In what proved to be an action-packed encounter, West Ham United U21 edged out Brighton and Hove Albion U21 by three goals to two. The home team's superior finishing ability played a crucial role in their victory, with all their goals coming in the second half. West Ham's first goal arrived just 10 minutes after the break, with a well-executed set-piece. The second goal followed shortly, underlining their high tempo and efficiency in exploiting Brighton’s defensive lapses.

Brighton responded commendably to West Ham's two-goal lead, narrowing the deficit just ten minutes later. Their goal was the culmination of relentless pressure and precise interplay, epitomized by their nine corner kicks compared to West Ham's three. Despite this, their inability to convert these set-piece opportunities into goals highlighted a significant weakness in their attacking unit's chemistry and finishing prowess.

The match was marked by physicality, with both sides receiving two yellow cards each. What is notable is that the timing of these cards did not coincide with key moments of scoring, suggesting that discipline did not directly impede either team’s performance. West Ham’s second yellow card came shortly before they consolidated their lead with a third goal, further demonstrating their resilience and composure under pressure.

Brighton's second goal, which came late in the match, was a testament to their fighting spirit and relentless pursuit to equalize. However, their efforts were ultimately insufficient, indicating that their initial defensive frailties and missed opportunities, especially from set-pieces, were pivotal in determining the match’s outcome. Essentially, West Ham’s strategic use of substitutions and effective teamwork were decisive in maintaining their narrow lead until the final whistle.

In conclusion, West Ham's clinical finishing, contrasted against Brighton’s squandered set-piece opportunities, coupled with effective game management and a robust team performance, secured the home side's victory. Brighton's commendable but ultimately futile comeback underscored the importance of converting scoring opportunities, especially in tightly contested matches.

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