Archie Woods said that West Ham United U19s were punishing in their 4-0 victory against Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru U21s in their second Premier League Next Generation Cup match out in India.
The Irons came into their second match of the tournament at Reliance Corporate Park having drawn their opening game against another ISL side, ATK Mohun Bagan 1-1, it meant that the pressure was on to win their second fixture.
Indeed, the Young Hammers knew that the win was important, and it showed in their early play, with the front players applying plenty of pressure which would eventually force the first goal. Woods won the ball high up the pitch after the Blues looked to play out from goal kick. He laid the ball off for George Earthy, who in turn slipped in Dan Rigge to fire in on 22 minutes.
There were more chances in the first half, with Olli Scarles and Tyron Akpata going close from distance, but it would be in the second half where Lauris Coggin’s side found their clinical edge. 35 seconds after the second half whistle sounded, the Irons had doubled their lead – with Favour Fawumni grabbing his second of the tournament with a neat finish.
Further goals from substitutes Blaise Uwandji and Lewis Orford secured a dominant win, which Woods believes was a good reaction after the draw in the opening fixture.
“It’s a good reaction to the draw in our first game,” the midfielder told whufc.com. “We started the game off well and dominated the ball. As the game went on we continued to keep possession and they started to tire, and we punished them as we should be doing.
“We have to keep the ball as much as we can because it’s so hot out here, and that really hurts other teams. If we do that successfully like we did tonight, then I think we have a really good opportunity of going all the way and winning the tournament.”
Woods and his teammates kicked off at 8pm local time, meaning that the sun had long since set on the grass pitch at Reliance Corporate Park. Their opening group game kicked off in the heat of the afternoon, with temperature peaking at around 36 degrees Celsius.
This time around, the Irons only had to deal with the humidity, and with the team slowly adapting to conditions having been in India since Tuesday, Woods believes that the team are slowly getting used to things.
“The first game of the tournament was probably toughest game of football that I’ve ever played in. We hadn’t been in the country long so weren’t used to that heat, so it was incredibly tough. The Indian sides are used to the heat, so it’s easier for them.
“Tonight, things were a lot better, we’re slowly acclimatising to heat and also to the way that Lauris (Coggin) wants us to play.
“Playing a bit later on means that we play at a similar time to when we train, and I also think it allows us to have more intensity because the sun isn’t beaming down on you.”
The win moves Coggin’s side into 2nd place in Group A, with their final fixture coming against current leaders Stellenbosch, who have won both of their opening games against ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru.
It’s a straight shootout for a place in the final where nothing but a win will do for the Hammers. Woods is confident that if the team play as the did against the Blues, then they will top the group and advance.
“A lot of this group have played in big games this season and the game against Stellenbosch will be another one – so it won’t be a problem for us. We’ve got to prepare right over the next couple of days and go into the game to try and win it."
Woods also reflected on his time away from the pitch in India so far. The Hammers have completed a number of cultural activities, which included a visit to the Dhrarvi Slums in Mumbai.
“We’ve done a few different things that have been very eye opening for the boys, Woods admitted. “I think all of us have seen different things that have given us a new perspective of how we look at things – we’re all a bit more grateful for the lives that we get to live.
“We’re being looked after really well in the hotel and it’s been a really good week with the boys, and hopefully next week we will be coming home as winners of the tournament,” he concluded.
Watch highlights from the win of Bengaluru U21s by clicking here!
