West Ham United’s under-18s have booked their place into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after a convincing win over Sheffield United in Alfreton on Wednesday afternoon.
The Hammers were due to play the young Blades last week at Scarborough, but that match was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
In the rearranged tie, the first half was goalless, but the introduction of Callum Marshall at half-time in place of Ollie Scarles inspired victory for Kevin Keen’s, with Marshall opening the scoring early in the second half with a superb curled half-volley from the edge of the penalty area that crashed in off the inside of the post.
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Striker Divin Mubama, who like Scarles made his senior debut against FCSB last month, was on hand with a double in the second half, first turning in the back post from a George Earthy cross before later heading in a delivery from captain Gideon Kodua to make it 3-0.
Hosts Sheffield United hoped for a late fightback when Sam Aston scored directly from a free-kick, but it proved to be no more than a consolation goal.
Victory over the Blades seals a place in the fourth round for the Hammers, who will head north again in the next round to take on Burnley, who beat Norwich City 7-6 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the third round.
West Ham’s London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, and Crystal Palace all suffered defeats in round three.
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