West Ham’s incredible road to Conference League glory: A full review
By Alex Smith
Match Three vs Anderlecht (1-0)
West Ham’s toughest game of the group, away to Anderlecht. The Belgians put in a resilient display and it was a clash of few chances for most of the tie. However, it was Moyes who proved genius again, subbing on Paqueta and Scamacca in the hope to change a game heading for a 0-0.
The Brazilian star was still getting used to life in claret and blue back then in October but he oozed class in this cameo performance. Paqueta unleashed skill and creativity, flicking a ball behind the defence for Scamacca to chase. The Italian shot first time into the bottom corner 79 minutes in to continue his scoring run in the competition. Flynn Downes shone in the game and was named man of the match and received praise from Moyes. It was the Irons’ hardest match and to get three games in with nine points, fans knew their spot in the knockout rounds was nearly sealed.
Match Four vs Anderlecht (2-1)
Take a bow Said Benrahma. The Algerian whipped in a sublime free-kick and Bowen smashed in an Emerson pull back to put the Irons in control. The Brussels-based side got their goal via a soft penalty given away by Ben Johnson. The headlines were grabbed by crowd trouble started by rowdy Anderlecht supporters. The clash behind the goal saw flares and chairs be thrown between the separation between fans. The Belgian side were consequently not allowed fans at their next away match after starting the ugly scenes.
Match Five vs Silkeborg (1-0)
With 12 points, West Ham were looking to confirm top spot in the group and get a bye threw to the last-16 stage. A Lanzini penalty was the only goal in a rather boring game as the Hammers eased to victory.
Match Six vs FCSB (3-0)
West Ham had already topped the group and took a youthful side to Romania in front of thousands of travelling fans from East London. It was a special night for the likes of Ollie Scarles and Divin Mubama, who both started the game. And more academy stars came on off the bench. But Pablo Fornals grabbed the headlines with two fantastic finishes. Mubama believed he’d scored only for it to go down as an own-goal, horrible UEFA!
Play-Off Round First Leg vs AEK Larnaca (2-0)
Over to the party town of Ayia Napa to face Larnaca, no surprise to see the loyal fans enjoy a wild night out or two. It was more joy on the pitch as Antonio got a brace, one was a fantastic curling strike from outside the box.
Play-Off Round First Leg vs AEK Larnaca (4-0)
Larnaca had a man sent off and Fornals pleaded with the referee not to dismiss him as West Ham eased to a win. Scamacca poked in the first, Bowen flicks header was number two and he then got another with a composed strike. Mubama then came off the bench and scored from a set-piece. No taking that one off the FA Youth Cup winner.