WHUFC.com
Man of the moment Scott Parker shone again but could take no pride in his
personal accolade
13.03.2011
Scott Parker boarded the team bus at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday with
yet another man of the match award but with no sense of satisfaction. The
Hammers talisman was voted the star performer on view by the TV pundits
watching the 2-1 defeat by Stoke City, but Parker's personal prize of a
bottle of Champagne was not what he wanted to take back to London. Most
frustrating was the handball decision that led Danny Higginbotham to smash
in a free-kick from 20 yards. It was the decisive strike and meant the
Potters, and not the hard-working Hammers, would go to Wembley for the
semi-final. Parker was certain that the call just after the hour against
Carlton Cole was a harsh one, arguing it was more about self-defence than
anything else.
"There were some tough decisions out there," he said. "Conceding the second
goal from the free-kick, you can see he had put his hands up to protect his
face. I can understand if his hands were outside, away from his body, but
how can you give another free-kick for that?"
Parker conceded that Stoke had taken the game to their visitors but still
believed the Hammers had more than risen to the challenge - especially after
a first half when Robert Huth's early header was cancelled out by Frederic
Piquionne's opportunistic goal. "In the second half we were under more
pressure. You come to Stoke and the pressure they put you under in these
sorts of games is tough but I do think we still deserved something out of
the game. But it was not meant to be."
Clutching his Champagne, Parker said he would be doing all he could to
ensure the Hammers' mini-revival in the Barclays Premier League keeps
bubbling along. "We will put this behind us and go again now, but obviously
we are disappointed."
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Cup exit frustrates Grant
WHUFC.com
Although the Hammers left thinking what might have been, the manager is
already targetting Tottenham
13.03.2011
Avram Grant believed his men should have been contemplating an FA Cup
quarter-final replay instead of dashed Wembley dreams for another season.
The Hammers lost out 2-1 at Stoke City on Sunday in a close, competitive
contest that saw Frederic Piquionne's opportunistic goal sandwiched by
Robert Huth's early header from a Rory Delap throw and Danny Higginbotham's
free-kick just after the hour. The visitors dominated the possession but
were also admittedly on the back foot every time Stoke were awarded a
set-piece or throw anywhere near their area. "It was a tough game, a very
tight game," said Grant, who had previously led his team to two wins and a
draw against the Potters this season. "They scored from their strengths, a
throw-in and a free-kick. We fought hard but that was the difference. "We
didn't start well and they did. They had energy, they closed us down and
knew our strengths. It was difficult to play our game but slowly we started
to pass the ball better. "A draw would have been a fair result. From the
open game, they didn't create a lot of chances even if they played with a
lot of energy. But they won the game and I wish them all the best in the
semi-finals."
A big talking point after the game was James Tomkins being seemingly bundled
over in the penalty area while Huth bundled Thomas Hitzlsperger over in the
wall as Higginbotham scored - but the referee chose to ignore the Hammers'
appeals. Grant would not make excuses. "We should have had a penalty but I
don't like to speak so much about the referees," he said, when asked to
elaborate on why he felt hard done-by over the Tomkins' decision. While
Stoke look forward to taking on Bolton Wanderers in the semi-finals, Grant
will have to get his men back up for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the
Barclays Premier League next Saturday. He was certain the cup exit would not
have a negative impact on morale. "It won't have an adverse affect. We came
and wanted to win. It was a big fight like it always [at the Britannia
Stadium]. Iit is not easy to play here. Now we want to continue in the
league what we have done in the last matches."
It remains to be seen whether Piquionne will play a part at White Hart Lane
after being carried off with an injury suffered in his goal on the
half-hour. Robbie Keane, who made a promising cameo after a thigh injury at
Stoke, is ineligible for that fixture. Demba Ba, though, should feel the
benefit of a free weekend after being given a whirlwind introduction to
English football in recent weeks. Whoever lines up, Grant is expecting a
reaction. "Of course we will concentrate on the league, that is our first
priority but we came here to win as you know. The players fought for
everything and we had fantastic support with thousands of fans following us.
The FA Cup is an important competition and we took it seriously. We have
great spirit."
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Hammers fall short at Stoke
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant's men are out of the FA Cup after losing out in a scrappy
quarter-final at Stoke
13.03.2011
Stoke City 2-1 West Ham United
The Hammers' FA Cup dreams are over for another year after Stoke City
squeezed through to the semi-finals with victory in a combative contest at
the Britannia Stadium.
