Djair Parfitt-Williams’s goal was not enough to prevent West Ham’s Under-23s from a 3-1 defeat to Brighton in Premier League 2 on Thursday.
The 20-year-old headed in an equaliser from a Marcus Browne corner midway through the second half, cancelling out Jayson Molumby’s volley five minutes before the break which had put Brighton ahead.
Earlier in the first half, Browne had gone close with a free-kick while at the other end, Brighton’s Will Collar hit the crossbar from 30 yards out.
But two late goals secured the win for the Seagulls in this group-stage encounter.
First, with 12 minutes remaining, Jesse Starkey finished past Hammers keeper Raphael Spiegel from Henrik Bjordal’s through ball.
West Ham could have levelled instantly but Toni Martinez’s powerful drive was saved by Brighton’s 37-year-old goalkeeper Casper Ankergren.
And the visitors wrapped up their victory deep into added-on time as Joe Ward rolled the ball home following Connor Tighe’s pass.
The young Hammers are in action again on Monday 12 December when they host Swansea at Dagenham’s Victoria Road ground.
