by Staff Writer
Saturday, 12th July 2025
Mark Robson's Under 21s opened their pre-season programme with a chastening defeat at the hands of Worthing on Saturday afternoon.
Despite the Hammers taking an early lead on the quarter-hour mark through Ryan Battrum, the home side went on to secure a comfortable win in front of a crowd of 2,694 at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
And the chief architect of West Ham's downfall was former Hammer Brad Dolaghan, who scored a hat-trick a year after leaving east London for the West Sussex-based outfit.
All of Dolaghan's goals arrived in the second half, after Bailey Smith had restored parity just two minutes following Battrum's effort. He scored in the 68th, 85th and the first minute of added-on time to send the young Hammers back home with their tails firmly between their legs.
Daniel Cummings, West Ham's recent signing from Celtic replaced Ajala at half time but was unable to open his account for the Hammers, You may view highlights of the game below.
West Ham Utd: Terry (Hooper 46), Robinson (Medine 46), Briggs, Luizao, Brown (Battrum 90), Clayton (Moore 46), Akpata, Caliste (Hargan 46), Rigge (Landers 46), Battrum (Sowunmi 46), Ajala (Cummings 46)
Goals: Battrum (15)
Worthing: Stacey, Colbran (Trialist 76), Cook (Jordan 71), Byron (Beard 46), Jordan (Ransom 46), Frimpong (Sorondo 46), Coleman De-Graft (Packham 46), Spong (Burgess 46), Rea (O'Brien 67), Smith (Babalola 46), Odonkonyero (Dolaghan 46)
Goals: Smith (24), Dolaghan (pen 68, 85, 90+1)
Referee: Steve Hughes
Attendance: 2,694
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