Zavon Hines came off the bench to strike a superb equaliser in a competitive
pre-season friendly
01.08.2008
Southampton 2-2 West Ham United
In-form striker Zavon Hines came off the bench to score a second-half
equaliser as West Ham United fought back from two-nil down at Southampton on
Friday night.
A 12,314-strong crowd at St Mary's watched the teams play in a pre-season
friendly for the Ted Bates Trophy, with captains Lucas Neill and Michael
Svensson sharing the spoils. After two goals from Saints youngster David
McGoldrick had stunned the travelling support, who made up a quarter of the
crowd but dominated the atmosphere, Calum Davenport grabbed a goal back just
before the interval. Hines then pounced to make it all square midway through
the second half.
Alan Curbishley fielded a strong side - with Valon Behrami making his second
appearance in the space of three days. Marek Stech was given a start in goal
while Davenport partnered Matthew Upson in the centre of defence as Anton
Ferdinand began on the bench. Hayden Mullins was recalled to the side to
partner Scott Parker in midfield with Mark Noble making way. Craig Bellamy,
who netted two goals at Peterborough on Tuesday night, was alongside Carlton
Cole up front.
The first real attack of the night came from the home side, when Lee Holmes
sent in a flying shot which Stech did well to stop. At the other end, Neill
surged into a good forward position only for his effort to be blocked, with
Cole and Bellamy trying to snatch the rebound before it was cleared to
safety. Bellamy then combined well with Kyel Reid to cross into the box, but
the ball just fell too far in front of Julien Faubert.
Stech then gathered well with a close-range effort before McGoldrick watched
a searing shot go wide. The warning had been fired. Moments later, the
20-year-old struck from close range. The striker put his side 2-0 up within
five minutes, running through and putting a shot beyond Stech to make it 2-0
to Southampton.
West Ham United were not down and out though. As half-time approached,
Bellamy raced through and was only just denied before Faubert's well-taken
corner was met perfectly by the head of Davenport, who had been equally
impressive in his more regular defensive duties. Bellamy nearly added
another just before the half-time whistle with an overhead kick, but the
Saints keeper got a hand to clear.
Curbishley made his first change at the start of the second half, with Noble
replacing Bellamy. McGoldrick was still lively, shooting just wide after 54
minutes and then again two minutes later, when he saw his run blocked by the
combination of Neill and Behrami. West Ham United made a triple substitution
in the 69th minute, Ferdinand and Widdowson replacing Upson and Reid
respectively while Cole walked off after a knock to give Hines his chance.
Six minutes later, Hines made his mark as he received the ball from Behrami,
swivelled and lashed into the net. It was the fourth goal in as many games
for the 19-year-old who is looking to make his mark in and around the first
team this season, having been spurred on by the feats of Freddie Sears and
performed well in a loan at the end of last season with Coventry City.
Jack Collison came on for Parker on 62 minutes, before Curbishley also
brought on Tony Stokes for the industrious Faubert. Ferdinand cleared well
as Southampton looked to try and get back in front and Stech made a good
save from McGoldrick. The visitors finished the stronger though with
Collison, Stanislas and Hines all hungry to make a contribution and, but for
more composure, could have snatched victory in the final minutes.
Southampton: Bartosz Bialowski, Lloyd James, Andew Surman, Morgan
Schneiderlin, Michael Svensson, Chris Perry, Jake Thomson, Simon Gillett,
Adam Lallana, David McGoldrick, Lee Holmes.
Substitutes: Tommy Forecast, Aarran Racine, Paul Wootton, Joseph Mills,
Bradley Wright-Phillips, Stern John, Grzegorz Rasiak, Nathan Dyer.
West Ham United: Marek Stech, Lucas Neill (c), Calum Davenport, Matthew
Upson (Ferdinand 59) Valon Behrami (Stokes 76), Scott Parker (Collison 62)
Julian Faubert (Stanislas 71), Craig Bellamy (Noble 45), Kyel Reid
(Widdowson, 59), Carlton Cole (Hines 60), Hayden Mullins.
