Baník Ostrava 0-4 West Ham United U18s
Zlatý Kahan Cup, Group A, Wednesday 20 July
West Ham United U18s secured their status as the top-ranking team in Group A of the Zlatý Kahan Cup with a deserved 4-0 win against Baník Ostrava.
A spot-kick netted by George Earthy and a well-taken strike by Gideon Kodua in the first half were followed by another penalty, this time scored by Callum Marshall, and Lewis Orford’s first-time effort early in the second.
The hosts were limited in their chances to test the West Ham defence, meaning Kevin Keen’s side will finish the first stage of the competition top of Group A, with six points from the two games played.
The U18s will now be placed in the top-ranking pot for the second stage of the competition along with the first-place teams in Group B and C, where another top-placed finish would see the Hammers win the 42nd version of the prestigious pre-season tournament.
Taking to the field less than 24 hours following their 6-1 win in their Group A opener, the young Hammers knew victory over Ostrava would secure top spot and a place in the top bracket for the second stage of the competition.
Mature hold-up play from Jemiah Umolu almost led to the opening goal after just five minutes as the forward found Patrick Kelly. The young midfielder beat the outcoming goalkeeper to the ball, but his side-footed strike was cleared off the line.
Callum Marshall, having scored a beauty against Viitorul Cluj, will feel he should have done better with efforts from inside the penalty area, as one went over the bar while the other was straight at the Ostrava goalkeeper.
The host side went close with a volleyed effort but it was the Irons who took the advantage on 20 minutes, as Earthy was fouled in the area. The referee pointed to the spot and the midfielder made no error from 12 yards, powering home his finish.
Check out images from Wednesday's win in the gallery above!
The first batch of rolling substitutes came on during the drinks break midway through the first half and it was one of those introduced players who would add the Irons’ second, although Kaelan Casey will feel he should have doubled West Ham’s advantage with a free header minutes prior.
Kodua was in the right place and, as Marshall saw his low shot kept out, the ball fell kindly for the No9 to tuck home and add the second just before half-time.
Two goals ahead at half-time, it would only take the Irons eight minutes into the second half to add another two finishes and all but secure the game.
Just 90 seconds into the second period and Kodua was brought down inside the area, leaving the referee no choice but to award another penalty to the Hammers. This time, Marshall was the man to step up. His effort kissed the inside of the post, and rolled into the net.
The fourth came as West Ham pressed forward with another flowing team move. Kodua was again involved, cleverly setting Orford just inside the penalty area for a first-time, left-footed finish.
Ostrava were limited in their opportunities to test the Hammers and Finley Herrick was only really called into action just after the hour-mark as a strong strike at the near post forced the shot-stopper to get his hands up high to deny the chance.
The home should really have reduced the deficit eight minutes from time, breaking through the resilient Hammers back-line only for the close-range strike to be skewed narrowly wide.
With victory, and a clean-sheet, secured, the Hammers will now prepare for their involvement in the final group across Friday and Saturday.
West Ham United U18s: Herrick, Battrum, Falase, Casey, Jones, Scarles, Earthy, Kelly, Uwandji, Mashall, Umolu
Rolling substitutes: Akpata, Orford, Rigge, Kodua, Fawunmi, Mukasa, Boothe, Mayers
Subs not used: Terry
Goals: Earthy (p) 20, Kodua 42, Marshall (p) 47, Orford 53
