Colchester United teenager Noah Chilvers scored the winning penalty in the EFL Cup tie against Crystal Palace. Chilvers, who has been linked with West Ham, sealed a cup upset for the League Two side against Premier League opposition.
Crystal Palace played out a 0-0 draw with the U’s despite going close on a couple of occasions. But the Eagles were dumped out of the cup by the Essex-based minnows on penalties.
Colchester win on penalties
Andros Townsend missed his spot-kick before Chilvers became the hero. The 18-year-old held his nerve in front of the Crystal Palace supporters to net the winning penalty.
It was only his third senior game for Colchester and his first appearance of the season. But he had the guts to take the fifth decisive penalty for John McGreal’s men.
Speaking after the game (via BBC Sport), McGreal said: “Chilvers comes on, he has been training with us for a good year and has little bit of snippets of playing. Little did I know, I see him pick the ball up and take the fifth penalty, fair play to the lad.”
What could Noah Chilvers offer West Ham?
Chilvers is a talented young midfielder who has been an unused substitute in all of Colchester’s games this season. But McGreal threw him into action against the Premier League side on Tuesday night.
According to The Sun, West Ham and Leicester City have been tracking the teenager. This dates back to April but he signed a contract extension in May. West Ham could still look to poach him and bring him back down the A12 but he might cost a bit more – especially if he produces more moments like this.
The Chelmsford-born starlet has been impressive for Colchester’s youth sides, operating in central midfield or as a number 10. The real test for him now will come when McGreal calls upon him in league matches. But after showing nerves of steel, Chilvers has indicated that he has all the ingredients to become a successful footballer.
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