Tony Carr's side were unable to compete with a strong Bolton Wanderers
19.12.2007
West Ham United 0-2 Bolton Wanderers
West Ham United were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup tonight after a disappointing home defeat by an impressive Bolton Wanderers side.
On a chilly evening at the Boleyn Ground, goals in each half from Temitope Obadeyi and Sam Sheridan ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. Freddie Sears, back in the home attack after injury and a heavy cold, had the best of the chances for Tony Carr's team but was unable to make the most of his opportunities.
Bolton took the lead through England U19 striker Obadeyi in the 12th minute as he got on the end of Kevin Wolze's inswinging free-kick to score past Marek Stech. Obadeyi could have added to his tally afterwards as the visitors showed real attacking intent. Ben Hunt also had a good chance at the other end but headed over - while Sears and the lively Ashley Miller similarly had good opportunities.
The visitors started strongly in the second half with Danny Ward particularly going close just before the hour mark with a mazy run. West Ham United then tried to force the issue. It looked like the equaliser had come in the 67th minute when Sears surged through the middle and appeared ready to score beyond Bolton keeper Tom Brocklehurst - only for the keeper to save with his legs.
That was to be as good as it got for Carr's kids with Sheridan getting a similar chance at the other end within five minutes. He made no mistake with a confident finish that Stech could do nothing about. Bolton could have added to their tally as the hosts threw on Matty Fry and Robbie Blackwell to try and get the two goals that would mean extra time but it was to no avail. As a result, it is Bolton who will play Port Vale at home in the next round.
West Ham United Under-18s: Stech, Spence, Miller, Payne, N'Gala (Blackwell 75), Harvey, Stanislas, Lee (Kearns 60), Hunt (Fry 75), Sears, Edgar
Subs (from): Loveday, Brookes, Ashman
Bolton Wanderers Under-18s: Brocklehurst, McDonald, Carlisle, Gbemie, Eckersley, Sheridan, O'Halloran (Mooy 46), Brooks (Lainton 82), Obadeyi, Wolze, Ward (Riley 89)
Subs: McGeechan, Michail
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 0-2 Bolton FT - WHUFC
Tony Carr's side are beaten at home to dash any hopes of cup cheer this season
19.12.2007
FA Youth Cup third round
Boleyn Ground
FULL TIME - A disappointing result for Tony Carr's side although he can take positives - particularly from the performance of Freddie Sears in attack. For Bolton, Temitope Obadeyi was a constant menace and showed great composure. His early goal and the second from Sam Sheridan were the difference with West Ham United paying the price for their profligacy.
89min - A third and final change for the visitors with the game a largely scrappy affair. Joe Riley is on for Ward.
82min - Robert Lainton is on for Tom Brooks as Bolton look to shore up at the back and close out the game.
75min - Double substitution for West Ham United. Robbie Blackwell and Matt Fry are on for Hunt and Bondz N'Gala respectively.
73min - GOAL! - Sheridan doubles Bolton's lead and puts them in the driving seat for a fourth-round home tie with Port Vale. The No6 surged through from midfield before sliding the ball beyond Stech.
67min - Sears gets a great chance to equalise. The No10 surges forward through the middle and gets a shot away, only for Brocklehurst to save well with his legs.
60min - Tony Carr makes his first change of the night with Daniel Kearns on for Oliver Lee.
56min - Danny Ward shoots just wide for the visitors after a mazy run. He let fly from 12 yards but watched in disappointment as the shot went beyond the left-hand post.
46min - Aaron Mooy is on for Michael O'Halloran as Bolton make the first change before the restart.
HALF-TIME
42min - Anthony Edgar finds room for a low cross into the six-yard box but Hunt cannot keep the shot down.
35min - Miller again gets forward and just misses the top-left hand corner with a measured effort that came after excellent link-up play by the home midfield
33min - Sheridan tries his luck again from outside the box. The low drive goes wide but it is not certain Stech would have got there had it been on target.
31min - Junior Stanislas shows for the first time, going close with a 25-yard free-kick.
