Dean Ammi spoke exclusively to West Ham keeper, Sam Howes.
West Ham advanced into the semi-finals of the Barclays Premier League U21 Cup after beating Blackburn Rovers 2-1 on a cold Wednesday night at Rush Green.
In the final few minutes of the match, nerves were getting the better of the players and Connor Mahoney nearly equalised right at the death if it was not for a sensational last gasp save from goalkeeper Sam Howes. A superb one-handed stop prevented the game from going to extra-time.
Goalkeeper Howes was pleased to get through: “It was a great performance from the boys. We dug in well in the second half especially defensively-wise and the boys were brilliant tonight and rightfully so we are in the semi-finals.”
An enthralling first half display from the young Hammers saw them take an early lead after 19 minutes. A fine piece of skill from forward Jaanai Gordon, saw him turn his man and hit the target, but his effort was saved by Rovers goalkeeper Andy Fisher. Djair Parfitt-Williams was on hand however to slot home the rebound for his fifth goal in four games for the Development Squad.
Terry Westley’s side grew in confidence as the half went on and they were rewarded for their efforts with a second goal. Skipper Reece Oxford shrugged off his man and doubled their lead with a bullet header from a textbook Josh Cullen corner, ten minutes before half-time.
The hosts had their advantage halved just before the interval, after a quick counter-attack by the visitors saw Connor Mahoney play the perfect pass for Anton Forrester, who found the back of the net in the 44th minute.
The result means that Huddersfield Town or Charlton Athletic await the Irons in the final four, setting up a potential fierce local derby with the Addicks.