U21s Report: Leicester City 3 West Ham United 1

Steve Beaglehole’s outfit took the lead with just two minutes on the clock thanks to Joe Dodoo’s eighth goal of the campaign, before Jack Barmby added another with 20 minutes gone. 

But the pick of the goals came just after the half hour mark as midfielder Jak McCourt converted from all of 30 yards with a sweet strike to ultimately put the game beyond the London outfit, who pulled a goal back just after the break through Jaanai Gordon. 

In typical City style, the Foxes burst out the blocks, taking the lead after just two minutes. Harry Panayiotou did well down the right and squared the ball to Dodoo, who took a touch before slotting in past Sam Howes. 

Dodoo could have had a second just moments later, but after collecting captain James Pearson’s knock-down, the winger saw his effort blocked deep in the West Ham box. 

City continued to push for a second goal, and eventually got one with 20 minutes on the clock. Barmby picked up the ball in midfield before drilling a low strike from 25 yards that Howes got a hand to, but couldn’t keep out. 

Just 12 minutes later, Leicester were 3-0 up. Barmby initially looked to deliver a free kick into the box from the right, but instead pulled the ball back to McCourt, who hammered in an unstoppable shot past Howes from 30 yards. 

McCourt turned provider next, slipping in Panayiotou, only for Joshua Pask to cover and clear well. After an excellent first half, Leicester went into the break three goals to the good. 

West Ham upped their game after the break as Adam Smith twice denied captain Joshua Cullen from close range to keep the Foxes’ 3-0 lead intact. 

McCourt then saw his long-range free kick blocked, while at the other end, Emmanuel Onariase nodded over at the back post. 

The Hammers got themselves back into the game just after the hour mark. Substitute Louis Rowley brought down Elliot Lee in the box, but despite Smith pulling off a good save to prevent the striker’s resulting penalty, the rebound was turned in by Gordon. 

Smith again did well to deny Cullen as the visitors looked to mount a comeback, before substitute Grady Diangana fired wide from a tight angle after racing through – an action that proved to be the final effort of the game. 

The result saw Leicester secure their spot in the top eight of the U21 Premier League, meaning they qualify for next season’s Premier League International Cup. 

Next up for the Development Squad is the Hong Kong Citibank Soccer Sevens tournament, which will take place on 29-31 May. 

CITY: Smith, Pearson (c), Elder, McCourt, Sesay, Davis, Scott (Stankevicius 60), Chilwell (Rowley 56), Panayiotou, Barmby, Dodoo (Miles 75) 

SUBS NOT USED: Maddison, King 

GOALS: Dodoo 2, Barmby 20, McCourt 32 

WEST HAM: Howes, Pike, Page, Makasi, Pask, Onariase, Gordon (Diangana 73), Nasha (Sylvestre 85), Lee, Cullen (c), Mavila (Borg 80) 

SUBS NOT USED: Bogard

GOAL: Gordon 67 

REFEREE: Amy Fearn