Despite George McCartney's great goal, Bolton Wanderers battled back for a
1-1 draw
05.11.2007
George McCartney's first goal for West Ham United was not enough to secure
victory at the Boleyn Ground after Kevin Nolan levelled for Bolton Wanderers
two minutes into stoppage time.
The Northern Ireland international's spectacular 19th-minute volley looked
all set to be the difference between the two sides but, after Bolton twice
struck the woodwork, Nolan rescued the visitors with just seconds remaining.
Back in May, West Ham United's 3-1 victory against Wanderers in their
penultimate game of the season had given them real hope in their
subsequently successful quest for survival. But this time around it was
Bolton, who were suffering and, indeed, with just a late-August win over
Reading and a subsequent trio of draws, the visitors - without the injured
Nicolas Anelka - arrived at the Boleyn Ground languishing in 19th spot.
Having suffered a Carling Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City on
Wednesday, Gary Megson made five changes for his third game in charge as
Nicky Hunt, Kevin Davies, Ricardo Gardner plus veterans Ivan Campo and Gary
Speed returned to the Bolton lineup.
West Ham United had, of course, enjoyed, better Carling Cup cheer and,
following his side's last-gasp win at Coventry City, Curbishley made three
switches as Robert Green replaced substitute Richard Wright, while Nolberto
Solano and Danny Gabbidon came in for the injured Mark Noble (groin) and
Anton Ferdinand (hamstring).
Curbishley's men started the brightest with both Matthew Etherington and
Solano firing in awkward, near-post crosses, while at the other end Campo
curled a 20-yard free-kick inches wide, after Gabbidon fouled lone-striker
Davies. With the hosts dominating, the Spaniard's effort was mere, token
resistance and, sure enough, on 19 minutes, the hosts were celebrating
McCartney's expertly-executed strike.
With Bolton failing to clear Solano's right-wing corner, Matthew Upson's
goalbound prod was blocked but the visitors' relief was shortlived, for the
central defender then nodded the ball into McCartney's path. He then ended
the rally of penalty box pinball with an acrobatic, eight-yard, right-footed
volley that gave Jussi Jaaskelainen absolutely no chance.
Having given his side the lead, McCartney then preserved it in equally
spectacular fashion, just two minutes later, when he headed El Hadji Diouf's
deflected, looping 12-yarder off the line to the relief of the grateful
Green. That was the catalyst for Bolton to enjoy their best spell, as Speed
sent a rising 18-yard shot scorching over the bar, before the base of
Green's left-hand post prevented Daniel Guthrie from equalising with a
20-yard grass-cutter.
Megson brought on Lubomir Michalik for Abdoulaye Meite at the interval and
shortly afterwards, Curbishley was forced to make a reshuffle when Jonathan
Spector entered the fray after Hayden Mullins was forced off. With Bolton
kicking off the second period in a more positive mood, both Nicky Hunt and
Speed tested Green with long-range efforts and, in reply, the busy Solano
forced Jaaskelainen to turn his low 20-yarder aside.
Midway through the half, Gardner came to his goalkeeper's rescue, when he
foiled Carlton Cole at the near post, as pair raced in to meet the escaping
Luis Boa Morte's byline cross towards the near post. And moments later, the
duo were in the thick of things, once more, when the breaking Etherington
picked out the supporting Cole, whose low, first-time shot was parried by
the exposed Jaaskelainen before Gardner's intervention forced the home
striker to bundle the rebound just wide.
Shortly afterwards, the unlucky Cole departed to a hearty reception from the
home fans amongst the 33,867 crowd as Henri Camara joined the action.
Following the late scares of Davies nodding Guthrie's pinpoint cross on to
the top of Green's bar and Spector clearing off the line, with Pantsil
booked in between, Nolan struck two minutes into added time, when he steered
a flick-on beyond the despairing dive of Green.
West Ham United: Green, Neill (c), Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Solano,
Bowyer (Pantsil 85), Mullins (Spector 50), Etherington, Boa Morte, Cole
(Camara 72)
Subs not used: Wright, Reid
Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Hunt (McCann 82), A O'Brien, Meite (Michalik
46), Gardner, Nolan (c), Speed (Samuel 78), Campo, Guthrie, Davies, Diouf
Subs not used: Habsi, Stelios
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Boa Morte points the way forward - WHUFC
After a frustrating finish for the team against Bolton Wanderers, Luis Boa
Morte is looking ahead
05.11.2007
Luis Boa Morte is already thinking about Derby County away next Saturday
after seeing hopes of a home win dashed at the death on Sunday.
In what was to prove a frustrating contest against Bolton Wanderers, the
Portuguese forward played in an unfamiliar position wide right in support of
lone striker Carlton Cole. After George McCartney's volleyed opener, it
looked like another three points were in the bag until added time when a
Bolton break led to Kevin Nolan earning the visitors a last-gasp 1-1 draw.
"Of course we are disappointed today because we worked so hard, only to
concede a goal in the last couple of minutes," Boa Morte said. "We are not
happy as we didn't win but we have to look forward. We are four games
unbeaten but we should win these home games and wrap up the three points.
"OK we didn't lose and we got a point but we should have won. We go to Derby
next week and on Monday we are going to start thinking about them already.
We are going to go there and try to come away with the points. We know we
are capable of doing it when we play away from home and we are going to be
doing everything we can."
Boa Morte was only too happy to play wherever asked by manager Alan
Curbishley, but admitted he found it a little tricky to find his rhythm in
the early stages. "It got better the longer the game went on," he explained.
"I stepped up my work-rate as hard as I could. I don't usually play on the
right but we just have to dig in and work as hard as we can."
One player certainly doing that is McCartney, the left-back, who is the only
player to have featured in every game the club has played this season in
league and cup. Boa Morte is no stranger to spectacular goals and praised
his team-mate for a fine first strike in claret and blue. "It was a great
goal for George and I am glad for him," he said. "It was really good he
scored but it is just a shame we couldn't win."
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Opportunity knocks for Spector - WHUFC
An unfamiliar midfield role against Bolton Wanderers did not faze Jonathan
Spector
05.11.2007
Jonathan Spector might be a defender by trade but the promising 21-year-old
is eager to make the most of the midfield opportunities should more come his
way.
After playing his part in the midweek cup victory against Coventry City - a
substitutes' display that left Lee Bowyer claiming he did "exceptionally
well" - Spector made another notable second-half showing in the 1-1 draw
with Bolton Wanderers. Chief among his contributions in the tense closing
stages were a great track back and tackle on a breaking Gavin McCann and a
clearance off the line from El Hadj Diouf.
"I am playing a bit out of position but to be honest I did enjoy playing in
the centre of the midfield," said Spector, who came on in the 50th minute in
a holding role for Hayden Mullins. "Overall the team worked really hard," he
added. "Bolton are a really tough team to play against considering their
style of play.
"We didn't give them too many opportunities. The last ten minutes they put a
lot of pressure on us and were just hoofing the ball forward but it
obviously worked well for them. They got the draw they were looking for so
we are all really disappointed. We were really looking forward to a win."
As for the praise from Bowyer, Spector added: "They are nice words coming
from someone like Lee who has been there and done it. All I am doing is
working hard and trying to fill a role in the team and fortunately it worked
for the most part. I am delighted to be playing anywhere on the pitch."
With Mullins nursing an ankle knock and Mark Noble missing out entirely
against Bolton, there is every chance that Spector may get another chance
away to Derby County next Saturday - although Freddie Ljungberg could be
back in full training this week. "It would be good to get a win there," he
said. "This has been a tough week for us. Three games for us in a week and
not a lot of rest. It was a difficult week but now we have got time to
prepare. We are going to be playing for a win and I know we can do it."
