03.01.2009
FA Cup Third Round
West Ham United v Barnsley
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 3 December
3pm
Referee: Michael Oliver
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Collison (Dyer
70), Noble, Mullins, Boa Morte (Etherington 66), Bellamy, Cole (Tristan 75)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Spector, Bowyer, Di Michele
Booked: Faubert, Mullins
Goals: Ilunga 10, Noble 39 pen, Cole 68
Barnsley: Muller, Hassell, Foster, Guedes, Van Homoet, Campbell-Ryce,
Colace, Leon (Butterfield 89), El Haimour, Odejayi (Coulson 86), Rigters
(Adam 86)
Subs not used: Steele, Mostto, Potter, Heslop
Booked: Odejayi, El Haimour, Colace.
Attendance: 28,869
Herita Ilunga's first goal, a Mark Noble penalty and a Carlton Cole header
were enough to see West Ham United cruise past Barnsley into the FA Cup
fourth round on Saturday.
While some home fans at the Boleyn Ground may have approached the tie
against last season's semi-finalists with a degree of trepidation, it took
just ten minutes for their nerves to be calmed by the DR Congo left-back.
The Tykes did briefly threaten a comeback, but Noble kept his nerve to put
United on course six minutes before half-time. Cole then added a third
midway through the second half before Kieron Dyer made his eagerly-awaited
comeback after 16 months out with a broken leg.
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola made four changes from the side that
beat Stoke City 2-1 on 28 December. Hayden Mullins, the Hammers' second
longest-serving player, replaced the suspended Scott Parker and was named
captain for the day. Noble shrugged off the flu to take the place of muscle
injury victim Valon Behrami. At centre back, James Tomkins returned from a
successful loan spell at Championship side Derby County to make his first
appearance of the season in the absence of Matthew Upson, who had a virus
that has forced him to miss training.
Wales captain Craig Bellamy returned up front after missing the Stoke
victory through suspension, with David Di Michele dropping down to the
substitutes bench. England midfielder Dyer was also named among the
replacements for the first time since being hurt in a Carling Cup tie at
Bristol Rovers in August 2007.
West Ham's opener was created and finished by Ilunga. A trademark forward
run from the African was brought to an abrupt halt by Kayode Odejayi, who
was booked for his challenge. The full-back picked himself up and trotted
into the penalty area, where he found himself unmarked at the back post and
duly converted Noble's deep free-kick via Barnsley midfielder Bobby
Hassell's outstretched leg.
The home side should have gone further ahead nine minutes later, but Jack
Collison could only drive his shot wide after Wales team-mate James Collins
had headed down another teasing Noble set piece. The let-off appeared to
give heart to Simon Davey's side, who had beaten Chelsea and Liverpool on
the way to the last-four a year ago. First Hugo Colace, with a speculative
effort from just inside the West Ham half, then Diego Leon and Jamal
Campbell-Ryce all tested Robert Green with long-range shots.
Having weathered the Yorkshire club's attempted comeback, United doubled
their lead six minutes before the break. A neat counterattack involving
Bellamy, Luis Boa Morte and Cole culminated with Noble being confronted by
defenders Mounir El Haimour and Colace inside the Tykes' 18-yard box. A neat
turn saw the England Under-21 international slip between the pair before
being pulled back by El Haimour.
The Frenchman was booked before Noble confidently slotted the resulting
penalty past Heinz Muller's despairing dive into the bottom left-hand
corner. It was West Ham's first penalty since the same player struck a
last-minute spot-kick to see off Liverpool on 30 January last year. Mullins
and Julien Faubert were then booked for fouls on Odejayi and Maceo Rigters
respectively before referee Michael Oliver brought the opening half to a
close.
Barnsley began the second period with renewed vigour and were unlucky not
have halved the deficit five minutes into it. Spaniard Leon let fly from 25
yards, only to see his shot ricochet off the base of the post, off Green's
legs and just wide of the same upright to safety. Having survived that
shock, and a succession of Tykes' corners, the Hammers regained the
ascendancy as the game passed the hour mark.
Muller kept out Collison's low shot before Cole added a third with 21
minutes remaining, rising highest to glance home Ilunga's cross to complete
a fine move started by substitute Matthew Etherington - who had replaced Boa
Morte just seconds earlier. The goal - Cole's third in three matches - was
met with a loud cheer by the home fans among a crowd of 28,869. That noise
was matched a minute later when Dyer was sent on to replace Collison.
The 30-year-old's impact was almost immediate as he picked up a loose ball
and unleashed a powerful shot that flashed past Muller's near post. At the
other end, Green did well to claw aside Campbell-Ryce's curler before Leon's
fine free-kick hit the crossbar with the home goalkeeper well beaten, but
West Ham had already done more than enough to ensure their name would be in
the hat for Sunday afternoon's fourth round draw. That fact was
rubber-stamped in the second minute of added-on time when Dyer clipped the
crossbar with a superb 25-yard volley.
The result makes it three wins in a row for Zola's men and they will be high
in confidence going into next Saturday's game at Newcastle United.
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On This Day: 3 January
WHUFC.com
Lee Bowyer realised a dream in playing for his boyhood club while the magic
of the FA Cup is recalled
03.01.2009
Anniversary
Lee Bowyer
Date of birth: 3 January 1977
Birthplace: Poplar
National team: England
Clubs: Charlton Athletic, Leeds United, West Ham United, Newcastle United,
West Ham United
A combative midfielder capped once by England, Lee Bowyer was born just a
stone's throw from the Boleyn Ground. Despite being based north of the River
Thames, Bowyer joined Charlton Athletic as a trainee in April 1994. Two
years later, the highly-rated youngster was snapped up by Leeds United
manager David O'Leary. At Elland Road, Bowyer became one of the country's
most-feared midfielders, playing an influential role in the Yorkshire club's
rise to the top of the game both at home and in Europe. In total, Bowyer
scored 62 goals in 257 games for Leeds.
Bowyer moved back to London in early 2003, joining West Ham on a six-month
contract. After making eleven appearances, the player left the club that
summer. From there, the Londoner headed back up north, linking up with
Newcastle United. He went on to make 98 appearances for the Magpies, scoring
eleven times. Bowyer rejoined West Ham in June 2006. A former England
Under-21 international, he made his one appearance for the senior side under
Sven-Goran Eriksson in a friendly against Portugal in September 2002.
