Beginning with a three-man defence supplemented by wing-backs Harry Amass and Jaydan Kamason, United contained West Ham properly for essentially the most half in a fair first half. The Irons’ striker Ajala did convert powerfully previous Dermot Mee on one event, however from an offside place, whereas the Northern Irish goalkeeper watched one first-time long-range effort from Akpata sail broad of the correct put up and comfortably saved one other two minutes later.
Ethan Wheatley additionally had a objective dominated out for offside, having acrobatically turned residence from a Sam Murray flick-on off Amass’ right-sided nook. Shortly earlier than the break, Wheatley watched a right-footed effort deflected happily into the goalkeeper’s arms. Ethan Ennis, hat-trick scorer within the facet’s earlier sport, a 4-0 Nationwide League Cup triumph at Altrincham, couldn’t generate sufficient energy on a late curling shot inside the realm. Herrick saved with ease.
