Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 2nd September 2007

Reading 0 West Ham United 3 - WHUFC
Bellamy, Etherington(2)

Barclays Premier League 1st September 2007
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 23,533
Referee:Howard Webb

Reading 0 West Ham United 3

Majestic West Ham United superbly wiped away the memories of their New
Year's Day Madejski massacre with a thoroughly deserved second away win of
the season. At the fifth time of asking, Matthew Etherington's destructive
double and Craig Bellamy's early strike, secured Hammers' first-ever win on
Reading soil on an afternoon when Robert Green also saved Kevin Doyle's late
penalty and Dean Ashton made a welcome first start of the campaign. Both
sides had enjoyed Carling Cup success further west along the M4 in midweek.
And following their victory at Bristol Rovers, Hammers made five switches as
Mark Noble, Dean Ashton, Matthew Upson, Etherington and Green came in for
the injured Kieron Dyer and Bobby Zamora and substitutes Danny Gabbidon,
Luis Boa Morte and Richard Wright. Steve Coppell also made wholesale changes
after the extra-time win at Swansea City as Marcus Hahnemann, Graeme Murty,
Nicky Shorey, Bryn Gunnarsson, Stephen Hunt, Ivar Ingimarsson and Kevin
Doyle all returned for the Royals. On New Year's Day, Hammers had been
unceremoniously hit for six and, 243 days on, only Green, Anton Ferdinand,
Hayden Mullins and Lee Bowyer had survived as West Ham kicked off determined
to ensure that there would be no repeat of that unwelcome start to 2007.
Certainly, they did not have to wait long to send out a stark signal of
their intentions. Indeed, a mere six minutes were on the clock, when
Ingimarsson's control deserted him on the halfway line and that allowed the
alert Bowyer to get the better of Kevin Harper and send Bellamy racing clear
of his markers down the right flank. And having netted twice at Bristol
Rovers four days earlier, the single-minded, in-form Welshman confidently
drilled a low, angled 18-yarder across the face of the exposed Hahnemann and
into the far corner to claim his first Premiership goal for the Hammers.
Shortly afterwards, Harper almost atoned for his role in giving the visitors
the lead but his low 20-yarder deflected off Upson's heel for a corner.
But buoyed by that opener, West Ham were certainly looking the stronger side
and they might have doubled their lead after a quarter of an hour, when the
breaking Etherington collected Green's huge throw and cleverly squared to
the supporting Mark Noble, who rifled over from 15 yards. Then on the
half-hour mark, Ashton's awkward cross into the danger zone was plucked off
partner Bellamy's studs by Hahnemann to the anxious applause of the Royals'
fans amongst the crowd of 23,533. At the other end, Lucas Neill and George
McCartney's continuing tussles with both Leroy Lita and Emerse Fae typified
Hammers defensive resolve and although the hitherto immaculate Green was
beaten by Stephen Hunt's 20-yard curler, three minutes before the break, the
Hammers were relieved to see their lead remain intact thanks to the
crossbar.
Four minutes into the second half, however, West Ham doubled their advantage
thanks to a fine free-flowing move that saw them switch the ball across the
Berkshire turf to the left hand edge of the Reading penalty box, where
Etherington played an intricate one-two with Bellamy before unleashing an
unstoppable, rising 12-yarder beyond Hahnemann as Murty fruitlessly slid in.
Midway through the half, Ashton nodded down to Bellamy, who again carved out
another fine chance for Bowyer but his low, angled 15-yard shot curled
agonisingly wide of the far post. Having put in an encouraging hour's work
on his first full start for over a year, Ashton then retired as Carlton Cole
stepped from the bench and shortly afterwards the Hammers' substitute saw
the breaking Etherington foiled by Hahnemann. Seeing the match hopelessly
slipping from his grasp, Coppell also introduced Dave Kitson, Kalifa Cisse
and Bobby Convey. With a quarter-hour remaining, though, Reading looked all
set to grab a lifeline, when Kitson was up-ended by the advancing Green but
nothing was going to prevent the Hammers' 'keeper from claiming a clean
sheet and he brilliantly dived to his left to claw out Doyle's spot-kick and
dampen any hope of a Royals recovery.
And well into stoppage time the fleeing Etherington piled on yet more misery
for the beaten Berkshire side, when he collected Cole's clever crossfield
ball and rifled a low 15-yard shot past the lonely figure of Hahnemann to
make it 3-0.

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Carling Cup Third Round Draw - WHUFC
01/09/2007 12:38

Hammers set to face the Pilgrims. West Ham United have been drawn at home to
face Plymouth Argyle in the third round of the Carling Cup. The match will
be played at the Boleyn Ground, on the week commencing the 24th of
September.

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Team News Ahead Of Reading - WHUFC
01/09/2007 12:22

Reid in the squad. Kyel Reid has been included in the squad to travel to the
Madejski Stadium after impressing for the reserves in mid-week. Reid
equalised for the Hammers against Villa with a stunning shot from 25-yards
out and despite the team narrowly losing the match 2-1, the 19-year-old
clearly impressed Mervyn Day and Glyn Snodin who were watching from the
stands, and has earned himself a call-up to the first team squad traveling
to Reading. With Kieron Dyer and Freddie Ljungberg out, Alan Curbishley is
clearly thinking of cover down the right-hand side by including Reid.

The full squad is as follows: Green (GK), Gabbidon, Spector, Upson, Mullins,
Bellamy, Etherington, Ashton, Bowyer, Ferdinand, Pantsil, Reid, Noble,
McCartney, Boa Morte, Wright (GK), Cole, Neil and Collins.

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Factfile: Henri Camara - WHUFC
01/09/2007 12:14

HENRI CAMARA - FACTFILE
Name: Henri Camara
DOB: May 10, 1977
Place of Birth: Dakar, Senegal
Position: Striker

Club Career:
1999-2000 - Neuchatel Xamax, Switzerland - 32 apps 17 goals
2000-01 - Grasshoppers Club - Zurich - 11 apps 3 goals
2001-03 - CS Sedan Ardennes - 60 apps 22 goals
2003-05 - Wolverhampton Wanderers - 30 apps 7 goals
2004 - Celtic (loan) - 18 apps 8 goals
2005 - Southampton (loan) - 13 apps 4 goals
2005-07 - Wigan Athletic - 52 apps 18 goals

International Career:
1999- Present - Senegal - 46 apps (caps) 10 goals

Henri was a star performer for Senegal in their surprise run at the 2002
World Cup finals. He scored two goals, one a golden goal in Round 16 against
Sweden.
He has also appeared in the 2004 and 2006 African Nations Cup squads
A forward, Henri can also play in an attacking midfield role

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Factfile: Nolberto Solano - WHUFC
01/09/2007 12:10

NOLBERTO SOLANO - FACTFILE
Name: Nolberto Solano
DOB: December 12, 1974
Place of Birth: Callao, Peru
Position: Midfielder

Club Career: (Apps/Goals)
1994-97 - Sporting Cristal, Peru - 77 apps 31goals
1997-98 - Boca Juniors - 32 apps 5 goals
1998-2004 - Newcastle United - 172 apps 29 goals
2004-05 - Aston Villa - 52 apps 9 goals
2005-07 - Newcastle United - 58 apps 8 goals

International Career
1994 - Present - Peru - 77 apps (caps) 20 goals

Nolberto was the first ever Peruvian player to appear in the Premier League
when he signed for Newcastle United in 1998. At Boca Juniors, Nolberto was
a respected team-mate of Diego Maradona, who gave Nolberto the nickname
"Little Maestro" Nolberto was Aston Villa's top scorer in the 2004-05
season. Before returning to Newcastle a season later. He made his full
international debut for Peru at the age of 18. Nolberto is an accomplished
trumpet player and has his own Salsa Band!

