Lowestoft Town U19's began their Youth Alliance season with a visit from current champions West Ham United. The majority of the group have been involved in the ongoing FA Youth Cup run which has seen the team beat Wroxham and Ipswich Wanderers. The Hammers were the visitors today who came in full of confidence and in search for their second win of the season. The game kicked off at the Fosters Solicitors Community Stadium with both teams trying to assert an early dominance. It took only two minutes for current champions, West Ham to open their account. A long searching ball found Emmanuel Shana on the right hand side who cut into box and slotted a shot into the top left corner. This was an early set back for the Blues who were reminded of the ruthless nature of this division. Lowestoft responded well to the early Hammers goal and were making head ways into the West Ham final third. In the 16th minute, Ashton Blogg won a free-kick just outside the opposition penalty area. The young man stepped up and fired a low drive into the bottom corner, leaving the West Ham keeper with no chance. The Trawlerboys kept on pushing and managed to get a lead in the game just before half time. Ben Atkinson intercepted a mishit goal kick and kept his composure to find the net from outside the area. HALF TIME 2-1. The Blues were reminded during the break that this game was far from over and took another step closer to victory five minutes after half time. Samuel Howell done some good work down the right hand side before finding Coby Lee who slotted the ball into the far right hand corner of the West Ham net. It didn't take long for the visitors to respond, Harley Doe managing to get through on goal and chipping the ball over the onrushing Korey Beevor. The game was very even for large parts and with both teams trying to push for the next goal. It came on the seventieth minute, a corner won after some good work from Corbyn Dixon saw Bailey Sutton nod home to again extend the Lowestoft lead. The young Blues looked in control until injury time when a penalty was awarded to the Hammers for a trip on Finley Ledger. Hatcliffe stepped up and slotted home to set up an interesting final few minutes of the game. The Trawlerboys managed to see the game through and were delighted with the outstanding work put in to get the victory over the line. FULL TIME 4-3. Lowestoft Town U19's begin the National Youth Alliance League with a victory over current champions, West Ham United. Man of the match awarded to Callum Lockwood for his excellent defending and contribution throughout the game. A mention must go to Korey Beevor, the Lowestoft Town U19 goalkeeper who dislocated his shoulder during today's game. We wish Korey all the best and hope to see him back on the pitch soon.