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Manager on Monday - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley reflects on the Bolton Wanderers draw and updates on players
coming back
05.11.2007
West Ham United were involved in stoppage-time drama yet again yesterday
afternoon but it proved to be third-time unlucky for the visit of Bolton
Wanderers.
Following Robert Green's penalty stop away to Portsmouth that secured a 0-0
draw last Saturday and Carlton Cole's midweek winner for a 2-1 cup victory
at Coventry City, Alan Curbishley saw his side on the receiving end at the
Boleyn Ground after Kevin Nolan snatched a late point for the visitors to
cancel out George McCartney's stunning first-half volley.
The 1-1 draw at least leaves West Ham United secure in mid-table before the
trip to the Premier League's last-placed club Derby County next Saturday and
with a game in hand on all the sides below them. There could also be a lift
at Chadwell Heath this week with a trio of players possibly close to a
return.
"Although, they're unlikely to be ready for the weekend, at least Freddie
Ljungberg started running last Thursday, while Dean Ashton could begin
training this week alongside James Collins," Curbishley said. "Hopefully,
the forthcoming international break will also give one or two players the
chance to get themselves fit."
Reflecting on Sunday's draw, he said: "We lost two points because when you
get to the 93rd minute you simply have to see the game out. It was all
self-inflicted. For the last ten minutes, we were playing as though we were
the team that was one-nil down. We were breaking upfield, trying to get men
into the Bolton box and then crossing balls into their penalty area, when
there was absolutely no need for it.
"One or two players should have got their foot on the ball and brought a bit
of professionalism into our side so that we could kill the game off. A win
would have meant that we were in the top half of the table and in a Carling
Cup quarter-final too.
"If that had been Bolton, with just 90 seconds to go, then it would've been
all over because I'm sure that somebody like El Hadji Diouf would've run
himself down into the corner flag, cuddled the ball and attracted a tackle.
"Although we're very, very disappointed, you still have to give Bolton a lot
of credit. From the moment that we scored, they upped it and got themselves
back into the game and, although we created a couple of chances, we never
really looked like getting a second goal.
"George had taken his goal very well and I just wish that it had been the
winner but they went back to basics and the last thing we wanted in the
final minute was a long-throw aimed at a lot of bodies in our penalty area.
It was a typical Bolton goal.
"Last season, we conceded late-on against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur and
now we've gone and done the same thing again. Once again, we've been done
and, whenever you're leading so late on, that's tough to take.
"I look at our well-documented injury list but I can't use that as an excuse
because it would be disrespectful to the players who have come in and given
me everything that they've got. Right now, it's all hands to the pump and,
although our injuries and substitutions didn't make it very cohesive against
Bolton, I can't complain about how hard my side worked.
"All I'd say is that we wasted a lot of energy doing some needless things,"
added Curbishley, who now sets about extending his side's unbeaten
four-match league and cup run at Pride Park on Saturday. "Although we've
held our own so far, we need to make sure we start taking three points off
teams down towards the bottom of the table."
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West Ham 1-1 Bolton - BBC
By John Sinnott
Kevin Nolan's deft volley in stoppage time rescued a point for Bolton.
George McCartney's superbly executed first-half volley put West Ham ahead
and soon after he protected their lead by heading clear El-Hadji Diouf's
shot. Bolton's Danny Guthrie then had a low shot that hit the upright, while
Kevin Davies went agonisingly close when his header skimmed off the bar.
Jussi Jaaskelainen saved well from Carlton Cole before Nolan showed a
striker's instincts with his goal. Bolton remain second from bottom in the
table and have still only managed one win this season. Bolton were without
the injured Nicolas Anelka and considering the number of chances they had,
the visitors might have won this game had he been available. Given McCartney
has scored just one goal in his professional career - for Northern Ireland -
he was an unlikely candidate to be the game's first goalscorer. Bolton had
spurned several opportunities to clear the ball following a West Ham corner
and McCartney - with both feet off the ground - expertly volleyed the ball
past Jaaskelainen to punish Megson's side.
The goal was reward for West Ham's bright beginning to the game with Matthew
Etherington always purposeful, delivering a series of dangerous crosses from
the left wing. Etherington delivered the pass of the game in the second half
when he flighted the ball to the feet of Cole. The former Chelsea striker's
shot was partially saved by Jaaskelainen and Cole was unable to prod in the
rebound. Going behind to McCartney's goal seemed to awaken Bolton from their
rather ponderous start and Diouf's deflected shot, which looped over Robert
Green, was headed clear by the Northern Ireland international. Green was
soon beaten again as Guthrie's low shot ricocheted off the post. In the
opening few minutes Guthrie had incurred the wrath of Lee Bowyer after
tackling the West Ham midfielder with both feet raised off the ground, with
his studs showing. As in the first half Bolton took their time to get going
in the second period and it took them 15 minutes to mount a serious attack
when Gary Speed's shot was tipped over by Green. Just before conceding the
goal West Ham had a lucky escape when Jonathan Spector hacked the ball off
the line. Nolan's goal arrived in the third minute of injury when the Bolton
midfielder pounced on Lubomir Michalik's header and flicked the ball past
Green.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley "It feels like a defeat. We played the last 10
minutes like we were losing the game when it needed a bit of
professionalism.
"We had opportunities to run the clock down and kill a bit of time. "We're
so disappointed, that's a big two points we have dropped. We scored early
and took our foot off the pedal."
Bolton boss Gary Megson: I think overall it was a fair result, something we
deserved. Kevin had a terrific opportunity and we had two cleared off the
line.
"To come down here and get a point in the manner we did is a big fillip.
It's a difficult place to come. "We will get better at the technical
aspects but in terms of the human things, they were there in spades."
West Ham: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Boa Morte, Solano,
Mullins (Spector 50), Bowyer (Pantsil 85), Etherington, Cole (Camara 72).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Reid.
Booked: Bowyer, Pantsil.
Goals: McCartney 20.
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt (McCann 81), Andrew O'Brien, Meite (Michalik 46),
Gardner, Diouf, Guthrie, Nolan, Campo, Speed (Samuel 78), Davies.
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Giannakopoulos.
Booked: Hunt.
Goals: Nolan 90.
Att: 33,867
Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).
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Curbishley: a big blow - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 4th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has accused his team of unprofessionalism after dropping two
points against relegation candidates Bolton earlier today. Curbishley,
talking to the BBC's Match of the Day, said that the Hammers had 'paid the
price' for trying to score a second goal late on - when holding on to the
lead should have been priority. "I'm looking at it with fifteen minutes to
go thinking we're one down, trying to get back in the game and throwing
caution to the wind because we were putting four or five people in the box,"
he said. "That's great if it comes off and you score the second goal. But we
were in a position where we should have just run the clock down. We were in
their box with a minute to go and opportunities perhaps to be professional,
to take it in the corner, to attract a tackle. "But I think you'll find when
Matty Etherington crosses it John Paintsil volleys it back to him and we've
got four or five bodies in the box - and there's a minute to go."