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Reading 0-3 West Ham - BBC
By Owen Phillips

Craig Bellamy scored one goal and made another as West Ham secured a stylish
victory at the Madejski Stadium. Bellamy raced on to Lee Bowyer's pass to
slot the opener within six minutes. And the fiery striker then played a key
role in setting up Matthew Etherington who rounded off a glorious move to
blast the second after the restart. Stephen Hunt clipped the bar for the
home side and Robert Green saved Kevin Doyle's late penalty but Etherington
broke away to seal a deserved win. Alan Curbishley's side dominated and Mark
Noble, Bowyer and Etherington all wasted excellent chances to have made the
game safe before Doyle was denied by Green's full length stop. The Hammers
were smashed 6-0 on the corresponding fixture last season but there was
never any danger of a repeat. They started brilliantly and were ahead within
six minutes thanks to a cracking finish from man-of-the-match Bellamy. The
Welshman, who notched twice in the midweek Carling Cup win over Bristol
Rovers, raced on to Bowyer's throughball, outpaced Ingimarsson and slotted
the ball across keeper Marcus Hahnemann and into the bottom left-hand
corner. And the early goal played right into the visitors' hands.
West Ham sat deep and regularly caught Reading on the break with Michael
Duberry and Ivar Ingimarsson looking hesitant up against the pace and direct
running of Bellamy and Etherington. One such counter-attack saw Robert Green
throw the ball out to Etherington who raced the length of the pitch before
teeing up Noble but he blazed his first-time shot over the bar. Royals
keeper Marcus Hahnemann then had to race from his goal to prevent Bellamy
latching on to another ball over the top. And Bowyer also had a glorious
chance to double the lead before the interval but he dragged his a
half-volley wastefully wide from 15 yards after Reading only half-cleared a
corner. The home side did have their moments with Leroy Lita, back in the
starting line-up after injury, the most likely source of a goal. But their
best opportunity saw Hunt hit the top of the bar just before the break with
a measured 20-yard strike.
Depite Hunt's effort, the Hammers will have been a little upset they were
not at least two ahead at the turnaround. But they did not have to wait long
and Bellamy was once again fully involved. West Ham poured forward following
a Reading corner and after knocking the ball wide to Dean Ashton, Bellamy
played a delightful one-two with Etherington who crashed the ball high into
the roof of the net at the near post. Ashton, starting his first game since
the 2006 FA Cup final, not surprisingly looked a little of bit off the pace.
But his touch and awareness became more obvious as the game wore on and his
partnership with Bellamy showed early signs of promise and the pair almost
set up Bowyer for a third. Etherington also spurned a fine chance when sent
through on goal and Curbishley must have feared the worst when Green felled
the on-rushing Dave Kitson in tha area with a quarter of an hour to go. But
Green redeemed himself, diving across his goal to deny Doyle and also
pulling off an even better save to keep out substitute Kalifa Cisse's
injury-time strike. The Hammers then broke and fittingly rounded off the win
with another breakaway goal, Etherington providing another cool finish after
latching on to Carlton Cole's pass.

Reading boss Steve Coppell: "It's the first time I've gone into a game and
been fearful when we have been attacking. It was consistent and obvious but
we kept getting caught. "We need to do something about it. The alarm bells
are clanging in my brain. "The performance going forward was okay in many
aspects but we were flawed in one aspect - we looked so vulnerable on the
counter-attack. It must have happened about a dozen times and they scored
two goals when we were attacking. "They were very solid and deserved the win
but we're bitterly disappointed."

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: "Considering what happened to last year it
was fantastic result. "We got a great start and Craig scored a fantastic
goal. He had a fitness test today but said he was okay and his first goal
was typical Craig Bellamy. I've been delighted with Craig. I've not had a
minute's problem with him. "They put us under a lot of pressure but we
defended and that gave us the base and we always looked like scoring goals
on the break. We broke well, were were a bit wasteful in front of goal but
it was very good performance."

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Ingimarsson, Duberry, Shorey, Fae (Kitson 61),
Harper, Gunnarsson (Cisse 69), Hunt, Lita (Convey 75), Doyle.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Bikey.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Bowyer (Spector 81),
Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Ashton (Cole 65), Bellamy (Boa Morte 90).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Gabbidon.

Booked: Green.
Goals: Bellamy 6, Etherington 49, 90.
Att: 23,533.
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

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We're immensely impressed ... - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 1st September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Alan Curbishley praises his side in the wake of the 3-0 drubbing of Reading
this afternoon ...

Considering what happened to us here last year we didn't remind the players
too much about it because you want to be positive, but obviously we knew.
Give credit to Reading, they forced the issue and put us under a lot of
pressure but we defended great - and that was the basis for the result
today. The back four and Robert Green got their bodies in the way of
everything when they had to. Lots of people have spoken about the business
we've done in the summer and I've gone to great lengths to say how pleased I
am. We've bought established players in but unfortunately a few of them have
got injured. But we've bought players of quality in at the right prices.
Everyone seems to forget that we let a few players go as well so we balanced
the books somewhat. Craig Bellamy is one we've brought in, obviously, and
he's got that ability as we know - and we've been delighted with him.
Contrary to speculation a couple of weeks ago we've not had a minute's
problem with him, and we're immensely impressed at what a good player he is.
Nine wins from our last 13 league games? We're proud at what we've done; I
think it's gone unnoticed a little bit. But last year was last year, and we
worked hard in pre-season. No disrespect to the boys that have been out
there today, because it's a fantastic result for us, but we have been hit by
injuries so the squad has been used to the full. I'm really pleased for some
of them today because they've shown they can step up to the plate.
Dean Ashton? I've been saying to everybody that he's not 100% right yet. But
you can see the touch is there and he just needs football. We've got to be
careful with him - he was disappointed to come off because I think they both
sensed goals. But it was the sensible thing to do. We've now got a couple
more weeks to get some more work in with him and we'll see how we go in two
weeks time when we play Middlesbrough.
Pace up front? We have got some pace - and a bit more on the treatment
table! It was a big blow losing Kieron Dyer this week - add that to Scotty
Parker, Julien Faubert and Freddy Ljungberg and it's a lot of players
missing. But we've worked hard and the Chairman's done well. I patted him on
the back last night because he's brought another couple in - because we had
to with the injuries we've got. Nobby Solano came in with Henri Camara; I
haven't even seen them yet as it was all done on the phone. But I'm glad
they've come to the club, and I'm sure they've enjoyed the result today.

Steve Coppell - Reading

We were flawed in one particular aspect of the game which was when we were
attacking and putting men in the box, we looked so vulnerable on the
rebound. Every time their defenders got a headed clearance in it seemed to
go to their players, and then invariably we ended up defending on the edge
of our own box.

One of their goals came from our corner, one came from a crossing situation;
the first goal was a great striker by Bellamy but again we lost posession in
midfield. we had opportunities in the second half but if you're vulnerable
when you're attacking you've got a huge problem.

This is a difficult league for teams of our size and stature, competing
against teams such as West Ham. Net-wise they haven't spent a great deal
this year but certainly in the open market they've spent a lot. This week
I've made the decision to have faith and confidence in my squad - and one
result isn't going to make me question that.

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Reading 0 West Ham Utd 3 - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 1st September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

The Hammers cruised to victory at Reading this afternoon thanks to a second
half brace from Matthew Etherington. Etherington struck twice after the
break to ensure a comfortable win for the Hammers, who had made the perfect
start thanks to Craig Bellamy's sixth minute opener. The win - West Ham's
most comprehensive in the league since Wigan suffered the same fate as
Reading at the tail end of last season - was the perfect answer to a sea of
criticism from supporters underwhelmed by the transfer window arrivals.
Ironically perhaps only three of today's starting eleven were Curbishley
signings - new boys Henri Camara and Nobby Solano failed to register in time
to play today, whilst Scott Parker, Freddy Ljungberg, Kieron Dyer, Nigel
Quashie and Julien Faubert were all unavailable due to injury. A further
two Curbishley signings - Richard Wright and Luis Boa Morte - were fit to
play, but left on the bench. However it was another two Curbishley captures
- Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy - who teamed up to produce the first goal of
the afternoon, when a long clearance from the captain found Bellamy who
finished with some aplomb. The Hammers took that slender lead into the
break, and didn't have to wait long for a second to arrive thereafter.
Bellamy, always a handful found Etherington on the edge of the penalty box
and the rejuvenated winger drove the ball fiercely into the top corner to
double the lead.
The home side - who were a shadow of the team that triumphed 6-0 in this
very fixture only eight months ago - had an opportunity to claw their way
back into the game on 75 minutes when Rob Green was penalised for hauling
down Dave Kitson inside the box. But the England candidate (or at least he
should be) reacted brilliantly to avert Doyle's well-placed spot kick wide
of the post and preserve United's 2-0 lead. Whether Steve McClaren was
taking note remains to be seen.
The Hammers completed the rout in the fourth minute of injury time when
Etherington - who had earlier missed a one-on-one, leading to suggestions
from the away supporters that the former Spurs man may have had a few quid
on a 2-0 win - made no such mistake, rounding Hahnemann in the Reading goal
to make it 3-0.
All in all it was a good day at the office for Curbishley's side, who rise
to seventh place as a result of the win whilst maintaining their 100% record
on the road (three wins out of three in all competitions). Now for a home
win or two - hopefully starting with the visit of Middlesbrough to The
Boleyn next weekend.

