They reach the sky! Glory for West Ham as David Moyes’ heroes win first major trophy in 43 years
West Ham United's Declan Rice lifts the UEFA Europa Conference League Trophy
PA
West Ham United have won the Europa Conference League following a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in Prague.
Jarrod Bowen, 26, left Irons boss David Moyes running down the touchline after he put the ball past Lilies goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano in the 90th minute.
The Hammers broke the deadlock around half-an-hour before when Algerian midfielder Said Benrahma dispatched a penalty kick.
West Ham were given the chance from 12 yards after Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande consulted VAR following a penalty appeal against Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi for handball.
West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen celebrates following victory over Fiorentina
PA
Travelling West Ham fans were not able to celebrate Benrahma’s confidently converted penalty for long as Giacomo Bonaventura equalised just minutes later.
Irons supporters would have to wait until just seconds before added on time when Brazilian Lucas Paqueta fed a perfectly weighted pass to Bowen.
The four-time England international, who signed for West Ham from Hull City in 2020, slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
Hammers supporters throughout the 20,000-seater Fortuna Arena in the Czech capital erupted as the Cockney Boys looked to hold on for just a few more minutes.
West Ham's first cup final since 2006 was eventful as play was shortly halted before half-time when Biraghi was struck on the head by an object thrown by supporters in the Irons end as he went to take a corner.
West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates his sides victory with manager David Moyes
PA
Blood streamed down the back of his neck and his head was subsequently bandaged.
Victory for the Claret and Blues could mark the perfect farewell for captain Declan Rice as the England midfielder is poised to leave the London Stadium this summer.
Rice becomes just the third West Ham skipper to win silverware.
The 24-year-old joins 1966 England hero Bobby Moore and two-time FA Cup winner Billy Bonds.
West Ham last lifted in a trophy in 1980 when Sir Trevor Brooking scored against Arsenal in a 1-0 FA Cup final victory.
West Ham United fans celebrate outside the London Stadium following their sides victory over Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League Final
PA
But the East End club last tasted glory in Europe in 1965 against 1860 Munich.
West Ham would fall agonisingly short of adding to their continental list in 1976 after losing 4-2 to Anderlecht.
The Irons missed out on a Europa League Final against Rangers last year after suffering a 3-1 aggregate defeat against eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
Victory in Prague ensures European football will return to the London Stadium next season as West Ham qualify for the Europa League.
You may like