Classic Match
West Ham United 2-1 Emley
FA Cup third round
3 January 1998
A crowd of 18,629 turned out at the Boleyn Ground to see West Ham United
hold off the challenge of non-league Emley. The Unibond League outfit were
even dreaming of pulling off a major upset when hairdressers' supervisor
Paul David planted a 56th minute header past Craig Forrest to level the
scores at 1-1. Thankfully, however, John Hartson's 82nd-minute goal was
enough to secure the Hammers' passage into the fourth round.
Frank Lampard looked like he had opened the floodgates when he put the home
side ahead in just the fourth minutes. Emley's task got even harder when key
defender Neil Lacey was forced to leave the pitch in tears shortly
afterwards. However, the minnows held on and delighted their 2,000-strong
support by pushing the Premier League side to the limit.
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Delight as Dyer returns
WHUFC.com
The England midfielder gave everyone at the Boleyn Ground another lift with
his return against Barnsley
03.01.2009
Kieron Dyer has started out on the road to first-team fitness with an
exciting cameo off the bench in Saturday's 3-0 success against Barnsley in
the FA Cup third round.
Having been out since August 2007 with a double leg-break, Dyer has had to
be patient with his comeback. His return as a 70th-minute substitute for
Jack Collison was greeted with a rapturous response from all four corners of
the Boleyn Ground and he went close with an instant snap-shot that just
flashed wide. Then, in the closing stages, he saw a lofted attempt just
scrape the crossbar and go over.
Regardless of his two good efforts on goal, first-team coach Steve Clarke
was just delighted to see the No7 back in the thick of the action, having
just had one practice game under his belt last month. "It was good to get
Kieron back as he's had a terrible time with injury," he said. "He's been
working ever so hard just to get on the pitch again.
"Today was good for him. He showed some good touches but he also showed us
he's nowhere near match fit because he looked tired at time. Now we can work
on him and build up his fitness - he could be like a new signing." It
remains to be seen whether Dyer will be in contention for Saturday's trip to
his former club Newcastle United with the England midfielder likely to be in
reserve action at Aston Villa on Monday.
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Cup cheer for Clarke
WHUFC.com
Steve Clarke was in upbeat mood after seeing West Ham United book their
place in the fourth-round draw
03.01.2009
Steve Clarke spoke of the commitment in the camp after West Ham United's
professional display earned them a 3-0 victory against Barnsley and progress
to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Herita Ilunga, a Mark Noble penalty and Carlton Cole's third in three games
helped the Hammers to a comfortable win and ensured they go into the hat for
Sunday's draw - full details of which will be appearing on whufc.com as soon
as it is made. With Gianfranco Zola heading off straight after the match
because of private commitments, it was first-team coach Clarke who spoke of
the squad's satisfaction.
Clarke was keen to emphasise that both he and the manager are giving the
competition the respect it deserves in a bid to push the club as far as
possible this season. He said: "It's probably the premier cup competition in
the world in my opinion and we take it very seriously. I've had some great
days in the FA Cup been lucky enough to win it both as a player and a coach.
"I'm not really sure which teams don't take it serious but we do. I'm
delighted with the result, you can never tell with my expression but I am
delighted. We've got one more FA Cup game in January and hopefully we will
get a nice draw, put out a strong team and then progress in this
competition."
Clarke was also pleased to see his players share his view, dominating from
start to finish against Championship opponents who had reached last year's
semi-finals with notable scalps along the way. "I thought we started well we
and got in front but got a bit casual and let Barnsley back into it. But
when we got the second goal it was always a reasonably comfortable
afternoon."
Ilunga's goal was particularly special as it was his first for the club and
the assistant manager was pleased to finally see him get off the mark. "It
was good. We work hard on our set plays and it's nice when it pays off. He's
had a couple of chances this year and he's missed him so it's good he got
that one."
Clarke also revealed that Matthew Upson - one of four enforced changes to
the United starting XI - had been ill this week. "He hasn't trained all
week. He's been ill in bed with the flu. The first time I've seen him since
the last game was today. He's not the only one at the club that's had it
either."
Upson's absence allowed James Tomkins to make it three homegrown Hammers on
the pitch, along with Noble, back in for the suspended Scott Parker, and
Jack Collison and the young defender did well on his return from a loan at
Derby County. Also missing were Lucas Neill and Valon Behrami - the former
still suffering from his ankle complaint and the latter rested with a slight
muscle problem.
With all at the club thinking only of improving the squad and building on
recent form, Clarke was direct when questioned if there were any
distractions caused by the transfer window being open. "I think you see from
the performance they are all committed. We can talk about speculation in the
transfer window all day but it's only speculation. [The media] feed it and
love it but we just focus on the next game."
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Stanislas has day to remember
WHUFC.com
The 19-year-old homegrown Junior Stanislas was involved in Southend's
memorable day at Chelsea
03.01.2009
Junior Stanislas's memorable loan at Southend United continued on Saturday
as he played his part in an excellent 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
The West Ham United youngster had scored three goals in six appearances for
the League One club before the FA Cup third-round tie at Stamford Bridge. He
played the full 90 minutes but was not the match-winner this time as a
last-gasp Peter Clarke header cancelled out Salomon Kalou's opener on the
half-hour mark. It means Stanislas - who was given special dispensation to
play - could get another chance to take on Chelsea when the replay is staged
at Roots Hall on Wednesday 14 January - possibly live on TV.
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West Ham 3-0 Barnsley
BBC.co.uk
West Ham eased through to FA Cup round four with a routine win over
Barnsley. Early on Herita Ilunga netted his first goal for West Ham after
Mark Noble's free-kick and before the break Noble made it 2-0 from the
penalty spot. Barnsley began the second half brightly and Robert Green had
to be alert to turn Diego Leon's shot onto the post. Carlton Cole's third
goal in as many games settled matters, although Leon rattled the bar for
Barnsley in the final moments at Upton Park.
West Ham assistant manager Steve Clarke on Kieron Dyer's comeback: "It was
good to have him back because he's had a dreadful time with injury. "We all
feel for him and he's been working ever so hard just to get back on the
pitch again. "He showed some good touches but he's not near match-fitness.
We can work on that - he could be like a new signing."