Curbishley also saw his extensive injury list grow with a first half injury
to midfielder Hayden Mullins. He was eventually replaced five minutes into
the second period by full-back Jonathan Spector - a case of putting square
pegs in round holes? "It's difficult," added Curbs. "I can't ask any more of
the players, their endeavour and effort. We're picking points up. "But I
think we just needed that little bit more today. We had people playing out
of position and it was difficult for us. At the end Bolton were a lot bigger
side than us and you always fear a set play - and it came up trumps for
them. "We've been chopping and changing and have had no continuity really
since the start of the season. I don't know when we're going to get back to
that. But as I said earlier, the players that have been going in there have
got the chance to stake their claim, they're getting games and I think it's
disrespectful to keep talking about injuries. "We've got a squad that's big
enough, we can put teams out. If we'd have come away with those two [extra]
points we'd have found ourselves in the top half of the table and in the
quarter-finals of the Carling Cup - which I'd have taken at the start of the
season."
Curbishley - who turns 50 later this week - also bemoaned the fact that he
is yet to be able to field a settled side despite succeeding Alan Pardew
eleven months ago. "I've been at the club for nearly a year now and we've
never had a chance to settle down," he said. "It's been one thing after
another. "I came in and we had that dreadful run, then we were battling
away avoiding relegation and this year it seems as if every week something
different is going to happen. "Give Bolton some credit today - they got
themselves back in the game and we looked as if we were wilting a little
bit. "But it's a big blow - two points dropped."
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West Ham United 1 Bolton 1 - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 4th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
An injury time equaliser from Kevin Nolan denied West Ham all three points
in this afternoon's Premier League encounter. Nolan pounced in the third
minute of added time to earn a point for the visitors against a second
string Hammers side depleted by injury. George McCartney had given the
Hammers a 19th minute lead with the first club goal of his ten year career.
And despite crating a string of opportunities thereafter the Hammers failed
to extend that lead, something they were severely punished for some 74
minutes later. Alan Curbishley's injury problems - which had left him short
of no less than ELEVEN players (at least eight of whom would have been
involved today) worsened after Hayden Mullins was withdraw just five minutes
into the second half. But it still looked as if United's patched up team of
reserves and misfits had done enough to earn all three points - until
Bolton's late equaliser. The Hammers had started the stronger of the two
sides and were in the middle of a purple patch when McCartney struck to
break the deadlock. Matthew Upson had initially stabbed the ball towards
goal after it fell kindly from a corner, but Bolton managed to clear the
shot. However the resulting cross back in fell to McCartney who swivelled
expertly to fire home - with his right foot - his first ever league goal.
The Trotters fired back immediately and yet again McCartney was involved -
this time to head the ball off his own line after Diouf's deflected shot had
looped over the head of Rob Green. And eight minutes later Bolton went
closer still when Guthrie's shot beat Green, but not the post. West Ham
started the second half as they did the first and Solano was unlucky not to
register his first goal for the club when Jaaskelainen tipped a fierce drive
wide of his right-hand post. On 56 minutes United thought they had a penalty
when Lee Bowyer was sandwiched in the box; TV replays showed that the
referee's decision to ignore the appeal was probably the right one. Nine
minutes later the Hammers almost added a second when Luis Boa Morte forced
Gardner to clear off his line. Then, Cole saw a good shot saved by the
Finnish keeper before fluffing the follow up. With the Hammers visibly
tiring Bolton began to come back into the game, and Kevin Davies was unlucky
to see his header clip the wrong side of the bar on 73 minutes. Three
minutes later Lee Bowyer produced a superb sliding tackle just as Diouf was
poised to fire home. A string of substitutions followed - John Paintsil was
introduced for the Hammers to make his first league start of the season,
whilst Bolton replaced Speed and the injured Hunt with Samuel and McCann.
United's final chance of the game fell to Lucas Neill just a minute from the
end of normal time. Unfortunately the Aussie failed to pull the trigger
after a superb foray down the right flank. Then heartbreak for the Hammers;
visibly creaking at the back Nolan profitted from some indecision to nod
home the equaliser three minutes into injury time. It was a cruel blow for
the Hammers who had just about done enough to win the game, a mere four days
after they had done practically the same to Coventry in the Carling Cup.
Looking back this will no doubt be considered two points dropped against a
team bottom of the league that had managed just ten league goals prior to
today (with six of them coming from Nicolas Anelka, who was absent today
through injury). But given United's horrendous injury problems a return of
five points from the last three games (extending their unbeaten run to four
games in all competitions) isn't as bad as could perhaps be expected. Next
up for Curbishley's side is the trip to Derby, before Tottenham - struggling
massively themselves - visit Upton Park.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Upson, Gabbidon, Bowyer (Paintsil
85), Mullins (Spector 50), Solano, Etherington, Boa Morte, Cole (Camara 72).
Subs not used: Wright, Reid.
Goals: McCartney (19).
Booked: Bowyer (64), Paintsil (90+1).
Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Hunt (McCann 81), Gardner, Meite (Michalik
46), O'Brien, Guthrie, Nolan, Campo, Speed (Samuel 78), Diouf, Davies.
Subs not used: Al-Habsi, Giannakopoulos.
Goals: Nolan (90+3).
Booked: Hunt (36).
Referee: Peter Walton.
Attendance: 33,867.
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3pm eternal - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 3rd November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham are once again set to be involved in the only Premier League
fixture to kick off at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. The Hammers made history
last month when their away fixture at Aston Villa was the only game to
kick-off in the traditional Saturday afternoon slot - the first time it had
ever happened.
And due to the continued involvement of several teams in European
competition, West Ham's visit to Derby next Saturday will again be the only
top flight game starting at 3pm. Of the two other matches being played that
day, the North East derby between Sunderland and Newcastle is scheduled to
start at 12.45pm whilst Fulham's trip to Liverpool kicks-off at 5.15pm. On
the Sunday (11th November), there are six further Premier league fixtures
with another on Monday night. Supporters have continually bemoaned the fact
that one of football's great traditions has been steadily eroded since Sky
TV were given carte blanche to decide when Premier League fixtures should
take place. A number of Hammers fans were left seriously out of pocket five
years ago when the away match against Newcastle was moved from the Saturday
to Monday night at late notice, meaning that those who had purchased flights
for the weekend fixture were left hundreds of pounds down after Sky refused
to accept responsibility.
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Nolan saves Bolton - SSN
Bolton earn late point at Upton Park
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 4th November 2007
A last-gasp Kevin Nolan equaliser rescued a point for Bolton in the 1-1 draw
with West Ham at Upton Park. Hammers defender George McCartney had put the
home side in front on 20 minutes when he volleyed in with style for his
first club career goal after Bolton had failed to clear a corner. Bolton,
though, then dominated and were unfortunate not to be back in the game when
McCartney cleared off the line from El Hadji Diouf and Danny Guthrie hit a
post from 20 yards. After the interval West Ham started brightly and Carlton
Cole was denied on the break when Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen saved
well. Bolton also threatened and Kevin Davies should have equalised when he
headed over when well placed. However, Nolan then dramatically prodded home
from close range on 93 minutes after West Ham struggled to defend to ensure
Bolton recorded a vital point. Nicolas Anelka's absence through injury took
away Bolton's unpredictability in attack and they punted balls forward for
Davies to win in the West Ham penalty area. Although Ivan Campo shaved the
post with an early free-kick, it was the hosts who appeared the more
confident, despite their lengthy list of injuries.
Causing panic
Mark Noble had a groin strain and Anton Ferdinand a hamstring problem,
adding themselves to a treatment room already containing the likes of Dean
Ashton, Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker. The players remaining quickly
imposed themselves on Bolton, Matthew Etherington and Nolberto Solano
causing panic with dangerous deliveries. Lee Bowyer appeared to have wasted
a glorious chance in the 12th minute when Cole headed into his path and he
fired wide with the goalkeeper to beat, but the flag was up anyway.
