Ashton
Carling Cup 26th September 2007 Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Upton Park Attendance: 25,774 Referee:Phil Dowd
Quite simply, Dean Ashton could not have left it any later to break plucky
Plymouth's hearts. The in-form striker struck his killer 92nd-minute winner
to put Hammers into the Carling Cup fourth round and send the Pilgrims
marching home defeated but with their heads held high. And on a damp East
End night, Ashton's third goal in successive games - a timely 101st strike
of his career - proved the clinical difference between the two sides in this
end to end encounter.
Insisting that West Ham United are capable of progressing to the latter
stages of the Carling Cup, Alan Curbishley still named a strong, solid side,
despite making half-a-dozen changes from the team that had lost its second
game of the season at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon. Indeed,
fit-again Scott Parker was handed a welcome debut in a Hammers' midfield
that also included Freddie Ljungberg and Luis Boa Morte, while Richard
Wright took over in goal behind the Welsh defensive duo of James Collins and
Danny Gabbidon. And although that meant there were no places for Anton
Ferdinand, Matthew Upson and Matthew Etherington, Curbs was taking no
chances as he placed Robert Green, Mark Noble and Lee Bowyer on the bench
alongside Jonathan Spector and Kyel Reid. Argyle had only suffered their
second defeat of the present term at the weekend, too, and Ian Holloway made
just two switches from the side that lost at Stoke City, as he recalled
top-scoring, five-goal Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and veteran Barry Hayles at the
expense of Nick Chadwick and Rory Fallon.
Sitting in 13th-spot in the Championship, Argyle had already seen off
Wycombe Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers in the competition but they arrived
at Upton Park facing a much sterner test against a Hammers side, which
having beaten Bristol Rovers in the second round, also sat 26 league rungs
above them. Undaunted, the men from the West Country confidently set about
taking the game to their hosts and Ebanks-Blake and Hayles were soon
extending Curbs' defence across every blade of their sodden Upton Park
penalty area. And with West Ham being forced to rely on sporadic early
breaks, Boa Morte called Luke McCormick into a low save with a 20-yard shot,
before Peter Halmosi nodded Collins' powerful 15th-minute header out from
under the left-hand angle.
In reply, the energetic Ebanks-Blake then sent a rising 15-yarder sizzling
over the top and, as Plymouth continued to threaten, Akos Buzsaky landed a
long-ranger on the top of Wright's net before Krisztian Timar headed over.
Gathering momentum, West Ham had their chances to break the deadlock in an
intriguing first-half, too. After Ashton sent a low 18-yard shot
aqua-planing just an agonising inch or so past the base of McCormick's
right-hand post, the escaping Boa Morte then looked odds-on to break the
deadlock on 34 minutes when he skipped clear, but the Portuguese winger
scooped his effort wide of both the Argyle 'keeper and his left upright. And
five minutes before the interval, Ashton then saw his subtle, side-footer
palmed aside at full stretch by McCormick, before Lucas Neill also ensured
that it remained goalless at the break, when he chested Halmosi's dipping
18-yard free-kick off the line.
Ashton emerged for the restart sporting the red boots that had seen him net
his first goal in 490 days against Middlesbrough on his last home outing,
and he soon sent a powerful header over the top before creating a few scares
in the Pilgrims' danger zone. With Collins and Gabbidon still being occupied
by the probing Plymouth strike-pairing, Curbs shuffled the pack with the
introduction of Reid at the expense of Carlton Cole and, after the Hammers'
youngster had a 20-yarder deflected for a corner, both Boa Morte and Timar
followed Gabbidon into referee Phil Dowd's book for feisty tackles. Bowyer
then replaced Ljungberg and, as the game entered the final quarter-hour,
both sides were going all out to avoid an unwelcome bout of extra-time. Only
a double goal-line block by Wright and then the covering Neill denied Hayles
six yards out, while at the other end Ashton's ambitious 25-yard free-kick
looped up off the Plymouth wall onto the roof of McCormick's net. Then, in
the dying seconds of normal time, Bowyer's downward header bounced wide to
the frustration of the drenched Hammers' fans amongst the 25,774 crowd. But
seconds later, that despair turned to delight, when Reid's inch-perfect,
deep cross to back of the Plymouth area picked out those red boots of
Ashton, who clinically despatched an angled 12-yarder into the far corner to
finally break that Argyle resistance.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Plymouth - BBC
Dean Ashton smashed home on the volley in stoppage time to snatch a dramatic
victory for West Ham to see them into the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