Barnsley manager Simon Davey: "We gifted them two goals in the first half
and it's not like they've had to cut us open to score. The penalty was
probably a turning point and it changed my whole half-time team talk. "We
created chances but we didn't break down their defence. To concede just
before the break was crucial and it became an uphill task, and the third
goal was a killer."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Collison (Dyer 70),
Noble, Mullins, Boa Morte (Etherington 66), Bellamy, Cole (Tristan 75). Subs
Not Used: Lastuvka, Spector, Bowyer, Di Michele.
Booked: Faubert, Mullins.
Goals: Ilunga 10, Noble 39 pen, Cole 68.
Barnsley: Muller, Hassell, Foster, Guedes, Van Homoet, Campbell-Ryce,
Colace, Leon (Butterfield 89), El Haimour, Odejayi (Coulson 86), Rigters
(Adam 86). Subs Not Used: Steele, Mostto, Potter, Heslop.
Booked: Odejayi, El Haimour, Colace.
Att: 28,869
Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
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Hammers ease past Tykes
Zola's men progress to the fourth round
Last updated: 3rd January 2009
SSN
West Ham soundly dispatched last year's FA Cup surprise package Barnsley in
a 3-0 victory at Upton Park. Barnsley made it all the way to the semi-finals
last time round, defeating Liverpool and Chelsea along the way, but there
was no threat of an upset against West Ham this year. The Londoners had
stretched into a comfortable 2-0 lead by half time courtesy of Herita Ilunga
and Mark Noble, and were rarely threatened throughout the tie. Carlton Cole
managed to continue his recent run of form, grabbing the third after the
break, and Gianfranco Zola was even able to give a late run out to forgotten
man Kieron Dyer for his first appearance in 17 months. Zola had named a
strong side - resting only Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami, while Scott
Parker was suspended - and they took the lead after nine minutes through
Ilunga. Noble's floated free-kick fell to Ilunga at the far post and he had
time to control the ball and slot home his first goal since joining West Ham
from Toulouse in the summer. Barnsley came close to a swift reply when James
Collins allowed Kayode Odejayi to steal in for a near-post header, which
went just wide. Barnsley were struggling to deal with Noble's precise
crosses and they were fortunate not to fall two behind when a scuffed
clearance fell to Jack Collison, whose snap-shot flew past the post.
Bellamy almost picked out a run from Noble and then Cole before escaping
past two Barnsley defenders to whip in a dangerous low cross and earn a
corner. West Ham were closing down well, particularly out wide, but Barnsley
midfielder Hugo Solace had better options than to shoot from 45 yards after
spotting Robert Green marginally off his line. Bellamy was growing
increasingly impatient with Julien Faubert - and told him so - after the
French full-back twice failed to pick him out in space on the edge of the
Barnsley box. West Ham scored their second seven minutes before the interval
after Luis Boa Morte launched a swift counter-attack and Noble was fouled in
the box by Mounir El Haimour having wriggled his way past the Barnsley
defender. El Haimour was booked before Noble sent the penalty low and inside
the right-hand post. Barnsley produced a spirited response and Hayden
Mullins was booked for a foul on Odejayi as the Barnsley striker looked to
profit from a rare piece of poor control from Noble. Green then endured a
wobbly three minutes, landing Faubert in trouble with a poor clearance
before dropping a corner but West Ham survived the late Barnsley pressure
unscathed.
Barnsley started the second half with their tails up, forcing four corners
in quick succession. West Ham had to rely on a slice of luck after Green's
save from a Diego Leon strike rebounded off the post and hit him on the head
before going behind for a corner. Bellamy rifled an effort high and wide
before Cole jinked his way to the edge of the box only to be muscled off the
ball as keeper Heinz Muller closed down the space. Collison's fierce drive
brought a solid save from Muller and Boa Morte should have done better to
bring the ball under control after being picked out in space but the pace of
the game had become laboured. Zola sent on Matthew Etherington to replace
Boa Morte and he was involved immediately as Cole scored West Ham's third
with a deft header. Etherington linked with Bellamy to work space out wide
for Ilunga and Cole met the cross with a glancing header inside the far
post. Zola then sent on Dyer, who was greeted with hearty cheers and almost
marked his return to action with a goal but his blistering strike flew just
wide from 25 yards. Dyer fizzed about up front, picking out Faubert with a
through ball and offering a creative alternative to Bellamy. Barnsley almost
pulled one back when Leon's 25-yard free-kick cannoned back off the bar but
Collins was on hand to clear. Noble was then called on to block Jamil Adam's
strike after Jamal Campbell-Ryce had jinked into the West Ham box. As the
clock ticked into injury time, Dyer's volley dipped just over the bar. Zola
will hope it was a sign of things to come.
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Clarke dogged by transfer talk
Sale questions surround Hammers as they seal FA Cup progress
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 3rd January 2009
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Steve Clarke was unable to avoid questions about
the club's January transfer policy, despite a 3-0 FA Cup third round victory
over Barnsley. West Ham were in fine form during the game, but commentators
have widely speculated that the tie may represent a final appearance for
some of the Hammers' star players. Upton Park officials have been less than
reassuring about the futures of their high-profile players, but Clarke
himself does not anticipate any immediate departures. "I would hope and
expect them to still be here this time next week," said the former Chelsea
man. "The January transfer window is there and you have to put up with it.
There's going to be a lot of speculation about players coming and going. We
come in every day and try and do what we can. "Gianfranco (Zola) is in close
contact with Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani and so we
have an opinion on transfers. "But the performance showed how committed the
players are. We can talk about speculation in the transfer window all day
but it's only speculation."
Meanwhile, their opponents Barnsley are now unlikely to suffer the type of
transfer speculation that had dogged the side in the wake of their run to
the semi-finals last year. It is an early disappointment to expectations of
another fine cup run, and Tykes manager Simon Davey was less than impressed
with the manner of their exit.
"We gifted them two goals in the first half and it's not like they've had to
cut us open to score," admitted Davey. "The penalty was probably a turning
point and it changed my whole half-time team talk. "We created chances but
we didn't break down their defence. To concede just before the break was
crucial and it became an uphill task, and the third goal was a killer."
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Vinny's Barnsley Report
Vinny - Sun Jan 4 2009
West Ham Online
FA Cup 3rd Round
West Ham United 3 Barnsley 0
West Ham comprehensively brushed aside Championship outfit Barnsley in the
third round of the FA Cup. The visitors had seen off both Liverpool and
Chelsea in last year's competition but were comfortably beaten by a
confident looking West Ham side who never really had to get out of first
gear.