Etherington then got behind the Bolton defence when he outpaced Andy O'Brien
but his low cross was cut out by Abdoulaye Meite, with the ball spinning to
safety. The opener came in the 19th minute after Bolton failed to clear a
Solano corner. Matthew Upson had an effort cleared off the line, then
flicked on when the ball was crossed back in, and McCartney produced an
acrobatic volley past Jaaskelainen. It was the defender's first goal in West
Ham colours - but he was required for his usual defensive duties two minutes
later when Diouf was found on the edge of the area. Diouf wriggled past
Lucas Neill before seeing his shot loop off the Hammers captain and over
goalkeeper Robert Green but McCartney headed off the line. Bolton forced
their way back into the reckoning with their forthright, direct style. Gary
Speed, back in the side and assured of his future at the club after Megson
blocked a loan move to Sheffield United, fed off a knockdown but volleyed
over the crossbar. Guthrie got on the end of a Davies header and struck the
near post with his volley from just outside the area. Nolan failed to get
any purchase on an effort early in the second half, while Jaaskelainen was
equal to a Solano volley when the midfielder did put his foot through the
ball.
Penalty appeal
The Hammers had a penalty appeal waved away when O'Brien tussled with
Bowyer. Green then tipped over when Speed drilled a volley from the edge of
the area but the Hammers goalkeeper then flapped at a corner but Davies
could not direct his header on target. Ricardo Gardner had to clear in the
65th minute when Luis Boa Morte latched onto a hopeful ball and took it
around Jaaskelainen before pulling back, with Gardner getting ahead of Cole
to head away from danger. Cole had a close-range effort saved before he was
substituted, while Davies clipped the bar from a Guthrie cross and Jonathan
Spector hacked off the line in stoppage-time. Then Nolan struck with seconds
left after Lubomir Michalik flicked on a cross.
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Curbs wants professionalism
West Ham boss disappointed with draw
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 4th November 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley admits it feels like his side were defeated
in the 1-1 draw with Bolton. Kevin Nolan struck in the 93rd minute for
Bolton to cancel out George McCartney's first-half opener to leave honours
even at Upton Park. And Curbishley criticised his side's lack of
professionalism after watching them throw away the three points. "It feels
like a defeat. We played the last 10 minutes like we were losing the game
when it needed a bit of professionalism," Curbishley told Sky Sports. We had
opportunities to run the clock down and kill a bit of time. We should have
run the clock down and we should have held on for two more points. "We're so
disappointed, that's a big two points we have dropped. "We were making bad
decisions and where we could have played it simple we were perhaps looking
for the difficult ball. "We scored early and took our foot off the pedal and
invited a bit of pressure. Bolton have come here and gone back to basics and
they will go away thinking it is a good point."
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Megson: We deserved a point
Bolton boss pleased with 'tally-ho' football
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 4th November 2007
Bolton manger Gary Megson insists his side were worthy of a point in their
1-1 draw with West Ham. Kevin Nolan saved a late point for Bolton when his
93rd minute equaliser cancelled out George McCartney's first-half opener.
However, Megson - who has yet to win as Bolton boss - is adamant his side
deserved their draw at Upton Park after Nolan and El Hadji Diouf had efforts
cleared off the line. "We deserved something from the game," Megson told Sky
Sports. "West Ham had one or two chances, but we were playing tally-ho
football towards the end and just gambling and fortunately we got away with
it once or twice in our defensive third. "But at the other end we have two
efforts cleared off the line and from our point of view I think it is
certainly something we deserved. "We looked a bit tense and a bit nervous at
the start, but West Ham is a difficult place to come and to get a point in
the manner that we did will be a big fillip for us. "A point is precious
every time you play. It is not something we wanted because we wanted to win
the game. "But if you can't win then you have got to give everything you've
got and try and get yourself a point." Meanwhile, Megson confirmed Nicky
Hunt is set for a spell on the sidelines after the defender suffered a
suspected dislocated shoulder. "We think Nicky has dislocated his shoulder
and will be out for a few weeks so we have got a lot of problems injury
wise, but we have got to get on with it," Megson concluded.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson wants England recall - SSN
Hammers defender over injury troubles
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 3rd November 2007
Matthew Upson is targeting a place in Steve McClaren's England squad after
overcoming his West Ham United injury troubles. Injuries restricted the
defender to just two appearances for The Hammers last season following his
January move from Birmingham City. But he has started all 10 of the club's
Premier League games this term and is determined to help West Ham through
their latest injury crisis. The centre-half is also hoping that, if he can
improve his form further, he will secure a recall to the England fold. "Our
injuries are incredible," said Upson in the Daily Mirror. "There is not a
lot of players to even train properly and I think we have done really well
all things considered. "Everyone is doing a job. It is just a case of
getting through to the international break and then hopefully getting a few
more people back. "That's what I will try to help the team do because my
form has been pretty reliable, I am playing well and think I have got
another level to come. "I am very focused and positive about my future. I am
working incredibly hard and getting as fit as I can possibly be.
"Hopefully with the work I am doing and the application and attitude I am
carrying, it will give me every chance of getting in the England squad."
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Late Hammer blow denies Curbs - Soccernet
West Ham 1-1 Bolton: Nolan denies Hammers
Kevin Nolan struck deep into stoppage-time to earn Bolton a precious point
against West Ham in a 1-1 draw at Upton Park, lifting Gary Megson's hopes of
escaping relegation from the Barclays Premier League. George McCartney
opened the scoring in the 19th minute from Matthew Upson's flick-on, his
first goal for West Ham, and it looked like another defeat for Megson. But
Danny Guthrie and Kevin Davies both hit the woodwork for the visitors, and
Nolan struck at the death. Megson is understood to have won around the
dressing room with a stirring speech on his day on the job and it will need
more resilience like this to escape the drop, particularly with Nicolas
Anelka out injured at the moment with a hamstring complaint. It is still
more than two months since they tasted a league victory, and they have
Liverpool and Manchester United coming up soon. He knew a first win as
Bolton boss would have taken his new club to 15th in the table, nosebleed
territory after one league win all season. Anelka's absence took away their
unpredictability in attack and they punted balls forward for Kevin Davies to
win in the West Ham penalty area. Although Ivan Campo shaved the post with
an early free-kick, it was the hosts who appeared the more confident,
despite their lengthy list of injuries. Mark Noble had a groin strain and
Anton Ferdinand a hamstring problem, adding themselves to a treatment room
already containing the likes of Dean Ashton, Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker.
The players remaining quickly imposed themselves on Bolton, Matthew
Etherington and Nolberto Solano causing panic with dangerous deliveries. Lee
Bowyer appeared to have wasted a glorious chance in the 12th minute when
Carlton Cole headed into his path and he fired wide with the goalkeeper to
beat, but the flag was up anyway. Etherington then got behind the Bolton
defence when he outpaced Andy O'Brien but his low cross was cut out by
Abdoulaye Meite, with the ball spinning to safety. The opener came in the
19th minute after Bolton failed to clear a Solano corner.
Matthew Upson had an effort cleared off the line, then flicked on when the
ball was crossed back in, and McCartney produced an acrobatic volley past
Jussi Jaaskelainen. It was the defender's first goal in West Ham colours -
but he was required for his usual defensive duties two minutes later when
El-Hadji Diouf was found on the edge of the area. The controversial forward,
jeered for an alleged spitting incident with West Ham fans earlier in his
career, wriggled past Lucas Neill. His shot looped off the Hammers captain
and over goalkeeper Robert Green but McCartney headed off the line. Bolton
forced their way back into the reckoning with their forthright, direct
style. Gary Speed, back in the side and assured of his future at the club
after Megson blocked a loan move to Sheffield United, fed off a knockdown
but volleyed over the crossbar. Danny Guthrie got on the end of a Davies
header and struck the near post with his volley from just outside the area.
