West Ham United have qualifed for the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1999 after a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
In a entertaining cup tie, Ipswich took an early lead when Finley Barbrook scored an early header. Ipswich were reduced to ten men shortly after the half hour mark when Calum Logan was shown a straight red card for a foul on George Earthy, with captain Gideon Kodua levelling the tie before half-time.
Despite the ten men, Ipswich regained their lead in the second half through Nico Valentine's strike from range, with Callum Marshall equalising seconds later. An extra-time goal from substitute Ryan Battrum sealed victory and a historic win for Kevin Keen's side, with striker Divin Mubama adding a fourth with the final kick of the game.
Here is how football.london’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against Ipswich.
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Mason Terry
Goalkeeper Mason Terry's hopes of a FA Youth Cup quarter-final clean sheet were dashed within minutes of kick-off when Barbrook headed in Jack Manly's corner. Made a couple of important saves after the opener to keep West Ham in it before Kodua's leveller. Had a quiet second half but found himself beaten by Valentine from range. Made a key stop early into extra-time. 7
Asher Falase
Asher Falase made a couple of big clearances early on when Ipswich dominated but played a role in West Ham's first goal, with his cross from the right finding Marshall's head, with the first effort saved by Woody Williamson, leading to Kodua scoring on the rebound. Provided good pace and energy throughout, although was sometimes caught out when trying to go forward. A good outlet on the whole. 7
Sean Tarima
Sean Tarima found his busiest spell of the game coming early on, trying to limit what Ipswich were able to put away with their wave after wave of attack. Quick on his feet, a lot of Ipswich's moves, especially after the opening 45 minutes, were cut out when Tarima showed his pace and his positional know-how. Did a good job of keeping Ipswich's Gerrard Buabo quiet, who has played twice for the Tractor Boys' first team this season. 7
Kaelan Casey
Just three days after making the first-team bench at Tottenham Hotspur, Kaelan Casey was in FA Youth Cup action. Did not have the best of starts to the game, like a few but got better as it progressed, showing that he had played over half of his appearances prior to kick-off at either under-21 or first-team level. Did come off around halfway into the first half of extra-time. 7
Regan Clayton
A mixed performance for Regan Clayton, who found himself in quite the battle with Ipswich's Rio Morgan. He gave away a number of first-half fouls, the first leading to Barbrook's opener, and the last getting him booked. When he got forward, he showed real quality with his crossing. This was seen more in the second half, creating a golden chance for striker Divin Mubama, whose header forced an excellent stop out of Williamson. Found himself booed on every touch for about half a match after a coming together with Morgan. 6
Lewis Orford
Lewis Orford started in the heart of midfield just over 24 hours after it was announced that he had signed his first professional contract, having recently turned 17. Moved the ball around excellently, showed a good range of passing and almost scored from distance on a couple of occasions. Helped control the game, particularly as it progressed well. 7
Ollie Scarles
Like Casey, took time to get into the game, but when he did, played a big part. Moved the ball brilliantly, tested Williamson from range multiple times and his crossing and passing range really gave Ipswich plenty to think about. Fell victim to cramp in the second half of extra-time, but played a big role in helping to come from behind twice. 7
Gideon Kodua
The Hammers captain Kodua levelled the tie, heading in at the back post after Marshall's header from a Falase cross was saved. Was the man who was tackled by Valentine for Ipswich to make it 2-1. Showed great energy and directness and was relentless in his running and grafting. Really got West Ham back in it with his first half header. 7
George Earthy
A strong contender for the star man award was midfielder George Earthy. Playing in a No.10 role, he changed the game when sprinting through on goal in the first half, with Logan pulling his shirt and getting sent off in the process. Created so much and deserved a goal of his own, but did not get one. He did however play a big hand in Marshall making it 2-2, with his give and go with him leading to West Ham's second on the night. 8
Callum Marshall (Star man)
The Northern Irish forward was involved in three of West Ham's four goals. His header was parried in the first half before Kodua made it 1-1. He then equalised for the second time himself, driving towards goal and executing a one-two with Earthy before converting at the back post. To make it 3-2, he cut the ball back for substitute Battrum to score. An outlet all night and always looking capable of making something happen, West Ham's star of the night. 8
Divin Mubama
Striker Mubama has scored a bucket load of goals this season at youth level, but it took over 120 minutes for him to finally get his goal. In the first half, his only chance was a glancing header across goal, before firing a thumping header on target in the second half that forced Williamson into an excellent save. Got his goal with the last kick of the game after being played in by Battrum, cutting onto his left and smashing past Williamson to score with the final kick of the game. Battled well and held the ball up well, despite his long wait for the goal. 7
Substitutes
Ryan Battrum
Ryan Battrum was the first man bought on, but his arrival did not come until midway through the first half of extra-time in place of Casey. Added some needed energy in midfield to give West Ham a boost with just over 20 minutes to go. Made the difference off the bench, first converting with a good finish after quick feet to make it 3-2. He then teed up Mubama on a counter attack in the final seconds, who added the final blow. A superb outing. 8
Tyron Akpata
West Ham made two changes early into the second half of extra-time, with Tyron Akpata replacing Orford, who was struggling with cramp. Shortly after coming on, he lost the ball in the middle of the park, but Terry's save to deny Morgan got Akpata out of trouble. 5
Liam Jones
Like Orford, Scarles was forced off with cramp at the same time, leading to Liam Jones' introduction for a cameo appearance. 5
Josh Briggs
Bought on during extra-time stoppage time in place of Earthy. N/A
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