by Staff Writer
Wednesday, 18th March 2026
West Ham United’s Under 21 side suffered a heart-breaking defeat in the National League Cup final on Tuesday evening, losing on penalties to Boreham Wood after a dramatic 2–2 draw at Meadow Park.
The young Hammers appeared to be in complete control for much of the contest. First-half goals from Lewis Orford and Josh Landers put them 2–0 ahead by the half time interval, while for long spells, West Ham dictated possession and looked set to secure silverware.
However, Boreham Wood—managed by Luke Garrard—mounted an impressive comeback in the second half following some changes at the break. Zak Brunt pulled a goal back early in the second half, shifting the momentum, before Aaron Henry dramatically equalised in stoppage time to make it 2–2 and force a penalty shootout.
The shootout itself - staged at the Boreham Wood end of the ground - proved agonisingly close. Boreham Wood converted through Zak Brunt, Matt Rush, Aaron Henry, Cameron Coxe and Erico Sousa, while West Ham’s successful takers were Josh Ajala, Lewis Orford, Antonis Golambeckis, Junior Briggs, Divine Cummings and Regan Battrum.
The sequence remained level deep into sudden death, but a crucial miss from West Ham's Caliste with the scores level at 6-6 ultimately allowed Boreham Wood to seal a 7–6 victory on penalties.
For the young Hammers, the defeat was particularly cruel given their dominance for much of the match. Having led by two goals and controlled large periods, they were left to reflect on missed opportunities and the fine margins that define knockout football.
The late equaliser—coming in the 93rd minute following an error from Fin Herrick, who had been instrumental in keeping West Ham ahead—shifted the psychological balance heading into the shootout.
Speaking after the match, West Ham Lead Coach Greg Lincoln said he had nothing but pride at the way his young charges had handled themselves against senior opposition. “I’m really proud of the players and staff, there was so much work put into this season and before that,” he said.
“I thought the players gave absolutely everything, and that was reflected in the performance. Boreham Wood are a very good side, you can see that. They're flying high in the National League, and they're very well coached.
“It was a great challenge for us. We're disappointed, of course, and I think to get so close to the final whistle and then lose in that manner. It’s probably the best way to win on penalties and also the worst way to lose.”
In contrast, Garrard praised his Boreham Wood side’s resilience and determination. Having described the final beforehand as a “massive” occasion his team were “desperate” to win, the comeback and shootout success reflected that mentality.
For West Ham’s academy prospects, the defeat will be a painful lesson - but also a valuable one. For Boreham Wood, meanwhile, the triumph stands as a significant achievement as they seek to enter the Football League for the first time in their history.
Boreham Wood: Curd, Ilesanmi (Newton 84), Bush, O’Connell, Brunt, Abdulmalik, Reynolds © (Coxe HT), White (Sousa 90), Richardson (Ayinde HT), Booty (Henry 75), Rush
Unused subs: Clayde, Payne
Goals: Abdulmalik (49), Henry (90+3)
Booked: Brunt, Ayinde
Penalties: Brunt, Rush, Newton, Coxe, Sousa, Bush, O’Connell
West Ham Utd Under 21s: Herrick, Battrum, Oyebade, Akpata (Medine 46), Golambeckis (c), Briggs, Fearon (Caliste 83), Orford, Landers (Cummings 88), Ajala, Clayton
Unused subs: Hooper, Leacock, Hargan, Dike
Goals: Orford (26), Landers (45)
Penalties: Ajala, Orford, Golambeckis, Briggs, Cummings, Battrum, Caliste (missed)
Referee: Elliott Swallow
Attendance: 2,803 (including 1,250 West Ham Utd supporters)
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