Barnsley as expected worked hard and saw a lot of possession in our half but
had little quality which led to most of their chances being long range
efforts. We did not have to be anywhere near our best to see off the
opposition and the only disappointing thing you could take from the game was
that we didn't score more.
For a club who have been involved in many cup upsets over the years it was
pleasing to see a professional and efficient performance.
Gianfranco Zola made a number of changes to the team which had beaten Stoke
City last weekend. These changes can of course been looked at as giving some
of the fringe players a chance but with the amount of speculation about
players leaving certain omissions will only fuel transfer talk.
In defence Julien Faubert continued to fill in for the injured Lucas Neill
at right back. In the centre James Tomkins had returned from a loan spell at
Derby County and made his first start of the season alongside James Collins.
Tomkins replace Matthew Upson who was not in the squad for this one.
The midfield saw Hayden Mullins come into the centre of midfield in place of
Scott Parker. Like Matthew Upson, Parker was not included in the squad.
Mullins was also made captain.
Mark Noble returned and replaced Valon Behrami and up front saw David Di
Michele drop to the bench in favour of the returning Craig Bellamy.
The substitute's bench saw Matthew Etherington and Kieron Dyer make a rare
involvement in West Ham affairs.
Barnsley took about 5000 fans and they were noisy throughout although seeing
their team put everything into the game only to be sucker punched three
times was obviously going to sour their day. The banter with both sets of
support was generally good although the Barnsley chants seemed to get lazier
as the game went on.
It would only take us ten minutes to find ourselves a goal up and it came
from an unlikely source.
A free kick was won the left hand side when Herita Ilunga was fouled by
Kayode Odejayi. The Barnsley man was booked for the cynical challenge.
The free kick was taken by Mark Noble who floated the ball to the back post
for Ilunga who was unmarked and the left back scored from a few yards out.
It was his first goal for the club and his season continues to go from
strength to strength.
With the advantage of the early goal we sat back and invited Barnsley onto
us. The impressive Campbell-Ryce saw a lot of the ball midway into our half
but they struggled to get the ball into the area with Tomkins and Collins
mopping up anything they had to offer.
We should have increased our lead about ten minutes later as another free
kick from Noble caused problems. The ball was floated to the back post for
James Collins to head down for fellow countryman Jack Collison but the young
midfielder saw his snap shot go well wide.
The only chances which came Barnsley's way were long range efforts which
either went well wide or were comfortably held by Robert Green who as of yet
had not really been tested.
With half time fast approaching Barnsley would have been relatively happy to
go in at the break just the one goal down but Simon Davey's team talk would
have to be changed as we grabbed our second.
The busy Mark Noble made a great run into the area and was fed by Carlton
Cole. The midfielder saw his first touch take him away from goal but he
persisted and played the ball between two defenders only to be hauled to the
floor and a penalty given.
'Hauled to the floor' may be a little strong as Noble went down very easily
but it was nice to see us gain our first penalty since beating Liverpool at
Upton Park many months ago.
Noble stepped up and although the keeper guessed the correct way the penalty
was hit with too much power for the keeper to do anything about it.
The remainder of the first half descended into a stop start fouling parade
which saw both Julien Faubert and Hayden Mullins go into the book.
Barnsley flew out of the traps for the second period which must have been
the instruction at half time.
They needed to find that goal which would get them back into the game and
they nearly had it just five minutes after the restart.
It was another long range effort (which was always going to be the only way
they would get back in the game) from midfielder Diego Leon. He let fly from
about 25 yards out with his shot crashing off the post, hitting off Robert
Green and wide.
The visitors then had a number of consecutive corners in what was their best
spell of the game.
Barnsley had given their all but were obviously tireing and this is where we
began to take over and our quality showed as we played some nice football
and started to get the ball into wide areas.
Jack Collison saw a stinging low drive saved by the Barnsley keeper Heinz
Muller as we seemed to be camping in their half.
A third goal is what we needed to kill the game and third goal did come
after a wonderful passing move in what was without a doubt the best goal of
the day.
A number of passes eventually saw the ball swept out to Ilunga on the left
and the Congolese left back swung the ball into the area for Carlton Cole to
head past Muller for number three. This was the strikers third goal in as
many games.
With the game effectively over it was time for a few substitutions. The
first saw the long awaited return of West Ham's forgotten man Kieron Dyer.
This was his first appearance since breaking his leg in the league cup at
Bristol Rovers in August 2007. He replaced Jack Collison.
He nearly made an instant impact as he drove forward with his first touches
of the ball, showed a burst of pace and hit a shot which went just wide.
Fair play to Barnsley who kept going and the nippy Campbell-Ryce saw his
curling shot tipped away by Robert Green in expert fashion.
Diego Leon would see another shot of his hit the woodwork as a curling free
kick clipped off the crossbar.
Kieron Dyer could have had his comeback goal with a superb volley which hit
the bar in what would have been a wonderful goal.
Job done and into the hat for the next round where anyone at home will do
me.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Although not the busiest day he will ever have he needed to be alert on a
number of occasions and pulled off some excellent saves.
Julien Faubert
Even in a game where we win 3-0 I thought he was poor. Of course I will no
doubt be accused of scapegoating but I continue to look at a player who
cannot defend, has a poor first touch, cannot beat his man and his crossing
is average to say the least.
James Tomkins
Back from his loan spell at Derby, Tomkins slotted into the centre of
defence like he had never been away. Looked a little uncomfortable at
certain points in the first half as Barnsley tried to exert their physical
presence but as the game went on the youngster looked more and more
confident.
James Collins
A game tailor made for Collins as he was suited to the physical battle and
the high balls they were playing to their strikers.
Herita Ilunga
Continues to flourish and scored his first goal for the club also.
Defensively he is excellent, going forward he can do with ease and he can
cross the ball also like we saw with his assist for Cole's goal.
Jack Collison
Playing in yet another position with the right wing being occupied by the
Welshman. He looks very confident on the ball and has quite a bit of skill
about him. Not afraid to get stuck in or take on his man. It really does
seem as if we have a real talent here.
Hayden Mullins
Captain for this one and I think it is something he deserves. He has put in
good service for the club and managed to come back strongly after a
disastrous first season (which I still think people cannot forgive). Today
he put in lots of effort, got stuck in, sprayed the ball about and generally
gave a typical Mullins performance.