30min - West Ham United are still applying the pressure but have yet to trouble England youth goalkeeper Tom Brocklehurst - who has previously appeared in the international set-up alongside home captain Jordan Spence.
28min - The home side are pushing hard for an equaliser. Ashley Miller fires in a shot that goes just wide.
23min - Ben Hunt meets a Sears cross but the No9 cannot keep his header on target.
15min - Obadeyi nearly gets a second but his shot from 20 yards is saved by Stech
12min - GOAL! - Bolton take the lead through Temitope Obadeyi after he met Kevin Wolze's inswinging free-kick from close range to score past Stech.
9min - Sam Sheridan fires in a decent effort from distance for the visitors that forces Marek Stech to tip over the bar.
5min - Freddie Sears, fit again after injury, does well on the right-hand side. He crosses into the box but no one is there to meet it.
KICK-OFF
For match preview, click here
West Ham United Under-18s: Stech, Spence, Miller, Payne, N'Gala (Blackwell 75), Harvey, Stanislas, Lee (Kearns 60), Hunt (Fry 75), Sears, Edgar
Subs (from): Loveday, Brookes, Ashman
Bolton Wanderers Under-18s: Brocklehurst, McDonald, Carlisle, Gbemie, Eckersley, Sheridan, O'Halloran (Mooy 46), Brooks (Lainton 82), Obadeyi, Wolze, Ward (Riley 89)
Subs: McGeechan, Michail
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ljungberg enjoying regular run - WHUFC
Freddie Ljungberg is still hunting his first West Ham United goal but is getting closer
19.12.2007
Freddie Ljungberg is "feeling good" after getting another 90 minutes under his belt last weekend.
The Sweden captain, who will hope to make it a hat-trick of starts in ten days at Middlesbrough on Saturday, was a lively presence in a familiar left-sided position against Everton and, but for a bit of luck, might have scored his first goal in claret and blue. On the quarter-hour mark on Saturday, he found himself surging past a static defence before being presented with a shooting chance from eight yards out.
"Unfortunately, I was supposed to hit it with my right but it hit a player and spun over to my left," he said, although he still managed to get a firm shot away. Everton keeper Tim Howard was equal to it though and produced "a very good save" to keep the scores level. It was a blow for the No7, having previously been denied what seemed a certain goal against former club Arsenal in September because of a late offside flag.
He added: "[Defeat] is hard to take because we dominated the first half and created some chances." While the 2-0 scoreline was disappointing, it was the second full game for Ljungberg in four days - showing he is over the effects of injury and a debilitating migraine that kept him out of the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last month. "I am back now," he said. I have played two games - two 90 minutes and I feel very good."
Of his migraines, which have been a constant throughout his successful career, Ljungberg said: "I normally get it once a year, unfortunately - hopefully I am done and dusted with it. It is always annoying. It is not the easiest thing. I feel now that I am fit." Adding that he was determined "to get some consistency and do well for West Ham", Ljungberg hoped the next few weeks would see others joining him and the likes of Scott Parker and Dean Ashton back in the first team.
The former Arsenal man has enjoyed playing alongside his fellow summer signing Parker in midfield. "I think it is important we get all our good players fit. Scott is one of them. He runs a lot and I think when it was a little bit scrappy in the second half, he was fighting for the ball which is always good. He showed he is a very good player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham teenager impresses Ward - BBC
West Ham left back Joe Widdowson has returned to London after a successful trial spell with Carlisle. The 19-year-old spent five days at Brunton Park and was due to play in a reserve game but it was postponed. He has now gone back to the Hammers for a youth team game but impressed Carlisle boss John Ward.
