Divin Mubama's goal-scoring run continued into the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
The young striker struck a sensational hat-trick as the U18s swept passed Southampton to see a 6-1 win book the Club’s first FA Youth final in 24 years.
Mubama netted the Hammers first, third, and fifth, with Gideon Kodua, Callum Marshall and Favour Fawunmi also on the scoresheet.
A threat throughout, the 19-year-old was delighted to set up a final showdown with Arsenal.
“I was lucky enough to score three tonight and carry on the goal streak but without the boys, I couldn’t do it,” he stated.
“All season we have been grafting hard. And we know what we expect, the standard doesn’t stop. And we got the job done.”
Strikes from Mubama and Marshall saw the Irons move into a 2-0 lead in front of 7,000 at London Stadium, although it was a scoreline the Irons failed to defend at the weekend.
That, of course, brought some added pressure but Mubama explained he and his teammates were focused on getting the job done.
“To be fair, we just stayed on it,” he stated. “The boys remembered what happened against Brighton, but football can change so quickly. We came in at half-time and knew the job was not done. But we did that second half.”
Key to the Hammers’ success was a front three who enjoyed themselves throughout. Rotating through, Marshall, Kodua and Mubama excelled. They were all on to scoresheet, but it was their movement, skill and work rate that shone in east London.
The trio enjoy playing their football together. At London Stadium, it showed.
Mubama himself putting in another showing he hopes will see him make more first-team apperances in the future.
“Us three, we love goals,” Mubama enthused. “Off the pitch, we are all together. We stick together and you can see us making tackles.
“But I am finding my form with the Academy now. But every time I get my chance in the first team, I am trying to impress. All I can do is keep scoring and keep showing what I can do.
“I am still young and I like to play football whatever age-group you put me in I reckon I will score goals. The most important thing is playing football. I am enjoying playing whether it's with the U18s, U21s or the first team.”
One match where Mubama will hope to make his mark will, of course, be the final. A date for the fixture with Arsenal will be confirmed in due course, but Mubama is ready for the trip to the Emirates that is for sure.
“Yeah, you know it,” he stated, firmly. “We are ready. We fight and we go to war.”
Mubama's mindset is clear, then. Bring it on.