It was cruel luck on Plymouth, who had fought hard throughout and brought
much frustration from the home supporters. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had a shot
blocked for Argyle, while Lucas Neill cleared Barry Hayles' effort off the
line. The hosts had chances too, Luis Boa Morte firing wide and James
Collins going close, before Ashton's fine goal. It ensured the Hammers
continue in a competition Alan Curbishley has publicly targeted a trophy
from. But Plymouth will be cursing their luck after a valiant effort that
almost got off to a fine start when Danny Gabbidon's back-pass dropped short
with Ebanks-Blake bearing down on goal, stand-in goalkeeper Richard Wright
doing well to clear. The Hammers should have been ahead minutes later, Peter
Halmosi clearing Collins's header off the line and Ashton turning and firing
narrowly wide from 20 yards. It was left to Boa Morte to miss the chance of
the half, though, the winger playing a one-two with Hayden Mullins only to
clip wide when through. With the home fans increasingly unsettled, Argyle
grew in confidence and Neill had to be alert to chest Halmosi's free-kick
away late in the first half. And, after Carlton Cole's exit had been roundly
cheered by the Hammers fans - the striker had earlier dallied when clear on
goal - Ebanks-Blake almost snatched the lead for Plymouth only for George
McCartney to block well. There was still time for the striker to see another
fine shot brilliantly cleared off the line by Neill, while Lee Bowyer headed
wide from three yards at the other end. But, with the match seemingly
destined for extra-time, Ashton popped up with a brilliant volley to snatch
the win.
West Ham: Wright, Neill, Collins, Gabbidon, McCartney, Ljungberg (Bowyer
74), Parker (Noble 88), Mullins, Boa Morte, Ashton, Cole (Reid 63).
Subs Not Used: Green, Spector.
Booked: Gabbidon, Boa Morte.
Goals: Ashton 90.
Plymouth: McCormick, Connolly, Seip, Timar, Sawyer (Chadwick 90), Norris,
Nalis, Buzsaky, Halmosi, Ebanks-Blake (Fallon 87), Hayles.
Subs Not Used: Doumbe, Hodges, Gosling.
Booked: Timar.
Att: 25,774.
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton spares Hammers' blushes - SSN
Late strike lifts Hammers past Argyle
Last updated: 26th September 2007
Dean Ashton found his scoring boots in stoppage-time as West Ham squeezed
past Plymouth and into the fourth round of the Carling Cup. Championship
side Argyle held out for 91 minutes in the face of almost constant pressure
at Upton Park. But England hopeful Ashton, who swapped his white boots for a
bright red pair at half-time, struck with a superb volley for his third goal
since recovering from a broken ankle. The outcome was harsh on Argyle,
though, who had their moments with Barry Hayles, Peter Halmosi and Akos
Buzsaky all giving the Hammers' rearguard some sticky moments. Scott
Parker's first touch in a claret and blue shirt was to intercept Paul
Connolly's crossfield pass, and the former Charlton midfielder looked
composed from the off. Luis Boa Morte, another of Curbishley's six changes
from the side beaten at Newcastle on Sunday, passed up the hosts' first
chance when he collected the ball from Carlton Cole and cut inside only to
shoot weakly at Luke McCormick. Parker then linked up well with Ashton, who
in turn fed Cole, but an offside flag curtailed his run on goal, before the
in-form Ashton blazed a shot over as West Ham began to get a grip on
proceedings. Former Manchester United trainee Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, whose
only appearances for The Red Devils came in the League Cup, should have done
better when sent through by Halmosi but his hurried shot sailed high and
wide.
Ashton should have put the Hammers ahead in the 23rd minute when he
collected Lucas Neill's pass and turned superbly on the edge of the area,
but drilled his shot narrowly wide. Buzsaky, Argyle's tricky Hungarian
midfielder, gave the hosts a scare with a 20-yard drive which flew inches
over Wright's crossbar.
Boa Morte then missed a gilt-edged chance to fire the Hammers ahead when he
played a one-two with Hayden Mullins only to dink the ball over the
advancing McCormick and wide. McCormick saved well from Ashton's first-time
shot before, at the other end, Neill had to back-pedal onto the goal-line to
keep out Halmosi's free-kick with his chest shortly before the break. Cole's
composure deserted him in the 54th minute when he was cleverly put through
by Parker's superb chip, the striker taking a heavy touch allowing McCormick
to recover his ground. Cole appeared to be felled by a stray arm from Argyle
left-back Gary Sawyer, but referee Phil Dowd took no action. Curbishley
threw on young winger Kyel Reid in place of the battered Cole just after the
hour mark, with Boa Morte joining Ashton up front. Reid had a shot deflected
wide, but Upton Park was growing frustrated along with Boa Morte, who was
booked for a late tackle on Halmosi. The Hammers had a major let-off moments
later when Neill, under pressure from Halmosi, sent an under-hit back pass
to Wright.
