West Ham United new boy Patrick Kelly has made an early impact in claret and blue after scoring a clinical strike in the Zlaty Kahan tournament in the Czech Republic.
Kelly, who joined the Hammers from Irish League club Coleraine earlier this month, was on target for the U18s in a resounding 6-1 win over Viitorul Cluj of Romania on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old bagged West Ham’s fifth of the game, skipping past a challenge before curling an unstoppable shot from an acute angle into the top corner of the net.
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It was a picture book strike from Kelly who has represented Northern Ireland at U19 level and made 28 appearances for Coleraine in his debut campaign last season.
Former Linfield striker Callum Marshall, who joined West Ham from the Blues in January, was also on target against Cluj, bagging the third with a powerful strike.
Cluj were ahead early doors before Daniel Rigge, George Earthy and Marshall hit back to have the Hammers 3-1 ahead at the half-time break.
Gideon Kodua and Kelly added further goals early in the second half before Blaise Uwandji capped off the victory with a sixth late on.
West Ham U18s are participating in the 42nd edition of the Zlaty Kahan tournament which is hosted by the Baník Ostrava Academy in the Czech Republic.
Kevin Keen’s side, who were recently on a training camp in Portugal, also secured a 4-0 win over Bank Ostrava on Wednesday afternoon, a result that ensured they finished top of their group.
Northern Ireland youngster Marshall was on target again alongside Gideon Kodua, Lewis Orford and George Earthy from the penalty spot.
West Ham proceed to the final group stage which will be played on Friday and Saturday.
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