Momentum continues to grow at Exeter City following a third straight victory over Cheltenham Town at the weekend, with the Grecians continuing to push leaders Lincoln City at the top of the table.
Next up for Matt Taylor’s side is a league respite as they face West Ham under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday evening.
Here we take a look at the Premier League clubs’ young team and how they are faring this season.
The Head Coach: Terry Westley
After taking over from the timeless club legend Tony Carr in 2014, Westley has assumed the role of academy manager for the past four years.
After brief managerial stints with Luton Town and Derby County, the 49 year-old has found life much easier to come by at academy level. His team currently lie 8th out of 12 in Premier League 2.
The Stadium (Shared with Dagenham)
Name: Victoria Road
Capacity: 6,078
Year opened: 1917
Address: Victoria Road, Victoria Road, Dagenham, RM10 7XL
While everyone in the world of football will be far more familiar with the Olympic Park, West Ham’s new abode. The clubs’ under-23 or under-21s play at local London-based side Dagenham & Redbridge’s, Victoria Road.
One to watch
Reece Oxford may have been one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the West Ham academy in the last few years, but it’s Xande Silva who continues to impress at youth level.
After joining in the summer for a fee of £1.35m from Guimaraes, the Portuguese forward has shone for the club’s academy team firing five goals in six games so far this season, with five in five in the Premier League 2. With form like that, first team boss Manuel Pellegrini is sure to take notice sooner rather than later.
Recent form guide
Westley’s side find themselves currently in a malaise having lost their past three games. While, the Hammers have been shipping goals left, right and centre they haven’t found it difficult to score as they’ve played their part in some hugely exciting affairs this season like 6-4 and 3-2 losses to Man City and Arsenal respectively.
2017/18 season in review
- Position: Premier League 2: 5th
- Average attendance: 636
- Top scorer: Toni Martinez: 11
With 31 points from 22 games, Westley’s side edged out Man City, Everton and Chelsea in securing 5th, though still well of the pace of leaders Arsenal on 42 points and the immediate chasing pack.