Subs not used: Robert Green, Jordan Spence.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs cheered by effort - WHUFC
A chance for Marek Stech and Zavon Hines to shine and more fitness gained
left the manager upbeat
02.08.2008
Alan Curbishley was delighted with the work-out and his youngsters' progress
after a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Southampton on Friday night.
The manager admitted his side's passing could have been better but was full
of praise for the character and commitment shown in coming from two-nil
down. "It was a very open game," he said. "It was a decent work-out and a
lot of the young lads have got some great experience." He was specifically
referring to goalkeeper Marek Stech who got 90 minutes, and second-half
substitute Zavon Hines, who finished the scoring with a superb strike. Stech
could do nothing about either of David McGoldrick's goals which put Saints
on their way before Calum Davenport pulled one back just before the interval
In-form forward Hines, with four goals now in pre-season, came on for
Carlton Cole who came off with a sore ankle. The replaced forward, with the
games deliberately coming thick and fast to get as much football into the
whole squad as possible, may now be the next to be rested for Monday's trip
to Ipswich Town. Craig Bellamy, who also felt the force of a couple of
challenges, could well be reunited at Portman Road with Dean Ashton. The No9
trained on Friday after illness and Curbishley added: "We are hoping over
the weekend that he gets his strength back up and he can play."
Also getting closer are James Tomkins after a knee knock and Freddie Sears,
who picked up a bruised foot in midweek against Cambridge United. Matthew
Etherington is back after blistered feet and may get his second run-out in
ten days when Kevin Keen takes a West Ham United XI to Grays Athletic on
Saturday with Lee Bowyer also among those in the frame. With an intense
pre-season schedule helping raise fitness levels, Curbishley is focused on
the positives. "There is quite a few of them going home really pleased with
tonight," he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton 2-2 West Ham United FT - WHUFC
All the action as it happened from St Mary's Stadium as Alan Curbishley's
men came from behind to draw
01.08.2008
Pre-season friendly
St Mary's Stadium
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Paul Taylor
Full time: 2-2
87min - Stanislas fizzes one in that the keeper just pushes wide. Great
effort.
86min - McGoldrick works an opening but Stech is again equal to it.
84min - Neill is very much the senior figure on view. Seven of the players
on view are 21 or under.
83min - Stokes shows great determination to run at goal. It comes to
nothing, though.
81min - There is a fair chance of another goal this evening. Both teams are
pressing for a third.
79min - Hines goes down in the penalty area. He thought it was a foul but
the referee believed otherwise. Southampton are replacing Thomson with Stern
John.
76min - Behrami goes off to be replaced by Tony Stokes. Stokes will also
play wide right.
75min - McGoldrick shoots low but Stech is equal to it. Good handling.
73min - Hines is enjoying this pre-season. To read more about him, click
here.
71min - Junior Stanislas is coming on for Faubert and will play wide left.
The departing Frenchman gets a good response after another strong showing.
He had gone to the left in this second half and looked bright.
70min - Davenport with another good tackle. Then Widdowson rises well to
clear. It is a good work-out this, considering Southampton are ahead in
their pre-season schedule with the Championship beginning on Saturday week.
69min - Behrami is becoming more influential. He is combining well with
Noble and pushing forward at will.
67min - Ferdinand and McGoldrick are called over by the referee after a few
harsh words. Both teams are giving their all.
66min - Hines is loving this. He goes through the middle of two players and
they have no choice but to bring him down. The move began with a great Neill
tackle in his own area. From the free-kick, Davenport rises high but heads
straight at Bialkowski.
65min - GOAL! - Hines scores a stunner. Behrami made it with a tremendous
run. He picked out the youngster with his back to goal. He turned and in one
movement 12 yards out lashed it into the corner of the net.
63min - Jack Collison is on for the hard-working Parker.
61min - Neill has reverted to right-back with Behrami further forward.
Widdowson has gone over to the left. Hines is the lone striker and already
looks keen to make an impression.
60min - Ferdinand is replacing Upson. Widdowson comes on for Reid while
Cole, who appears in some discomfort, makes way for Zavon Hines.
58min - Well played Behrami. The last man denies Thomson on another quick
break.
57min - Behrami gets forward well and wins a corner. Joe Widdowson is also
being prepared. Southampton clear the danger.