Mark Noble
Heavily involved in most of our attacking play which I haven't seen since he
has been playing alongside Scott Parker. His free kicks were excellent and
nearly saw more goals scored. Made and scored the penalty which hopefully
will be the start of more goals for Noble.
Luis Boa Morte
Another good showing from Boa Morte although once again his decision making
was often baffling. He would do all the hard work but when it came to making
a simple pass he would for some reason make a complete hash of it. This is
something he has done since he came to the club and although this was by no
means a terrible performance his final ball has and I think always will be
poor.
Craig Bellamy
Not the best performance you will ever witness from Bellamy. Never really
got going and apart from one effort from a tight angle in the first half it
seemed a very frustrating afternoon for the striker.
Carlton Cole
What can I say? The boy is scoring goals and that is what we all want him to
do.
Subs Used
Matthew Etherington (on for Boa Morte 66 mins)
A surprise return from the left winger who I thought had played his last
game for the club (although this could have been it). For some reason he
didn't seem to play on the left wing but in the centre midfield.
Kieron Dyer (on for Collison 70 mins)
An excellent 20 minute spell from Dyer who gave us a real burst of pace in
the midfield. He is obviously still way off match fitness but with a few
games under his belt (without meaning to sound clichéd) he will be like a
new signing.
Diego Tristan (on for Cole 75 mins)
Not much to say about his performance as there wasn't much to it.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Spector, Bowyer, Di Michele.
Att: 28,869
Overall
A solid performance and an excellent scoreline all mean for good reading. Of
course this was only Barnsley and we must not get too carried away but
another win (our third on the trot) can only boost confidence amongst
players and supporters.
Of course we know that this confidence could be diminished if there are to
be any player sales this week. The rumour mill is doing overtime with
Bellamy, Parker, Upson, and Green all being linked with moves away from the
club.
Bellamy and Parker I could take but Upson and Green would be a total
disaster which would surely spark a riot with the fans.
Next up is Newcastle at St James' Park. We destroyed them earlier in the
season and they don't look that much better now. We are unbeaten in our last
five away games with two of those being trips to Anfield and Stamford
Bridge.
I am confident that we are going to go up there and take all three points.
Clarkey's Comments
"It's probably the premier cup competition in the world in my opinion and we
take it very seriously. I've had some great days in the FA Cup been lucky
enough to win it both as a player and a coach.
"I'm not really sure which teams don't take it serious but we do. I'm
delighted with the result, you can never tell with my expression but I am
delighted. We've got one more FA Cup game in January and hopefully we will
get a nice draw, put out a strong team and then progress in this
competition."
"He [Upson] hasn't trained all week. He's been ill in bed with the flu. The
first time I've seen him since the last game was today. He's not the only
one at the club that's had it either."
"I think you see from the performance they are all committed. We can talk
about speculation in the transfer window all day but it's only speculation.
[The media] feed it and love it but we just focus on the next game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From The Sunday TimesJanuary 4, 2009
The Times
Last year's giantkillers slump at West Ham
West Ham 3 Barnsley 0
Roy Collins at Upton Park
WHETHER Premier League clubs care as much as they once did for the FA Cup,
there was a definite sub-plot to this tie. It coincided with what is
expected to be a hectic January transfer window at Upton Park, leaving fans
guessing which "injured" players were being rested, to leave them available
to play in the competition for a new club.
Most West Ham supporters were of the opinion that the virus that kept out
defender Matthew Upson, one of the Hammers' most desirable assets, was a
chronic case of transfer flu. On the same basis, they were delighted to see
Craig Bellamy start, less pleased with the appearance of Carlton Cole and
distraught that Luis Boa Morte played.
Hammers fans might also be worried that Mark Noble could attract suitors
over the next four weeks after an outstanding display. He delivered a
perfect free kick for Herita Ilunga to score the opener, his first goal in
claret and blue and only the fourth of his career. Then, after a neat piece
of footwork drew a foul from Hugo Colace in the area, Noble struck home the
penalty himself. Barnsley, who were surprise semi-finalists last year, were
on their way out, little more than half an hour into the game. They could
feel aggrieved with the scoreline, however, having seen the eye-pleasing
Diego Leon strike both the bar and a post.
Poor old Boa Morte raised the biggest cheer of the day, a real pantomime
villain roar, when he was brought off just before Cole headed in West Ham's
third from Ilunga's cross. But Kieron Dyer got an even more rousing
reception when he came on for his first appearance since August 2007, which
must be the longest case of transfer flu on record. He almost scored with
his third touch and sent the fans home happy with a late strike that Heinz
Muller did well to tip over the bar.
West Ham's manager, Gianfranco Zola, inset, shot off early to dodge
questions about which players might be sold, leaving first-team coach Steve
Clarke to duck the issue instead. But he did say that Upson had been in bed
all week, not with alleged admirers Arsenal and Tottenham, but with flu.
Star man: Mark Noble (West Ham)
Yellow cards: West Ham: Mullins, Faubert Barnsley: Colace
WEST HAM UNITED: Green 6, Faubert 6, Collins 6, Tomkins 7, Ilunga 7,
Collison 6 (Dyer 70min), Noble 8, Mullins 7, Boa Morte 5 (Etherington
66min), Bellamy 6, Cole 6 (Tristan 75min)
BARNSLEY: Muller 7, Van Homoet 6, Foster 6, Souza 6, El Haimour 6, Colace 6,
Hassell 7, Campbell-Ryce 7, Leon 7 (Butterfield 86min), Rigters 6 (Adam
86min), Odejayi 6 (Coulson 89min)
Referee: M Oliver
Attendance: 28,869
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Cup: West Ham United defeat Barnsley in style
West Ham (2) 3 Barnsley (0) 0
Telegraph
By Les Roopanarine
Last Updated: 6:30PM GMT 03 Jan 2009
Forget talk of the Cup as a welcome respite from league combat. For two
teams belatedly gathering steam after a faltering start to the season, this
was a battle to maintain vital momentum.
Barnsley travelled to Upton Park unbeaten in three, while West Ham, buoyed
by recent victories over Portsmouth and Stoke, were starting the new year
with fresh optimism after an indifferent start under Gianfranco Zola, their
exuberant Italian manager.
Something had to give, and it did - mostly, Simon Davey felt, in the sinews
of a Barnsley squad deprived by injury of five first-team regulars.
After a campaign blighted by a poor start and a horrific injury to Iain
Hume, it was not a scenario to encourage optimism.