His clearance was charged down by Hayles, but the veteran striker could not
prod the ball goalwards as Neill scampered back. Ashton then grazed the top
of the crossbar with a free-kick which took a heavy deflection off the wall
and spun high into the air, before Bowyer sent a volley wide. But in the
91st minute Reid sent over a low cross from the left which Ashton volleyed
expertly across McCormick and into the corner of the net.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Plymouth Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Thu Sep 27 2007
West Ham United 1 Plymouth Argyle 0
I am very thankful to Dean Ashton for sparing me the horror of having to
endure another thirty minutes of this. It was without a doubt one of the
most boring and frustrating spectacles I have witnessed at Upton Park since
our Championship days.
But of course the main aim in a game like this is to get through to the next
round and that is what we achieved albeit right at the death. I couldn't
help but be a little concerned about how we struggled to break down a
Plymouth side who were as hard working as we all knew they would be.
The side we put out was a little different but on the whole it was not a
weaker side. You could argue that it was stronger with the inclusions of
Freddie Ljungberg and Scott Parker.
In goal Richard Wright made his second start of the season replacing Robert
Green. The centre halves were also different with Upson and Ferdinand having
the night off as James Collins and Danny Gabbidon deputised.
In midfield it was Ljungberg on the right replacing Bowyer, Parker in the
middle alongside Hayden Mullins and Luis Boa Morte was on the left replacing
Matthew Etherington.
I had left it late deciding if I wanted to go to this one but Tuesday I
thought I would be in attendance. The Official site had said that I had
until close of business to buy my reduced rate ticket but when I called them
up I was told that my seat had been sold so I would have to be a few rows
back.
At half time I thought I would take a look to see if anyone was in my Season
Ticket seat and I asked the bloke who was sitting next to it – he told me no
one had been sitting their all half. I'm quite simple and it made little
sense.
So in this strange seat with strange people sitting around me (who looked
and sounded like they hadn't been to a game in a long time) I had a good
look around the ground thinking that it was a decent attendance. Plymouth
had brought a few thousand but nothing like the 6,000 that had been muted
before the game. I would have said more like 2,500.
Fuck, do I really have to do a match report on this game? I just don't want
to start – would much prefer to just go to the end and tell you all what
happens. (Because I bet you don't know).
On this wet and windy night at Upton Park the opening twenty minutes were
dictated by the away side who had set their stall out to frustrate us. It
worked a treat throughout the first half as we struggled to get out of our
own half. When we did try to counter attack the play was never quick enough
and things often broke down.
Plymouth went close with a shot from 15 yards out from Ebanks-Blake which
went over Wrights goal.
At the other end, Plymouth defender Halmosi had to be equal to James
Collins' header which the big centre half had met from a corner. The
Plymouth defender managed to head it off the line.
Plymouth's Buzsaky sent a long range effort just over the bar when at one
moment it looked as though it might catch Richard Wright out.
There was about a five minute period where I thought we had taken the game
by the scruff of the neck and our best spell of the first half.
In this period there was a nice counter attack when Cole was set down the
left hand side and he looked up and played the ball across for Ashton but
along the way it had taken a slight deflection which put the ball behind
Ashton.
Ashton was involved moments later when he managed to dig the ball out of his
feet and hit a low shot at goal which was went agonisingly wide.
The chance of the first half fell to Luis Boa Morte and it was by far our
best move. The winger himself started the move playing a nice one-two with
Hayden Mullins and bursting into the box, clipping the ball over the
advancing keeper but it went wide of the goal.
The rest of the half was a mixture of bad passing and lack of ideas on our
part. I think Plymouth had expected us to try and break them down and force
the play. It never happened, and the fans started to become restless with
the anger being aimed at who else but Carlton Cole.
If Dean Ashton missed a header it would be "Unlucky Deano". If Carlton Cole
failed to win one it would be "you're faccckking shiiiitt Cole".
The opening fifteen minutes of the second half was just a continuation of
the first with our inability to keep the ball against a Championship side
becoming a little embarrassing. The distribution from the back was where it
was going wrong with Gabbidon & Collins unable to play any passes but long
balls into space.