Match Stats

West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Ferdinand, Upson, Mullins, Noble,
Bowyer (Spector 81), Etherington, Bellamy (Boa Morte 90+2), Ashton (Cole
64).
Subs not used: Wright, Gabbidon.
Goals: Bellamy (6), Etherington (48, 90+4).
Booked: Green (55).

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Shorey, Ingimarsson, Duberry, Fae (Kitson 61),
Harper, Gunnarson (Cisse 69), Hunt, Lita (Convey 75), Doyle.
Subs not used: Federici, Bikey.

Referee: Howard Webb.
Attendance: 23,533.

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Hammers draw Plymouth - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 1st September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United will face Plymouth in the third round of the Carling Cup.
This lunchtime's draw pitched the Hammers against the Championship side,
with the sides set to meet at The Boleyn Ground in the week beginning
September 24th. The two teeams last met in this competition back in 1962
when West Ham enjoyed a 6-0 second round win over the Pilgrims. The last
meeting in the league came two years ago when United enjoyed a similarly
comprehensive victory; goals by Marlon Harewood, Malky Mackay, a Teddy
Sheringham brace and an own goal saw the Hammers run out 5-0 winners. All in
all the two clubs have met on 40 occasions with the Hammers winning 17 to
Argyle's 10.

Full Third Round draw

Blackburn v Birmingham
Reading v Liverpool
Manchester United v Coventry
Tottenham v Middlesbrough
Hull v Chelsea
Blackpool v Southend
West Ham Utd v Plymouth
Arsenal v Newcastle
Luton v Charlton
Manchester City v Norwich
Sheffield United v Morecambe
Sheffield Wednesday v Everton
Fulham v Bolton
Burnley v Portsmouth
Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest or Leicester
West Brom v Cardiff

Ties to be played week commencing 24 September.

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Etherington downs Royals - SSN
Hammers avenge 6-0 drubbing
Last updated: 1st September 2007

Matthew Etherington bagged a brace as West Ham secured an impressive 3-0 win
at Reading. Despite a lively start from the home side the visitors forged
ahead with their first attack of the game. Lee Bowyer set Craig Bellamy away
and the Welsh flyer finished with aplomb past Marcus Hahnemann. Etherington
scored his first moments after half-time, leaving Steve Coppell's side with
a mountain to climb. Kevin Doyle missed a late penalty with Etherington's
fine injury-time strike adding the icing on the cake. It had taken the home
fans just a few minutes to start the inevitable "6-0" chants but within
seconds Bellamy had netted his third goal in claret and blue, adding to his
midweek Carling Cup double at Bristol Rovers with aplomb. Reading's undoing
was of their own initial making however as James Harper was carelessly
dispossessed in midfield by Lee Bowyer and Ivar Ingimarsson was never going
to catch the Welshman.

There was work still to be done for the £7.5million summer signing from
Liverpool but his low, angled drive from the right of the box was perfectly
placed to elude the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Hahnemann. Dean Ashton,
who was making his first start since the 2006 FA Cup final, fired a shot at
Hahnemann after having won a corner seconds earlier and the Hammers
continued to look dangerous on the break. Mark Noble crashed a drive just
wide from the edge of the box and there was a let-off for Hahnemann when he
fumbled a cross into Etherington's path only for the winger to stab it
harmlessly wide. Reading were relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser
however and striker Leroy Lita was incensed when referee Howard Webb allowed
play to continue after Anton Ferdinand had appeared to barge him over on the
edge of the box. Brynjar Gunnarsson saw a shot blocked and Michael Duberry
headed just wide before Doyle set up Stephen Hunt in the 43rd minute for an
effort that had the beating of Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green but bounced
off the top of the crossbar.

It took West Ham just four second-half minutes to double their lead through
Etherington. The winger played a clever one-two with Bellamy after Hayden
Mullins' ball across the Reading box had not been intercepted and he was
able to beat Hahnemann with a rising drive from an angle on the left. Bowyer
missed a great chance to put his side three-up after Bellamy, seizing on an
Ashton header, had put him through. The former Newcastle man rolled his shot
past Hahnemann but also beyond the far post. Reading passed up an
opportunity to get back in the match when goalkeeper Green saved a penalty
he had conceded himself. The England man upended Dave Kitson but stayed on
the pitch to guess correctly and block Doyle's spot-kick with a dive to his
left. Hahnemann kept the score down with a save to deny Carlton Cole, who
had earlier fired just wide on the turn. Kalifa Cisse saw a stoppage-time
effort blocked as Reading were destined to be denied even a consolation.
There was still a goal in the game and Etherington claimed it with a solo
run after Reading had been caught with too many men upfield in stoppage
time.

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Curbs delighted at win - SSN
Hammers boss hails squad strength
By James Pearson Last updated: 1st September 2007

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley was naturally delighted after seeing his
side win at Reading. The former Charlton man believes Craig Bellamy's fine
early goal gave them a great start. Curbishley had feared it was not The
Hammers' day after squandering numerous chances to put the game to bed, but
was delighted with the eventual performance. "We got a great start. Craig
scored a fantastic goal," Curbishley told Sky Sports. "Reading put us under
pressure, but we hit them on the break. "I lost count of our chances we had
and I didn't think it was going to come along. "I'm delighted with the
result and delighted with the performance. "Give credit to Reading, they put
us under a lot of pressure. "[Our finishing] was a bit wasteful. I think we
had three or four one-on-ones.
"We've come out today and we've demonstrated the squad is strong."

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Reading 0-3 West Ham: Hammers erase pain - Soccernet

West Ham wiped away the bad memories of their last visit to Reading by
leaving the Madejski Stadium with a well-deserved 3-0 win. The Hammers had
been thrashed 6-0 there on New Year's Day last term but never looked back
after Craig Bellamy had given them an early lead. Matthew Etherington added
two more in the second half, but Reading had known it was not to be their
day when Kevin Doyle's penalty was saved. It had taken the home fans just a
few minutes to start the inevitable '6-0' chants, but within seconds Bellamy
had netted his third goal in claret and blue, adding to his midweek Carling
Cup double at Bristol Rovers with aplomb.
Reading's undoing was of their own initial making, however, as James Harper
was carelessly dispossessed in midfield by Lee Bowyer and Ivar Ingimarsson
was never going to catch the Welshman. There was work still to be done for
the £7.5million summer signing from Liverpool, but his low, angled drive
from the right of the box was perfectly placed to elude the outstretched arm
of goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. The Hammers had at last been able to give
Dean Ashton his first start since the 2006 FA Cup final, with the birth of
his first child having prevented that earlier in the week. The striker, who
had missed all of last season's traumas through a shattered ankle, fired a
shot at Hahnemann after having won a corner seconds earlier and the Hammers
continued to look dangerous on the break. Mark Noble crashed a drive just
wide from the edge of the box and there was a let-off for Hahnemann when he
fumbled a cross into Etherington's path, only for the winger to stab it
harmlessly wide. Reading were relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser,
however, and striker Leroy Lita was incensed when referee Howard Webb
allowed play to continue after Anton Ferdinand had appeared to barge him
over on the edge of the box. Brynjar Gunnarsson saw a shot blocked and
Duberry headed just wide, before Doyle set up Stephen Hunt in the 43rd
minute for box-edge effort that had the beating of Hammers goalkeeper Robert
Green but bounced off the top of the crossbar. It took West Ham just four
second-half minutes to double their lead through Etherington. The winger
played a clever one-two with Bellamy after Hayden Mullins' ball across the
Reading box had not been intercepted and he was able to beat Hahnemann with
a rising drive from an angle on the left.
Duberry headed a Hunt corner over from six yards as the West Ham fans
taunted Nicky Shorey with chants of 'You should have joined West Ham', a
reference to the Hammers' failed £4million bid in the run-up to the game.
The England man had not enjoyed his afternoon, contributing little except a
few free-kick deliveries. Anton Ferdinand, who had put through his own goal
in the January 1 debacle, was having a game to remember, however,
dispossessing Lita in the box after Green had been booked in the 55th minute
for time-wasting as he delayed his goal-kick while Ashton tied his laces.
Reading swapped midfielder Emerse Fae for striker Dave Kitson just after the
hour mark and within seconds Bowyer missed a great chance to put his side
three up minute after Bellamy, seizing on an Ashton header, had put him
through. The former Newcastle man rolled his shot past Hahnemann but also
beyond the far post. Ashton was replaced in the 65th minute by Carlton Cole,
before Hahnemann's brave dive at Etherington's feet prevented the Hammers
from claiming the points there and then. Reading swapped Gunnarsson for
Kalifa Cisse in midfield, before Lita stabbed a good chance wide after
Kitson's cross had reached him on the penalty spot. Reading passed up an
opportunity to get back in the match when goalkeeper Green saved a penalty
he had conceded himself. The England man upended Kitson but stayed on the
pitch to guess correctly and block Doyle's spot-kick with a dive to his
left.
Hahnemann kept the score down with a save to deny Cole, who had earlier
fired just wide on the turn. Duberry did well to stop Etherington before
Hunt and Bellamy clashed near a corner flag, with the Irishman seemingly
throwing a punch at the Welshman. Referee Webb had not seen it too clearly
but was quick to intervene and restore calm. Cisse saw a stoppage time
effort blocked as Reading were destined to be denied even a consolation.
There was still a goal in the game and Etherington claimed it with a solo
run after Reading had been caught with too many men upfield in stoppage
time.