56min - Southampton break quickly but are flagged offside. It looks like
Anton Ferdinand is coming on.
54min - A slip by Behrami on the halfway line allows Thomson a run on goal.
The summer signing felt he was impeded but the Saints No7 could not keep his
effort on target after Stech came out quickly.
53min - Cole's header is spectacularly saved from Faubert's precise cross.
This is better from West Ham United, summed up by Parker's fierce follow-up
shot which is deflected wide.
52min - Svensson heads over the crossbar. Behrami did well to put the
defender off as the cross came in.
51min - Behrami does well to clear a dangerous cross before Cole cuts out
the resulting corner.
50min - Holmes flashes one wide after Noble appeared to be fouled. The
referee waved play on.
49min - McGoldrick gets a half-chance but Stech is alert and deals with it
easily. On the counter, Reid gets a run at the full-back but is well
marshalled.
47min - West Ham United are kicking towards their own fans. There are more
than 3,000 packed into the seats behind the goal and they are making plenty
of noise. Faubert gives them something to cheer with a surging run but his
cross is cut out.
46min - Bellamy has made way for Mark Noble.
HALF-TIME
45min - It should be 2-2. Bellamy's acrobatic effort is just plucked away by
Bialkowski. Once again the move came about after bright work by Reid on the
left.
45min - GOAL! - Davenport scores with a great header from Faubert's second
corner. The defender towered above everyone in the box and there was no
doubt about it as soon as ball met head.
44min - Reid does well to earn a corner on the left wing. Bellamy started
the move and has been a lively performer this half. Faubert's corner just
eludes Upson and the ball runs out of play.
43min - Bellamy races away from the defence and leaves everyone in his wake.
He works a shooting opportunity but Bialkowski stuck a foot out to deny the
striker.
41min - Behrami is penalised for a foul on Holmes. Southampton will get a
chance to put more pressure on the visitors' goal when play resumes.
40min - A great tackle by Davenport denies Holmes. West Ham United still
look threatening and will fancy their chances of getting back into this.
38min - McGoldrick gets up well to head for goal. This time Stech saves
comfortably.
37min - GOAL! - McGoldrick makes it two with a well-taken chip over Stech
after a neat through-ball split the visiting defence. There was little the
keeper could do about that.
36min - There are 12,314 fans here but it is the home supporters who in good
voice at the moment.
35min - Bellamy looks for an instant response. He accelerates 40 yards
through midfield before slipping the ball out to Faubert on the right. The
winger makes good ground but his cross is too strong.
33min - GOAL! - A great cross from right-back Lloyd James misses out
Davenport and finds the unmarked McGoldrick. The No9 connects with a diving
header which is too strong for Stech. The Czech goalkeeper got a hand to the
ball but could not stop it crossing the line.
29min - Stech is definitely the busier of the two keepers. This time he
saves well from Jake Thomson.
27min - There are some crunching tackles going in from both sides. Behrami
does well to tidy up after Southampton go on the attack.
25min - A quick break by Bellamy on the right nearly sees Valon Behrami get
a chance on the edge of the six-yard box. The Swiss international did not
hesitate to get forward there.
24min - David McGoldrick caps a good period of home pressure with a great
run and shot that just whistles past Stech's right-hand post.
20min - Corner to Southampton. Davenport wins it again and the danger is
cleared.
19min - Upson does well to clear a Saints attack. Another quick counter sees
Reid involved again. This time his right-foot cross is cut out. Southampton
break again and once more Upson is there.
16min - Reid bamboozles Jake Thomson twice on the left wing before crossing
superbly across goal. Bellamy just cannot connect.
15min - More good link-up play from Cole and the supporting Parker before
the ball finds Bellamy. His cross from the left wing just eludes Faubert who
was coming in from the other wing. Cole has been impressive.
13min - Calum Davenport is doing well. He has not lost a header and he has
had about five crosses to deal with so far. His latest clearance sets Scott
Parker away but he just cannot get Cole free.
10min - Lucas Neill shows up on the edge of the area and is just about to
shoot before a last-ditch tackle denies the captain.
