West Ham United academy hero Josh Ajala wants supporters to show up for next month’s National League Cup final.
Ajala scored a dramatic late brace as West Ham United U21s beat Tamworth 3-1 in the National League Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
The game appeared to be heading for a penalty shootout but the striker bagged two late goals to delight the 247 travelling West Ham fans at The Lamb Ground.
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Josh Ajala of West Ham in action during the National League Cup match between Sutton United and West Ham United U21 at VBS Community Stadium on December 17, 2024 in Sutton, England.
In a fine season for the West Ham United academy, the U21s will now play Boreham Wood in the final of this competition in mid-March.
The final will be played at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park, which is only a short train ride away from London.
Ajala talked about how important having the backing of the supporters was crucial at Tamworth, and appeared to urge fans to attend next month’s final.
Speaking to West Ham United’s official website, he said: “Having the fans’ backing means a lot to us. The fans, they help us players a lot. They drive us to keep going in difficult moments in the game. Obviously it would mean a lot to us to have them backing us at Boreham Wood in the final.”
National League Cup - Sutton United v West Ham United U21
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
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West Ham United fans have been travelling around the country for the National League Cup
If anyone ever needed reminding of just how passionate this fan base are, one only needs to look at the National League Cup.
Ezra Mayers admitted it was rare to see fans at an U21 game, yet supporters made their way up to Lincolnshire to watch the young Hammers against Boston United in the quarter-finals.
As such, it seems safe to assume that the West Ham U21s will be well-supported at next month’s final.
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Josh Ajala has already won a trophy with the West Ham academy
Ajala is a very highly-rated young striker, having scored ten goals in 18 appearances at youth level this season.
The forward joined the youth ranks in east London from Chelsea in 2023 and has previously helped them win a trophy.
Indeed, back in April, Ajala bagged a brace as West Ham beat Reading to win the U18 Premier League Cup.
Tipped to leave the club at the end of the season, winning another trophy would be some way to sign off.
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