Dean Ashton turned on the style with a stunning solo display in a
high-scoring game at Ipswich Town
04.08.2008
Ipswich Town 3-5 West Ham United
Dean Ashton made it six goals in his last three pre-season games with an
electrifying hat-trick as West Ham United beat Ipswich Town on Monday night.
An action-packed first ten minutes saw three goals and plenty of goal-mouth
action before the England international took control with two more goals in
the second half. The striker had opened the scoring in just the fourth
minute. The home side soon levelled but the Hammers quickly hit back when
Craig Bellamy, who was to be substituted on 23 minutes, raced clear to
finish. Ipswich equalised again before an Ashton brace and a Mark Noble
volley secured the win. Alan Lee pulled another back at the death but the
visitors were out of sight.
Ashton had made a welcome return to the starting lineup after a virus to
renew his partnership with Bellamy that had shown such promise in the early
summer fixtures. Academy product Joe Widdowson got another chance in defence
with new signing Valon Behrami pushed further forward into a right-midfield
role.
The visitors got off to the perfect start when, in the fourth minute,
Behrami won the ball strongly in midfield and his pass allowed Etherington
to race clear down the left-hand side. The winger's cross fell perfectly for
Ashton on the edge of the area and he finished emphatically off the crossbar
with his right foot. It left former Hammer Richard Wright in the Ipswich
goal with no chance. Town hit back in the sixth minute. A neat passing move
allowed Veliche Shumulkoski to get free and he dinked the ball into the far
corner of the net.
Just two minutes later Ipswich attacked again, but this time they could not
find a way past Robert Green. A free-kick from the right allowed Tommy Smith
to get above the Hammers defence. His header was firm but Green was more
than equal to it, diving to his left to brilliantly parry the ball away.
Danny Haynes then tangled with Widdowson in the West Ham United area, but
the referee waved his appeals away.
The visitors were back in front in the tenth minute. Captain Lucas Neil
played a perfect ball over the top of the Ipswich defence to send Bellamy
racing clear. The Welshman finished in style with a lob in the far corner of
the net. Zavon Hines got a chance to continue to his excellent pre-season
form when he came on for Bellamy, who appeared to signal towards his
hamstring.
Ipswich levelled the match in the 25th minute. After Green made another
brave stop, this time from Lisbie, the rebound fell to Owen Garvan, who was
on hand to drive the ball past two defenders on the line. In the 29th minute
after a clever run by Paulo Counago, Neill did well to slide across and
clear the danger. From the resulting corner, Lisbie headed over under
pressure from Green.
The Championship side were certainly fired up for the game and another
attack almost put them in front for the first time. Another ball into the
visitors' box, this time from Quinn, found Gareth McAuley, whose header hit
the outside of Green's left-hand post. The visitors were not to be
out-gunned though. After a nice passing move, Behrami broke down the right
but the Swiss international's teasing ball was just too far in front of the
on-rushing Ashton.
After Anton Ferdinand went off for Calum Davenport just before half-time
following a kick, Kyel Reid came on for Etherington at the interval. Just
five minutes later a bursting run from Noble followed by a deft back heel
from Hines nearly put the midfielder in. Behrami was certainly capitalising
on his more advanced role and his ball in from the right nearly fell for
Hines.
The visitors took the lead again in the 56th minute when Neill burst into
the area and his cut back allowed Reid to shoot. His effort was blocked but
the ball fell kindly to Ashton and he made no mistake by finishing with a
low drive into the bottom left-hand corner.
After a fine evening's work, Green made way for young prospect Marek Stech
on the hour, but it was the other end of the pitch that the action was
happening as Ashton knocked down a long ball for Noble - the youngster's
snap-shot sailing just over. Hayden Mullins then got another pre-season run
out when he came on for the hard-working Behrami in the 63rd minute.
Ashton then completed his striking masterclass in the 73rd minute. Reid
broke free down the left and his ball into the box was perfect. The
returning striker made no mistake, taking it first time and slotting into
the bottom right-hand corner. Noble added a fifth with a sublime volley from
the edge of the area five minutes later; his muted celebrations in respect
of his loan spell at Portman Road. Substitute Alan Lee added a late third
for the hosts, but it was too little, too late.
Ipswich Town: R Wright, D Wright, Balkestein (Bruce 65), McAuley, Smith,
Shumulikoski, Haynes (Peters 82), Garvan (Miller 76), Counago (Rhodes 76),
Lisbie (Lee 65), Quinn (Trotter 82)
Subs not used: Supple, Naylor
West Ham United: Robert Green (Marek Stech 60), Lucas Neil (c), Anton
Ferdinand (Calum Davenport), Matthew Upson, Joe Widdowson, Valon Behrami
(Hayden Mullins 62), Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Matthew Etherington (Kyel
Reid 45), Craig Bellamy (Zavon Hines 23), Dean Ashton (Junior Stanislas 83)
Subs not used: Tony Stokes, Jack Collison, Jordan Spence
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Ipswich 3-5 West Ham United FT - WHUFC
All the action as it happened from Portman Road for Monday night's
pre-season friendly encounter
04.08.2008
Pre-season friendly
Portman Road
Referee: P Crossley
Kick-off: 7.45pm
(hit F5 to refresh the page)
Final score: 3-5
89min - GOAL! - Lee heads in another for Ipswich.