"It doesn't help when you've had to change five players," observed Davey
drily.
With Barnsley ill-equipped to stage a repeat of last year's run to the
semi-finals, West Ham reaped maximum advantage, securing a comfortable
victory courtesy of strikes from Herita Ilunga, Mark Noble, who stroked in a
penalty seven minutes from the interval, and Carlton Cole.
It gave the Hammers their third successive win; not much to write home
about, perhaps, until you consider that they have not achieved such a run
for fifteen months.
In the interim, regulars at the Boleyn Ground have had to be grateful for
small mercies, so a comfortable three-goal win, even against opponents 26
rungs below them in the league pecking order, was not to be sneezed at.
Nor, indeed, was a first clean sheet in over a month, although assistant
manager Steve Clarke wasn't exactly getting carried away.
"The performance was OK" said Clarke. "We started well, got in front and
then became a little casual. But it's the premier Cup competition in the
world and we take it very seriously, so we're delighted with result."
Talk to alumni of the late sixties West Ham side that included Bobby Moore
and Geoff Hurst, and they will describe how Ron Greenwood drilled them
relentlessly on the art of the near-post cross.
The modern incarnation are fast becoming similarly adept at the far post, a
routine that has served them well in recent weeks and again reaped dividends
in the ninth minute when Noble's floated free-kick found the unmarked
Ilunga.
A few minutes later the tactic almost yielded a second goal, Jack Collison
wasting another well-worked Noble set-piece.
But with Barnsley struggling for defensive cohesion - and some intelligent
movement by Craig Bellamy, whose lively showing here will have done little
to deter a growing list of suitors - there was an increasing air of
inevitably about the result even before Noble, felled by Mounir El Haimour,
converted from the spot.
"I was disappointed with the [first-half] goals," said Davey, "but they went
about their business in the second half in the right way."
They also went about it in the old way, Ilunga swinging in a low near-post
cross for Cole to score with a glancing header.
A lively late cameo from Kieron Dyer, returning from a broken leg after a
17-month absence, ensured the momentum was irredeemably with West Ham; Zola
will hope that things stay that way.
Match details
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Collison (Dyer 70),
Noble, Mullins, Boa Morte (Etherington 66), Bellamy, Cole (Tristan 75).
Subs: Lastuvka, Spector, Bowyer, Di Michele.
Booked: Faubert, Mullins.
Goals: Ilunga 10, Noble 39 pen, Cole 68.
Barnsley: Muller, Hassell, Foster, Guedes, Van Homoet, Campbell-Ryce,
Colace, Leon (Butterfield 89), El Haimour, Odejayi (Coulson 86), Rigters
(Adam 86).
Subs: Steele, Mostto, Potter, Heslop.
Booked: Odejayi, El Haimour, Colace.
Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Easy win capped by Dyer returnObserver report Match facts
FA Cup Third Round
West Ham United 3 Ilunga 10, Noble (pen) 39, Cole 68
Barnsley 0
Simon Burnton The Observer, Sunday 4 January 2009
So lightning does not strike twice after all. Last season Barnsley were
electric in the FA Cup, beating Liverpool and Chelsea on their way to the
semi-finals, but yesterday they suffered a power cut and the result was a
West Ham win which will be remembered mainly for the return of Kieron Dyer.
After a 17-month absence with a knee injury, the midfielder's appearance for
the final 20 minutes was greeted by the home fans as warmly as any goal, and
they almost had one of those to cheer as well when Dyer's late shot clipped
the top of the bar. "It was good to get him back," said assistant manager
Steve Clarke. "He showed some good touches but he also showed us he's
nowhere near match fitness."
The game was won long before Dyer was called on, with a fog of
predictability descending as soon as Herita Ilunga put the Premier League
side ahead in the 10th minute. The full-back won a free-kick on the left,
Mark Noble crossed and, with the defence preoccupied with Carlton Cole,
Ilunga prodded home unmarked at the far post. Jack Collison and the
impressive Craig Bellamy both missed good chances before West Ham doubled
their lead. Noble did well to gather Cole's overhit pass, cut inside and,
having been pulled back by Mounir El Haimour, converted the penalty
confidently.
With their first-choice front two both out Barnsley's threat was largely
limited to the central midfielder Diego León, who operated a one-man
shoot-on-sight policy. It almost paid off, and the Spaniard hit post and bar
in the second half, the former after a good save from Robert Green.
In the 68th minute West Ham's best move of the match ended with Cole smartly
converting Ilunga's cross and Barnsley started looking for a silver lining.
"The Cup was a distraction last season," said manager Simon Davey. "As our
run gathered momentum our league form dipped. We're disappointed we're out
of the cup, don't get me wrong, but at least now we can get on with the
League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barnsley Match Report
West Ham Till I Die
A job well done. It wasn't pretty at times, but it was a gritty, effectiove
performance from the Hamers which put us into the fourth round draw. bearing
in mind how often we have fallen to teams like Barnsley at this stage in the
Cup, a comprehensive 3-0 victory has to be seen as highly encouraging. And
it was our third victory in a row. And it was Carlton Cole's third scoring
game in a row. And those weren't the only two high points.
I was delighted to see my instincts that James Tomkins would be given a
runout confirmed. And he lived up to expectations. He looks so comfortable
in his role and hardly put a foot wrong today. Strong in the air, and
accomplished on the ground, he looks every bit the successor to Rio
Ferdinand we all hope he will be. He was, however, eclipsed by his central
defensive partner James Collins, who I choose as man of the match. His
heading performance was faultless and I truly believe he is in the best form
of his life. Julien Faubert also put in a much better performance,
comfortably interchanging positions with James Collison on the right. Ilunga
too was good at going forward and it was good to see him open his scoring
account. You could see it meant a lot to him.
Scott Parker was banned and was replcaed by the ever reliable Hayden
Mullins, who had a very good game. I thought he was far more creative than
usual. Valon Behrami was a strange omission, but Mark Noble also performed
well, although didn't get forward as much as he normally does. He won a
penalty and was clearly determined to take it himself. I felt a little
nervous about the likely outcome, but he put it away well.
Luis Boa Morten started off quite brightly but faded badly in the second
half and was replaced with Matty Etherington. Bizarrely Noble moved across
to the left and Matty played through the middle. Perhaps Zola recognised the
need for a more attacking playmaker throught he centre. Perhaps he should
take a closer look at the diminutive Barnsley midfielder Diego Leon, who was
a constant thorn in our side, and very effective at dead balls.
