Gideon Kodua knows the job is far from done.
As West Ham United U18s celebrated reaching the last four of the FA Youth Cup with a 4-2 win at Ipswich Town, the skipper showed maturity beyond his years.
He quickly turned his attention forwards, because, with two games between the U18s and a trophy, his goal is clear.
“It’s good but we can’t get too far ahead,” he stated, after the win in extra time at Portman Road. “We are trying to get to the final, and hopefully win it.
"That’s the dream for all of us.”
And while the performance against Ipswich was far from the heights the Hammers have reached this season, with 13 wins from 15 league games, a gutsy performance got the youngsters over the line.
With the game level at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, extra time was ultimately needed. And here, the Hammers’ quality, fitness, and skill played its part.
Substitute Ryan Battrum struck a goal with 116 minutes on the clock and then assisted Divin Mubama, whose fierce strike capped the win. The whistle blown moments after the team's fourth of the night hit the net and the ‘celes’ duly soon followed.
“You can’t top it,” Kodua enthused, on leading the celebrations in front of the 600-plus Claret and Blue Army who had made their way to Suffolk. “It’s a good feeling, especially when we went up 3-2.
“The first time [playing] in front of that many fans was unbelievable, especially at the end when we all went over. I was trying to get the lads to [celebrate in front of them] but everyone was so happy to even focus and celebrate down there. It was good.
“The team dug in [against Ipswich], especially when the first goal went, and I got the equaliser and I think that’s when the belief started to really come through and show. I could not be prouder of the boys.”
The Hammers now head into the FA Youth Cup semi-final draw, which will take place on Friday.
Kevin Keen’s outfit know a tie against Arsenal/Cambridge United or the winners of the last-eight ties between Preston and Southampton and Manchester City and Oxford United stand between West Ham and a place in the final – a feat the Irons have not achieved since 1999.
