At a glance
- Brighton beat West Ham 3-0 in the PL2 play-offs
- Callum Mackley, Shane Nti and Josh Robertson scored
- Albion will now face Tottenham in the semi-finals
Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s have moved one step closer to the Premier League 2 final after a commanding 3-0 win over West Ham United.
Brighton’s U21s have already shown plenty of knockout composure in this season’s Premier League 2 elimination play-off.
After beating Ipswich Town in the previous round, Shannon Ruth’s side returned to Lancing knowing that another strong performance would move them to the semi-final.
West Ham arrived with enough attacking quality to make the evening uncomfortable. However, Albion produced one of their most complete displays when it mattered.
Brighton U21s Required Only Two Shots Well-Placed Shots in The First Half
West Ham had their moments in the first half, with Joshua Ajala missing a good chance after being picked out by Jethro Medine’s low cross.
However, Albion grew into the game later as Miah Oriola was a constant threat down the left flank. The winger’s attempts on the left caused problems for the visitors, eventually helping Brighton to break the deadlock.
Callum Mackley opened the score sheet 10 minutes before half-time. The home side then doubled their lead just five minutes later.
A combination of Harry Howell and Sean Keogh was released to Oriola. His first time cross was netted from close range by Shane Nti.
Brighton only attempted three shots, with two on target. Likewise, the two well-placed strikes were enough to secure a lead.
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Albion Beat West Ham to Reach PL2 Semi-Final
Albion were close to adding a third shortly after the restart. Neol Atom saw a volley cleared off the line by Airidas Golambeckis before Nti headed wide.
Nevertheless, the Hammers faced an even tougher challenge when Ajala was sent off in the 68th minute for lunging against Oriola.
The home side eventually reached the three-goal mark in the closing stage of the game. Robertson finished a pass from Kofi Shaw with a low-footed striker past Finley Hopper to make it 3-0.
Despite taking 10 shots, West Ham failed to register a single goal in the second-half. Brighton, on the other hand, took six shots with three on target, and that was enough to get their final goal of the game.
Brighton U21s Set Up Tottenham Semi-Final
The result sends the U21s side into the semi-final. Albion face Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 8th.
Hotspur proceed to the semis after defeating Derby rivals Chelsea. Spurs scored three against the Blues as the home side only managed to salvage one goal.
A place in the final will be on the line this weekend, with either Manchester United or Manchester City waiting for the winners.
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