Kaelan Casey was thrilled to play his role in a defensively solid effort as West Ham United U21s claimed a hard-fought 1-0 Premier League 2 Division 1 win at home to Fulham.
Divin Mubama’s first-half goal was the difference between the two sides at Rush Green Stadium on Friday evening, giving the young Irons a fifth league win in their last six matches.
In a game that, in truth, was devoid of numerous goalscoring opportunities, Casey was delighted the Hammers were able to deal with Fulham’s efforts to fight back into the fixture in the second-half.
The centre-back said the team has been working extra hard on their defensive awareness following a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United last month, and is feeling the benefits from those sessions.
“It was a good performance,” Casey reflected. “We popped the ball around a bit and got the lead thanks to Divin.
“In the second half, it was a bit of a graft but we got through it. The clean sheet was pivotal. It was good to come away with another clean sheet and to get the three points, so we’re all really happy.
“We always work on staying switched on and dealing with the threat the other team poses. We had to learn from the Manchester United game, where we were two goals up [at half-time] but they won 3-2 thanks to three goals from set pieces. It’s something we’ve been working on a lot in recent weeks and, against Fulham, it showed.”
A particular moment late in the second half had supporters wincing in sympathy for Casey, as the 18-year-old quickly slid across the penalty box to block a powerful, goal-bound effort by Fulham’s Sonny Hilton.
The strike hit Casey with significant venom, and the defender admitted after the match that the shot left its mark on him. But the pain was worth seeing the effort deflect away from the West Ham goal.
“I had to make one block in the second half and, I won’t lie, it really hurt! But that’s my job out there. I had to shake it off and keep playing.
“Whoever I play with, the U21s or the U18s, I just want to do my best and help the team win games. I want to stay consistent with it. Being in the U21s this season has been a tough test but I think I’m coping with it well.”
Casey has featured 13 times in all competitions for the U21s this season, including nine times at Premier League 2 level, and the Academy youngster is beginning to develop a strong understanding with fellow centre-backs Levi Laing and Luizão.
All three were particularly impressive in Friday’s win over Fulham and Casey is relishing their collective responsibility in the defensive line.
He added: “It’s been great playing with Levi and Luizão. All three of us put our bodies on the line for the team and to keep a clean-sheet. That’s what we all want to do and that’s what our job is.
“Those two are good defenders and we’re building a good understanding on the pitch together.”
