The Hammers and Magpies both failed to register their first U21 victory of the season at a damp Upton Park on Monday, but contributed to an entertaining night's entertainment for a crowd who were admitted free. 

Home striker Jordan Brown put his side ahead within the opening five minutes, but West Ham failed to add to their tally despite going on to dominate proceedings.

Newcastle captain Ivan Toney was denied on the half hour by Raphael Speigel's fine save, but the Hammers 'keeper was powerless to stop him from scoring his first goal for the club with a close range 32nd minute shot.

The second half took on a similar pattern, with the home side taking the initiative and creating most of the chances but failing to retake the lead.

Yellow carded for a foul just the interval, Toney made way for Gael Bigirimana just after the hour, Liam Gibson and Mickey Newberry arriving to shore up the Newcastle defence in the closing stages.

However the Magpies still had ambitions at the other end as play began to be stretched and a brilliant solo run from Callum Roberts in the 89th minute took him past three players before he shot home to make it 2-1.

Within seconds though, the Hammers were handed a lifeline when Newcastle conceded a penalty for a dubious foul by Brendan Pearson - Martin Samuelsen converting to give his side their first point this season.

For Newcastle, Tom Heardman, Jamie Sterry, Lubo Satka and Liam Smith all missed out through injury and there was a debut at this level for academy defender Gideon Adu-Peprah, who missed Saturday's U18 game due to suspension.


Biffa - thanks to AB & SP