Reading manager Steve Coppell admitted he now has a lot of 'soul-searching'
to do after his side were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at home by West Ham.
Craig Bellamy gave the Hammers an early advantage and Matthew Etherington
scored two breakaway efforts in the second half to wrap up the points.
Reading were denied even a consolation goal by goalkeeper Robert Green's
penalty save from Kevin Doyle but Coppell admitted his side had been far too
cavalier when going forward as West Ham had scorned a handful of other
chances on the break. He said: 'It's the first time since I have been here
when I have been frightened when we attacked. It was naive to say the least.
Every time we got forward in numbers they hit us on the break. 'We spoke
about it at half-time but in the second half it was doubly so. Of their
three goals two of them came from our corners and the first was the result
of scavenging off a loose ball in midfield. 'With the international break
coming up we have to do a lot of thinking to redirect what we are about.
'I'm all for attacking football and I tell players to commit forward but we
had no structure. The number of times they broke, particularly down the left
side, really hurt us. They could easily have scored a couple more. 'First
and foremost we have a lot of soul-searching to do and then evaluate. One
result has seen us hitting the alarm bells I must admit. We have a lot to do
before our next game.'

West Ham had been beaten 6-0 in the corresponding fixture last season but
manager Alan Curbishley insisted there had been little desire for revenge.
He was pleased his players had been so dominant with so many first-choices
out injured, with Kieron Dyer the latest to be sidelined after suffering a
broken leg in midweek. He said: 'We never spoke too much about last year.
I'm delighted for the boys who have come in because we have been hit by
injuries again and some of them stepped up to the plate today. 'We have a
few injuries at the moment and it has tested us but we put on a decent
display. This was an important result because if we hadn't got anything we
would have been in the bottom reaches. Now we find ourselves in the top
half.' Dean Ashton made his first start for more than a year and lasted 65
minutes. Curbishley said: 'I have said all along we have been managing him
so we are delighted he had 65-odd minutes. Now he has got to push on.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ethers is Back! - West Ham Till I Die
September 1st, 2007

Oh the joy. I am so glad I was wrong., I predicted 2-0 and it turned out to
be 3-0. By all accounts it was a fantastic performance. Sky Sports said we
could have had ten. And to think, I turned down tickets in favour of
delivering Tory leaflets for a Tottenham supporting friend of mine in
Chatham. I must want my head read. Still, as you may have seen in the
previous threads, we delivered a leaflet to Rooster, one of my regular
commenters. Spooky coincidence, or what?!

It seems the back four performed wonders and Rob Green saved a penalty, but
the men of the match were Etherington and Bellamy. It's fantastic to see
Matty Etherington back in top form. I would have quite happily seen him
leave Upton parl in the summer after his terrible form last year. It's great
to see he must have got rid of his demons.

Oh what fun it is to see, West Ham win away. Well, it would have been had I
been there…

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading 0 West Ham 3 - the Sun
September 01, 2007

MATT ETHERINGTON helped West Ham banish the memory of their 6-0 drubbing
last season. The winger hit two goals to add to Craig Bellamy's opener at
the Madejski Stadium. And the Hammers even saw Rob Green save a Kevin Doyle
penalty as they put the New Year's Day massacre behind them. Only four West
Ham players remained from the side that were thrashed by the Royals that day
as the Hammers teetered on the brink of relegation. Green, Anton Ferdinand,
Lee Bowyer and Hayden Mullins were keen to silence the "6-0" chants booming
around the ground. And Bellamy did just that when he hammered home on six
minutes. But Hammers boss Alan Curbishley insisted revenge was not on his
players' minds. He said: "We never spoke too much about last year. I'm
delighted for the boys who have come in because we have been hit by injuries
again and some of them stepped up to the plate today. "We have a few
injuries at the moment and it has tested us but we put on a decent display.
"This was an important result because if we hadn't got anything we would
have been in the bottom reaches. Now we find ourselves in the top half."
But Royals manager Steve Coppell admitted he will have to take a close look
at Reading's set-up during the international break. He said: "It's the first
time since I have been here when I have been frightened when we attacked.
"It was naive to say the least. Every time we got forward in numbers they
hit us on the break. "With the international break coming up we have to do a
lot of thinking to redirect what we are about. "First and foremost we have a
lot of soul-searching to do and then evaluate. "One result has seen us
hitting the alarm bells I must admit."
Bellamy followed up his midweek Carling Cup double as he raced on to Lee
Bowyer's pass to leave Ivar Ingimarsson trailing before firing across Marcus
Hahnemann into the corner. Hahnemann was needed again to hold Dean Ashton's
header, Mark Noble drove wide moments later before Etherington stabbed wide.
At the other end, Emerse Fae blazed over while Leroy Lita's appeal for a
penalty was waved away by ref Howard Webb. Bowyer fired wide from 15 yards
before Stephen Hunt rattled the bar in the closing stages of the first half.
But West Ham doubled their lead on 49 minutes as Etherington played a
one-two with Bellamy before crashing the ball home. Michael Duberry headed
over for Reading while Bowyer rolled the ball agonisingly wide of the far
post for the visitors. Etherington burst through again and it took a good
stop from Hahnemann to deny him. Lita stabbed wastefully wide before Green
upended Dave Kitson to concede a penalty in the 77th minute. The goalkeeper
guessed correctly, however, to keep out Doyle's spot-kick with a dive to his
left. Carlton Cole fired just wide before forcing Hahnemann into a save with
his next effort. And Etherington raced away in stoppage time to net the
third.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Ingimarsson, Duberry, Shorey, Fae (Kitson 61),
Harper, Gunnarsson (Cisse 69), Hunt, Lita (Convey 75), Doyle. Subs not used:
Federici, Bikey.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Bowyer (Spector 81),
Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Ashton (Cole 65), Bellamy (Boa Morte 90). Subs
not used: Wright, Gabbidon.
Booked: Green.
Goals: Bellamy 6, Etherington 49, 90.

Att: 23,533
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham gain their revenge on Reading - backtheboys.com

The significance of September the first, in football terms, is not lost on
me. The last time I watched a match on this day, England pasted Germany 5-1
in Munich six years ago. Reading's meeting with West Ham United at the
Madejski Stadium last season also produced six goals. With revenge and
indeed a point of pride to battle for, West Ham United would prove to be
very difficult opponents. With talk of the east London club being interested
in Reading's England left back Nicky Shorey, perhaps, a little bit of an
edge would be added to the atmosphere of the game. One thing though is for
sure; West Ham would have no desire to be punished so comprehensively as
they were last season. And that wily fox Steve Coppell would be well aware
of that fact.

Both Reading and West Ham United have suffered injury problems in recent
weeks. Thankfully one familiar face would be returning to the Madejski
Stadium, BTB's very own Paul Allen. Ever the professional, the effervescent
man on the mike missed the first two matches of the season due to holiday
commitments. West Ham's visit would prove to be Paul's big return to the
Premier League arena.

With a bowling green like pitch and not a rain cloud in sight, the
conditions that greeted the Prodigal Voice, seemed prodigiously more
favourable than Reading's previous two rain soaked games against Chelsea and
Everton. However, Paul Allen's favourable return to the Madejski Stadium
lasted just six minutes. Craig Bellamy, a summer signing for West Ham from
Liverpool, burst through the Reading defence to shoot low and hard past
Marcus Hahnemann to put West Ham in front. West Ham's slick on the break
football caused Reading real difficulties early on, but Reading were not
completely overawed as the first half wore on. James Harper's low shot only
just evaded Robert Green in the West Ham goal, but also evaded the right
hand post. Reading's best other effort came two minutes from the end when
Stephen Hunt crashed a shot against the angle of the cross bar and left hand
post.