Up front Craig Bellamy put in another excellent performance. All that was
missing was a bulging back of the net. Carlton Cole scored just the type of
headed goal which will give him even more confidence in his own ability. It
was a perfectly placed header, but just the sort of header which most of us
expected him to miss - mainly because he has done so so often in the past.
But all credit to him. he's now got 7 goals in 18 games this season. That is
by no means a bad ratio.
But perhaps the brightest incident of the game was when Keiron Dyer came on
to the pitch after 17 months out injured. He got a tremendous reception and
immediately went on a mazy run, shot from 20 yards and very nearly scored.
What a return that would have been! He made a real contribution in his 20
minutes on the pitch and you could tell the whole team was lifted by his
return.
The papers were full of more transfer rumours today, with the Bellamy/Parker
move to Manchester City again being treated very seriously. I am coming
round to the point of view that Parker's loss, while regrettable, would not
be a disaster. If Kieron Dyer is fit, a midefield of Noble, Collison, Dyer
and Behrami/Etherington would be quite strong.
Quite what we would do without Bellamy, though, is another matter. It's not
as if we could go out and buy a similar player - because such a being does
not exist. Tristan and Di Michele are just not in the same class. I was
disappointed to see that Freddie Sears wasn't even on the bench today.
Surely he needs to be given experience in matches like this. Tristan only
had about 12 minutes on the pitch but contributed very little. I find it
difficult to think Sears wouldn't have done better.
But that's a minor quibble. Barnsley, despite the appearance of the
scoreline, were not a pushover and at times played some very bright,
attacking football. West Ham performed well and deserved their emphatic win.
Green 7
Ilunga 7
Tomkins 7
Collins 9
Faubert 6
Collison 7
Noble 7
Mullins 7
Boa Morte 5
Cole 7
Bellamy 8
Etherington 7
Dyer 7
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham could be the next Leeds United, warns legend Julian Dicks
By Anthony Clavane, sundaymirror.co.uk 4/01/2009
West Ham legend Julian Dicks fears his beloved Hammers will "do a Leeds" if
Gianfranco Zola is forced into a fire sale this month. The former hardman
defender has warned Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson that the club will go into
freefall if they sell their top stars as a result of the financial crisis
engulfing West Ham's Icelandic owner.
Dicks, 40, who returns to English football as manager of non-league Wivenhoe
Town tomorrow, thinks it would be suicidal to sell the likes of Craig
Bellamy and Scott Parker. He said: "I was at West Ham for nearly 12 years
and I'm worried that, if they don't hold on to their best players, they
could follow the example of Leeds United."
The Yorkshire club languish in League One after plummeting down the
divisions following various fire sales. And Dicks thinks the Upton Park
outfit could also spiral downwards if Gudmundsson fails to sell the club
quickly. "The board needs to sell to someone determined to keep them in the
Premier League," Dicks said. "In the meantime they shouldn't dictate to Zola
who he can and can't sell. A fire-sale would be a disaster. "Leeds were a
massive club and they went into freefall. It proves what can happen."
West Ham must ease their financial plight following the collapse of
Icelandic bank Landsbanki in which Gudmundsson had a 41 per cent stake.
After buying the Hammers for £87 million in 2006 he is now struggling to
find any takers. Under Premier League rules West Ham will be docked points
if holding company Hansa become insolvent and the club goes into
administration. Dicks said: "There is a thin line between success and
failure. Zola has got them playing good football. There was a bad spell but
they are now tenth in the league. You have to keep your best players. It is
a great club and the supporters are magnificent. They deserve to be
challenging for honours not worrying about a financial crisis and
relegation."
Dicks quit football seven years ago to become a golf professional but was
forced to give up his new career after a knee injury. Since then he has run
a pub in Colchester, coached youngsters in Spain, and tomorrow he is jetting
back to Essex to take over at struggling Wivenhoe. He said: "Football is all
about playing to win. It shouldn't be about the money. Whether you're at
Wivenhoe or West Ham you should be fully committed. "I hate the way a lot of
players in the Premier League just don't seem to care about their clubs.
They get their 50 to 60 grand a week and just go through the motions. "And
the physical side of the game is going. "Football should be a man's game but
it's become non-contact. Even if you make a good hard tackle now you can get
a red card!"
LEGEND OF UPTON PARK
Julian Dicks, now 40, is a legend at West Ham. His "tough" tackling earned
him the nickname "Terminator". The left-back signed for the Hammers in 1988
and scored 40 goals before joining Liverpool in 1993. After one season at
Anfield, Dicks returned to Upton Park and appeared more than 100 times in
five years.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will swap Matthew Upson for Arsenal star Nicklas Bendtner
By Steve Stammers, sundaymirror.co.uk 4/01/2009
West Ham will attempt to use Matthew Upson as bait to land Arsenal striker
Nicklas Bendtner. Gianfranco Zola has earmarked the Danish hitman as a
direct replacement for Craig Bellamy, who is poised to complete a £15
million move to Manchester City this week. But with severe financial
restraints in place at Upton Park and the unwillingness of Arsenal to
discuss a temporary deal for Bendtner, Zola will offerUpsonto theGunners for
cash and the striker. The Hammers initially enquired about taking Bendtner
on loan until the end of the season,but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger made it
clear he will only consider selling the powerful striker. Upson was a former
trainee with the Gunners, but quit to joinBirminghamina£2million deal in
February 2003 after becoming frustrated at the lack of first-team
opportunities.
His form and growing maturity on the field eventually led to England
recognition. Arsenal have endured major problems in defence and Wenger has
admitted he is in the market for a defender who can come straight into the
first team reckoning rather than be a development signing. Wenger has also
been eyeing Bolton defender Gary Cahill. Arsenal have been tracking him for
the past few weeks and are aware Bolton are reluctant to lose the former
Aston Villa starlet but have been lining up their own offer for West Ham
centre-back Callum Davenport. Arsenal are aware that West Ham's cash crisis
can open the door to a series of deals. They sent a scout to Upton Park
yesterday to run the rule over Upson - who didn't actually play - and
goalkeeper Robert Green. Green is one of West Ham's prize assets. He is a
key figure in their battle for survival. But Zola also knows that if the
offer is right, Green will go - along with the likes of Matthew Upson and
Mark Noble. Noble has caught Wenger's eye. The England Under-21 star's
all-action style is reminiscent of Mathieu Flamini whose energy and graft
have been missed at The Emirates following his move to AC Milan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Barnsley 0
The Sun
Published: 03 Jan 2009
MARK NOBLE inspired West Ham to an easy win over Barnsley at Upton Park. The
Hammers star set up Herita Ilunga for the first before winning a penalty and
scoring the second. Carlton Cole added gloss to the victory with a third in
the second half. Midfielder Kieron Dyer, who has been out for 17 months with
an horrific leg injury, made his return as a second-half substitute. West
Ham assistant boss Steve Clarke said: "It was good to have him back because
he's had a dreadful time with injury. "We all feel for him and he's been
working ever so hard just to get back on the pitch again. "He showed some
good touches but he's also not near full match fitness but we can work on
that and he really could be like a new signing."
