In a frantic match at Ewood Park, Djair Parfitt-Williams and his West Ham United Development Squad teammates were edged out in a seven goal thriller by Blackburn Rovers.
On Thursday July 2nd, 2015 Parfitt-Williams became to first Bermudian born Footballer to play in the Europa League when he came off the bench in the 74th minute to replace Mauro Zarate.
Coach Terry Westley named a strong squad which made the journey to Lancashire. Seven of the starting eleven have been involved in first team action this season, including Parfitt-William, playing 90 minutes in his return to action following injury.
West Ham got off to a fantastic start as right-back Kyle Knoyle netted a stunning strike from the edge of the box after ten minutes, however Rovers equalized shortly after as Devarn Green raced away from his man and tucked his effort away confidently.
In a game that was full of chances, its ebb and flow never ceased, the Hammers retook the lead through forward Parfitt-Williams’ first goal of the season. His deflected effort gave West Ham a slender half-time lead.
Shortly after the break, the momentum shifted again in favor of the hosts. Anton Forrester’s fine finish leveled things before West Ham United’s captain Josh Cullen dispatched an exquisite free-kick which gave Rovers’ goalkeeper Simon Eastwood little hope of saving.
With little under half an hour to play, West Ham United looked set to record their first win of the season however Connor Mahoney had different ideas.
His superb solo effort on 79 minutes set up a grandstand finish. West Ham had chances to wrap the game up once and for all, however it was Mahoney, the England youth international who popped up in the 83rd minute with a fierce finish to seal the three points for the hosts.
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