U18s: West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa

Aston Villa fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at West Ham United in the Under-18 Premier League South.

Jude Longman’s penalty midway through the first half proved the difference in east London as the Hammers claimed the spoils.

The reverse leaves the Young Lions on eight points from their opening seven league matches.

Richard Beale’s side will be looking to bounce back at home to Arsenal next weekend.

In-form Daniel Adediran, who bagged a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest last weekend, was denied by the West Ham defence after 18 minutes, Arnaldo Ugate clearing off the line.

And the hosts soon took the lead at the other end, Longman beating Rhys Oakley from the spot after he was upended by Curtis Mitchell in the area.

Olly Lloyd tested Hammers ‘keeper Felix Ayesta from 20 yards while Mitchell blocked Longman’s goalbound effort.

Erin Orebowale was then thwarted by Ayesta while opposite number Oakley parried from the lively Longman as defence largely prevailed over attack.

In the second half, a free-flowing Villa move saw Ollie Bindley denied by Ayesta in the 52^nd minute as Villa pushed for an equaliser.

Vincely Mudame then came to the visitors’ rescue on the hour mark as he cleared off the line from Tyrone Omotoye.

Ayesta parried from both Lennon Moss and Villa substitute Jake Doughty as the encountered entered the latter stages.

And the West Ham stopper was at it again late on to keep out Doughty’s long-range free-kick as the home side edged proceedings in the capital.