85min - West Ham United have really stepped up a gear in this second half
and the passing play will really have pleased Alan Curbishley.
83min - Ashton gets a great reception from the travelling support as he
makes way for Junior Stanislas.
82min - Ipswich have changed Quinn for Liam Trotter while Jamie Peters is on
for Haynes.
78min - GOAL! - Noble smashes one in from fully 25 yards. Parker and Reid
had a big hand in that goal, with several passes in the build-up before the
ball found its way to the 21-year-old outside the area.
77min - The West Ham United fans are in good voice as the players stroke the
ball around confidently.
75min - Garvan is off for Tommy Miller. Jordan Rhodes appears for Counago.
74min - Ashton's hat-trick makes it six in his last three appearances,
including two in the MLS All-Star Game and one against Columbus Crew.
73min - GOAL! - Another superb strike from Ashton. It was a sweeping forward
move that involved several players before Reid played in a lovely low cross
from the left. Ashton connected well and again gave Wright no chance.
72min - West Ham United are keeping possession well. Stech has not had to
make a save yet.
69min - Reid is playing wide left with Hines wide right and Ashton through
the middle. Mullins is holding with Parker and Noble just in front.
65min - Ipswich have brought on Alan Lee and Alex Bruce for Lisbie and Pim
Balkestein respectively. Ashton fizzes one over, he wants his hat-trick.
64min - Davenport weighs in with a good tackle before, up the other end,
Noble surges forward again before being fouled. West Ham United are growing
stronger in this game. Ashton just goes close from the resulting free-kick.
63min - Hayden Mullins is on for Behrami.
61min - Good link up play between Ashton and Noble finishes with the No16
just firing over from outside the box.
60min - Robert Green goes off to be replaced by Marek Stech.
57min - GOAL! - Ashton smashes one in low beyond the despairing Wright. It
all came about after strong running by Neill up from right-back before a
good pass into the box. When Kyel Reid's shot on goal was blocked, the ball
fell to Ashton who made no mistake from ten yards.
56min - Behrami crosses for Hines, who turns on the ball but is just crowded
out as he tried to shoot.
53min - Alan Quinn gets a chance to shoot but Parker throws himself in the
way. McAuley meets the corner but is again off target.
51min - Noble does brilliantly to deceive two players before forcing his way
into the box. A one-two with Hines almost comes off before he is stopped in
his tracks.
49min - Ashton's flick nearly found Hines but the ball ran through to
Richard Wright.
48min - The second half has not continued at the same pace of the first
half. Neither team has found their feet yet.
46min - Kyel Reid is on for Etherington.
HALF-TIME
45min - Noble tries a raking pass to Behrami but it is just too long. We are
playing two minutes of added time.
41min - Behrami is just inchies away from his first West Ham United goal.
His shot whistles past the post.
40min - McAuley hits the outside of Green's left-hand post after a deep
cross.
39min - Ferdinand is coming off with Calum Davenport replacing him.
37min - A great saving tackle by Upson denies Lisbie. Ipswich are enjoying
the better of it at the moment. Lisbie again goes through but this time
Green saves.
34min - Haynes races away on the counterattack but his long cross is
comfortably dealt with by Green.
31min - Corner to Ipswich. McAuley rises again but cannot direct his header
on target.
28min - Neill does well after Pablo Counago got around Upson. Ipswich are
pressing hard.
25min - GOAL! - Ipswich level matters through Garvan. Green had saved the
first shot on goal but could do nothing about the rebound.
24min - Bellamy has been taken off. He had waved to the bench to be replaced
after chasing a ball forward. Zavon Hines has come on in his place.
20min - Another great save from Green, this time from a header by Gareth
McAuley, the Ipswich captain. The No1 is in sparkling form.
19min - Haynes snatches at a shot which is deflected wide for a corner. This
time Upson heads away.
18min - Etherington does well to help out Widdowson after Danny Haynes
surged forawrd on the right. The play is switched to the other side but this
time it is Bellamy back to do some defending. Corner to Ipswich, which
Parker clears.
16min - A sweeping passing move involving virtually every player ends when
Matthew Upson's pass goes astray. Ipswich counter quickly but Neill shows
good composure to chest a threatening cross back to Green.