"It's been a good week with him, so we'll look at the situation again in January and see what happens," Ward told his club's website.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Freddie set for Boro test - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 19th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Freddie Ljungberg says that he is looking for 'consistency' now that he has fully recovered from injury. The Sewdish international captain has missed much of the season with a combination of injuries but says that he is back to full fitness - good news for the Alan Curbishley as he prepares his side for a hectic Christmas schedule. West Ham are set to face Middlesbrough, Reading, Manchester United and Arsenal within nine days during the Christmas period, starting with a trip to the Riverside this weekend. And Ljungberg - who is not, as claimed by some tabloids yesterday, still suffering from migraine problems - is ready to help the Hammers hopefully better last season's holiday tally of just one point from four games. "I have played two 90 minutes and I'm feeling really good," he said. "It has been frustrating with injuries and the migraines, but I feel now that I am fit. "I felt really good on Wednesday - and on Saturday in the first half I felt really good." On the migraine issue, which has been the source of much discussion this week, he added: "I normally get it once a year - hopefully I am done and dusted with it. It is always annoying, and it is not the easiest thing. But I feel now that I am fit."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eid rather stay - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 19th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has reiterated his desire to remain in Spain - despite a string of reports linking him with a move to England. The former Chelsea striker was a summer transfer target of West Ham's, and rumours at the time suggested that a move would be forthcoming in the January transfer window. But the 29-year-old Icelandic international has expressed his desire to remain with the Catalan giants. "I'm having my best days with Barca," Gudjohnsen told Catalan daily El Periodico. "The coach has confidence in me which is very important. "I thought in September that if things did not change I would leave, but now this is impossible. "I want to be successful here. If I receive a call from another club my answer will be 'no'." West Ham are thought to be in the market for a striker due to the constant injury worries over Bobby Zamora, Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green: Capello will be Fab - SSN
Keeper backs Italian to be success as England boss
Last updated: 19th December 2007
Robert Green has welcomed the appointment of Fabio Capello as England manager, but warned his most significant early challenge will be overcoming the problem of limited training time. West Ham keeper Green insists there is not a lack of effort or passion within the national side but admits the Italian's appointment could further boost motivation. In his Independent column, Green said: "There is no doubt in my mind that although effort has never been an issue from the squad, new levels may well be reached under Capello. "The contrast between managing club and country are not solely based on the interest and pressure. Capello's record speaks for itself, winning league titles at every club he has managed, with success in Europe as well. "But he has never managed at international level and I am sure he will notice the differences. One is the degree of access he will get to players, which can affect performance.
Crucial
"Many circumstances make it difficult for an England manager to get the best from his players and a crucial one is training. "The week's training is a key time for the manager to get to know and work with his players, but in my experience this training time has been short, a lot less than at club level, with the coaching team scared of overworking players and sending them back to their clubs fatigued or injured. "Because of this lack of bodies I have, somewhat bizarrely, played more training sessions with England at left-back than in goal." Green continued: "With the lack of English managerial talent available and willing, I feel that the FA were right to go for a man who has spent his life working, and winning, in environments in which pressure and controversy are never far away. It may even take the weight off their own shoulders."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gudjohnsen going nowhere - SSN
Icelandic striker happy at Barca
By Francisco Acedo Last updated: 19th December 2007
Eidur Gudjohnsen insists he does not want to leave Barcelona despite reported interest from a number of Premier League clubs. The Icelandic international striker was thought to be unsettled at the Camp Nou as he finds a place in Frank Rijkaard's first XI increasingly hard to come by. Gudjohnsen, 29, has started only two Primera Liga games this season as he competes for a starting berth with the likes of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho. However, Gudjohnsen - who joined Barca from Chelsea for £8million in 2006 - is adamant he is happy in Spain despite reported interest from Newcastle, West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth. "Now I am in my best days with Barcelona," Gudjohnsen told El Periodico Barcelona. "I am good physically and have a lot of interest in helping the team. The coach has confidence in me and this is very important. "I thought in September if things did not change I would leave Barca, but now this is impossible. "I discard my exit because I want to triumph in the Barca shirt. I know the club and the people and it is not possible to improve this situation at another club. "If I receive a call from another club my answer will be negative."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Freddie clear of headaches - Setanta
by Richard Field, 19 December 2007
Freddie Ljungberg believes his migraine jinx is over for another year, after "feeling good" following the completion of two comeback matches for The Hammers.
