Nathan Trott and his West Ham Academy team-mates came up just short of glory at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

The young Hammers finished as runners-up for the second successive year after losing 2-0 against fellow English side Aston Villa in the final.

It was the second straight tournament that West Ham have finished as runners-up this month, having also finished second at the ICGT Tournament in Amsterdam after losing on penalties to Atletico Paranaense of Brazil.

Trott, the former BAA, North Village and Bermuda Under-17 goalkeeper, featured in all of his team’s fixtures and conceded only three goals in five appearances to once again underline his enormous potential.

West Ham advanced from Group D as winners after a goalless draw with Singapore Cricket Club, a one-all draw with HKFA Under-21s, and a 2-0 win over Leicester City, setting up a quarter-final clash with Hong Kong Premier League champions Eastern.

The East London club edged Eastern 1-0 to reach the semi-final, where they beat Seoul FC by the same scoreline, before their luck finally ran out against Villa.

Villa, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, scored goals through Harry McKirdy and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, winning the tournament for a record sixth time.

Trott arrived in Hong Kong fresh off an impressive showing at the ICGT tournament in Amsterdam where he kept four clean sheets in five appearances and conceded only one goal throughout the tournament.

The son of former Devonshire Colts and St George’s goalkeeper Dwayne Trott signed a 2½-year deal at West Ham in January after impressing the coaching staff during trials last summer.

The promising goalkeeper, who has also played outfield in just about every position, made his debut in West Ham Academy’s 1-1 home draw with Reading in the Barclay’s Under-18 Premier League group one play-off last month and has not looked back since.