Avram Grant's men arrived on the back of three successive home wins but
could not keep that run going on a scrappy Sunday afternoon. The fourth
meeting this season was the most dramatic with all three goals prompting
protests from the opposition. Only the woodwork denied the Hammers a replay,
though, with Matthew Upson crashing a header against the bar on 86 minutes.
Robert Huth had opened the scoring for the home side with a free header on
12 minutes although the Hammers had cause to claim Upson was blocked in the
build-up. The equaliser came on the half-hour mark with Frederic Piquionne
bundling in from close range as Stoke appealed for handball.
The second half was as uncompromising as the first and it was settled by an
unlikely winner from Danny Higginbotham. It came from a 20-yard free-kick
which the impressive Robert Green - who had saved a Matthew Etherington
penalty a minute after the restart - was just unable to keep out.
On a clear day in the north-west, Stoke were at it from the first whistle,
with flying wingers Etherington and Jermaine Pennant giving the Hammers
rearguard plenty to think about. Grant had made just one change from last
weekend's 3-0 win against the same opposition, with Demba Ba remaining in
London and Victor Obinna starting in place.
Etherington should have opened the scoring with a header from point-blank
range with two minutes on the clock. Ten minutes later, Stoke were in front
with Green flat-footed as Huth was able to meet a huge Rory Delap throw.
It was to be the 16th minute before the first Hammers' shot with Mark Noble
trying his luck from distance. Manu da Costa had a similar effort three
minutes later but in truth the first 30 minutes were dominated by the
Potters.
Then came a delightful ball over the top from Thomas Hitzlsperger for
Piquionne to chase. He brought the ball down at the top of arm and shoulder
before it was lofted over Thomas Sorensen and into the net.
However, Piquionne played no further part, being injured in the process.
Stoke could have regained the lead just before the break but for Green's
double save from Jon Walters and Delap. The England keeper fared even better
after Etherington went over under Parker's presence 15 seconds into the
second half to win a penalty. Green stood firm to save his old team-mate's
spot-kick.
Stoke's winner came just after the hour mark when the referee adjudged
Carlton Cole to have handled in the wall when defending a free-kick. The
ball was moved ten yards closer to the edge of the area and Higginbotham was
able to smash in through a gap in the wall vacated when Huth appeared to
pull down Hitzlsperger. The visitors refused to give in with several efforts
raining in on Sorensen's goal but Stoke equally had their moments.
When Upson's chance came and went, so went the Hammers' hopes of Wembley for
another season. Grant's men will instead turn their attention to the final
nine games of their Premier League survival fight, starting with Saturday
lunchtime's London derby at Tottenham Hotspur.
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Stoke 2 - 1 West HamBBC.co.uk
By Chris Bevan
Britannia Stadium
Danny Higginbotham's fierce free-kick sank West Ham and sent Stoke into
their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years as they edged a fast and furious
game that was full of controversy. After Robert Huth headed the Potters in
front, referee Mike Jones angered both sides with his decisions, first
allowing Frederic Piquionne's equaliser to stand despite an apparent
handball and then awarding Stoke a cheap penalty which Robert Green saved
brilliantly. Jones also played a key part in Higginbotham's winner, awarding
the Potters another free-kick for handball in the wall when Jermaine
Pennant's initial effort was blocked. But once the dust settles, it would be
a shame if the officials were to be the main post-match talking point
because this was a full-blooded cup tie that saw plenty of endeavour by both
teams. Roared on by the home fans, Stoke made a breathless start and Pennant
sent over two dangerous crosses from the right in the first two minutes,
with Matthew Etherington getting on the end of one of them to force a fine
save from Green. The visitors were given notice of what was to come when
Huth headed wide from a Rory Delap long throw but failed to heed the
warning, allowing the German defender to rise unmarked to meet another Delap
catapult and plant his header into the net after 12 minutes. Stoke deserved
their advantage and they looked to build on their lead with Etherington
continuing his busy wing-play down the opposite flank. Apart from an
unusually tame long-range Thomas Hitzlsperger effort, the Hammers created
nothing in response until Piquionne's leveller on the half-hour mark, which
was allowed to stand to the ire of the Stoke players and fans.