13min - Scott Parker and Mark Noble are working hard in midfield but Ipswich
are giving as good as they get. It is a lively contest that has not let up
from the first minute.
10min - GOAL! - Bellamy scores with a fantastic chipped effort from 20 yards
after a tremendous long pass by Neill set him free from the Ipswich defence.
Richard Wright came out to close but could do nothing about it.
8min - A superb one-handed save by Green denies Tommy Smith after he was
picked out by Veliche Shumlikoski.
6min - GOAL! - Veliche Shumlikoski levels matters after a neat forward move.
The unlucky Joe Widdowson thought he had cut out the danger with a good
tackle but Garvan won possession again, played a neat one-two, and then
lifted the ball over Green from eight yards out.
4min - GOAL! - Ashton fires in an unstoppable shot from the right of the
penalty area that crashed in off the crossbar and gave Richard Wright no
chance. It came after Matthew Etherington's left-wing cross but it all began
with a great Behrami tackle in midfield.
2min - Valon Behrami does well to dispossess Kevin Lisbie. The new recruit
has started on the right side of midfield, ahead of Lucas Neill.
1min - Craig Bellamy and Dean Ashton get us under way.
KICK-OFF
Ipswich Town: R Wright, D Wright, Balkestein, McAuley, Smith, Shumulikoski,
Haynes, Garvan, Quinn, Counago, Lisbie
Subs: Supple, Lee, Bruce, Miller, Naylor, Peters, Rhodes, Trotter
West Ham United: Green, Neill (c), Upson, Ferdinand, Widdowson, Behrami,
Parker, Noble, Etherington, Bellamy, Ashton
Subs: Stech, Spence, Davenport, Stokes, Collison, Mullins, Stanislas, Reid,
Hines
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Bellamy limps off during friendly - BBC
Wales captain Craig Bellamy limped out of Monday's pre-season friendly with
Ipswich after just 24 minutes. Bellamy, 29, had put the Hammers 2-1 up in
the game after 10 minutes chipping Richard Wright from 20 yards. But he
waved to the bench to be replaced after chasing a ball forward soon after.
The news will be a blow to Wales manager John Toshack who names his side for
the 20 August friendly against Georgia on Friday. Bellamy played just nine
games for West Ham last term in an injury-ravaged first season at Upton Park
which was blighted by abdominal and groin problems. Only last week, manager
Alan Curbishley praised the 51-times capped Welshman after scoring a brace
in a 2-0 win over Peterborough. "He has worked extremely hard to return to
full fitness and is a great asset," said Curbishley.
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Ipswich 3 West Ham Utd 5 - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
A Dean Ashton hat-trick was the highlight of a great performance by the
Hammers as they returned to winning ways at Portman Road tonight.
However the victory was marred by the loss of Craig Bellamy and Anton
Ferdinand to injury in the first half - particularly so for the Welsh
striker who appeared to pull a hamstring, an injury that could see him miss
the start of the 2008/09 season.
The Hammers started the goal rush after just four minutes through Dean
Ashton who opened his account for the evening when his fierce drive cannoned
off former Hammer Richard Wright's crossbar before finding the net.
However the lead was to last just two minutes when, as happened twice
against the MLS AllStars the United defence fell asleep allowing Veliche
Shumulikoski to beat Rob Green after completing a clever one-two on the edge
of the Hammers box.
Just four minutes later United found themselves back in front when a through
ball from Lucas Neill gave Craig Bellamy the opportunity to chip Wright from
all of 25 yards. However Bellamy's night was to end prematurely after just
24 minutes when he went down clutching his thigh after pulling up when
chasing another through ball.
Ipswich levellled the scores for a second time a minute after Bellamy's
substitution (for Zavon Hines) when Owen Garvan finished a spilled Rob Green
save. The half ended with Alan Curbishley forced into a second substitution
when Anton Ferdinand was replaced by Calum Davenport.
The Hammers were first to strike after the break when Ashton notched his
second of the night on 57 minutes. A Kyel Reid shot was spilled by Wright,
and Ashton made no mistake finishing from close range.
Marek Stech and Hayden Mullins were introduced for Rob Green and Valon
Behrami respectively before the Hammers put the game beyond their hosts 18
minutes from time. Once again Reid was involved; this time it was his cross
that Ashton pounced on to record his third of the night.
With the game all wrapped up United began to play the ball around with much
greater confidence and it was no surprise when Mark Noble added a fifth goal
12 minutes from the end. The 21-year-old midfielder just about edged
Ashton's opener for goal of the game when he lashed home a 25-yard strike
that gave the Ipswich keeper no chance.
The eighth and final goal of the evening went to the Championship side when
Alan Lee restored respectability a minute from time. The result will no
doubt have pleased Alan Curbishley - although the injuries to Bellamy and
Ferdinand will be of rather more concern come tomorrow morning.
