Cambridge United Under-18s beaten by West Ham United on penalties in the Junior Premier League Cup

A depleted Cambridge United Women Under-18s put in a gutsy performance as they exited the Junior Premier League Cup with a penalty shootout defeat to West Ham United on Saturday.

The young U’s, who were missing regulars Millie Docking, Isabella Gjergji and Lily Horsler, took the lead through Holly Plummer but the home team immediately equalised as the sides played out a 1-1 draw. United then failed to score any of their penalties as the Hammers ran out 4-0 winners to progress.

However, the coaching team of Sean Greygoose and Charlotte Crisp can take heart from holding a free-scoring West Ham, who have notched up 41 goals from only four league games this season.

Manager Greygoose said: “I thought that the girls were excellent in terms of the attitude and desire, especially in the second half against the wind and a really good West Ham side.

“I don’t feel we created loads in the first half but took the lead. Probably the disappointing part was conceding so quickly after we scored but again all these things are key for the girls’ learning and development.

“I thought the girls showed something different in terms of having to go one-versus-one all over the pitch. It was also pleasing to get players minutes that are coming back from injury.

“We also played some good football against the wind in the second half and created a couple of opportunities.

“Myself and Charlotte were both really pleased and proud with the performance and attitude to take it to penalties but also the fact that the girls put their hands up to take the spot kicks.”

“Unfortunately it wasn’t to be but again, it has given all the players another learning opportunity which is huge for them and the aim for the season.”

There were few goalscoring opportunities in a game somewhat ruined by the gale-forced winds. However, United and Plummer opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a curling corner that flew directly into the net.

West Ham attacked straight from the restart and within 30 seconds they were level as their forwards dissected the U’s defence to score.

Both sides cancelled each other out for the remainder of the tie and so then came the lottery of the penalty shootout. United goalkeeper Lily-Grace Cooke, Natasha Coe and Plummer all saw their spot kicks saved by an inspired goalkeeper before Flo Hjaltun-Rayner blazed her shot over the crossbar to hand victory to West Ham.

United resume league duties against local rivals Cambridge City at Cambourne Village College on Saturday (14 December).