Report | West Ham United U18s 2 Swansea City U18s 1

Swansea City Under-18s’ Premier League South campaign began with a narrow 2-1 defeat by West Ham United.

The young Swans initially led at Little Heath Sports Ground through Josh Thomas’ early strike.

However, they were pegged back as Sebastian Nebyla equalised before Kai Corbett scored what proved to be the winner.

Anthony Wright and Alan Tate handed out three debuts for the opening game of the season as Lewis Webb and Scott Butler were in from the start, while Michael Murphy appeared from the bench.

Fellow first-year scholars Thomas and Morgan Clark also started with Josh Hutchings and Adnaan Moti on the bench, while 15-year-old Kai Ludvigsen was handed another opportunity to shine.

The visitors took the lead in the 19th minute with 16-year-old Thomas netting what is already his third goal at this level.

But the young Hammers responded as, shortly after Corbett missed a penalty, Nebyla equalised in the 29th minute, while the former completed the turnaround 12 minutes later.

The young Swans are back in action next Saturday, when they welcome Southampton to Landore.

Swansea City U18s: Lewis Webb; Ryan Bevan, Kai Ludvigsen, Jake Thomas (captain), Ben Erickson (Jacob Jones 35); Bradley Gibbings (Charlie Clancy 86), Morgan Clark, Scott Butler, Will Rickard; Connor Shields (Michael Murphy 78), Josh Thomas.

Subs not used: Josh Hutchings, Adnaan Moti.