Goalkeeper Finlay Herrick made a costly mistake in West Ham U21s National League Cup final defeat to Boreham Wood.
The Hammers went 2-0 up in the first half, with goals from Lewis Orford and Josh Landers, but could not see out the victory.
Boreham Wood scored an equaliser in the 93rd minute after Herrick spilled a long-range effort into the net.
West Ham U21s captain Airidas Golambeckis has now defended his goalkeeper after the heartbreaking result.
Heartbreak for Herrick and West Ham! 😩
What did you make of that National League Cup final loss?
Finlay Herrick of West Ham United during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester City U21 and West Ham U21 at Joie Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Airidas Golambeckis supports Finlay Herrick following costly mistake
Herrick’s last-minute blunder was even more frustrating because he had played so well throughout the game until then.
Unfortunately, it was an unforced error that he will probably live to regret until he plays in another final and wins the trophy.
However, everyone knows that mistakes are commonplace in football, even at the highest level, and he still had an impressive game.
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Herrick made several quality saves, including tipping a chip onto the crossbar, which his teammates have not forgotten.
Golambeckas called Herrick the Hammers’ “best player” throughout the National League Cup campaign despite his late mistake.
“I think Fin [Herrick] saved us throughout the whole game,” he told whufc.com. “The first half, the second half, they had so many chances, and he was always there to save them.
“Even in the other games, saving penalties against Colchester in the Vertu Trophy, and Tamworth in the semi-finals.
“I think Fin’s probably been our best player in the National League Cup, really important. Stuff like this happens in football.”
Finlay Herrick during Manchester City U21 v West Ham U21 - Premier League 2
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Greg Lincoln praises ‘outstanding’ Finlay Herrick after cup final defeat
West Ham U21s manager Greg Lincoln also refused to blame Herrick for his team’s disappointing cup final defeat.
Lincoln urged the 20-year-old to be “proud” of his performance and tipped him to have an exciting future in the game.
“Fin [Herrick] has been outstanding throughout, and we recognise he has huge potential,” he said. “He’s got a huge character and personality.
“It’s the life of a goalkeeper. He’s kept us in the game and made some outstanding saves throughout, not just tonight, but across the competition, and I think when you’re in goal, of course, it gets highlighted more than anyone else.
“Fin can be more than proud of his performances and his contribution tonight. He kept us in the game on more than one occasion, and he’s going to go on and have a top, top career, I’m sure.”
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