As part of the Gulls’ centenary season, we played hosts to West Ham’s U21s in our fourth pre-season outing ahead of the upcoming season.

In an evenly-matched start, West Ham dealt with the Gulls’ physicality and high press. It was Conor Hubble who whipped a dangerous early corner into the box, with the Young Hammers’ Fin Hooper making an excellent double save to first stop Jack Cawley’s header at the back-post, before smothering Mitchell May’s close-range rebound to keep the tie goalless.

West Ham limited the Gulls’ chances and grew into the occasion, with their first notable opportunity arriving shortly before the half-hour mark, when Jethro Medine burst forward, outpacing his marker on the outside before firing a low effort narrowly wide of the far post from inside the penalty area. In the next phase of play, the Young Hammers then defended well at the other end and blocked Archie McFadden’s powerful half-volley. 

The Visitors continued to keep possession and ramp up the pressure, and broke the deadlock after 42 minutes, when Junior Robinson’s cross was coolly diverted into the net thanks to Josh Landers’ first-time finish. 

However, with the last kick of the first half, the Gulls found a route back into the game when Hubble’s floated corner was impressively met by Michael Finneran, who nodded a header into the bottom-left corner, meaning the sides went in level at the break

Half time: Canvey Island 1-1 West Ham United U21s

The first notable chance after the break fell to the Young Hammers as Robinson controlled a long ball and threaded a pass through to Gabriel Caliste, where the midfielder got a shot off, however his effort evaded the far post.

At the other end, the Gulls kept pushing for the lead, with West Ham’s Scanlon blocking Ross Wall’s strike, which looked to be going in with goalkeeper Lanre Awesu off his line.

West Ham persisted with their attacking ambition, and the visitors perseverance was rewarded with a late winner as Caliste’s delivery was volleyed in at the back post by Jephtah Medine.

The away team protected their lead and didn’t allow any space for the Gulls to exploit, forcing Garry Kimble’s side to suffer a second defeat in their pre-season campaign.

Full-time: Canvey Island 1-2 West Ham United U21s