The French striker appeared to bring down Hitzlsperger's long ball over the
top with his arm, before chipping it over Thomas Sorensen and bundling it
across the line despite the best efforts of Huth. The decision left Potters
boss Tony Pulis apoplectic on the touchline, a feeling his West Ham
counterpart Avram Grant was to share immediately after the break. Just 14
seconds into the second half, Etherington ran into the box and went down
under the challenge of Scott Parker and James Tomkins. There appeared to be
minimal contact but Jones pointed straight to the spot and it took a superb
save from Green, who flung himself to his left to stop Etherington's
penalty, to keep the scores level. Yet more controversy followed when Stoke
regained the lead just after the hour mark. Jones awarded another free-kick
when Pennant's effort was blocked by Victor Obinna's arm. This time
Higginbotham stepped up to drive his effort through the wall and, despite
pushing it onto the post, Green could not stop it crossing the line. That
left West Ham 27 minutes to find another equaliser but despite piling on the
pressure they could find no way past Sorensen, who was in inspired form.
The Danish keeper brilliantly tipped over Obinna's angled drive and turned
away substitute Robbie Keane's near-post effort. West Ham also had two
claims for a penalty turned down, first for a Huth handball and then when
Jon Walters tangled with Tomkins from a free-kick. They were then out of
luck when Matthew Upson headed Hitzlsperger's corner against the bar. It
means Grant, a losing finalist with Portsmouth last year, is again denied a
return to Wembley after the Hammers also suffered defeat in this season's
Carling Cup semi-final and he now has only a relegation battle to look
forward to this season. Cheers rang around the Britannia Stadium when
Stoke's fans saw they had drawn Bolton in the last four, showing how
confident they will be of reaching the final, despite their own precarious
league position.
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Ba has no Stoke regrets
Hammers striker insists there is much more to come
Last updated: 13th March 2011 Subscribe to RSS Feed
SSN
Demba Ba admits he is 'glad' his move to Stoke City fell through as he
believes his transfer to West Ham United has been a 'blessing'. The Senegal
striker joined West Ham from Hoffenheim before the close of the January
transfer window after previously appearing to be on his way to Stoke.
However, the Potters pulled out of a deal for Ba due to concerns over his
fitness and the 25-year-old has shone since joining West Ham. He has scored
four goals in five appearances, including the opener in last week's 3-0 win
over Stoke, and he is due to face Tony Pulis' side again in the FA Cup on
Sunday. Ba believes the Hammers fans have yet to see his best form and he
has no regrets about Stoke's decision to withdraw from a deal. "I was a bit
surprised that the move to Stoke fell through, but I wasn't going to dwell
on it," Ba told the Sunday Mirror. "They had their reasons for pulling out
and felt obligated to make those reasons public to explain why I hadn't
joined them. "For me I just simply don't dwell on bad news and move on
swiftly. What is the point dwelling on it?
"Besides, moving to West Ham has been a blessing, I love it here. When
you're happy and playing with a smile on your face life doesn't get much
better.
"So in a way I'm glad the Stoke deal fell through because it enabled me to
join this club instead. "I've settled very quickly at Upton Park, but I
truly believe that the supporters have yet to see the best of me. "I will
work tirelessly to improve. I know there is so much more to come from me."
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Grant - We deserved penalty
Hammers feel let down by referee
Last updated: 13th March 2011 Subscribe to RSS Feed
SSN
Disappointed West Ham boss Avram Grant claimed his side should have been
given a late penalty in their FA Cup defeat at Stoke. Grant questioned some
of the decisions against the Hammers in the second half of the 2-1 loss and
claimed James Tomkins should have won a foul instead of being penalised
following a tussle with Jon Walters. Referee Mike Jones missed a handball by
Frederic Piquionne in the build-up to the French striker's first-half
equaliser and Grant said he felt the referee tried to even things up after
the break. He said: "I think maybe this is the reason the referee started
the second half very strange. "Until they scored [the second] goal he gave
fouls, a penalty, everything for them. "It was a penalty for us at the end
which he didn't give.
"Maybe he felt a little bit guilty. I think it was the effect of the first
goal for us."
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Side before self for Parker
Hammers skipper playing "best football of career"
Last updated: 13th March 2011 Subscribe to RSS Feed
SSN
England midfielder Scott Parker would love more international recognition -
but insists personal glory will mean nothing if West Ham are relegated.
Inspirational Parker has been a talismanic figure for the Hammers in their
continuing battle to avoid the drop. Despite his side's lowly position the
30-year-old reckons he has played some of the best football of his career
this season and even Fabio Capello has been unable to ignore his fantastic
form.
Parker had never been picked by the Italian until last month's friendly
against Denmark but produced an impressive display when he came on as a
half-time substitute.