Barnsley failed to reproduce the heroics that saw them reach the FA Cup
semi-final last season. Tykes manager Simon Davey said: "We gifted them two
goals in the first half and it's not like they've had to cut us open to
score. "The penalty was probably a turning point and it changed my whole
half-time team talk. "We created chances but we didn't break down their
defence. To concede just before the break was crucial and it became an
uphill task, and the third goal was a killer."
Gianfranco Zola's side made the perfect start when they took the lead on 10
minutes. Noble's free-kick to the back post found Ilunga who controlled well
before firing home past keeper Heinz Muller. Midfielder Noble doubled the
lead seven minutes before the break when he was hacked down by defender
Mounir El Haimour in the box. The England Under-21 ace picked himself up
before smashing in a low spot kick. Barnsley pressed and could have pulled
one back on the stroke of half time but they failed to take advantage of
Robert Green's howler. The Hammers looked comfortable in the second half and
brought on Dyer, who had been out since August 2007. Ex-Chelsea striker Cole
sealed victory in the 68th minute. Sub Matt Etherington fed Ilunga down the
left wing and his cross was finished in emphatic fashion.
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Collison (Dyer 70),
Noble, Mullins, Boa Morte (Etherington 66), Bellamy, Cole (Tristan 75). Subs
Not Used: Lastuvka, Spector, Bowyer, Di Michele. Booked: Faubert, Mullins.
Goals: Ilunga 10, Noble 39 pen, Cole 68.
Barnsley: Muller, Hassell, Foster, Guedes, Van Homoet, Campbell-Ryce,
Colace, Leon (Butterfield 89), El Haimour, Odejayi (Coulson 86), Rigters
(Adam 86). Subs Not Used: Steele, Mostto, Potter, Heslop. Booked: Odejayi,
El Haimour, Colace.
Att: 28,869
Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte: I want to help West Ham
04.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Luis Boa Morte insists he's committed to West Ham United. The Portugal
winger told whufc.com: "I just want them to know I am playing for the club
and giving my full commitment every time I play. "I am a West Ham player and
try to make sure what I do helps the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 3, BARNSLEY 0
News Of The World
Zola's Hammers cruise home
By BOB HARRIS, 03/01/2009
GIANFRANCO ZOLA watched his side ease home — then slipped away to Italy
before he could be quizzed on transfer window dealings. And so it was left
to West Ham assistant boss Steve Clarke to straight-bat the post-match
questions. He claimed defender Matthew Upson was absent with flu and that
there had been no enquiries for striker Craig Bellamy or midfielder Scott
Parker. Clarke said: "I hope and expect that they will all still be with us.
I have read there has been a bid for Bellamy but I am not able to confirm
it. "You can see by the display that they are all committed to the cause."
There was reason for some satisfaction as this was always seen as a tricky
tie against a Barnsley team who, last season, knocked out both Liverpool and
Chelsea before losing to Cardiff in the semi-finals. Under talented young
manager Simon Davey, the Tykes are always a difficult side to beat. But,
this time, injuries to five of Davey's regular first-team line-up and
Norwich's refusal to allow on-loan Jamie Cureton to play took their toll.
Davey, 38, in his third season as Oakwell chief, said: "It doesn't help when
you have to make five changes and then lose Jonathan Macken on the night
before the game. "At times we played well but we gave them two goals in the
first half and the penalty just before the interval was a defining moment."
Hammers, despite the absence of key players of their own, were always in
control. And they took the lead after just 10 minutes when Congolese
international Herita Ilunga bundled home his first goal for the club from
Mark Noble's well-flighted free-kick. Local boy Noble, 21, was undoubtedly
the key to this success. He not only made that first goal but scored the
second from the penalty spot on 39 minutes, after Mounir El Haimour had
pulled him back. And Carlton Cole rounded it off with a header in the 68th
minute, his third goal in as many games. There were rare moments when the
Championship side threatened to get back into the game and most of those
stemmed from the diminutive Spaniard Diego Leon. It is a pity that he is
such a paperweight, for he possesses excellent skills, good vision and a
fierce shot. He rapped a post in the 50th minute, with the ball rebounding
off the woodwork and hitting keeper Robert Green before bouncing out for a
corner.
He did it again nine minutes from time with a beautiful 25-yard free-kick
that smashed against the bar. The big bonus for West Ham was the return of
£6million signing Kieron Dyer, making only his fourth appearance since
arriving at Upton Park in August 2007. Dyer, out for 17 months with a broken
leg, looked sharp and almost snatched a goal with a long-range shot that
dropped on top of the crossbar. Clarke said: "It was great to have Dyer
back. He's had a terrible time but has worked really hard and showed some
good touches. "He is nowhere near fit yet but at least we have something to
work on and what we need now is another home draw in the next round."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want Man City's Johnson in Parker deal
04.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham are willing to discuss a swap deal with Manchester City over Scott
Parker. The News of the World says City boss Mark Hughes hopes to land West
Ham midfielder Parker, 28, but the Londoners want Michael Johnson in
exchange. Johnson, 20, signed a five-year deal with City last summer but is
concerned about his first-team chances. Newcastle are also interested.
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West Ham legend Dicks taking first management steps
04.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United legend Julian Dicks is returning to football. Former
Liverpool defender Dicks seems likely to return to football tomorrow by
taking over as manager of non-league outfit Wivenhoe. Dicks, 40, has been
playing competitive golf in Spain for the last three years. He will return
to Essex tomorrow to get his first taste of management in the Ridgeons
Premier Division. He told the News of the World: "I want to get back into
football. I won't get paid, I just love football."
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