Reading would need to have a productive half time in order to salvage the
match in the second half. Elsewhere, 'The Voice' managed to point the way by
presiding over a half time winner on 'Play your shirts right'. Mr Woo, the
ball-playing maestro also showed his genial talents on the Madejski Stadium
pitch. However, it was Steve Coppell who would need to be the most
inspirational if Reading were to pull the game out of the fire after half
time.

Sadly, it didn't happen. Shortly after half time West Ham grabbed a second
goal following a neat run from Matthew Etherington. Etherington, whose
involvement in the game was at times minimal, took his opportunity well.
Running through the Reading defence, the pace of Etherington proved too much
for Reading. Etherington could have added a further goal in the 68th minute,
but Marcus Hahnemann saved well at the West Ham winger's feet. West Ham
though looked as though they were coasting to a victory, with Reading
creating little despite the efforts of Stephen Hunt and Nicky Shorey.

Reading's most concrete chance came in the 76th minute, when, Robert Green
upended Dave Kitson in the penalty box. Kevin Doyle stepped up to take the
kick, but Green proved his equal by saving it. West Ham knew it was their
day and knew also that revenge was very much on the cards. Matthew
Etherington sealed the victory with a carbon copy of his previous goal; a
strong run that beat the Reading defence with pace and power.

Reading's second 3-0 defeat of the week may well ring alarm bells, but it is
worth noting that the two 3-0 defeats have been against teams who have had a
point to prove, not just against Reading, but in general. Bolton Wanderers
were being chastised in the press prior to their win over Reading last week
and like West Ham, Reading did the 'double' over Bolton Wanderers last
season. As for West Ham, well what more motivation did they need than the
still open wound of a New Year's Day 6-0 mauling? Reading will bounce back.
Like Bolton and West Ham before them, Reading now has a point to prove to
the doubters.

By Stuart Croucher

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Happy Hammers after Etherington double - biewlondon.co.uk

Two second-half goals from Matthew Etherington secured a comfortable 3-0
victory for West Ham at Reading today.

Striker Craig Bellamy set the tone of the day for the Hammers, converting
after six minutes and simultaneously wiping away the memories of his side's
6-0 thrashing at the Madejski Stadium last season.

The £7.5 million signing from Liverpool showed excellent pace evading the
Reading defence after latching on to a Lee Bowyer pass from midfield, before
angling a shot past goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

Reading pressed forward with returning striker Leroy Lita the hope of
Reading fans for an equaliser, but it was Stephen Hunt who came closest in
the final minutes of the opening half with a 20-yard effort hitting the roof
of the crossbar.

But after scoring twice against Bristol Rovers midweek, Bellamy contributed
to his man of the match display by setting up West Ham's second goal after
the interval.

A cutting one-two between Etherington the Welsh international gifted the
winger the opportunity to strike at the near post and double the visitors'
lead.

As tensions increased at the Madejski Stadium, Hammer's goalkeeper Robert
Green was booked for time wasting over a goal-kick, while referee Mark Webb
also had to break up a scuffle between Bellamy and Hunt by the corner flag.

But while Green performed solidly to prevent a consolation goal from the
home-side, the Hammers rubbed salt into the Royals' wounds when Etherington
took his second of the match converting a Carlton Cole pass on the 90th
minute.
© Adfero Ltd

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Reading Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sun Sep 2 2007

Reading 0 West Ham United 3

After questioning our performances in recent week, West Ham put in a simply
stunning and emphatic display in which we totally destroyed Reading, scoring
some beautiful goals. It is hard to remember a better performance than this
in recent years.

The pace, the skill, the defending, the goalkeeping was all brilliant, and
the only gripe is that is should have been eight instead of three!

Today we had a style of football, we had the means to destroy and we gave
Reading a footballing lesson both on pitch with the players and off the
pitch with the supporters.

A few changes were made to side which started against Bristol Rovers in
midweek. Robert Green was restored to the side in place of Richard Wright,
Upson was in for Gabbidon, Noble was in for Dyer, Etherington replaced Boa
Morte and Dean Ashton made his first West Ham start since the FA Cup Final
in 2006.

Before we entered the ground we were given leaflets stating that all West
Ham supporters must sit or there will fans getting evicted from the ground.
This is because of persistent standing over the past few years. It also
meant that there was no beer inside the ground which was of course a little
frustrating. As we were going to our seats, stewards were telling groups of
people what would happen if we did decide to stand.

Reading fans thought it would be clever to taunt us with chants of "6-0",
reminding us of the last time we met them at the Madjeski. Those feeble
chants were rammed straight down there throats after just six minutes as we
took the lead through Craig Bellamy.

Poor control from Ingimarsson let Bowyer gain possession and play perfectly
weighted pass for Bellamy to race onto and he finished brilliantly giving
the travelling West Ham army the perfect start.

It was a perfect finish from Bellamy who drilled his shot past the Reading
keeper in fine style. Having scored two in midweek against Bristol Rovers,
Bellamy looked in confident form very early on.

Reading reacted well to the goal and forced a series of corners. A deflected
shot from Harper had Robert Green beaten but lucky for us it went wide
instead of into the goal.

Although Reading were having lots of possession it was us who looked more
dangerous, with our counter attacking simply bamboozling the home side.
Bowyer had a wonderful chance to double the scoreline as a corner was half
cleared but his finish was poor and it went wide.

A quick throw from Green set Etherington away and the winger raced down the
left hand side and squared the ball for Mark Noble who shot over from about
fifteen yards when you would have expected him to score.

With about thirty minutes on the close we had another chance. Dean Ashton
got the ball on the right hand side and put in a clever cross for Bellamy
but the Welshman was beaten to the ball by the Reading keeper Hahnemann
before he could get a shot in.
Reading didn't help themselves by playing such a high line. I did not
understand why, with the pace we possess and the players who can make the
right passes did they play such a high line. I'm talking a silly high line –
right on the half way line.

Lucas Neill got himself involved in a few incidents with the painfully
useless Leroy Lita who spent the first half diving at every opportunity.
Thankfully, the ref Howard Webb was excellent today and was not fooled by
Lita's play acting.

Reading were unlucky not to score an equaliser when the tricky Stephen Hunt
hit a shot from about 25 yards which had Green beaten but not the crossbar.
Reading would struggle to come this close to goal again.

As the half time whistle went we could be very pleased with our performance.
Not only had we attacked with purpose, we had also defended really well and
in midfield Mullins had offered excellent protection.

It would only take us four minutes after the restart to double our advantage
and score a wonderfully worked goal which again saw us catch Reading on the
break.

A Reading corner was claimed by Green, who did well to get the ball out to
Etherington who raced into the Reading half. Etherington played the ball out
to the right to Mullins who had raced forward to aid the attack, he played
it into Bellamy's feet, and he played a superb one-two with Etherington who
smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Pandemonium in the stands as
another away victory edged closer.

For the next twenty minutes we were awesome, and Reading just couldn't deal
with us. We were a step ahead in every attack and were so solid at the back
that we never looked like conceding.

Ashton combined with Bellamy to set up Bowyer who was through on goal but
his finish was probably the worst I saw in this game as his shot went wide.

Ashton was replaced by Carlton Cole on the 65th minute. Ashton had worked
hard but looked way off the pace of the game, but had done his best to
combat physically with the Reading defenders.

Cole would be involved shortly after his introduction as he played a pass
through to Etherington who went one on one with the keeper, Etherington
advanced on goal but his shot was saved by Hahnemann. It was a great chance
but it was one of those situations where he just had too much time and the
finish in the end was poor.

Carlton Cole was next to have a golden chance when Bellamy played the ball
into his feet. Cole turned well and set himself for the shot but it was
saved again by Hahnemann as the West Ham fans were being frustrated by the
lack of calm in our finishing.

There was always a worry that the poor finishing could come back to haunt us
and this was certainly the thought when Kitson ran into the box and was
fouled by Green. The Ref pointed to the penalty spot and the Reading fans
saw a way back into the game.

Kevin Doyle stepped up to take the penalty as the Madjeski fell silent. But
Green was equal too it, diving to his left to make an excellent save, and as
the follow up was scuffed, the ball was eventually cleared to the delight of
everyone connected with West Ham.

We defended like warriors from then on, and I was very pleased at how every
player showed so much effort and determination for the cause.

There was still time for some icing on the cake and as Cole played an
excellent ball through to Etherington the winger superbly finished from 18
yards out for his second goal of the game and secured three points.

Wonderful.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
How this man is not in the England squad only Steve Mclaren knows, because
he showed once again what a great goal keeper he is. Made some great saves,
always got to the ball from crosses, distributed the ball quickly and
accurately setting up attacks and of course that penalty save was just
brilliant.