On the 63rd minute Alan Curbishley made a change which delighted most of the
moronic West Ham support who booed Carlton Cole and then applauded his
removal. On in his place was Kyle Reid (who most of the morons had probably
never even heard of). It was pretty disgusting the way Cole was treated and
if you one of those people who did boo and reading this – I hope you get run
over.
The stop start encounter continued to have no flow and a few corners (all
delivered appallingly) did not spark much confidence that we would actually
make the breakthrough.
Plymouth nearly had their golden moment when we got ourselves into a mess at
the back. The shot at goal was parried by Wright and Barry Hayles' shot was
blocked well by Lucas Neill on the line to deny the travelling Pilgrims a
memorable night.
At the other end Ashton saw his powerful free kick loop off the wall and
onto the roof of the net
With time running out it seemed inevitable that the game would be going into
extra time. This seemed a certainty when substitute Lee Bowyer somehow
missed a downward header from just a few yards out. It was another bad
Bowyer miss that we seem him do quite a lot.
Three minutes of injury time were allocated and with extra time looming Dean
Ashton would save us the pain by scoring a brilliantly taken goal.
A counter attack saw Kyle Reid play an excellent pass into the area for
Ashton to volley past McCormick and send Upton Park into raptures. It was
more relief than anything but I celebrated as much as any goal we have
scored this season.
It was cruel on Plymouth but it's a cruel game as we have known on many
occasion.
Player Reviews
Richard Wright
Was it me or does this bloke kick the ball really strangely? Waits far too
long to get the ball out to our players and this was one of the many reasons
why our play didn't get going as fast as it should. Didn't have many shots
to stop but Robert Green will not be having any sleepless nights.
Lucas Neill
Few people have started to express their concern about our Captains recent
performance and I can't see that stopping after tonight's iffy showing.
Seems to want all day on the ball and takes an age to actually get rid of
it. This led to him getting caught in possession a number of times and I
think we really expect more.
James Collins
This game acted as a perfect summary of James Collins – his positives and
his weaknesses. He is terrific in the air – not just good but great. He wins
just about everything. The timing and execution of his headers both
defending and attacking are usually spot on and this is a real assets when
coming up against tough strikers. His distribution is poor – he panics, he
hoof's it goes nowhere.
Danny Gabbidon
Thought he was very nervy in the first half and his lack of first team
football had obviously unsettled him a little. Like Collins his distribution
of the ball was dire, but his reading of the game remained their and
reminded us why we voted him our hammer of the year in 2006. I still am
unsure to which of the four centre halves I would like to see in starting
eleven.
George McCartney
Seems to now have the knack of putting in consistent solid performances
which is a big plus given that he is our only recognised left back. No
complaints about his showing tonight.
Freddie Ljungberg
Maybe I'm being harsh but I thought he was just very ineffective tonight. I
thought this on Sunday but just thought it was because he had been injured.
Of course that might still be the case but I expected more from a man who
has a big reputation after his years at Arsenal. On this evidence would you
start him on Saturday?
Scott Parker
The same question can be asked about Parker who was making his debut for the
club. On this evidence I can answer this one and say a big no. Looks
terribly unfit and the lack of match practice took its toll on him tonight.
Couldn't pass wind during this game and wanted far to long on the ball. I
cannot believe it took Curbishley so long to take him off when it looked
like he was struggling since the opening quarter. Obviously he needs games,
but Saturday is not the time. Big hopes for Scott Parker – I just hope he
can fulfil them and be that dominating midfield player we have craved for.
Hayden Mullins
Still not doing much to suggest he should be dropped as again he puts in a
decent showing. Did his job tonight by breaking things up and making a few
tackles. A few wayward passes aside it was a good performance from Mullins.
Luis Boa Morte
A very lively performance from a man who didn't even make the bench on
Sunday up at Newcastle. Boa Morte was our best attacking threat during the
first half and probably should have scored when he played a one-two with
Mullins. When Cole was replaced and Reid came on he went to a striking role
where he was pretty ineffective. He isn't a bad player you know.
Carlton Cole
Didn't do much wrong in the first half with the supply to him and Ashton
being limited to just long balls which neither were able to win. Never got a
chance in the first half and was taken off a bit surprisingly to me in the
second. Had failed to get going in the second half fair enough and looked
liked he wanted too much time to make up his mind when he got the ball.
Wasn't ruthless enough either but that might be understandable when he is
getting booed and heckled by half of his own fans. His chance may be over.
Dean Ashton
Playing two games in just a few days looked to have taken its toll on him.