9min - We have a good game here. Cole does superbly to bring a long ball
down before running towards the penalty area. He then finds Bellamy with a
neat pass but his striker partner is closed down.
7min - Lee Holmes fires in from the left wing. A superb shot and a great
save by Stech. The tall keeper pushed it away well. On the counterattack,
Kyel Reid races clear of his marker after good skill but is then fouled.
5min - The game is a bit scrappy at the moment. Neither keeper has been
tested yet. For West Ham United, 18-year-old Marek Stech is getting a
deserved start in goal.
3min - Cole flicks on for Bellamy but the Wales captain is just caught
offside. Southampton have popular defender Michael Svensson back in their
ranks after a long injury absence.
2min - All you can hear is 'Come on you Irons'. It is tremendous travelling
support for Curbishley's side. Julien Faubert was the first to show with a
good cross from the right for Carlton Cole.
1min - Southampton get us under way.
KICK-OFF
7.40pm - Welcome to St Mary's for tonight's encounter which is being played
for the Ted Bates Trophy. A sizeable number of Hammers fans have made the
trip to the south coast for the match which will see Alan Curbishley's men
look to continue their fine summer form. It looks like we will have a
delayed start here.
Southampton: Bartosz Bialkowski, Lloyd James, Andrew Surman, Morgan
Schneiderlin, Michael Svensson, Chris Perry, Jake Thomson, Simon Gillett,
Adam Lallana, David McGoldrick, Lee Holmes
Subs: Tommy Forecast, Aarran Racine, Paul Wotton, Joseph Mills, Bradley
Wright-Phillips, Stern John, Grzegorz Rasiak, Nathan Dyer
West Ham United: Marek Stech, Valon Behrami, Calum Davenport, Matthew Upson,
Lucas Neill, Julien Faubert, Hayden Mullins, Scott Parker, Kyel Reid,
Carlton Cole, Craig Bellamy
Subs: Robert Green, Joe Widdowson, Anton Ferdinand, Jordan Spence, Jack
Collison, Mark Noble, Tony Stokes, Junior Stanislas, Zavon Hines
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Anxious wait on Cole - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole is a new injury worry for Alan Curbishley just two weeks ahead
of the start of the 2008/09 Premier League campaign. The big striker was
immediately substituted after appearing to injure his ankle an hour into
last night's 2-2 draw at Southampton. Although there has been no official
word on Cole as of yet eye-witness reports suggest that the knock looked
fairly serious. If so, that could leave Alan Curbishley with just Craig
Bellamy and Dean Ashton - who sat out a second consecutive game with a
stomach problem last night - as his only two experienced fit strikers going
into the new season.
The club had claimed back in June that Curbishley could have all but one
player - the long-term injured Jonathan Spector - back in time for the new
season.
However the manager's injury list still numbers in double figures - with
some long-term injured personnel still far from full fitness. Curbishley -
who made his first major summer signing, Valon Beharami, last month - spoke
earlier in the week of extending his squad further, prior to the end of the
transfer window. If the news is bad for Cole, that search for fresh talent
will be just a little more urgent tomorrow.
M.I.A: current status
Lee Bowyer: back in full training; may feature for reserves this weekend
Matthew Etherington: one brief pre-season run-out; may play at Grays for
reserves this weekend
Dean Ashton: illness; hoping to play at Ipswich on Monday
Kieron Dyer: break; still hoping to make comeback at Ipswich next week
James Tomkins: recovering from knee injury picked up on England duty;
possibly Villarreal
Freddie Sears: took a knock (foot) against Cambridge; possibly Ipswich,
probably Villarreal
George McCartney: back in full training; should return prior to season
kick-off
Luis Boa Morte: light training; return date unknown
Nigel Quashie: unknown foot injury, out since last March; return date
unknown
Danny Gabbidon: still recovering from therapy; return date unknown
James Collins: recovering from cruciate; could be back by September
Jonathan Spector: torn labrum; hoping to return in January 2009
Carlton Cole: ankle; unknown
Freddie Ljungberg: given extended leave after Euro 08; current
whereabouts/return date unknown
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton 2 West Ham Utd 2 - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 1st August 2008
By: Staff Writer
The Hammers clawed their way back from two down to snatch a draw against
Championship outfit Southampton in their latest pre-season friendly at St
Mary's tonight. Strikes by Calum Davenport and Zavon Hines saved face for
United who had found themselves two goals behind after the home side notched
two goals inside three minutes. David McGoldrick opened the scoring for the
Saints after 32 minutes when nodding the ball past Marek Stech, starting in
place of Rob Green who was on the bench. The Saints striker then gave the
home side a two goal cushion just three minutes later when he left Stech
red-faced after a clever lob caught the young United keeper off-guard.