Lucas Neill
A few misplaced passes in the first half aside, he put in a solid
performance. Reading had a tricky winger in the way of Stephen Hunt, and
when up against Bowyer he would usually come out on top but Neill would not
let him get past him and put in a tough but fair performance for the 90
minutes.

Anton Ferdinand
Now this is the Anton I want to see week in and week out. This type of
performance is a joy to watch. It is no nonsense, no mistake, just good old
fashion defending mixed with Anton's bit of skill and good touch. His
defending was exemplarily and a good shout for man of the match.

Matthew Upson
Like Ferdinand he put in a performance of the highest quality and I think
for the first time I can see what the money was spent on. His all round
performance was top notch and I was particularly impressed with the amount
of blocks, interceptions and tackles he made especially in the second half.
He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. Read the game
excellently and didn't give away too many fouls.

George McCartney
Another one of our defenders who can come out of this game with his head
held high. McCartney follows in tradition of a few our former left backs
when it comes to getting stuck in. I don't think many people have
acknowledged this guys willingness to make that ugly tackle and put his body
in the way of shots, kicks and whatever is thrown at him. His forward play
isn't his strength but his defending today was spot on.

Lee Bowyer
His finishing was again pretty awful, especially the one in the second half
where he really should have scored. His blatant lack of pace looked worrying
at times, and Reading focussed all their attack down his side. Got an assist
for the first goal with a nicely weighted pass to Bellamy, but will be good
when one of our many injured midfielders return.

Hayden Mullins
This was a super performance from a man who I didn't think would be playing
many games this season – I didn't even think he would be here. But he showed
us all what a good defensive midfielder he can be. His role today cannot be
underestimated, he helped the defence no end and burst forward to help the
attacks when he could. The defence should thank him for how much he did
today – If Mullins was a condom everyone would buy it as it would offer
brilliant protection.

Mark Noble Another quality performance from the West Ham boy. Whilst not
involved creatively he and Mullins put in a battling performance which was
needed against a usually battling Reading side. It was a shame it wasn't
Noble in some of the goal scoring positions other were in as I am sure he
would have finished them. His progress continues and he is getting better.

Matthew Etherington
What is there to say? Matty was just unplayable today. Yes, he had a lot of
space but he exploited it brilliantly and got himself two goals and it
should have been a hat trick. Etherington has worked hard and got back into
the first team, and with performances like this he will not be replaced.
Superb.

Craig Bellamy
He is my man of the match today because I thought he was integral to
everything we did going forward. Reading could not cope with him, and he was
the one making the passes and setting people away. Scored one and made the
other – we finally used his pace to our advantage and it worked a treat.

Dean Ashton
He needs games, and needs to keep starting, but of course it was clear that
he was way off the pace of the game and looked painfully unfit. He just
couldn't keep up with the rest of the team and didn't look like he was able
to run. He just needs a little more time, but he will be the player we all
hope he will be. I am sure of it.

Subs Used

Carlton Cole (on for Ashton 65 mins)
Can't complain too much about his performance, he missed a good chance which
wasn't too surprising, but made a couple of passes which led to
opportunities, one was missed, and the other scored.

Jonathan Spector (on for Bowyer 81 mins)
Seemed to play as a right winger when he came on. Had a one header on goal.

Luis Boa Morte (on for Bellamy 90)
On to waste some time.

Overall

This was emphatic and for the first time this season we looked as though we
had a style of football which is what I have been asking for. We created
chances, we scored goals, we were solid at the back and we competed in
midfield. This was a complete performance and it is not often you will hear
anyone saying that about West Ham.

A quick note about Reading fans as I can't resist. If you were there you
will know what I mean when I say that they are a bunch of the wankiest
supporters around. Our support totally embarrassed them with their only
reply being about beating us 6-0. A championship club, with championship
support – I hope they go down and never come back.

Today was very encouraging and complete change from last weeks shamble
against Wigan. We were awesome today, and with Middlesbrough next we have a
chance to fire ourselves up the league.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham give Reading harsh lesson
By Steve Thomson, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 12:53am BST 02/09/2007

Reading (0) West Ham United (1) 3

Nicky Shorey could have been forgiven if he had shown all the symptoms of a
split personality yesterday. The subject of a rejected £4 million bid from
West Ham only days earlier, Reading's England full-back turned out against
his prospective employers and the Romford-born defender may well have had
mixed feelings as his current club suffered a comprehensive defeat.

Not quite so humiliating as the Hammers' 6-0 surrender at the Madejski
Stadium on New Year's Day, when Shorey set up four of the goals, but another
reminder to Steve Coppell that his side's second season in the top flight
will be twice as challenging as their first.

The Reading manager admitted the result had got "the alarm bells ringing"
and added: "I was frightened every time we attacked because they kept
hitting us on the break. Two of their goals came from our corners.

"I made a decision that we wouldn't do much business before the deadline
because I had faith and confidence in our players. But that's been severely
tested today."

While Coppell swapped Seol Ki-Hyeon for Fulham's Liam Rosenior, his
counterpart Alan Curbishley brought in Henri Camara from Wigan and
Newcastle's Nolberto Solano.

Although Curbishley certainly needed reinforcements to his injury-stricken
squad, those on view yesterday made an impressive case to be retained. "That
was a very important game for us," he said. "Defeat would have left us in
the bottom half and now we're in the top."

In the sixth minute Reading got themselves into a terrible midfield muddle
as James Harper lost possession and Lee Bowyer pounced to put Bellamy clear.
The Wales striker out-sprinted his marker and guided an angled shot into the
far corner for his first Premier League goal in a claret shirt.

The pattern had been set for the opening period and, although Reading built
up some momentum as half-time approached, luck suddenly deserted them as
Stephen Hunt's curling shot eluded Robert Green only to deflect behind off
the top of the bar.

Falling to one sucker punch is careless but to be knocked back again as
Coppell's team were four minutes after the interval was cruelly decisive in
determining the outcome. Again they were caught by a breakaway as Hayden
Mullins swept the ball across to Matthew Etherington, whose smart exchange
of passes with Bellamy enabled him to skip through and slot home.

Reading's hopes of a fight-back were squashed 14 minutes from time when
Green atoned for his late challenge on substitute Dave Kitson by diving to
his left to keep out Kevin Doyle's penalty kick. Etherington's second strike
in injury time, following Carlton Cole's fine pass, added salt to Reading's
wounds.

Match summary
Moment of the match: Robert Green sent Dave Kitson sprawling but bounced
back up to make a spectacular diving save from Kevin Doyle's penalty to
squash Reading's comeback hopes.
Match rating: 7/10

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy helps Curbishley to exact revenge - This Is London
01.09.07

Alan Curbishley sat in the same chair where he had accused his players of
suffering from a "Baby Bentley" culture and managed a contented smile. "It
looked totally different from last year," said the West Ham manager.

Without resorting to the gloating that the Hammers fans had enjoyed all
afternoon, Curbishley could take quiet satisfaction that the stain of
humiliation at the lowest point of his Upton Park management had been
satisfactorily removed.

Eight months after his team were beaten 6-0 on the same Madejski ground West
Ham gave a performance of such overwhelming superiority that a repeat of the
same scoreline — but this time in their favour — at times looked a genuine
possibility. Whereas Curbishley was on the verge of despair on New Year's
Day, now it was the turn of his opposite number, Steve Coppell, to admit
that some serious soul-searching lies ahead if Reading are to avoid a
second-season Premiership slump after two successive 3-0 defeats.

Revenge may never have been sweeter and, at this stage of the season, could
have significance for both clubs. "We never really spoke much about last
year," said Curbishley.

"But what we knew we had to do was defend properly. We did that with the two
centre-halves, Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson, throwing their bodies in
front of everything.

"It was an important game because if we'd lost we'd be in the bottom reaches
but now we're in the top half. It was great result after the week we've had.
Now we want to push on and have a solid season. After everything that's gone
on we need to be on the back pages for the right reasons."

There is every chance that his wish will come true if they play like this.
The £7.5million signing, Craig Bellamy, and left-winger Matthew Etherington
were outstanding, while Robert Green looked impassable, even saving Kevin
Doyle's 76th-minute penalty, which could have set up a late Reading rally.

From the moment Bellamy shot the Hammers into a sixth-minute lead, the
confidence swept through the side. Lee Bowyer set up the chance by catching
James Harper in possession before releasing the Wales international to race
clear and drill his shot into the bottom corner.