West Ham United: Green (Stech 60), Neill, Ferdinand (Davenport 39), Upson,
Widdowson, Behrami (Mullins 62), Noble, Parker, Etherington (Reid 46),
Bellamy (Hines 23), Ashton (Stanislas 82).
Ipswich Town: R.Wright, D.Wright, McAuley, Smith (Naylor 90), Balkestein
(Bruce 65), Haynes (Peters 81), Shumulikoski, Garvan (Miller 75), Quinn
(Trotter 81), Lisbie (Lee 65), Counago (Rhodes 75).
Attendance: 17, 223.
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Bellamy in new injury scare - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Craig Bellamy could miss the start of the 2008/09 season after sustaining an
injury in the first half of tonight's pre-season friendly at Ipswich. The
United striker, who has only recently returned to full fitness after missing
much of last season pulled up during a run with what appeared to be a
hamstring injury just 24 minutes into the game. He was immediately replaced
by Zavon Hines as worried United officials looked on. There was more bad
news for Alan Curbishley later in the half when Anton Ferdinand was
substituted with six minutes of the half remaining - although his
replacement appeared to be precautionary. Calum Davenport, who scored for
the Hammers at Southampton last week took his place.
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Hammers look at Bellamy spat - SSN
Bellamy accused of swearing at fan
Last updated: 5th August 2008
West Ham are investigating claims that Craig Bellamy verbally abused an
opposition fan during Monday night's friendly at Ipswich. Bellamy was said
to have been involved in a row with an Ipswich supporter during the clash at
Portman Road. The alleged incident happened as Bellamy walked along the
touchline after being substituted on 22 minutes. The striker was seen to
kick an advertising board, after picking up an injury, and then appeared to
be involved in a verbal exchange with supporters near the stadium's family
enclosure. A West Ham United spokesman said: "We will look into the facts of
what happened. "I haven't had a chance to speak to Craig myself. I was made
aware of it after the game, as I was in the players' tunnel. "An official
from Ipswich made me aware something had happened. "We take such allegations
seriously. I haven't spoken to anyone to find out what was allegedly said."
The Hammers beat Ipswich 5-3, thanks to a hat-trick from England forward
Dean Ashton.
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Bellamy worry for Hammers - SSN
Welsh striker limps off
Last updated: 4th August 2008
West Ham again have a worry over Craig Bellamy after he was forced off in
their friendly win at Ipswich. Bellamy has only recently returned to full
fitness after injury ruined his first season with The Hammers. Bellamy
managed just nine games for the club last season but he has looked in fine
form during pre-season. He scored twice at Peterborough and chipped home
wonderfully at Portman Road before he was forced off just 20 minutes in. He
looked to have hurt his hamstring as he signalled to the bench he wanted to
come off, as he pulled up when trying to run for a ball. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley will now be anxiously awaiting for news on Bellamy, after only
recently losing Kieron Dyer for an extended period. Also at Ipswich, Anton
Ferdinand was forced off just before half-time and it remains to be seen
whether he has done anything serious or not.
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Ashton treble inspires Hammers - SSN
England star bags hat-trick
Last updated: 4th August 2008
An action-packed encounter at Portman Road saw West Ham win an eight-goal
thriller against Ipswich. England striker Dean Ashton was the star of the
show as he claimed a hat-trick for The Hammers. Ashton opened the scoring
after just four minutes when he smashed home from the edge of the box after
good work from Matthew Etherington. The lead lasted just a couple of minutes
though as Town levelled through Veliche Shumlikoski, but West Ham were soon
back in the lead as Craig Bellamy scored with a sublime chip after being
sent clear by Lucas Neill. That was the last action for Bellamy - who ten
minutes later was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury.
While West Ham re-organised their side Ipswich levelled as Owen Garvan
slotted home after Robert Green saved his initial effort. Ashton restored
West Ham's lead and grabbed his second on the hour. He picked up on a
rebound form Kyel Reid's shot and powered the ball home. 17 minutes from
time and Ashton wrapped up his treble with Reid involved again. The young
midfielder swept a cross into the box and Ashton met the ball first-time to
beat Wright once more. West Ham claimed a fifth on 78 minutes with Mark
Noble firing home a spectacular strike from 25-yards. Ipswich's Alan Lee
completed the scoring as he headed home with just a minute left on the
clock.
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Hammers make Moore shirt gesture - BBC
West Ham are to retire the number six shirt to mark the 50th anniversary of
Bobby Moore's debut for the club. Moore played for the club from 1958-74,
and was the club's most successful captain, lifting the FA Cup in 1964 and
European Cup Winners' Cup a year later. He also led England to the 1966
World Cup before dying from cancer in 1993. The shirt will be worn for the
last time in a memorial game on Saturday. The current number six, Matthew
Upson, will then change to wearing number 15. Moore, the greatest player in
West Ham history, made his first appearance for the Hammers aged 17 against
Manchester United in September 1958. "When we were talking about ways to
mark 50 years since his debut, there was only one true gesture that would do
him justice - retiring the number six shirt he made his own," said chief
executive officer Scott Duxbury. The stand at the south end of Upton Park is
already named in Moore's honour, and there are statues of him outside the
ground and Wembley Stadium.
