Town's U18s fell to their second successive defeat as they lost 2-1 at West Ham on Saturday morning. A goal from striker Jack Marriott (pictured) wasn't enough to prevent Russell Osman's youngsters going down against the Hammers, who are top of the table and unbeaten so far this season.
Although the home side started brightly, Icelandic midfielder Gunnar Thorsteinsson had a couple of early chances for Town with headers from a freekick and a corner failing to find the net.
On 20, Welsh U17 international Jack Simmons should have hit the target after being put through by strike partner Jack Marriott.
However, the hosts went up the other end and took the lead via Kieran Sadlier after a mix-up between centre-half Jide Maduako and US U20 international keeper Cody Cropper.
Marriott equalised for Town just after the half-hour mark following good build-up play between Simmons and Callum Bennett.
Both sides then hit the post before a shaky start to the second half for Town saw Aaron Jones have to make a fine last-ditch clearance to prevent the home side from regaining the lead.
Just after the hour mark, Town thought they had been awarded a penalty when Marriott was tugged back in the area but despite an assistant flagging, the referee didn't award the penalty.
On 73, Sadlier scored the winner for the Hammers with a well-hit freekick from 35 yards out that found the bottom corner of Cropper's net and the hosts then saw out the remainder of the match. Town's U16s were also in action at West Ham, winning their match 5-3.
U18s: Cropper, Jones, October, Leddy (Acott 78), Maduako, Whight, Thorsteinsson, Bennett, Simmonds, Marriott (Tiofack 78), Lawrence (Winter 78).
Report Terry Roberts