While Reading hustled to little effect, the visitors' pace on the break
frequently offered opportunities to extend the lead. Mark Noble wasted a
glorious opening from Etherington's run while, at the other end, Stephen
Hunt was unlucky not to equalise with a shot that clipped the bar.

But the game was up four minutes into the second half when a length-of-
the-field move ended with Bellamy playing Etherington through to rifle a
shot into the roof of the net.

Bowyer then missed a sitter and Marcus Hahnemann kept the score down with a
one-on-one save from Etherington. Even when Reading were thrown a lifeline —
as Green brought down substitute Dave Kitson — they could not take it. The
goalkeeper guessed right and pushed away Doyle's penalty kick.

Coppell's men showed plenty of spirit in the closing stages only to be
caught by another breakaway, which Etherington finished with a thumping
20-yard shot.

After a first season in which they caught teams by surprise, played with
energy and commitment and had a fair share of things go right for them,
Reading are now facing a severe test of their character and ability.

They are clearly missing the departed Steve Sidwell and the injured Glen
Little, while a defence which was once so resilient is now looking
alarmingly vulnerable.

Coppell admits that he is worried and, with the transfer window firmly
closed, has to wait four months before he can sign reinforcements.

For a manager who rarely criticises his players, he was surprisingly
outspoken, accusing the team of being "naive", giving a "poor performance"
and "lacking structure".

He said: "I wasn't going to do much business in the transfer window because
I had faith and confidence in our squad of players, but that was put
severely to the test today.This one result has hit the alarm bells fairly
early. We have a lot of thinking to redirect what we're about."

As for West Ham, the future is looking bright. They appear to have recovered
from the loss of Carlos Tevez and in Bellamy have a player who, if he
concentrates on his football, has everything it takes to become an Upton
Park hero. They will face tougher battles ahead but there were undoubtedly
plenty of happy Hammers around last night.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Royals 0-3 West Ham -Offateleven.com
By OAE
Date: 1/9/2007

The Royals were comfortably beaten at home by West Ham with goals from Craig
Bellamy and Matthew Etherington (2). Kevin Doyle also missed a penalty in
the second half in another poor performance in which he hardly created a
chance of note.

To win football matches you need to score goals and to score goals you need
to create chances-we cannot do either, and if you disregard the first half
against Chelsea, the number of chances we have created all season is
unlikely to go into double figures so far.
Our success over the last 2 season's has been built on having 2 fantastic
wingers, but without a natural winger on the right hand side we have
effectively halved our attacking options because our central midfield
create's sod all whilst Hunt has looked out of sorts in the last two games
despite starting the season well.

If our problem's going forward were not enough, for the second game running
we looked awful defensively as well despite having Graeme Murty and Nicky
Shorey returning after missing the trip to Bolton last week. The latter was
caught out of position after 6 minutes allowing Bellamy to race through and
beat Hahnemann with relative ease.

Stephen Hunt did hit the bar before half time but by that time, the Hammers
had run rings around our defence lead by the inspirational Bellamy and
Matthew Etherington, who found so much space on the left wing I had to keep
checking the teamsheet to remind myself that Murty was actually playing.

It came as no surprise when Etherington scored a second early in the second
half and Bowyer, Noble and sub Carlton Cole all wasted good chances gifted
to them by the Royals defence and only a couple of saves from Hahnemann kept
the score down.

Etherington scored again in the last minute from another break away but the
stadium was already emptying by then as those Royals fans who had spent vast
amount's on renewing season tickets, wondered exactly where the money had
gone because there has clearly not been enough investment in the team.
Rosenior arrived on Friday, but at the expense of one of our right wingers
leaving us with just Little and Oster as options down that side of
midfield-both of whom are injured. Fae is a central midfielder, and judging
by the performance of Gunnarsson today, it won't be too long before he is
playing there. No striker has scored a goal in the Premiership for us this
season, Doyle looks short on confidence and Lita spent far too much of this
game on the floor.

Thing must improve-quickly.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham owner 'feels English'
Jamie Jackson
Sunday September 2, 2007
The Observer

Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the owner of West Ham, has told Observer Sport that
a major reason why the club will be successful is because he and chairman
Eggert Magnusson 'feel almost semi-English'. Gudmundsson, who owns 95 per
cent of the club, was speaking to a British newspaper for the first time
since the takeover last November. He believes that he and his fellow
Icelander have an advantage over some foreign owners in the Premier League
because Europeans have more football experience than club owners from Asia
and the United States.

Gudmundsson was a youth player at KR, Iceland's most successful club, and
chairman during the 1990s; Magnusson was head of the Icelandic Football
Association and a Uefa board member. 'I don't think we think much
differently from English owners, so I mean we are very pro-English,'
Gudmundsson said. 'We are close to England, only two-and-a-half hours away
from you, so we sometimes consider ourselves as semi-English. We know the
culture. We are not coming from Asia or far away.

'I'm wondering whether with foreign owners it's about where you come from.
It might be more of an issue if they don't, for example, play so much soccer
in America.' The Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks, Randy Lerner and
Malcolm Glazer own, respectively, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester
United. Manchester City are controlled by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra.

The Icelanders are aware that some in the game are wary of all the overseas
takeovers. 'I think many of the clubs who are not foreign owned use it as an
excuse when they don't succeed,' Magnusson said. 'They blame it on the
foreign owners. I have a lot of respect for Niall Quinn and for Sunderland,
but I think he was getting a lot of stick from his supporters because they'd
been signing players for a high price and he used the excuse to come after
foreign owners.'

In his first UK interview, Gudmundsson talks about his criminal conviction,
the Carlos Tevez affair and why he is content to stay in the background.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy and Etherington leave ragged Royals looking flushed
Arindam Rej at the Madejski Stadium
Sunday September 2, 2007
The Observer

This was a masterclass in how not to play against West Ham. For all West
Ham's faults, they are a team who know how to break quickly from deep
positions and have the players to capitalise on counter-attacks. Reading
defeated West Ham 6-0 in their last meeting here on New Year's Day, so Steve
Coppell's team really should have known better. But clearly they didn't.
Three times, they recklessly committed men forward and allowed West Ham to
run at their backpedalling defence. Three times, they were punished.

Three men deserve special praise. Craig Bellamy, showing pace and poise,
scored the first and teed up the second. Matthew Etherington delivered the
killer touches for the second goal and then - in the dying moments - the
third. And the other West Ham hero was their goalkeeper Robert Green, who
made the 76th-minute save from Kevin Doyle's penalty that ensured it would
be a far more comfortable end to the game than it could have been for Alan
Curbishley's team.
This was a free-flowing game - albeit lacking in quality - that could have
turned out so differently had Reading been more watchful and less
profligate. They never seemed truly out of the contest until the final
minutes but, equally, looked like they needed to step up a gear in front of
goal.

Coppell cut a nervous figure, looking on as his team, normally so hard to
break down, were dismantled. 'It's the first time since I've been here that
I was frightened every time we attacked,' he said. 'It was naive to say the
least. Two of their goals came from our corners.'

West Ham were encouraged by Dean Ashton's return to their starting line-up
and they began adventurously. The early goal arrived after Bryn Gunnarsson's
pass was crucially intercepted by Lee Bowyer in West Ham's half of the
field. Bowyer then threaded the ball forward to Bellamy. The former
Liverpool striker embarked on a lengthy run down the right before moving in
towards the edge of the box and producing an angled drive that evaded Marcus
Hahnemann.

Reading's best chance of the half came seconds before the interval when
Graeme Murty's long pass fell into the path of Doyle. He knocked the ball
back for Stephen Hunt, who struck sweetly. He was peeling away, ready to
celebrate, but had to watch the ball dip on to the bar.

West Ham reasserted their supremacy after half-time and doubled the lead
following a brilliant passing move involving Hayden Mullins, Etherington and
Bellamy. It culminated in a swift one-two between Bellamy and Etherington
before the latter's fierce finish.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley recognised the outstanding contribution of
Bellamy. 'The fans will just lap it up if he does the business here,' he
said.

Reading had an escape when Ashton headed on for Bellamy. The Welshman's pass
was collected by Bowyer, whose shot was a whisker away from sneaking inside
the far post. 'I wanted to strangle him,' said Curbishley, speaking about
Bowyer.

Reading continued creating chances, but repeatedly spurned them. The most
disappointing moment for Reading came when Green felled Dave Kitson, leading
to the penalty that was saved. Etherington wrapped up the game, fittingly,
with a breakaway run from the halfway line that ended in him arrowing the
ball beyond Hahnemann from 18 yards.