Nolan failed to purchase on an effort early in the second half, while
Jaaskelainen was equal to a Solano volley when the midfielder did put his
foot through the ball. The Hammers had a penalty appeal waved away when
O'Brien tussled with Bowyer. The feisty midfielder later picked up a booking
for a hack. Green then tipped over when Speed drilled a volley from the edge
of the area but the Hammers goalkeeper then flapped at a corner but Davies
could not direct his header on target. Ricardo Gardner had to clear in the
65th minute when Luis Boa Morte latched onto a hopeful ball and took it
around Jaaskelainen before pulling back, with Gardner getting ahead of Cole
to head away from danger. Cole had a close-range effort saved before he was
substituted, while Davies clipped the bar from a Guthrie cross and Jonathan
Spector hacked off the line in stoppage-time. Then Nolan struck with seconds
left after Lubomir Michalik flicked on a cross.
Gary Megson admits it will take time emerge from the shadow of Sam Allardyce
at Bolton but he believes the stoppage-time equaliser at West Ham proves his
players are willing to fight for the club. Megson is almost a fortnight
into the job and is still without a win, but Kevin Nolan's strike in the
94th minute earned a precious point in their battle to beat the drop and
Bolton players celebrated like it was a victory. Nolan was among the
players whose future appeared uncertain during the final days of Sammy Lee's
reign but the midfielder, along with Gary Speed who was in a similar
position, showed at Upton Park that they are prepared to scrap to get
themselves out of trouble. Megson said: 'Footballers don't play for the
manager first and foremost, they play for their families and then the
football club. Your family stays constant, your football club can change,
so that is what you're playing for. 'In terms of playing for the football
club they couldn't have done any more. They ran themselves into the ground,
they can pass better, cross better and finish better - but we can't show any
more commitment or honesty.' Megson is still shaping a team heavily
influenced by Allardyce before his departure to Newcastle, followed by Lee's
brief spell where style was put over substance. 'Of the team that started,
11 of them were signed by Sam Allardyce,' said Megson. 'They were brought in
over a period of seven or eight years when Sam was there and brought into
play a certain style that they were used to. 'There is no criticism of Sammy
Lee, it's just trying to fit round pegs in round holes. We have got a few
issues and playing in that manner suits us a bit at the moment.' Megson is
hoping the late equaliser will lift a team that has won one Barclays Premier
League game all season. As poor as they have been, a victory would have
taken them 15th. He added: 'In terms of getting a way that suits us. You
can't just take a pill and say 'you're confident'. 'From today that will
help, the manner that we got a point will help.
'We have got issues, it's not right to broadcast them and they are not
personal and are purely footballing ones.' Megson felt a poor decision cost
his new side a win against Aston Villa in his first game in charge, and
McCartney's opener put a defeat on the cards. 'You have two choices - either
the white flag goes up or you keep going,' said Megson. 'They certainly kept
going.'
'We needed a bit of professionalism - one or two to get their foot on it and
run it into the corner,' said boss Curbishley. 'If it had been Bolton,
(El-Hadji) Diouf would have run it into the corner and attracted a foul.'
The consolation for Curbishley is Dean Ashton returning to training early
next week, although Hayden Mullins picked up an injury to add to the lengthy
list of players in the treatment room. 'Perhaps after the international
break it may get better but at the moment it doesn't look like it will
change,' he added.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Bolton Report - WestHamOnline
Vinny - Sun Nov 4 2007
West Ham United 1 Bolton Wanderers 1
An injury time equaliser from Kevin Nolan cost us two precious points as the
Bolton man cancelled out George McCartney's first goal for the club during
the first half.
This is the worst I have felt coming out of any game we have played this
season, and that has included a few dodgy defeats. I feel like we have lost
and find it hard to think of many positives from a game which we should be
winning. But I suppose as we only have aspirations of mid table, maybe a
point at home to struggling Bolton makes more sense than I initially
thought.
There will be much debate on who is to blame, with Alan Curbishley pointing
the finger at the player's lack of professionalism in the last ten minutes
where instead of keeping possession we were piling into the area looking for
a second.
There were three changes made to the side which beat Coventry last Tuesday
night in the League Cup. That game had seen Noble, Mullins and Ferdinand
picking up injuries and only Hayden Mullins managed to shake off his injury
and take his place in the centre of a five man midfield which included
Nolberto Solano (who was cup tied on Tuesday). In the absence of Ferdinand,
Danny Gabbidon took his place.
Curbishley again would not put Luis Boa Morte up front alongside Carlton
Cole, and the Portuguese winger was deployed on the right hand side.
Robert Green also came back into the starting line up replacing Richard
Wright who dropped back down to the bench.
We started brightly, looking to get at them from the off. This was down to
Etherington, with the winger looking really up for the game and he got down
the left hand side and delivered a couple of good crosses.
A foul by Gabbidon resulted in a free kick was curled just wide by Ivan
Campo as Bolton reminded us that they were there. Which is more than can be
said for their supporters – well, all 25 of them.
Our good approach play would yield results, as we took the lead on the 18th
minute through an unlikely source.
A corner from the right hand side was swung in by Nolberto Solano. Bolton
keeper Jaaskelainen went to punch the ball but didn't make good connection,
and Bolton continued to struggle when trying to clear. The ball was played
back into the box by Lee Bowyer towards Cole at the back post and eventually
went towards McCartney who brilliantly met the ball with a thumping right
foot volley.
It really was what McCartney deserved after performing well throughout the
season putting in a number of solid consistent displays.
It gave a temporary lift to the atmosphere which was pretty awful
throughout. Upton Park was extremely quiet throughout the game, and one can
only think that the fans are just feeding off the type of football we play,
which is pretty uninspiring.
Unlike last season, Bolton didn't capitulate after the opening goal, and
they came back at us strongly and were unlucky not to have equalised through
a deflected shot from El Hadji Diouf which looped up over Robert Green only
for George McCartney to head off the line.
Bolton started to get a grip on the game and we found ourselves second best
for the remainder of the first half which was disappointing as we had been
playing quite well and getting forward quickly with effect.
Bolton pressed forward in search of the equaliser with Gary Speed firing a
shot over the bar and then Daniel Guthrie hit a low shot which hit the post.
Most were happy when the half time whistle went and although I was pleased
we were in the lead I couldn't help but think that this was quite similar to
the Sunderland game where despite taking the lead we ended up taking the
foot of the gas and conceding.
During the first half, Hayden Mullins had gone down with what looked like a
recurrence of the injury he picked up against Coventry, and although he
carried on it was not too much of a shock that he was taken off five minutes
after the second half started.
He was replaced by Jonathan Spector who again went into centre midfield. Now
I am fully aware that we have lots of injuries, and midfield is one position
which has been hit hard, but I still do not understand why we need to play
Jonathan Spector in centre midfield. But because Curbishley wanted to keep
this formation, and that he doesn't rate either Pantsil or Reid, Spector was
again used in a position where he offers nothing.
The second half was very end to end, with both sides having chances. Bolton
were mainly resulted to long range efforts in the opening quarter of the
second period.
Our aim had to be getting that second goal as we went in search Solano hit a
low 20 yard drive which was turned away by Jaaskelainen. Shortly after,
Carlton Cole was denied by defender Gardener who beat him to cross from Boa
Morte.
