West Ham United’s u21 side – the only ‘development’ side left in the competition – travel to Tamworth from the Football League’s fifth tier for the semi final of the National League Cup tonight.
Senior side Tamworth plus other semi finalists Boreham Wood and Truro City will all be hoping to progress to the final: The Hammers’ youngsters have a big hurdle ahead to make it past another challenging opponent who will be able to pick their best XI, unlike the Hammers who have the problems associated with being a ‘feeder’ squad for the seniors.
West Ham’s young guns have a particular challenge as their squad is forever being cherry picked: Last year’s standouts Callum Marshall and George Earthy have been sent on loan and are no longer available.
Ezra Mayers – could return to captain the u21’s once again
In addition, Mohamado Kanté, Lewis Orford and Ezra Mayers turned out for the West Ham seniors in the FA Cup victory at the weekend.
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However even though there is a quick turnaround, the trio could return to bolster the u21’s chances against Tamworth tonight. It would be a huge feather in the cap of the development squad to make it to the final and the trio would offer top-flight experience to Greg Lincoln’s side.
The game is being live streamed by whufc.com tonight and the game kicks off at 7.30 with the prospect of a penalty shootout if scores are level at 90 minutes.