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West Ham United to retire No 6 shirt in respect of Bobby Moore - Telegraph
West Ham United are to retire the No 6 shirt in honour of their former World
Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore.
By John Ley
Last Updated: 7:59PM BST 04 Aug 2008
The shirt will be worn for the last time on Saturday by incumbent Matthew
Upson in the inaugural Bobby Moore Cup game against Villarreal, almost 50
years after the defender made his League debut for the club. In addition to
leading England to World Cup success in 1966, Moore also won the FA Cup and
European Cup-Winners' Cup. He died in 1993 from cancer at the age of just
51. The game against the Spaniards marks a three-year partnership with the
Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and £1 from every ticket will go to
the charity, with West Ham matching the final amount. Moore's widow,
Stephanie, said: "The legendary No 6 shirt is synonymous with Bobby and his
illustrious career. Its retirement signifies deep respect, affection and
admiration for all that Bobby achieved." Upson will switch to the No 15
shirt this season.
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Hammers win eight-goal thriller with Town, but Bellamy limps out - Guardian
Series
9:38pm Monday 4th August 2008
Ipswich 3 West Ham 5
DEAN ASHTON helped himself to a hat-trick in a thrilling win over Ipswich
Town tonight - but the game was overshadowed by another injury setback to
Craig Bellamy. The pacy striker - who was restricted to just eight
appearances last season - left the Portman Road field after just 22 minutes
clutching his hamstring. Boss Alan Curbishley already has a host of players
on the sidelines but it will be the biggest blow of all if, as expected, the
27-year-old Welshman is out of the Irons league opener with Wigan on
Saturday week. For 20-odd minutes of an action-packed first half against the
Tractor Boys, Bellamy looked sharp, decisive, and added a fifth pre-season
goal in as many games. His strike on ten minutes - which put Hammers back in
front - was brilliant, the forward lacthing onto Lucas Neill's deep pass
before superbly lobbing over the onrushing Richard Wright. His partnership
with Ashton also appeared to be bearing fruit. Indeed it was Ashton who had
given the Hammers a fourth minute lead, taking a touch on Matty
Etherington's cross before firing in-off the crossbar. The lead lasted just
two minutes. Great play between Veliche Shumulikoski and Pablo Counago put
the former in on goal, and the midfielder finished with a delicate chip over
Robert Green into the net. Bellamy's withdrawal changed the Hammers shape
and clearly on the back foot and moments later and Ipswich were back on
level terms, Owen Garvan firing through a melee of legs and into the net. It
was no more than the hosts deserved. The Championship outfit were slicker in
the pass and more mobile throughout the team. Kevin Lisbie somehow glanced a
header over the crossbar from on the goalline, and then saw his close range
effort well parried by Green as the Tractor Boys got on top.
Captain Gareth MacAuley then headed Alan Quinn's deep cross against the
outside of the post before the half was out. The second half was typically
less enthralling with the Premier League side, perhaps eniviatably, getting
on top. And it showed on 57 minutes when Ashton reaffirmed the Hammers
advantage. Neill was persistent with a run into the box and the ball worked
its way out to Ashton. The England man had time and space to ram home into
the bottom corner. Ashton then grabbed his treble on 73 minutes, sliding in
to turn home Kyel Reid's low cross. Mark Noble grabbed a fifth on 79 minutes
with a tremendous first-time shot from the edge of the box into the bottom
corner. Ipswich's Alan Lee grabbed a late consolation for the hosts, beating
Marek Stech in the air to head home. But the young Hammers keeper made
amends a minute later, thwarting Jamie Peters when clean through on goal.
West Ham: Green (Stech 60), Neill, Widdowson, Upson, Ferdinand (Davenport
38), Behrami (Mullins 63), Etherington (Reid 45), Parker, Noble, Bellamy
(Hines 22), Ashton (Stanislas 81). Subs: Spence, Collison, Stokes.
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Ipswich 3-5 West Ham: Cops to quiz Craig Bellamy after bust-up - The Mirror
By Daily Mirror Sport 5/08/2008
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy is at the centre of a police inquiry after a
foul-mouthed bust-up with a female fan during last night's 5-3 friendly win
at Ipswich. Bellamy was substituted with a leg injury halfway through the
first half and, as he limped off, the £7million star became embroiled in a
war of words. The fan instantly reported the player's outburst to a nearby
police officer. Suffolk police spokesman Mark Norman said: "Officials of
Ipswich and West Ham are both aware that an incident has taken place." It
overshadowed a thrilling night of football at Portman Road. Dean Ashton
scored a hat-trick, with Bellamy and Mark Noble also netting for the
visitors in front of 17,223 fans.