Our best chance of the second half would fall to Carlton Cole after an
excellent counter attack involving Etherington eventually found its way to
the striker, but his shot was straight at the keeper and it eventually went
out for a goal kick.
There were occasions like that counter attack where we would look quite
decent and there were almost signs of a proper football team, but that would
be flushed out of the memory by a number of misplaced passes and loss of
possession.
As the game wore on, it was just we were begging for Bolton to attack us and
make it uncomfortable. You didn't want to believe that you were watching the
inevitable, but at a time when we needed to keep our cool, it became a time
where we pushed ourselves back and let them come onto us.
To counter this, Alan Curbishley made a change, replacing Carlton Cole with
Henri Camera. Initially I thought that Cole must have picked up a knock,
because why else would you take away our only target man? Well maybe our
manager wanted us to keep in on the floor and play some better football for
the remainder of the game, but we just continued to play high balls towards
the tiny Camera.
Bolton had what they must have thought was their golden opportunity as Kevin
Davies head Guthrie's cross onto the cross bar with Green beaten. The
visitors continued to put on pressure with a scramble in our area resulting
in Jonathan Spector heading off the line as Green went walkabout.
But just as we thought we had done enough, Bolton struck in the third minute
of the four added on, with Kevin Nolan flicking the ball past Robert Green
to the despair of the West Ham crowd.
It just showed the fine line between "a hard working victory" and "a poor
performance resulting in two points dropped" which essentially is what today
was.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Most people will have noticed the occasional flap at a few corners but there
was little he could do about the goal. Made a couple of good saves from some
long range efforts, and I don't think his performance was a concern.
Lucas Neill
His form has been patchy to say the least this season, and I have had no
problem in bringing up his poor performances, but I thought he actually had
a good game today. Dealt with Diouf well and stood up to the physical test
Bolton posed. Got forward well, but some of his crosses were poor.
Matthew Upson
This was the type of game where he needed to be good in the air and for the
majority I thought he did a good job. His defending was just about spot on
today, and I can have very little complaints about the job Upson did.
Danny Gabbidon
Having looked as though Ferdinand was going to replace him, Gabbidon
returned to the back line and had a very indifferent game. Caught ball
watching on a few occasions and if Davies' header in the second half had
gone in, Gabbidon would have been the culprit after totally losing his man
as he misjudged the flight of the cross. He is fortunate everyone is
injured.
George McCartney
Had a fantastic first half where he made two key contributions. The goal of
course will be his main talking point. It was an excellent finish with his
weaker foot, and then he showed his defensive capabilities by heading a goal
bound shot off the line.
Lee Bowyer
Seemed to be our only midfielder who wanted to make tackles which was a
little worrying. I can't say I'm massive fan of his but credit where credit
is due, I thought he worked his bollocks off, where despite having little
pace, he rushed around the pitch John Moncur-esq lunging in. Pretty? No, but
effective at times as Bolton were trying to find some tempo.
Nolberto Solano
Looks like a player who possess lots of ability but his age has taken its
toll on him and he can't make things happen as effectively as he once did. I
say looks like, but that is exactly what he is. Made some nice passes, made
some really poor ones, put in bundles of effort and looked knackered in the
second half.
Hayden Mullins
No doubt that we were a better side when he was on the pitch and if you look
at it, our performance went wayward from the time he was taken off. Never
get's much credit from the majority of fans but the little things he does
are usually the important ones. Such as, completing clearances and picking
up that loose ball which Bolton got to just about every time in the second
half.
Matthew Etherington
A decent display from Etherington where he was usually integral to our
attacking play. Made some good runs in the first half and continued this in
the second, when he set up Carlton Cole who couldn't finish.
Luis Boa Morte
Got himself into many dangerous positions but his decision making was simply
shocking. I am wondering if he has some sort of mental problem as made the
wrong choice every single time, putting in some of the worst crosses you are
likely to see. There were no occasions where he got it right and despite the
odd bit of skill, his overall performance was not good enough. This said, he
should not be playing on the right wing.
Carlton Cole
Struggled to make an impact and had very few opportunities. Ran about a lot
and put in the effort, but the Bolton defenders found it easy to deal with
his attempts to win the ball in the air. Had his one golden chance in the
second half when he put the ball straight at the keeper. Might have done
better if Boa Morte was playing alongside him.
Subs Used
Jonathan Spector (on for Mullins 50 mins)
Head a goal bound effort off the line near the end, but apart from that he
offered absolutely nothing throughout his time on the pitch. We have
reservations about him as a defender never mind a midfielder.
Henri Camera (on for Cole 71 mins)
Had a goal disallowed for offside and that was about his only contribution.
It didn't help that we still thought Cole was on the pitch as we played
high, hopeful balls towards him. Little he could do.
John Pantsil (on for Bowyer 85 mins)
Didn't see the ball all that often.
Overall
Alan Curbishley might well bemoan the unprofessional nature of how we came
to concede a late equaliser, but I would look at the negative tactics he set
out for the third game running.
We all know we have injuries, and that is why you have to make use of the
players you have at your disposal. If he is willing to play Jonathan Spector
in centre midfield then I see no reason to why Luis Boa Morte cannot play as
a striker.
I know I have to accept that this is the type of results we will get this
season as we simply are nothing more than a mid table side who will not
finish any higher that 12th. Until I accept that, results like today will
continue to grate me.
Derby are next up and although many will think that this should be a
formality I have serious reservations to what sort of result we will get at
Pride Park. No one who has watched us play this season can think that it
will be anything but a struggle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan shows old ways are still the best - Telegraph
By Clive Tyldesley
Last Updated: 12:51am GMT 05/11/2007
West Ham United (1) 1 Bolton Wanderers (0) 1
It wasn't much of a weekend for Sam Allardyce, but the Newcastle manager may
just have raised a smile at the way in which his former Bolton charges
muscled their way to a precious point at Upton Park yesterday.
Almost three minutes of stoppage time had been played when a long throw
tossed into the scrum inside the West Ham penalty area resulted in a late
equaliser from Kevin Nolan. It had been coming.
Bolton's new manager, Gary Megson, has made no secret of his intention to
return to Allardyce's blue-print. And it was only fitting that one of the
old guard had the final say. Skipper Nolan lost his place in the team for
Sammy Lee's final game at the helm last month, but has been recalled to lead
the new regime from the front.
Judging by the belligerence and bloody-mindedness displayed by Megson's
Bolton, the revival movement will have a familiar ring to it.
"Eleven of today's squad were signed by Sam Allardyce," said Megson. "They
were brought in over seven or eight years and are used to a certain style.
It suits us to play in that manner now. It's just a question of putting
round pegs in round holes and getting our confidence back."
With the redoubtable Kevin Davies making a nuisance of himself in attack,
Bolton got back to basics to force a deserved draw.
McCartney was again the name in the news up until the interval. But this
time it was George, not Paul or Heather. A fraught and messy affair was lit
up by West Ham's Northern Ireland international left-back, George McCartney,
who produced a gem of a finish followed by a timely goal-line clearance.
The goal was a collector's item. Not only was it a perfectly-struck
acrobatic volley with the right foot that McCartney normally reserves for
standing on, it was also his first league goal.
Bolton passed up three or four opportunities to clear a West Ham corner
before Matthew Upson won a header, and McCartney lent back to steer the ball
powerfully home.
Moments earlier, Upson had been denied by a desperate block from Abdoulaye
Meite. Lee Bowyer also went close as McCartney and Matthew Etherington
joined forces to cut through Bolton's beleaguered right flank.
