West Ham United U18s stretched their unbeaten run to 17 games with a crucial 2-1 victory over Derby County U18s in Premier League Cup Group B. It means the Irons now hold top spot with just a single group game left against Middlesborough and followed a wonderful long range winner from Dan Rigge.

Hammers win and are unbeaten in seven games After a goalless first half, the visitors struck after the break with Wheeldon curling a fine shot into the top corner. But the Hammers hit back with Ajala making hay from a a defensive error before slotting the ball home to equalise. Rigge produced a moment of supreme quality in the 67th minute lobbing the keeper from 30 yards with a first time effort.

Afterwards lead coach Kevin Keen described the game as high-quality and competitive with both teams playing to win and the Hammers showing their mentality with the first year players adapting quickly to join a real togetherness in the squad.

He added: "Derby are one of the best teams we've played this season but this group of players know what it means to win games. "It was a big win for us and there were some brilliant performances. Fin Herrick was brilliant in goal and the subs came on and all made a real impact."