Having recovered from the early set-back the Hammers recovered well, and
opened their account two minutes from the break when Calum Davenport got on
the end of a Julien Faubert corner to register a rare set-piece goal. Alan
Curbishley responded to the half-time reversal by introducing Mark Noble in
place of Craig Bellamy, leaving Carlton Cole alone up front. However he was
forced into a rethink just 13 minutes into the second period when Cole was
forced off after taking a knock moments earlier. His substitution - albeit
thanks to misfortune rather than the tactical nous of Alan Curbishley -
proved to be inspired as replacement Zavon Hines levelled the scores less
than two minutes after entering the fray with a well-taken finish from
inside the box. As the game wore on a flurry of substitutions gave more
youngsters the chance to impress Curbishley; Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison
and Joe Widdowson all came on in place of more experienced pros (as did
Anton Ferdinand, another first teamer that started the night on the bench).
The game ended with a little controversy; in the final few minutes Mark
Noble was bundled over in the box by Surman. However his penalty plea was
ignored by match official Paul Taylor, possibly mindful of upsetting the
home crowd by awarding a controversial spot kick late on in a game that in
truth, neither side deserved to win. Next up for the first team is the trip
to Ipswich on Monday night; meanwhile the reserves can be seen in action at
Grays tomorrow afternoon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poortvliet: lightweight Hammers lucky - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Southampton boss Jan Poortvliet has claimed his side were unlucky not to
beat West Ham - whilst questioning United's commitment. The Saints raced
into a 2-0 first half lead in tonight's friendly through a brace from David
McGoldrick before Calum Davenport and Zavon Hines saved face for the
Hammers.
Poortvliet confessed to being delighted at his team's performance - before
making what appeared to be a subtle dig at Alan Curbishley's team. "At
certain moments we made mistakes and we have to learn from that - but I
think in general the boys continued to try to play and I think we were a bit
unlucky not to get the victory," he told saintsfc.co.uk. "In the first 45
minutes we were outstanding. We scored two goals and we deserved it. We had
everything - good pressure, good football, shots on goal. "I think everybody
would have enjoyed the game - and now we look forward to taking on a
different, more physical challenge against Stoke on Tuesday night."
Meanwhile Curbishley - whose team tonight was missing the likes of Dean
Ashton, Kieron Dyer, George McCartney, Scott Parker and Freddie Ljungberg -
was pleased for the run-outs given to a number of youngsters in the squad
due to first-team squad player absentees. "It was a very open game," he told
whufc.com. "It was a decent work-out and a lot of the young lads have got
some great experience."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers held by Saints - SSN
Hines goal rescues draw for West Ham
Last updated: 1st August 2008
West Ham came from behind to draw 2-2 with Southampton in an entertaining
game at St Mary's. Alan Curbishley sent out a strong side with Valon Behrami
making his second appearance in the space of three days, but it was Saints
who started the brighter. David McGoldrick broke the deadlock in the 33rd
minute with a close-range finish and the 20-year-old striker then grabbed a
second four minutes later as he fired past goalkeeper Marek Stech. Calum
Davenport pulled one back for the Hammers on the stroke of half-time with a
header from Julien Faubert's corner. West Ham were frustrated at the start
of the second half before Zavon Hines stepped off the substitutes' bench to
score a stunning equaliser in the 75th minute.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SAINTS 2 WEST HAM 2 - This Is Hampshire
If Jan Poortvliet is correct and all Saints lack is a bit of belief, they
should have gone at least some way to putting that right in last night's
friendly against West Ham. The head coach said he would treat the match as
if it were the season opener against Cardiff a week today. In truth the
opposition meant that was hard. West Ham had top quality Premiership players
on show but ones who are a week behind Saints in their preparations for the
new season.