It came as a surprise when McCartney was needed to head away from under his
own bar midway through the half. El Hadji Diouf's shot looped up off the
foot of Lucas Neill and arced agonisingly over Robert Green, only for the
left-back to come to the rescue.
Bolton were an intermittent threat from that moment on. Upson needed an
unseen tug of the arm to stop Davies on one occasion, but was powerless to
stop the strapping striker setting up Danny Guthrie to shoot against a post
shortly before half-time.
"We never really looked like getting the second goal that might have settled
it," admitted West Ham manager Alan Curbishley.
Carlton Cole was denied by the visitors' Finnish goalkeeper, Jussi
Jaaskelainen, after racing on to Etherington's clever clipped pass, but a
Bolton goal looked the more likely option as the game wore on. Davies
bounced a header on to the top of the bar from Guthrie's cross, then Lee
Bowyer scrambled back to thwart Diouf. As the game ticked in to added time,
Bolton's air force turned back the clock to launch a final telling assault.
Jonathan Spector managed to scramble a Diouf header off the line following a
long Jaaskelainen free-kick, but resistance was low when J Lloyd Samuel
hurled the ball back into the defensive confusion and the giant defender
Lubomir Michalik helped the ball on for Nolan to guide skilfully and
gleefully into the corner.
Megson asked for time for his methods to take effect. "In terms of getting a
way that suits us, you can't just take a pill and say 'you're confident'. We
have got issues, it's not right to broadcast them and they are not personal
and are purely footballing ones."
Curbishley complained Nolan's goal was typical of Bolton. It is again now.
Man of the Match
Kevin Nolan (Bolton)
• One goal from two shots (both on target)
• 83 per cent pass completion from 36 passes
• One key pass
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bolton grab draw at West Ham - Telegraph
By Richard Clare
Last Updated: 9:46pm GMT 04/11/2007
West Ham United (1) 1 Bolton Wanderers (0) 1
Kevin Nolan rescued a last minute draw for Bolton Wanderers at West Ham with
a goal deep into stoppage time to cancel out George McCartney's earlier
goal.
Bolton's team selection harked back to the Sam Allardyce days as Gary Megson
handed a start to veteran Gary Speed, having blocked a loan move to
Sheffield United earlier in the week.
But it was West Ham who started better and came close early on when Carlton
Cole shot narrowly wide, but was adjudged offside.
On 19 minutes, with Bolton struggling to clear a Nolberto Solano corner,
McCartney produced an acrobatic volley from inside the box to score his
first ever goal.
Bolton came back with Kevin Davies the main architect of West Ham's
problems.
A long throw from Ivan Campo found Davies who layed the ball to Danny
Guthrie who hit a low drive that cannoned off the post.
Bolton pushed forward searching for the equaliser in the second half, Kevin
Davies came close when his header hit the top of the crossbar and went over.
England hopeful Robert Green was equal to a Gary Speed volley from the edge
of the area but flapped at a corner, from which Davies was unable to direct
his header on target.
West Ham also had chances, and appeals for a penalty were waved away when
Andy O'Brien tussled with Lee Bowyer.
Luis Boa Morte latched onto a hopeful 65th minute ball for West Ham and took
it around Jussi Jaaskelainen but the cut-back was headed clear by Ricardo
Gardner.
The drama was left until the very end when Lubomir Michalik flicked on a
cross for a deft Kevin Nolan volley to rescue a point for Bolton and break
West Ham hearts.
Man of the match
Kevin Nolan (Bolton)
• One goal from two shots (both on target)
• 83 per cent pass completion from 36 passes
• One key pass
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan adds last-minute insult to the injuries - The Times
West Ham 1 Bolton 1Gary Jacob at Upton Park
It was a wretched enough encounter, but as Alan Curbishley started to pick
over the bones of this draw and lead an inquest into the concession of a
stoppage-time goal, someone asked about injuries. Bad move. Ten minutes
later, it was as if the West Ham United squad had been cast in a repeat of
Casualty and the manager was rehearsing for his role as Charlie Fairhead,
the linchpin of Holby City Hospital. "It is all hands to the pump for
Saturday [away to Derby County]," the manager said. "This draw was
self-inflicted."
Yet when Curbishley opens his 50th birthday presents on Thursday, he may be
hoping that instead of boxer shorts and socks, his wife has bought him a
spreadsheet to keep a record of the remarkable list of injuries. It was 13
at the last count, when Hayden Mullins limped off yesterday, but best to
double check. Handy, too, would be a list of players out of contract, as at
this rate they may not get to the January transfer window.
Curbishley hurled his water bottle in disgust at the end, a reflection of
his team's intermittent daydreaming and carelessness. "We wasted a lot of
energy in needless things when we should have been professional and killed
the game off," he said.
George McCartney's crisp strike was out of synch with the dross on show
otherwise. The left back did a pirouette to scissor-kick in Lee Bowyer's
cross. It gave West Ham control, but they never had a second clear
opportunity, despite Nolberto Solano and Carlton Cole going close.
West Ham conceded possession as quickly as it was gained and Bolton
Wanderers were able to grow. Daniel Guthrie struck a post, Gary Speed
narrowly missed, Kevin Davies put a free header over and then Kevin Nolan
prodded home from Lubomir Michalik's flick in the third minute of stoppage
time.
Nolan described Gary Megson as a breath of fresh air, clearly a reflection
of his opinion of Sammy Lee, his predecessor as Bolton manager. It may have
felt like a victory for the visiting side, but it is now eight matches
without a league win and Nicky Hunt has a suspected dislocated shoulder. "We
have had two choices: raise the white flag or you go on," Megson said.
Regularly vaunted for being intimidating, aggressive and uncompromising,
Bolton have been anything but since the departure of Sam Allardyce as
manager in the week before the teams last met in May. Megson reverted to
Allardyce's starting team yesterday, but things were not quite as retro on
the pitch. "The players are used to a style and you can't put square pegs in
round holes," Megson said. "We can't just take a confidence pill and be
confident."
How they rated
West Ham 1 McCartney 20
4-4-2 R Green 6 L Neill 5 D Gabbidon 6 M Upson 6 G McCartney 6 N Solano 7 L
Bowyer Y 6 H Mullins 5 M Etherington 6 L Boa Morte 6 C Cole 6 Substitutes: J
Spector 5 (for Mullins, 50min), H Camara (for Cole, 72), J Paintsil Y (for
Bowyer, 85) Not used: R Wright, K Reid Next: Derby County (a)
Bolton 1 Nolan 90
4-1-3-2 J Jaaskelainen 5 N Hunt Y 5 A O'Brien 5 A Meïté 5 R Gardner 5 I
Campo 5 D Guthrie 6 K Nolan 5 G Speed 6 K Davies 5 E-H Diouf 5 Substitutes:
L Michalik 5 (for Meïté, 46), J Samuel (for Speed, 78), G McCann (for Hunt,
82) Not used: A Al Habsi, S Giannakopoulos Next: Middlesbrough (h)
Referee P Walton
Attendance33,867
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West Ham Utd 1 Bolton Wanderers 1: Nolan rides to the rescue as Megson takes
on big 'issues' - The Independent
By Jason Burt
Published: 05 November 2007
They wanted to use this contest as a springboard to their season – but just
as they were about to hit the water West Ham turned a well-executed dive
into a messy bellyflop. In turn Kevin Nolan's injury-time equaliser threw a
hopeful lifeline to Bolton at the moment it appeared they were continuing to
walk the plank towards relegation.
The frustration was palpable for the West Ham manager, Alan Curbishley. He
hurled a water bottle down in bitter frustration as Nolan stole ahead of
Lucas Neill to flick home Lubomir Michalik's header forward. "Whatever way
you get to the 94th minute you should see the game out," Curbishley said.