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HAMMERS PROBE BELLAMY CLAIMS - Sporting Life
By Mark Bulstrode, PA
West Ham are investigating claims striker Craig Bellamy verbally abused an
opposition fan. The Wales international was said to have been involved in a
row with an Ipswich supporter during Monday night's friendly at Portman
Road. The alleged incident happened as Bellamy walked along the touchline
after being substituted. The striker was seen to kick an advertising board,
after picking up an injury, and then appeared to be involved in a verbal
exchange with supporters near the stadium's family enclosure. A West Ham
United spokesman said: "We will look into the facts of what happened. "I
haven't had a chance to speak to Craig myself. I was made aware of it after
the game, as I was in the players' tunnel. "An official from Ipswich made me
aware something had happened. "We take such allegations seriously. I haven't
spoken to anyone to find out what was allegedly said." West Ham beat the
Coca-Cola Championship promotion hopefuls 5-3, thanks to a hat-trick from
their England forward Dean Ashton.
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Curbs to check on Bellamy - Setanta
by Alex Livie, 05 August 2008
West Ham will run checks on Craig Bellamy on Tuesday in a bid to ascertain
the extent of his leg injury. Bellamy limped off during West Ham's win over
Ipswich and manager Alan Curbishley has admitted he is concerned by the
latest setback. "It is too early to say what the extent of the injury is,"
Curbishley told The Sun following the 5-3 win. "We took him off as a
precaution - hopefully before the injury became too serious. "We will assess
him tomorrow (Tuesday)." The suspected hamstring strain was not the only
problem for Bellamy, who was reported to have become involved in a verbal
exchange with a fan at Portman Road following his substitution.
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Bellamy 'swore' at family-stand fans - TeamTalk
West Ham are investigating claims that striker Craig Bellamy verbally abused
an opposition fan during Monday night's friendly at Ipswich. The Wales
international was said to have been involved in a row with an Ipswich
supporter during the clash at Portman Road. The alleged incident happened
as Bellamy walked along the touchline after being substituted on 22 minutes.
The striker was seen to kick an advertising board, after picking up an
injury, and then appeared to be involved in a verbal exchange with
supporters near the stadium's family enclosure. A West Ham United spokesman
said: "We will look into the facts of what happened. "I haven't had a chance
to speak to Craig myself. I was made aware of it after the game, as I was in
the players' tunnel.
"An official from Ipswich made me aware something had happened. "We take
such allegations seriously. I haven't spoken to anyone to find out what was
allegedly said." The Hammers beat Championship promotion hopefuls Ipswich
5-3, thanks to a hat-trick from England forward Dean Ashton.
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Bellamy and Ferdinand crocked in Ipswich victory - Echo
9:44pm Monday 4th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
NO matter how many new medical staff you employ or boffins you hire, it
appears nothing can put an end to West Ham United's injury epidemic. With
eight first team players already on the sidelines, the last thing the Irons
could afford in last night's roller-coaster 5-3 friendly win at Ipswich Town
was two more regulars to get crocked. Unfortunately for manager Alan
Curbishley, that is exactly what happened as Craig Bellamy shuffled off with
a pulled hamstring and Anton Ferdinand suffered a knock to his right leg.
This summer, the Hammers have employed a new chief medical officer and
physiotherapists and commissioned an in-depth study by experts from
Roehampton University to avoid such mishaps. But it appears that despite the
club's various remedial actions, Curbishley's players are going to keep
dropping like flies. The injuries over-shadowed a fine hat-trick from
ex-Norwich City front-man Dean Ashton, who returned from illness to silence
the home boo-boys to make it six goals in his last three pre-season games.
Bellamy looks almost certain to miss the start of the Premier League season
on August 16, while Ferdinand's injury leaves the Hammers with just two fit
natural centre backs in Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport – a player who did
not make a single first team appearance last season.
A thoroughly entertaining game at Portman Road produced eight goals and
plenty of exciting, attractive football. Having fallen behind to a fierce
Ashton strike after just 184 second, the Tractor Boys repeatedly ploughed
their way through the visiting defence in the opening half. Ipswich were
deservedly level within two minutes, Veliche Shumulikoski neatly swapping
passes with Pablo Counago before clipping over Robert Green. Green saved
well from Tommy Smith's downward header a minute later before West Ham went
ahead again – Bellamy racing on to Lucas Neill's pass before lobbing
ex-Hammer Richard Wright for his fifth pre-season goal. Just three minutes
after the Wales captain had disappeared down the tunnel, Ipswich equalised a
second time through Ireland international Owen Garvan. Kevin Lisbie, twice,
and Gareth McAuley then both went close to giving the home side the lead
before the break. Curbishley called on six substitutes after the interval,
but that did not prevent Ashton from completing his treble with two
opportunist strikes on 57 and 73 minutes. Former Town loanee Mark Noble
added a fifth with 11 minutes remaining, volleying home superbly from 20
yards before Alan Lee grabbed an 88th minute consolation.
