West Ham’s U21 side opened their 25/26 campaign with a 2-0 win against Woking in the National League Cup.

Dominant throughout the tie, Mark Robson’s side struck late through goals from Lewis Orford and Mohamadou Kante. That win sees the Hammers sit second in Group C after the opening round of fixtures.

West Ham started brightly, Lewis Orford’s corner was met by defender Ezra Myers, although Myers was unable to finish his chance. The young Hammers pressing and sharp passing created further openings, while Woking’s early threats came mainly from Effiong and Osunde, the latter stopped by a well timed tackle from Luizao.

As the first half wore on, Lewis Orford sent a low strike just wide and Myers’ saw his headed effort cleared off the goal line. Woking forced a strong stop from Hammers keeper Fin Herrick, before Orford tested Woking’s keeper Tom Norcott with a fierce strike shortly before half time.

After Sam Ashford’s second yellow left Woking with ten players, West Ham took firm control of the second half. The Hammers kept the ball in the final third and probed for any gaps in the defence. Ryan Battrum came close with a powerful effort that struck the crossbar, while Fearon, Clayton and Kante allowed West Ham to maintain their relentless pressure. Orford had another couple of oppotunities but was denied by Woking’s Norcott, who was excellent in net for Woking.

The breakthrough came in the 90th minute as Robinson’s low delivery found Orford who slotted it home. In added time, debutant Kante intercepted the ball, raced into the box and coolly fired home his effort to seal the 2-0 win for Mark Robson’s side.

Reflecting on his side’s performance, U21’s lead coach Mark Robson highlighted the benefits of his players facing senior opposition. “I really enjoy these games because the players are up against men, and for some of our younger players it’s the first time they’ve encountered that. They looked really good today, really comfortable. Playing against men is the next step for them physically, and we gain a lot from that.” said Robson.

Discussing Kante’s first appearance for the 21’s, Robson praised the midfielders physical presence and impact. “Mo is a big boy. A couple of times when he pressed, he’s got these long legs and he just nicked the ball off people, really clever. He’s like a Patrick Viera kind of central midfield player.”

Robson continued: “He looked very good tonight when he came on. He’s been excellent since he’s come in. He’s a really good lad, very hungry for it, and we’re really pleased to have him.”