Birmingham City’s late goal denied West Ham’s U18’s all three points as the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Little Heath Training Ground. The visitors equaliser two minutes from time means the Hammers wait for their first win of the U18 Premier League South campaign goes on.

Lewis Beckford gave the Hammers an early advantage, firing home after three minutes after intercepting a loose pass, rounding keeper Szymon Terenowicz and finishing with confidence. Lanre Awesu then preserved the lead by saving a penalty in the first half, the young Hammers had further chances of their own to extend their lead in the opening 45 minutes. Andre Dike drew a strong stop from the Birmingham keeper before Majid Balogun rattled the frame of the goal.

After the game restarted West Ham continued to press, Jephthah Medine and Joe Scanlon combined well going forward and Balogun struck the bar a second time. Birmingham did get the ball forward on occasion and look to create chances, however they rarely posed a threat to Awesu in the West Ham net.

Just as the win started to feel secure for West Ham, Birmingham struck late on. In the 88th minute substitute Kian McCusker chased a long ball, evaded Hammers keeper Awesu and rolled the ball into the net, levelling the tie and sharing a point between the two sides.

Speaking after the game to the clubs Official Website, U18’s lead coach Lauris Coggin praised his team’s control of the game but admitted the late lapse proved costly. “I thought we were dominant from the first minute” said Coggin, adding: “We just need a little more quality and guile in front of goal, and the naivety at the end has cost us three points.”