"But we were disorganised, I thought we were 1-0 down. We needed to be a bit
professional to kill the game off. It was self-inflicted."
Bolton's new manager, Gary Megson, meanwhile, will point to two draws in his
first two league matches as evidence that he is shoring matters up – without
top-scorer Nicolas Anelka. Megson's faith in two of the apparent miscreants
under his predecessor, Sammy Lee, was also vindicated. Gary Speed, the
38-year-old former player-coach, made his first start since falling out with
Lee while the point was earned by Nolan, his first goal of the season, who
also endured his differences with Sam Allardyce's successor.
"They could not have done more today," Megson said. "They ran themselves
into the ground." There was also an acknowledgement that Bolton have gone
back to basics. It will be a route-one approach. "It's no criticism of Sammy
Lee, but we have a few issues to sort out," Megson added. "They are purely
footballing ones."
It appeared that Curbishley had similar issues. He didn't complain about
"how hard" his players worked but, damningly, declared that "a lot of that
energy was wasted". With 12 injured players – and Hayden Mullins lost
yesterday after hurting his foot – there is mitigation. "We had big plans
pre-season," Curbishley said. "But that got scuppered in the second week
when we started losing players." Much is always made of such lists which
are, often, a convenient excuse. Indeed, the reasons have been scrutinised
at board level. But given the high number of so-called "impact" injuries,
Curbishley's training methods have been absolved. It appears to be down to
bad luck.
It meant the West Ham goal came from the unlikeliest of sources. It is a
curiosity of their season that all the goals have been claimed by British
players and there was another when George McCartney spectacularly volleyed
in. Even more curious was the fact that it was the left-back's first club
goal. And this in his 196th appearance, 40 for West Ham. But after Matthew
Upson's shot had been hacked off the line the defender challenged Kevin
Davies and the ball fell to McCartney, who thumped it into the net.
It sparked Bolton into life, with McCartney quickly having to clear El Hadji
Diouf's goal-bound shot. Soon after, a crisp drive from Danny Guthrie
thudded back off the post. West Ham appeared to have weathered matters and
escaped again as Kevin Davies' header skimmed the crossbar and Jonathan
Spector scrambled back to block Diouf's flick. But then came Nolan's
intervention.
Goals: McCartney (20) 1-0; Nolan (90) 1-1.
West Ham United (4-1-4-1) Green; Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney; Mullins
(Spector, 50); Boa Morte, Solano, Bowyer (Pantsil, 85), Etherington; Cole
(Camara, 72). Substitutes not used: Wright (gk), Reid.
Bolton Wanderers (4-1-4-1): Jaaskelainen; Hunt (McCann, 82), Meite
(Michalik, h-t), O'Brien, Gardner; Campo; Guthrie, Nolan, Speed (Samuel,
78), Diouf; Davies. Substitutes not used: Al Habsi (gk), Giannakopoulos.
Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire).
Booked: West Ham Bowyer, Pantsil; Bolton Hunt.
Man of the match: Etherington.
Attendance: 33,867.
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Nolan's late show helps Wanderers exorcise ghosts
Rob Smyth at Upton Park
Monday November 5, 2007
The Guardian
Returning to the scene of a traumatic experience can be a crucial part of
rehabilitation. Bolton Wanderers' horrid post-Allardyce era began with a 3-1
thumping at Upton Park in May, an indicator of the painful metamorphosis
they would undergo with Sammy Lee in charge, but the familiar manner in
which they earned a point on the same ground yesterday suggests that there
are genuine reasons for optimism.
Here were the old Bolton: fibrous, unyielding and a menace from set pieces.
They trailed to George McCartney's spectacular early goal in a wretched
contest, but Kevin Nolan's injury-time equaliser had been coming for much of
the second half. It was Nolan's first goal since February, a further
indication that Bolton are going back to the basics in which they find such
comfort. Aesthetics can wait.
"Of the 14 players who played today, 11 were signed by Sam Allardyce," said
their manager, Gary Megson. "They were brought in to play a certain style.
It's no criticism of Sammy Lee - we're just trying to get round pegs in
round holes. We have got a few issues to sort out and I think that playing
in that manner suits us at the moment."
In many ways Bolton's most admirable achievement was to resist the onset of
fatalism after they hit a post and the bar and had two efforts cleared off
the line. "When you've been in football for so long and you see that," said
Megson, "you think it's not going to be your day." But they persisted and
were rewarded when Lubomir Michalik flicked on a long cross and Nolan, eight
yards out, stabbed a wonderfully dexterous half-volley wide of Robert Green.
"You've got two choices - the white flag goes up or you keep going, and they
certainly kept going. They couldn't have done any more today. They ran
themselves into the ground," said Megson. "We can pass it better, we can
finish better, but we probably can't show any more honesty or commitment
than we have done."
Their faith and commitment had been tested by the most freakish of
occurrences in the 19th minute, the first goal of McCartney's club career in
his 198th match. Bolton failed to get the ball away after Matthew Upson's
shot had been cleared off the line by Kevin Davies and, when the ball looped
up off Upson's shoulder, McCartney smashed in a flying right-foot volley at
the near post.
Moments later McCartney cleared off the line when El-Hadji Diouf's shot
dropped over Green, and then the impressive Danny Guthrie whistled a 20-yard
half-volley off the outside of the near post after a splendid setup from
Davies. Davies was at his best - three parts irritating bruiser and one part
underrated technician - but he blotted his copybook with a bad miss in the
72nd minute. Having pulled away from Danny Gabbidon, he headed lamentably on
to the top of the bar from eight yards.
Carlton Cole, at times isolated in West Ham's tentative 4-2-3-1 formation,
forced a superb save from Jussi Jaaskelainen on the counterattack but
Bolton's force was becoming irresistible. Diouf had a header cleared off the
line but, moments later, Nolan intervened decisively.
"We've been done," lamented the West Ham manager, Alan Curbishley. "Once you
get to the 94th minute you should see the game out. In the last 10 minutes I
thought we were 1-0 down the way we were playing - we were breaking to get
in the box and crossing balls in when we didn't need to. We needed a little
bit of professionalism, one or two to get their foot on it, run it in the
corner and kill the game off. But I'd give Bolton a lot of credit because
from the moment we scored they upped it a bit and we never really looked
like we'd get that second goal."
Having 12 players absent does not help, but Curbishley was loth to use West
Ham's wretched injury list as an excuse. "I think [to mention that] is a
little bit disrespectful to the team that's playing," he said. "If we'd got
those extra two points we'd be in the top half of the table."
West Ham are marking time, stockpiling as many points as they can while they
wait for their star players to return, but Bolton's big moment is
approaching. They have Bayern Munich on Thursday and Middlesbrough next
weekend, but they will face both without Nicky Hunt, who was taken off with
a suspected dislocated shoulder. Megson had no difficulty ordering the
matches in terms of their importance. "Bayern away is a terrific occasion,"
he said, "but our big, big game is Middlesbrough at the Reebok."
A home victory over Middlesbrough saved Bolton from relegation on the last
day of the 2002-03 season; a similar result next week might set them on the
way to a similar escape.
Man of the Match Kevin Davies
Who says the target-man is dead? Davies gave West Ham's centre-backs,
Matthew Upson and Danny Gabbidon, a torrid afternoon in the air and linked
play superbly.
Best Moment In the process of falling over under extreme pressure from
Upson, Davies laid the ball off perfectly for Danny Guthrie to hit a post.
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