Brighton and Hove Albion under 23s made the journey to London on Friday night. Taking on West Ham, in a premier league two fixture. Being played out of the hammers London Stadium home. Going into the match the host were winless since their victory against Leeds United. Leaving the East London outfit third in the league, after a positive start to the season.
Despite the seagulls starting well on their trip to the capital, it was the host who took the lead. Scoring in the eighth minute. Ekwah putting the ball into the back of the net from outside the box. Looking motivated from their early lead West Ham played on the front foot, but were matched by their opponents. The visitor’s wide player seeming to be the main outlet for chances. Charging at the fullback, and beating him for pace for more times than not. A valiant effort from the south coast club going into the break.
When play resumed, the visitors had an early goal. Levelling the match after only seven minutes. Todd Miller curling a shot into the top right corner, having hit his attempt from just inside the box. To the pleasure of a handful of travelling supporters. However, the even score did not last long. On sixty minutes Thierry Nevers put the hammers back in front. Finishing off from close range, after a ball was put into the box. Fortune not hiding in the build-up to this goal. Similarly, West Ham added a third on sixty four minutes. Following a scramble in the box, which Swyer got on the end of. Increasing the margin for the claret and blue men. Leaving the game to fizzle out, to the disappointment of over five hundred spectators packed into the Olympic stadium. With eight minutes to go Brighton managed to get one back. Cam Peupion firing low into the net, after having a go from twelve yards. Proving to be too late for a point to taken back to Sussex.
In conclusion it proved to be an entertaining first visit. A ground with verry little history building up to it, but with plenty more years to create memories. Something that will never match the iconic moments of their former Upton Park home. A second-class Emirates stadium you could say.
Comments