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Near perfect evening as West Ham’s U23 team wins 3-1

By Adam Smith

HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Nathan Holland of West Ham runs during the pre-season friendly match between Wycombe Wanderers and West Ham United at Adams Park on July 14, 2018 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Nathan Holland of West Ham runs during the pre-season friendly match between Wycombe Wanderers and West Ham United at Adams Park on July 14, 2018 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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West Ham’s reserve U23 team returned to action and had a triumphant night over Blackburn Rovers. With a familiar face returning to the team, the Irons scored early and shut down the opposition in a near perfect game.

It was welcomed news when West Ham summer recruit Xande Silva was destined to return as the Hammers faced off against Blackburn Rovers in U23 action. The Portuguese forward was returning from a hamstring injury that saw him miss seven matches since the end of September.

Likewise, West Ham prospect and dynamic winger Nathan Holland returned from injury as well. Holland injured his ankle just three matches into the season and has missed 10 matches since then. Both Silva and Holland are key to the U23 team stepping up and scoring loads of goals, their absence had been missed but not as much as their return was needed.

The scoreline read 3-1 with two goals coming from Silva and Holland scoring the other:

The goals were well worked and showed off the skill the U23 team has at their disposal, especially with Silva and Holland in the lineup.

The first goal showed off the reach of senior team manager Manuel Pellegrini into the development squad’s plans. A high press that West Ham uses was seen in action here forcing short, panicked passes from Rovers who eventually were dispossessed by Moses Makasi roaming up from the midfield who slotted the ball to Holland for a tap in.

Masaki getting on the score sheet is absolutely crucial at this point in his career. At 23 years of age and with his contract expiring at the end of this season, Makasi needs some statistical boosting to either re-sign (which is probably unlikely), earn a move away in January, or even attack interest when he is on a free come June.

The second goal was created off of a terrific interception from West Ham’s #5 who found Holland in stride, with a tricky second touch Holland drew the keeper and coolly slotted the ball to Silva who was wide open across the net.

The final goal again came off the break as Joe Powell found Silva up the middle. Silva showed tremendous skill reaching behind him and pushing the ball forward before cutting to his right and slotting the ball home past a helpless keeper from range.

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Rovers would get one back on Nathan Trott, West Ham’s keeper heir, but the game was far out of reach at that point. With Holland and Silva back in the team, both with multiple goal contributions, West Ham’s U23 team have their potent offense back and should have a few players knocking on the first team’s door.