He didn't look sharpe and was pretty poor in the first half and for most of
the second. Became more static as the game wore on but as we had already
made a change up front he needed to stay on for the game – and it was a good
thing as he scored a great goal out of nothing. This boy is a true goal
scorer and those goals are starting to come (that's three in three).
Subs Used
Kyle Reid (on for Cole 63 mins)
With his West Ham career not looking too rosy, Alan Curbishley gave him a
spot on the bench where he came on and set up the winning goal. Was very
eager to get into the game and his pace did unsettle Plymouth.
Lee Bowyer (on for Ljungberg 74 mins)
Didn't seem much of the ball but did manage to miss a sitter. Again.
Mark Noble (on for Parker 88 mins)
I think he was brought on for extra time but of course it never occurred.
Overall
Into the hat for the next round of the Carling Cup is all that mattered and
that is what we have done. I would give anything to see us get Sheffield
United – home or away. But whoever we get we will be looking again to field
a strong side because this is a competition we can win – and a route into
Europe.
Few concerns tonight – that really being our lack of a creative player. With
Bellamy out there doesn't seem to be anyone else who can do this.
Arsenal are up next – After the last two seasons I just don't know what to
expect from this fixture! But I do know that we will have to be at our very
best to get anything out of the best footballing side in England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton applies killer touch for West Ham - Telegraph
By Stewart Jackson
Last Updated: 2:18am BST 27/09/2007
West Ham United (0) 1 Plymouth Argyle (0) 0
Dean Ashton scored in stoppage time to save West Ham's blushes last night, a
right-footed strike claiming victory and his third goal in as many games.
Alan Curbishley was true to his word and fielded a strong side — he spoke
this week of the Carling Cup being a viable route back into European
football for West Ham and this was the first time they had made the fourth
round since 2000. England midfielder Scott Parker made a belated West Ham
debut — a knee injury soon after his £7?million transfer from Newcastle
during the close season had kept him on the sidelines — and Ashton was given
another opportunity to prove that he could be the man to solve England's
striker shortage for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers. The in-form striker
caught a few glimpses of goal in the first half, pulling one effort tamely
wide and forcing a diving save from Luke McCormick just before the break.
But they turned out to be mere sighters for the final act. There were plenty
of chances for the home side to see off Plymouth with less fuss. Luis Boa
Morte should perhaps have done better when a one-two with Hayden Mullins put
him through only to lift his effort over the goalkeeper and wide of a post,
and James Collins, up for a corner, saw an early header cleared off the
line. But it was not all one-way traffic. Plymouth occasionally came close
to embarrassing some ponderous West Ham defending as their front pairing of
Barry Hayles and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake harried with hunger. West Ham's quality
ensured they began to dominate in the second period. Carlton Cole should
have scored when Parker's pass fell to him inside the box but he allowed
McCormick to smother the danger. Ten minutes from time the visitors had a
decent shout for a penalty after a challenge on Ebanks-Blake by Richard
Wright but referee Phil Dowd waved play on.
Match details
West Ham (4-4-2): Wright; Neill, Gabbidon, Collins, McCartney; Ljungberg
(Bowyer 74), Parker (Noble 88), Mullins, Boa Morte; Ashton, Cole (Reid 63).
Subs: Green (g), Spector.
Booked: Gabbidon, Boa Morte.
Plymouth (4-4-2): McCormick; Connolly, Timar, Seip, Sawyer (Chadwick 90);
Norris, Buzsaky, Nalis, Halmosi; Hayles, Ebanks-Blake (Fallon 87).
Subs: Doumbe, Hodges, Gosling.
Referee: P Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 Plymouth Argyle 0 - The Sun
By ADAM SIMMONS
September 27, 2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY has told Steve McClaren not to get too excited about Dean
Ashton. The frontman struck in injury-time as the Hammers sneaked past
plucky Plymouth. Ashton netted his third goal in as many games after
spending the whole of last season in the treatment room with a broken ankle.
Boss Curbs is confident there is more to come — but does not want Macca to
rush the player into England action. Curbishley said: "I saw Michael Owen
play for England against Germany. "Then by the time the Russia and Israel
games had come round he looked a lot better. "That's how Deano has come
along. I'm not talking about England at the moment — I'm just happy to have
him back for West Ham. "That's the way we should be right now — he needs
games and was desperate to play. He has done well because of the work he has
put in."
West Ham, who made six changes to the team that lost to Newcastle, found it
difficult to see off Argyle and were made to sweat on a few occasions. The
Pilgrims nearly caused an upset 11 minutes from time when Barry Hayles was
denied on the goalline by Lucas Neill. But Ashton connected superbly with
Kyel Reid's cross from the right and volleyed past Luke McCormick. Curbs
added: "These games are very tough. You have seen what has happened to Villa
and Manchester United so we're pleased to be through."