But this was more about what Saints could do rather than anything else and
there were some encouraging signs even though it is fair to say they go into
the first day of the Championship season not the finished article. The major
pre-season concern has been the lack of goals, with only one netted in three
first team friendlies up until last night. There still appeared to be a
major lack of confidence in the final third until Saints scored - and
suddenly you could visibly see the players start to produce the belief
Poortvliet has talked about as they began to think that perhaps they were
good enough to compete.
If there is still one problem it's that elusive final ball where Saints are
falling down. At the back despite a lack of pace and the occasional exposing
of the full backs they looked very solid, Michael Svensson marshalling the
defence well. Lloyd James at right back has got to be the star of
pre-season, having been excellent in every game he's played and very much
looking the part. He is not only defending well but gets forward and can
deliver a great cross. The holding midfield duo of Morgan Schneiderlin and
Simon Gillett look solid. Schneiderlin we know is a class act, the question
has been whether he needs a Gillett type or a more experienced head
alongside him but they are a good pair. When you get to the front players
there is plenty of promise but it is here that the belief is at times
lacking and that's where that final ball scenario creeps in. Adam Lallana
looks decent in the hole, Lee Holmes and Jake Thomson weren't equally so in
the attacking wide positions. When they do look confident they can deliver
but that belief must become a permanent feature rather than a fleeting one.
David McGoldrick has set himself up to start against Cardiff with two much
needed goals. His main problem has been trying to calm his enthusiasm to run
non-stop and realise his role in this set-up is to be the predator down the
middle. But the one thing the youngsters do have is a massive appetite to do
well and what's more to do well for each other - and that shines through.
Holmes had the first chance of the match and showed a decisive edge when he
opted to shoot on seven minutes but Marek Stech turned it wide at the near
post. James made two great defensive blocks before, on the second one, the
ball rebounded to Carlton Cole whose effort was saved by Bartosz Bialkowski.
But midway through the half Saints suddenly started to get going, keeping
the ball well, perhaps buoyed by the realisation that Poortvliet's words
that they can compete might have a basis. First McGoldrick and then Lallana
missed the target before Thomson cut inside and saw his curling shot plucked
out of the air by Stech.
Saints really hit top form shortly after, when they scored twice in four
minutes. The first came on 32 minutes, James with an inviting, curling,
tantalising cross to the far post and McGoldrick peeling off his man and
heading downwards to beat Stech. Saints doubled their lead on 36 minutes
when Holmes took advantage of a loose ball after what looked a West Ham free
kick that was never given and slid the ball into McGoldrick's path. Out of
the corner of his eye he saw Stech advancing and lifted the ball over the
advancing keeper, a terrific finish for 2-0. It could have been 3-0 when
Holmes crossed to McGoldrick on 38 minutes but this time his header was
directed at the keeper. At the other end Bialkowski did well to stop from
Craig Bellamy. Sadly, an old and unwelcome Saints trait returned towards the
end of half - uncertain defending of set-pieces. First Saints somehow
bundled the ball behind for a corner, but with little knowledge of how. Then
from the next effort from the other side they left Callum Davenport unmarked
and he duly made it 2-1. West Ham made second half changes and looked
hungrier and sharper for it. Saints threatened first with a McGoldrick chip
that never quite got going and then a Svensson header over the bar. Thomson
had a gilt edged chance on 54 minutes, through one-on-one after robbing
Valron Behrami of the ball, but his finish lacked that belief. It was past
the advancing keeper but tamely wide.
Bialkowski had already scrambled away a Carlton Cole header but was helpless
to prevent the Hammers levelling on 64 minutes. Behrami got to the right
by-line and cut the ball back to sub Zavon Hines who hit a brilliant low
first time volley into the bottom corner. The remainder of the match
continued to be played at a high tempo but there was no winner for either
side, the Hammers coming closest when Junior Stanislas tried his luck from
distance but Bialkwoski, at full stretch, turned the ball round the post.
But for Saints the important thing was not the result but to capture a bit
more of that much needed belief.