Man of the match: Craig Bellamy

His opener was a fi ne example of the devastation he can inflict on the
opposition when West Ham break with speed. His composure was admirable
during the build-up to that fi rst goal. He then played an instrumental part
in putting the visitors 2-0 ahead.

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Reading 0 West Ham Utd 3: Bewitching Bellamy casts spell - The Independent
Striker's masterclass allows resurgent Hammers to gain revenge for last
term's thumping
By James Corrigan at The Madejski Stadium
Published: 02 September 2007

A nine-goal turnaround is doubtlessly overstating the difference between the
sinking mess that was West Ham at the start of the year and the buoyant
force that is West Ham now. But that was not about to stop the Upton Park
faithful from claiming as a watershed this emphatic expunging of the memory
of last season's most embarrassing defeat.

It was New Year's Day and West Ham had arrived in Reading at the depth of
their hangover. The 6-0 humiliation was to be the heaviest loss of the
entire Premiership campaign. It is fair to say that yesterday was somewhat
of a less sobering experience. Indeed, the performances of the scorers,
Craig Bellamy and Matthew Etherington, was positively heady.

"We looked a different side to the one that turned up here in January," said
Alan Curbishley, denying that revenge had been on their minds but admitting
it had been sweet anyway. "This was a great result, especially after the
week we've just had."

The West Ham manager was referring principally to the bad injury suffered by
Kieron Dyer, which has put a further strain on already stretched resources.
He should not expect too much sympathy from Steve Coppell, however, who must
have watched the opposition's rock-solid defence and flying attackers like
Bellamy and thought to himself: "If only."

It was the Welshman's clinical finish – his first League goal since his
£7.5m move from Liverpool – from a prohibitive angle which got the Hammers
rolling after Lee Bowyer caught Steve Harper in possession and played a
through-ball. From there, the visitors quickly got on top, although Stephen
Hunt must have believed he had hauled Reading level when his curling shot
from the edge of the area dipped over Robert Green before crashing off the
bar. That was as close as they were to come to parity because after the
restart, West Ham soon doubled their advantage.

This was the beginning of a startling passage of play from Bellamy.
Curbishley revealed afterwards he had a heart-to-heart with the
controversial 28-year-old when he signed for the club in the summer.

"I asked him whether he was going to be remembered for his football," he
said. "I told him the fans will love him and lap it up. He proved that with
what he did on the pitch today."

The pass to Etherington for the second goal, in the 49th minute, was a magic
moment. Credit must go to the winger for initiating and making the most of
the one-two on the edge of the box, but it was the vision and weight of
Bellamy's pass into the area which drew the gasps. It was an instant of
class that certainly stunned Reading.

In fact, they failed to resuscitate their challenge until the final quarter,
but by then the deficit should have been greater. In the 63rd minute,
another piece of Bellamy wizardry played in Bowyer, who could only locate
the billboards, and Etherington was not nearly so assured when firing
straight at Marcus Hahnemann when presented with another one on one.

If that was commendable goalkeeping, then his opposite number was soon to
eclipse it with a couple of tremendous saves. In the 76th minute, Green
brought down the substitute Dave Kitson, but made instant amends when
spectacularly leaping to his left to palm away Kevin Doyle's penalty. And
then, in injury time, he repelled Kitson's point-blank strike.

It was only left to Etherington to apply the icing with another exquisite
placement. That makes it four away League wins in a row. Amazing to think
that even one seemed beyond them on their last visit to Berkshire.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy bullies Reading - the Times
Reading 0 West Ham 3
Brian Glanville at Madejski stadium

Making light of harsh memories, and the loss in midweek of Kieron Dyer, West
Ham, inspired by Craig Bellamy, simply took Reading to pieces.

As early as the sixth minute, it was plain that West Ham were most unlikely
to repeat the fearful 6-0 humiliation they suffered here last New Year's
Day.

When Lee Bowyer intercepted a Reading midfield pass, he expertly and
precisely stroked the ball to enable Craig Bellamy to go through a huge gap.
Away went Bellamy, never an easy man to catch at the best of times, finally
to send his low right-footed cross-shot into the left-hand corner of the
Reading goal.

What a colossal relief it must have been to West Ham manager Alan
Curbishley, who was obliged to sit and watch his team's destruction on
January 1. He could hardly be held blameless for that defeat, even though
the Hammers' performance was flaccid and inept in the extreme.

Curbishley inexplicably failed to get Carlos Tevez off the bench. Had he put
him on from the beginning, it is arguable that Tevez, with his energy,
commitment and determination, would have set the rest of the West Ham team
an example, instead of lying down to die.

West Ham could not add to that early goal before half-time, but they had
unquestionably been the better team, poised, intelligent and progressive
against a Reading side which played only in fits and starts, though there
was always hope in the enterprise of their Republic of Ireland international
left winger Stephen Hunt, who was quick, illusive and intelligent.

West Ham, for their part, had their much lauded centre forward Dean Ashton
making his first start since his return from all those months out with
injury.

Could he only recover the exhilarating force he showed in the 2006 FA Cup
Final in Cardiff against Liverpool, he could well solve a salient problem
for England.

Bellamy was, at his most lively and illusive, a sharp contrast to the player
one has seen untypically labouring when West Ham lost their first Premier
League game of the season at home to Manchester City. At his best Bellamy
has speed of thought as well as speed of foot.

But though West Ham had territorial dominance they were not making chances,
and eventually, with a few minutes remaining to half time, Hunt could have
equalised for Reading when his shot grazed the top of Robert Green's
crossbar. This followed an elaborate move when Graeme Murty crossed the ball
which was turned back by Kevin Doyle to his fellow Irishman. You could not,
however, help thinking that Reading seriously missed the robust and
intelligent skill of Steve Sidwell in central midfield. Departed for
Chelsea, who did not have to pay a penny for him, he now sits on the
substitute's bench.

After four minutes of the second half, West Ham had doubled their lead with
a splendidly well-taken goal.

It was interesting the scorer, who also played a crucial part in the build
up, should be the left winger Matthew Etherington. Against Manchester City,
sent on as a substitute, he had looked far the most impressive and effective
of a largely dull team. He did not produce much of consequence in the first
half. But now Bellamy moved the ball out to Etherington, who played a crisp
one-two with his forward, then drove his shot home.

There was something horribly amiss about this Reading defence,
embarrassingly vulnerable to the throughball. Twice in half a dozen
second-half minutes it was penetrated again, and twice they escaped, when
West Ham seemed certain to score.

On 63 minutes, it was Bellamy and Bowyer again, with Bellamy skilfully
splitting the Reading back four, giving Bowyer another free run. A goal
seemed inevitable but this time Bowyer contrived only to strike his shot low
and wide of the far post. In the 69th minute it was Carlton Cole who had
just come on for Ashton, and is surely better known as a taker rather than
creator of goals, whose turn it was to find Reading's defence abysmally
square and wanting. This time it was Etherington, all alone, who should have
scored, only for Reading's American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann to
resourcefully come off his line, dive and block the ball.

Hope burgeoned in the Reading side when, with 14 minutes left, Nicky Shorey,
who West Ham have recently been pursuing, sent the ball through to the
substitute Dave Kitson. Robert Green rushed out of the West Ham goal, dived
at Kitson's feet, only to bring him down. The penalty was taken by Doyle,
but his effort was close enough for Green to make amends by diving to his
left and keeping the shot out.

Employing Kitson up front in what was now a 4-3-3 formation, Reading's
defence simply disintegrated.

When the irrepressible Bellamy found Cole, Hahnemann brought off another
accomplished save. At the other end, in a brief Reading flurry, Kalifa Cisse
had a shot blocked, but away came West Ham again, Cole bisected what now
passed for Reading's defence and Etherington scored again, a drilled
left-foot shot from 20 yards. Reading West Ham 2 Shots on target (incl
goals) 8 8 Shots off target 4 3 Blocked shots 4 14 Corners won 4 10 Total
fouls conceded 14 1 Offsides 6 0 Yellow cards 1 0 Red cards 0 52% Possession
48%

Star man: Craig Bellamy (West Ham)

Player ratings: Reading: Hahnemann 7, Murty 6, Duberry 5, Ingimarsson 5,
Shorey 6, Fae 5 (Kitson 61min), Gunnarsson 5 (Cisse 69min), Harper 6, Hunt
6, Doyle 5, Lita 5 (Convey 75min)

West Ham: Green 7, Neill 6, Ferdinand 6, Upson 6, McCartney 6, Bowyer 6
(Spector 81min), Mullins 7, Noble 7, Etherington 7, Bellamy 8 (Boa Morte
90min), Ashton 7 (Cole 65min)

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