Ipswich Town: (4-4-2) R.Wright, D.Wright, Balkestein (Bruce 65), McAuley,
Smith (Naylor 89), Haynes (Peters 82), Quinn (Trotter 82), Shumulikosi,
Garvan (Miller 76), Counago (Rhodes 76), Lisbie (Lee 65). Unused Subs:
Supple.
West Ham United: (4-4-2) Green (Stech 60), Neill, Widdowson, Ferdinand
(Davenport 39), Upson, Behrami (Mullins 63), Etherington (Reid 46), Parker,
Noble, Bellamy (Hines 22), Ashton (Stanislas 83). Unused Subs: Spence,
Collison, Stokes.
Attendance: 17,223
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Ipswich defeated in Hammers friendly - EADT24
04 August 2008 | 22:41
DEREK DAVIS
Ipswich Town 3 West Ham 5
THE good the bad and the downright ugly, were on display at Portman Road
last night. The good from Town's point of view was their explosive goal
power that caps an exciting flow of chances created from all over. The bad
was the woeful defending, stemming not just from the back alone, but
throughout which allowed Dean Ashton to bag a hat-trick. And the ugly came,
not just because two ex-Canaries scored, but in the form of arch-villain
Craig Bellamy whose ill-chosen words towards a lady in the family area as he
went of injured, did not do him, his club or profession, any favours,
especially on the day the Respect campaign was launched by the Football
League. The after effects of that will no doubt follow, more pressingly for
Town boss Jim Magilton is how to stop leaking goals. After the Brighton game
a week ago Magilton spoke of how he was happy with the way his team played
with the ball but was still concerned about the defensive qualities all
through the team, and warned it could be their downfall if they didn't
tighten up. The problems are rarely highlighted at home but against West
Brom, and even more so last night against West Ham, they became glaringly
obvious. It took former Norwich City striker Dean Ashton less than four
minutes to put the Hammers ahead when the Town defence was hopelessly
exposed by the Hammers' neat passing.
When no-one closed down, Tommy Smith allowed a cross to run to the wide open
Ashton and with Pim Balkestein not tucking in to cover, a harsh lesson was
handed out to all concerned as Ashton lashed the ball home. But Town can
always find the net and the speed and movement of their attack is as good as
the Championship will see this coming season. Although working together for
the first time in a game the Kevin Lisbie, Pablo Counago partnership looked
superb. Town equalised two minutes later when Pablo Counago sparked a Blues
break and Kevin Lisbie's pace created space. Veliche Shumulikoski played a
one-two with Counago and dinked the ball cleverly over England hopeful
Robert Green. The inadequacies at the back were highlighted once again when
Craig Bellamy, another ex-Norwich forward, sped clear onto a Lucas Neill
long ball and beat Richard Wright well a well-weighted lob. But the
positives were accentuated for Town in the 25th minute when Green saved a
close range shot from the lively Lisbie but Garvan cleverly found a gap with
a low shot and he too was able to celebrate a new deal. So the ying and yang
continued.
Danny Haynes went looking for a penalty but got nothing. Gareth McAuley
header against a post and then another nod down from corner squirmed wide.
Richard Wright watched as Valon Behrami shot low across his goal as Town
looked good with the ball, bad without. The ugly bit came in the 22nd minute
as Bellamy pulled up chasing a long ball and after kicking a hoarding walked
up the touchline into the dressing room clearly in distress with a sore
hamstring, but not before hurling abuse at Town fans. He was followed six
minutes before the break by Anton Ferdinand, also complaining of a hamstring
problem. Ipswich failed to clear their lines again 11 minutes after the
break and an unmarked Ashton gleefully accepted his gift to score from 10
yards.
The Norwich ex England striker completed his hat-trick when he got away from
McAuley to meet a low Kyel Reid cross and direct goal-wards. Still Town
fans will take comfort that an ex-player of theirs in Darren Bent who got
four in the 5-1 win over Norwich a couple of weeks ago. Mark Noble rubbed
salt in the wound for the Blues though with a stunning 25-yard drive to make
it five for West Ham, and after being such a popular loanee at Portman Road
two years ago. Substitute Alan Lee got a late consolation with some help
from Liam Trotter and Jaime Peter raised hopes but a hefty touch allowed the
keeper to save.