Teams Saints: Bialkowski, James, Svensson, Perry, Surman, Schneiderlin,
Gillett, Lallana, Thomson (John 80), Holmes, McGoldrick.
West Ham: Stech, Behrami (Stokes 76), Davenport, Upson (Ferdinand 60),
Neill, Faubert (Stanislas 72), Mullins, Parker (Collinson 62), Reid
(Widdowson 60), Cole (Hines 60), Bellamy (Noble 45).
Att: 12,314.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poortvliet's Verdict - Saintsfc.co.uk
By James Morley
Saints head coach Jan Poortvliet was delighted with his new side's
performance as Saints held Premiership West Ham to an impressive 2-2 draw.
In fact, in a game in which Saints created a multitude of chances and looked
lively throughout, he would be forgiven for feeling slightly hard done by.
"In the first 45 minutes we were outstanding" Poortvliet said. "We made two
goals and we deserved it. We had everything - good pressure, good football,
shots on goal.
"At certain moments we made mistakes and we have to learn from that but I
think in general the boys played 90 minutes and continued to try to play and
play and I think we were a bit unlucky not to get the victory."
In the end the Ted Bates trophy was shared between the two team captains,
with Michael Svensson wearing the Saints armband for the full 90 minutes.
The night ultimately belonged to David McGoldrick though, and his
excellently taken brace was rightfully singled out by Poortvliet for further
praise. "You see what happens with David when he scores a goal! I think he
did a very good job before he scored but after it he was like an explosion
with so much confidence. He just got better and better. The second goal was
a great goal and he could have made it three. "I think everybody would have
enjoyed the game and now we look forward to taking on a different more
physical challenge against Stoke on Tuesday night."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Saints 2-2 West Ham -saintsfc.co.uk
By James Morley
With the start of the Coca-Cola Championship season now just a week away,
Saints fans were given their clearest sign yet of what this season may have
in store.
Saints were up against Premiership opposition in the shape of West Ham and
put in an extremely impressive first half performance in a match that was
both open and entertaining to watch.
With the Ted Bates trophy up for grabs, Saints were led onto the field by
Michael Svensson. The Swedish defender was making his first start at St.
Mary's in almost three years and strode out wearing the captain's armband
with obvious pride.
After a high-tempo opening spell, Saints first chance fell to Lee Holmes,
who tested the Hammers Czech 'keeper from close range with a well struck
effort.
Lloyd James then denied both Craig Bellamy and Lucas Neill in quick
succession to set the scene for an assured defensive performance alongside
Perry, Svensson and Surman.
Southampton's hard work eventually paid off just after the half hour mark,
when James turned provider and delivered an inch-perfect ball to the far
post, picking out McGoldrick in space. The 20-year old striker then stole
forward, lost his marker and headed past the 'keeper with a powerful
downwards glance.
Four minutes later McGoldrick made it two as he cleverly chipped Holmes'
through-ball over Marek Stech and sent the home fans crazy.
Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis was ruled out with a slight hamstring strain but
Bartosz Bialkowski ably deputised, making a number of fine saves whilst
releasing the ball quickly to set his teammates off on several quick
counter-attacking manoeuvres.
He was however helpless to prevent ex-Saint Callum Davenport's headed goal
from Faubert's corner on the stroke of half-time.
In the build-up to Friday night's game, Jan Poortvliet had already made it
clear that he was getting close to his deciding his starting line-up for the
big kick-off and from now on in it was time to get serious.
The Dutch coach was also keen to give as many of the starting XI as close to
90 minutes as possible, and he was true to his word making just one second
half substitution, as Stern John replaced Jake Thomson late on.
A number of West Ham switches disrupted the flow of the game after the
break, and substitute striker Zavon Hines equalised with a well taken shot
on the turn after 65 minutes, his fourth of pre-season.
That strike then set-up an entertaining finale, with both teams going for
goal in an attempt to seek out a winner.
With the scores all level and the end, both the spoils and the trophy were
shared, although if games were won on the number of chances created,
Poortvliet would have been by the far the happier coach.
The new Saints boss has often spoken of confidence being a key factor for
the coming campaign, and this game was undoubtedly a huge booster shot for
both players and fans alike.
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