The Sweden captain will hope to make it a hat-trick of starts in ten days at Middlesbrough on Saturday. "I am back now," he said on the club's official website. "I have played two games – two 90 minutes and I feel very good." The migraine problem has been constant throughout his career but it has not stopped him enjoying a successful life in The Premier League. "I normally get it once a year, unfortunately, hopefully I am done and dusted with it. It is always annoying, it is not the easiest thing and I feel now that I am fit."
Ljungberg put in a typically energetic display against Everton and was close to scoring his first goal since his move to West Ham. "Unfortunately, I was supposed to hit it with my right, but it hit a player and spun over to my left," the midfielder said of the eventual shot that was well saved by Tim Howard.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert closing on return - Setanta
by Alex Livie, 19 December 2007
Julien Faubert has stated his intention to launch his West Ham career in January. Thje midfielder was a £6 million signing from Bordeaux in the summer, but his hopes of making a flying start were dashed by a ruptured Achilles tendon. It has been a long road to recovery for Faubert, but he can see light at the end of the tunnel. "It's great to be back with my team-mates," said Faubert. "It was important to recover in the right environment and it was a shame to pick up the injury so soon into my West Ham career. "I am now focusing on getting back to full fitness." West Ham boss Alan Curbishley added: "It's great to see him out there running. "Hopefully if he continues the way he has done in the last week he will be a couple of weeks away from joining in with us which is a big boost."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ljungberg battling against migraines
tribalfooball.com - December 19, 2007
West Ham United winger Freddie Ljungberg is hoping the migraine problem does not come back to haunt him again this season. The 30-year-old Sweden captain, who joined the Hammers during the summer from Arsenal, has had the migraine problem throughout his career. "I am back now," he said on the club�s website. "I have played two games - two 90 minutes and I feel very good." He added: "I normally get it once a year, unfortunately; hopefully I am done and dusted with it. It is always annoying, it is not the easiest thing and I feel now that I am fit."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Faubert closing on comeback
tribalfooball.com - December 19, 2007
West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert intends to make his debut in early January. The summer signing suffered an Achilles injury in a preseason game and has rejoined his teammates in training after a specialist rehabilitation in the south of France.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green welcomes Capello appointment - TeamTalk
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has welcomed the appointment of Fabio Capello as England manager - and insists "new levels can be reached". Hammers custodian Green insists there is not a lack of effort or passion within the national side but admits the Italian's appointment could further boost motivation.
In his Independent column, Green said: "There is no doubt in my mind that although effort has never been an issue from the squad, new levels may well be reached under Capello. "The contrast between managing club and country are not solely based on the interest and pressure. Capello's record speaks for itself, winning league titles at every club he has managed, with success in Europe as well. "But he has never managed at international level and I am sure he will notice the differences. One is the degree of access he will get to players, which can affect performance. "Many circumstances make it difficult for an England manager to get the best from his players and a crucial one is training. "The week's training is a key time for the manager to get to know and work with his players, but in my experience this training time has been short, a lot less than at club level, with the coaching team scared of overworking players and sending them back to their clubs fatigued or injured. "Because of this lack of bodies I have, somewhat bizarrely, played more training sessions with England at left-back than in goal." Green continued: "With the lack of English managerial talent available and willing, I feel that the FA were right to go for a man who has spent his life working, and winning, in environments in which pressure and controversy are never far away. It may even take the weight off their own shoulders."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers and Toon target Gudjohnsen weighing up his future - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:17am on 18th December 2007
Eidur Gudjohnsen is determined to prove his doubters wrong at Barcelona but will not rule out a move in January. The former Chelsea striker has found it difficult breaking into the star-studded forward line at the Nou Camp and has attracted interest from Premier League clubs including West Ham and Newcastle.
The 29-year-old Iceland international signed from Stamford Bridge for £8million last year and his father and representative Arnor Gudjohnsen said: "He is perfectly happy with life at Barcelona but he is not ruling anything out. "He has fought his way back into the team and has been showing some good form.
"Eidur believes he will play more for Barcelona, but in football you can never be certain."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