Ipswich Town: R Wright, D Wright, Balkestein (Bruce, 65) McAuley, Smith
(Naylor, 88) Shumulikoski, Haynes (Peters, 81) Garvan (Miller, 77) Counago
(Rhodes, 77) Lisbie (Lee, 65) Quinn (Trotter, 81). Subs not used: Supple,
West Ham: Green (Stech, 60) Neill, Widdowson, Ferdinand (Davenport, 39)
Upson, Behrami (Mullins, 73) Parker, Ashton (Stanislas, 83) Bellamy (Hines,
22) Etherington (Reid, 46) Noble. Subs not used: Stokes, Collison, Spence.
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Hells Bells - More Agony - The Sun
By MEL HENDERSON
CRAIG BELLAMY was back in the wars last night. The controversial West Ham
striker limped off in a friendly at Ipswich with yet another injury.
And he was then involved in an incident with fans as he walked down the
touchline. Bellamy was alleged to have sworn at a fan although no official
complaint was made. Both clubs are investigating and police were made aware.
Bellamy's suspected hamstring injury is the latest blow for West Ham boss
Alan Curbishley after midfielder Kieron Dyer suffered a setback in his
recovery from a broken leg. Curbs said last night: "It is too early to say
what the extent of the injury is. "We took him off as a precaution —
hopefully before the injury got too serious. We will assess him tomorrow."
Bellamy suffered an injury-plagued season last term and underwent a stomach
operation in February. At least Curbs was boosted by a hat-trick from Dean
Ashton. The England hitman opened the scoring in the third minute. but
Ipswich replied through Veliche Shumulikoski. Bellamy, 29, found himself a
target for the Ipswich boo-boys as he launched his career at arch-rivals
Norwich. The Welshman gave the perfect response by beating the offside trap
and lifting the ball over Richard Wright to make it 2-1. But disaster struck
when he got crocked minutes later. Owen Garvan then celebrated his bumper
new three-year deal at Portman Road by stroking in the second equaliser. But
Ashton netted again before the break to make it 3-2. The former Crewe man
looked every inch an England centre-forward as he won nearly everything in
the air and showed impressive shooting before clinching his treble. Former
Ipswich loanee Mark Noble sealed victory when he fired home from 25 yards.
Striker Alan Lee bundled in an 89th-minute consolation for the Tractor Boys.
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Newcastle United want £7million Ferdinand - FansFC.com
06:43 August, 5, 2008
Newcastle United want to bolster their back four with Anton Ferdinand. The
England Under-21 international has been linked with an exit from West Ham
United this summer, with Alan Curbishley said to be willing to listen to
offers for the player. And it is being reported that Kevin Keegan has
earmarked the central defender for a move to St James Park, as he looks to
solve the Magpies defensive problems. Although Ferdinand has now voiced his
desire to quit the Londoners, he may fancy a move to United as he looks to
finally force his way into Fabio Capello's England plans.
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West Ham striker Bellamy suffers injury
tribalfootball.com - August 04, 2008
England striker Dean Ashton fired a hat-trick but Craig Bellamy limped off
as West Ham beat Ipswich 5-3 at Portman Road. The opening 10 minutes were a
goal frenzy, as Ashton and Bellamy scored to give the visitors a 2-1 lead -
Veliche Shumulikoski on target for Town. Owen Garvan levelled for the home
side in the 25th minute, but the Hammers went 3-2 up 12 minutes into the
second half when Ashton fired home after a Kyel Reid shot was blocked. The
former Crewe and Norwich forward completed his hat-trick in the 73rd minute
thanks to a calm finish from a Reid cross. Reid then combined with Scott
Parker to tee up David Noble, who blasted home West Ham's fifth from 25
yards - before Alan Lee pulled one back for Town. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley will be worried through after Bellamy limped off with a hamstring
injury while Anton Ferdinand suffered a blow to his right leg.
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Stech enjoying life at West Ham
tribalfooball.com - August 04, 2008
Armed with a new five-year deal, West Ham goalkeeper Marek Stech is enjoying
his time at Upton Park. Stech says there's a great atmosphere amongst the
keeper talent and told whufc.com: "In training, (Robert Green) Greeny and
Jimmy [Walker] talk to me about how I can do this or that better. Ludo
(Miklosko) is also helping me and always talks to me before and after a
game. It is good to hear all of this and all I can do is my best in training
and then show the manager what I can do on the pitch."
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Ljungberg denies Greece move to remain at West Ham
By Ian Ferris - August 04, 2008
Freddie Ljungberg's agent has dismissed reports linking the West Ham
midfielder with a move to Olympiakos. However, the 31 year olds agent, Claes
Elefalk, insists the former Sweden international is happy at Upton Park. "I
can promise that we haven't received any offer," Elefalk told the Swedish
media.
"He is truly enjoying himself in England. He is one of the best paid players
in England and I don't believe they (Olympiakos) have got the finances for
it, either."
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