Ian Holloway was gutted to go out but was delighted to see Ashton show the
form that earned him an England call. The Pilgrims boss said: "Right now I
feel like knocking him out for scoring that goal. "I am an England supporter
and I am very pleased to see the kid back in form. We want our good players
to play well and he is definitely one of them."
DREAM TEAM STAR MAN - PETER HALMOSI
(Plymouth).
WEST HAM: Wright 5, Neill 7, Collins 6, Gabbidon 5, McCartney 6, Ljungberg 7
(Bowyer 6), Mullins 6, Parker 6 (Noble 6), Boa Morte 5, Ashton 5, Cole 5
(Reid 6). Subs not used: Spector, Green. Booked: Gabbidon, Boa Morte.
PLYMOUTH: McCormick 6, Connolly 7, Timar 6, Seip 7, Sawyer 6 (Chadwick 5),
Norris 6, Nalis 7, Buzsaky 7, Halmosi 8, Hayles 7, Ebanks-Blake 7 (Fallon
6). Subs not used: Doumbe, Hodges, Gosling. Booked: Timar.
REF: P Dowd 7.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton's England class does for Pilgrims - Evening Echo
27/09/2007 - 8:00:28 AM
Ian Holloway today hailed the return of England's potential goalscoring
saviour, before admitting he could have done without seeing the evidence of
Dean Ashton's red-hot return first hand. Holloway's plucky Plymouth side
were just two minutes of stoppage-time away from taking West Ham to
extra-time in their Carling Cup third-round encounter at Upton Park when
Ashton struck. The 23-year-old striker peeled away from his markers and met
Kyel Reid's cross with a superb volley to take his tally to three goals in
three games since recovering from injury. Ashton, who broke his ankle last
August while training with the England squad and missed all of last season
as a result, has been catapulted back into the nation's consciousness
following injuries to Michael Owen and Emile Heskey. On this form, Ashton
will be hard to ignore when Steve McClaren names his squad for the next
round of Euro 2008 qualifiers next month. "From a personal point of view,
given we haven't got what we wanted here - which was to win – then it's
great to see Ashton back," said Holloway. "I'm an England supporter, and
it's great to see him fit again. We all know what a long, hard road it is to
get fit after something like that – so it's great to see your good players
fit and scoring. "We want our good players playing well – although I could
have knocked him out when he did that."
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley was just relieved to see the front man bury
his late chance to avoid a gruelling period of extra-time before Saturday's
Barclays Premier League derby against Arsenal. "Dean got stronger as the
game went on – and I was thinking that if we do get a chance, I hope it
falls to him," he said. "I'm not thinking about England at the moment; I'm
just happy he's playing for West Ham again. "I asked him about this game,
and he said he wanted to play. It was a tough game for everyone out there,
but he came through it."
The Hammers were made to work hard for their first appearance in the fourth
round in seven seasons – although in truth Plymouth rarely looked like
adding their names to the likes of Northampton and Chesterfield, recent
lower-division conquerors of the brittle east Londoners. Argyle gave the
West Ham rearguard one or two sticky moments – with Peter Halmosi and Akos
Buzsaky going close – but Ashton, Lee Bowyer and Luis Boa Morte should have
had the tie dead and buried long before the late heroics. "We always knew
this was going to be a difficult game," added Curbishley. "Plymouth are
well-organised and they have a settled side – and they made it very
difficult for us. "They'll be upset that they've got done in the last minute
– but that's cup football. This is a competition that a Premiership side
will probably win, and a club like ours has to give it our best shot. We
just hope we'll get a decent draw."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LATE ASHTON STRIKE BREAKS ARGYLE HEARTS - This Is Plymouth
Be the first reader to comment on this story
07:30 - 27 September 2007
Dean ashton further enhanced his claims for an England call-up by scoring a
dramatic last-gasp goal for West Ham United to send Argyle tumbling out of
the Carling Cup last night.The powerful striker, tipped for international
duty in the next two Euro 2008 qualifiers after injuries to Emile Heskey and
Michael Owen, struck in the second minute of stoppage time to send the
Premier League club into the fourth round. West Ham substitute Kyel Reid
crossed to the far post and Ashton smashed a low, first-time shot past
Pilgrims' goalkeeper Luke McCormick to send Upton Park into raptures. It was
cruel on the visitors from the Championship, who had been more than a match
for the Hammers. But Argyle could still take a lot of positives from their
performance, particularly their defensive solidity against opponents with
some outstanding attacking players. As expected, Pilgrims' boss Ian Holloway
recalled strikers Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Barry Hayles for the trip to east
London. They had both been second half substitutes in the 3-2 defeat at
Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday, when Nick Chadwick and Rory
Fallon led the attack. Fallon scored one of the goals against Stoke, but he
and Chadwick were back on the bench last night.
