West Ham United first-team coach Mark Warburton was pleased with academy midfielder Pierre Ekwah following his goal in the Hammers' 4-2 win over Cambridge United.
During the six-goal clash in a testimonial match for U's captain and West Ham supporter Greg Taylor, Ekwah was one of a number of academy players to come off the bench in the second half and took his chance with the first-team, scoring the Hammers' fourth goal of the game with a good finish from outside of the penalty area.
Ekwah, who spent three years at Chelsea prior to joining West Ham's academy in the summer of 2021, was one of five academy players to feature in the second half alongside Michael Forbes, Levi Laing, Kamarai Swyer and Freddie Potts, with the latter providing the assist for Ekwah's goal.
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Warburton said after the game that it was important for those academy players with a chance to make the most of it and was encouraged by the goal and performance of Ekwah.
"It was a good goal," Warburton told football.london. "Those boys get the opportunity by the manager and staff. They have to make sure they take those opportunities.
"It is a harsh game they are in, it’s a tough business they are involved in. But they have trained well. They have done well for Mark (Robson) in the 21s.
"This is the chance to step up and take that opportunity. I am pleased for him tonight.”
Ekwah is yet to make his official debut for West Ham's senior side but has been an unused substitute four times. He was in the squad for both wins over Danish side Viborg in August, as well as the FA Cup defeat to Southampton and the Premier League win over Norwich City last season.
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