Oyekunle converted from the penalty spot to seal the win for Southampton and secure all three points.

Speaking after the game and reflecting on his side’s performance to the clubs Official Website, U18’s lead coach Lauris Coggin said: “I thought for large parts of the game we showed a fantastic level of commitment and endeavour, and we understood the game plan.”

Coggin went on to add: “The learning moment for us was the third goal, where we allowed them space when we really don’t need to and maybe got a little bit carried away and showed a little bit of naivety in that moment, and that’s what cost us the game.”

The young Hammers will want to put this defeat in the rear view mirror as quickly as possible. A massive game awaits next Tuesday in the U18 Premier League Cup final against Reading.