Otherwise, Argyle had the same starting line-up, with Akos Buzsaky, Peter
Halmosi and David Norris providing plenty of attacking threat from midfield.
West Ham showed six changes from their 3-1 defeat away to Newcastle United
in the Premier League on Sunday. Coming into the team were goalkeeper
Richard Wright, centre-backs James Collins and Danny Gabbidon and midfield
trio Luis Boa Morte, Freddie Ljungberg and Scott Parker. It was Parker's
first appearance for the Hammers following a £7 million summer move from
Newcastle because of a knee injury. West Ham are playing Premier League
leaders Arsenal at Upton Park on Saturday so Curbishley decided to rest his
first choice centre-back pairing of Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson.
Striker Craig Bellamy was close to making his comeback from a foot injury
but, in the end, Curbishley opted not to risk him. Despite all the changes,
it was still a strong line-up and the Hammers' boss had made it clear in the
pre-match build up he thought the Carling Cup was a tournament they could
win. And with Ashton and Carlton Cole up front against Argyle, the home side
were not short of firepower. Argyle had sold more than 1,700 tickets for the
third round tie and even though Upton Park was nowhere near full, there was
still a vibrant atmosphere at kick-off on a cold, breezy night in the
nation's capital. The Pilgrims had an early opportunity when Halmosi raced
behind West Ham left-back George McCartney and crossed low into the penalty
area. Halmosi tried to pick out Ebanks-Blake but the striker slipped and
lost his footing. Argyle showed no signs of being in awe of their Premier
League hosts in the opening exchanges, although McCormick did have to make a
simple save from Boa Morte's weak shot in the seventh minute. Buzsaky then
had an inswinging corner punched away by West Ham 'keeper Richard Wright
from almost on his goal-line. Ashton, who regularly scored against Argyle
during his days at Crewe Alexandra, fired high over the crossbar from 25
yards before Pilgrims' defender Krisztian Timar blocked a goalbound shot
from midfielder Hayden Mullins. From the resulting corner, Collins saw his
looping header cleared off the line by Halmosi. West Ham were now getting
into their stride and Cole set up Ashton for an excellent chance in the 15th
minute, but the striker miscontrolled the ball. Argyle hit back when
Ebanks-Blake shot narrowly over the bar from 18 yards out after an incisive
pass from Halmosi. Ashton had another good opportunity in the 23rd minute
when he turned past Timar, but drove the ball wide of the right post.
Timar headed over the bar from a Buzsaky free-kick, as the Pilgrims played
some composed, passing football. Buzsaky, from a throw taken by right-back
Paul Connolly, unleashed a fierce left-foot shot just inches too high. West
Ham had the best chance of the game in the 34th minute, after Argyle
midfielder Lilian Nalis gave away possession inside his own half. Boa Morte
played a slick one-two with Mullins and as McCormick came out to meet him he
flicked the ball over the Pilgrims' 'keeper but wide of the far post.
McCormick then made a fine diving save from Ashton in the 39th minute after
a good pass from Ljungberg.
There was one more chance before the break, and it was for Argyle. Norris
was tripped by Collins and Halmosi's curling 20-yard free-kick was cleared
off the line by Neill. It had been an excellent first half for the Pilgrims
with Buzsaky and Halmosi, in particular, catching the eye in midfield. West
Ham came out strongly after the interval, with McCormick flicking the ball
away from Cole as he was about to shoot and Ashton heading over the bar from
a corner taken by Ljungberg. But Argyle - attacking the Centenary Stand and
the massed ranks of their supporters - survived the early onslaught. The
ineffective Cole was substituted by young Hammers' prospect Reid in the 63rd
minute as the Premier League hosts continued to be frustrated by the
Pilgrims. That saw Boa Morte move into the attack with Ashton, with Reid
playing on the left-side of midfield. There was the suspicion the visitors
were starting to defend too deep and invite pressure on themselves, and
Timar was booked in the 74th minute for a foul on Boa Morte. Midfielder Lee
Bowyer came on as a substitute for Ljungberg as Curbishley strove to avoid
extra-time. Argyle had a great chance to take the lead in the 79th minute.
