West Ham’s U21’s got off the mark in pre season with a 2-1 win at Boreham Wood thanks to a first half brace from Michail Antonio.

Antonio put the young Hammers ahead after four minutes, the Jamaica international took full advantage of a defensive error and slotted the ball past Boreham Wood’s keeper. The 35 year old doubled the Hammers advantage midway through the first half, rising highest to meet Elisha Sowunmi’s pinpoint cross with a powerful header.

The hosts were quick to respond. Tom Whelan intercepted a loose ball in West Ham’s defensive third and set up Erico Sousa who fired home and reduced the deficit. Before the half time break, West Ham pushed for a third goal. There were appeals for a penalty when an effort on goal from Michail Antonio looked to have struck a defenders arm, but the referee wasn’t interested. Ezra Myers also went close to extending West Ham’s lead late in the first half.

Antonio was taken off at the break, and although West Ham made a lively start to the second half, Boreham Wood gradually grew into the game. Late chances from the home side saw Luizao make an excellent block and Callum Reynolds hit the bar, but the Hammers held firm to secure the win.

Discussing his side’s performance after the game, U21’s lead coach Mark Robson told the Club’s official website: “I thought we controlled the game really well first half . We probably just lost our way a little bit second half, gave the ball away more than we needed to, maybe a little bit too cheap. So we ended up having to defend a bit more but we still defended really well.”

For Robson, having the Hammers all time leading Premier League goalscorer Michail Antonio as part of his squad was about more than just his contribution. It was a valuable opportunity for members of the U21 squad to learn from an experienced pro.

“It was great to have Micky there tonight and obviously he took both his goals very well. A fantastic experience for the boys, just being around him. He was talking to them, he was helping them. I’m really pleased with his overall work ethic and I thought we looked really good tonight.” said Robson.