United's Under-18s booked a place in the next round of the FA Youth Cup with a 1-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park. Striker Will …

United's Under-18s booked a place in the next round of the FA Youth Cup with a 1-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park.

Striker Will Keane got the crucial goal in the first half, heading home a rebound from winger Larnell Cole's volley, which Hammers goalkeeper Sam Cowler parried into Keane's path.

Earlier in the game, Paul Pogba had tested Cowler with a curling free-kick while West Ham's best chance of the half also came from a set-piece. George Moncur - son of ex-Hammer John - forced a fingertip stop from Reds keeper Sam Johnstone.

The tie could have swung in favour of either side in the second half. Sebastian Lletget squandered a good opening from about 12 yards out and moments later Keane was denied a second goal. He'd lifted the ball over his marker and Cowler, but the West Ham keeper managed to paw the ball away from Keane before he could turn the ball into an empty net.

At the other end, Gyliano van Velzen fired wide from the excellent Cole's cross, and John Cofie saw a powerful shot saved. West Ham had a late penalty shout as a shot came off Michele Fornasier, but it would have been a harsh decision to award a spot-kick as it was at point-blank range. Besides, United had created the better of the chances and deserved to book a fifth round tie with either Newcastle or Grimsby Town.

U18s progress in the cup

20TH JAN 2011

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