Halmosi forced a defensive mistake inside the West Ham penalty area and
Hayles, at the second attempt, saw his shot blocked behind for a corner by
Neill. Mullins had a long-distance shot easily saved by McCormick before
Ashton's deflected 30-yard free-kick clipped off the top of the bar, with
McCormick stranded. Bowyer then went close with a superb 20-yard strike
after he was set up by Collins' header. Three minutes were added on by
referee Phil Dowd and in the second the Hammers finally broke the deadlock
when Ashton crashed an unstoppable volley past McCormick. Holloway responded
by sending on Chadwick for left-back Gary Sawyer, which almost paid off when
Buzsaky curled a cross into the Hammers' 18-yard area and Chadwick headed
narrowly over the bar. Dowd blew the final whistle immediately afterwards
and West Ham moved into the next round at the expense of the brave, battling
Pilgrims.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker delighted to make West Ham bow
tribalfooball.com - September 26, 2007
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker is relieved to have recovered from the knee
injury he suffered in preseason. "It was a bad time to pick it up as I
missed the friendlies and first few games," the England international said.
"But there's a long way to go this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Birmingham's Sullivan slams West Ham owners
tribalfooball.com - September 26, 2007
Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan has slammed West Ham's new owners
and is convinced he could be offered the club once he sells up. He told the
Guardian: "I've got to find another club. I haven't got one lined up. But I
think football clubs will fall out of bed and people will realise they're
overpriced. All these people that have bought them for silly prices will
find the club losing money, not doing as well as they anticipated and there
will be deals to be done.
"I could see a scenario where the Icelanders, in two years' time or 18
months, making no money out of West Ham having cocked it up, they might want
to walk away. They might want to say to me, 'Come and buy half the club and
make it work for us,' because they have done some appalling things at West
Ham. The wages they are paying both to staff and players - I cannot see how
the business model works. And they have done it as an investment, no other
reason."
Sullivan holds a small stake in the Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading keen on West Ham striker Zamora
tribalfooball.com - September 26, 2007
Reading are eyeing West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora. The Daily Mail says
West Ham will tell Reading they will not allow Zamora to leave Upton Park
unless they bring an adequate replacement.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley admits Zamora injury concern
tribalfooball.com - September 26, 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits he has major concerns over Bobby
Zamora's nagging knee injury. Curbishley said: "We started the season with
Zamora and Bellamy and on Sunday it was Ashton and Carlton Cole. It's just
the way things go. Since the Bristol Rovers game Bobby's knee keeps swelling
up. It's not the same problem he was struggling with last season but we have
tried one or two things and it hasn't quite happened so we will have to
re-assess that now. "He has been out for three weeks and he is still not
training. If Craig doesn't make it we have only two recognised senior
strikers. We could bring in youngsters if we wanted but I can also play
Freddie Ljungberg or Luis Boa Morte up there. We can cope."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-0 Plymouth - The Mirror
CARLING CUP THIRD ROUND ACTION AND ANALYSIS
John Cross 27/09/2007
Dean Ashton broke Plymouth hearts last night as his injury-time winner
secured West Ham's safe passage to the last 16 at Upton Park. The Hammers
striker volleyed home deep into added time to send the Pilgrims home after a
brave performance against their Premiership rivals. Ian Holloway's men put
on a gritty display and could have even caused a Carling Cup upset as
striker Barry Hayles had a 79th-minute effort cleared off the line by West
Ham full-back Lucas Neill.
The Championship side enjoyed a terrific run in last season's FA Cup as they
reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Watford.That gave the
1,800 travelling fans hope of another cup adventure at Upton Park as
top-flight big-spenders rested a few of their players like goalkeeper Robert
Green and centre-half Matthew Upson. Plymouth started well with their fans
in good voice and, encouraged by West Ham's slow start, the visiting side
looked the more enthusiastic of the two teams in the opening stages. West
Ham struggled to put any decent moves together and they had to wait until
Danny Collins' 15th-minute header for their first effort on goal which was
cleared off the line by Plymouth defender Peter Halmosi. At the other end,
though, veteran striker Hayles' physical presence unsettled the Hammers'
defence and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake should have done better with an 18th-minute
shot. Plymouth's best effort came in the 33rd minute when Akos Buzsaky
turned neatly and hit a rasping shot from 25 yards which flew just over the
bar. That was the cue for Plymouth's best spell of the game as West Ham
became increasingly ragged and disorganised. Holloway's men had further
chances after the break but could not make their possession tell. And Ashton
made them pay right at the death.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment