Djair Parfitt-Williams netted as West Ham United became the first team to reach the semi-finals of this season’s Under-21 Premier League Cup when they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Rush Green in Romford on Wednesday.

The Bermuda-born forward continued his good scoring streak, putting the Hammers ahead in the eighteenth minute with his fifth goal in four matches.

West Ham doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when captain Reece Oxford headed in a corner.

Blackburn fought back and three minutes before half-time Anton Forrester, who had hit the bar, cut the West Ham lead by sweeping home a cross from Connor Mahoney.

Chances abounded in an exciting second half but the fine goalkeeping of Rovers goalkeeper Andy Fisher and West Ham’s Sam Howes ensured no more goals were scored.

The win extends West Ham’s unbeaten run to ten matches. They are also in contention for promotion from the second division.