FIRST HALF – TWO CLINICAL FINISHES
It was West Ham who made the brighter start in the Carrington sunshine, but two deliveries flashed across goal – one from either flank – was as far as they threatened in a cagey opening.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout the first half, watched pitchside by Academy director Stephen Torpey. Despite the lack of opportunities, United did look the more likely to score in the opening half hour.
An inswinging free-kick from Jim Thwaites was gratefully grasped by Hammers goalkeeper Finley Hooper after appearing to take a slight diversion off Daniel Armer in the penalty area. Later in the half, Louie Bradbury did well to create a shooting opportunity with a neat touch away from defender Callum Leacock, but the latter remained in close attention to get a block in.
With the scoreline still reading 0-0 in the 32nd minute, it was West Ham who were the first to find the net, through Kerr. The midfielder pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the park and drove to the edge of our 18-yard area, shifted the ball onto his left foot and reversed a low effort into the far bottom corner.
It took just 10 minutes for United to respond, though. A punching pass through the lines from captain Armer found left-back Jacob Watson in an advanced area. The latter showed composure to produce a cutback for Gabriel that was precise enough for our no.10 to run onto it without breaking stride, and sidefoot home a first-time finish.