Impression
Parker, who has earned just four caps since making his England debut in
2003, said: "It has been a bit strange for me at international level. "There
are times when the squads are picked I'm not in and it is disappointing. "I
was involved last time. To be honest I wasn't expecting to come on because
that's the way my career has gone a bit under the manager. "I got 45 minutes
which I was really pleased with. It was a start for me - a stepping stone.
"Hopefully I can make an impression on him more up-close and prove to him
that he can give me a chance."
Priority
However, the West Ham skipper's international ambitions have taken second
priority behind keeping the club in the Premier League. He added: "The
recognition I'm getting personally is brilliant and I take great confidence
from that. "I've played the best football of my career - no doubt. "But if
I'm driving home after that last game of the season and we've been relegated
it's going to be the worst season."
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Stoke 2 West Ham 1
The Sun
By MARK IRWIN
Published: 13 Mar 2011
DELILAH is going to Wembley and the residents of North London had better
stock up on earplugs. Stoke City secured their first FA Cup semi-final since
1972 roared on by a wall of sound at the Britannia Stadium. And you can bet
your life the decibel level will be cranked up to 11 when Tony Pulis' team
arrive at the national stadium for their big day out against Bolton. The
last time Pulis took a team to Wembley was back in 1999 when he was sacked
within days of Gillingham's play-off defeat by Manchester City. But now he
has one of football's safest jobs, after taking this grand old club to
within touching distance of only their second major trophy. Stoke's
no-nonsense approach might not be everyone's cup of tea but the excited
residents of the Potteries will not give a stuff about that as they queue up
for their semi-final tickets. 'We're Stoke City, we'll play how we want',
they roared, before serenading their heroes with that old Tom Jones classic
Delilah. At a time when the FA Cup has been devalued by the attitude of many
of the big clubs, this was a quarter-final clash to warm the cockles. Two
teams giving it their all in a thrilling fight to the finish. What was
lacking in quality was more than made up for in commitment, incident and
sheer desire. That both Stoke goals came from set-piece moves was no
surprise. Robert Huth powered home from a Rory Delap long throw and Danny
Higginbotham's winner was a fiercely struck free-kick from the edge of the
area. Yet this was far from straightforward for the team the purists love to
hate. And the way they defended their lead through a gripping final 15
minutes was worth the admission price alone. West Ham headed back to London
convinced they had been short-changed by referee Mike Jones when James
Tomkins was manhandled to the ground in the area by Jonathan Walters late
on. Jones had already angered Hammers boss Avram Grant when he awarded a
penalty for Scott Parker's challenge on Matthew Etherington seconds into the
second half.
But West Ham were in no position to complain about the officials after
Frederic Piquionne was allowed to equalise with the help of a blatant
handball.
In any case, Etherington's spot-kick was foiled by Robert Green and had no
influence on the outcome. Green knew it would be a busy afternoon right from
the off, when he was forced to save at point-blank range from Etherington's
header. Nobody does physical pressure quite like the Potters and their
tactics paid dividends in the 12th minute as the giant Huth applied a
thunderous header to one of Delap's bombs into the danger zone. TV replays
showed Huth's marker Matthew Upson had been blocked by Walters in what
appeared a well-rehearsed move. But with so much going on in the box, you
could hardly blame the officials for missing that one. There was no such
excuse, though, for Piquionne's 30th-minute equaliser. The French striker
clearly used an outstretched arm to control Thomas Hitzlsperger's long pass
before bundling the ball past Thomas Sorensen. Stoke thought justice had
been done when Parker's challenge on Etherington was penalised 16 seconds
after the break. But Etherington, who played for West Ham in their 2006 FA
Cup final defeat by Liverpool, struck his spot-kick at a saveable height and
Green, diving to his left, did the rest. Stoke kept driving forward and
regained the lead in the 61st minute, after Jermaine Pennant's free-kick had
been blocked on the edge of the area by Carlton Cole's upraised arm. Step
forward veteran defender Higginbotham to thrash his shot through the West
Ham wall for the first FA Cup goal of his career. Green had turned the low
shot against a post but was unable to prevent the ball rolling over the
line. West Ham poured forward in search of another equaliser. Victor Obinna,
Robbie Keane and Cole were all denied by Sorensen and Upson thumped a header
against the bar. But FA Cup success is not top of West Ham's priorities and
now they must focus on escaping the drop.
Stoke are not safe themselves. Yet the FA Cup would be a fitting reward for
all Pulis' hard work.
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
SUN STAR MAN - RYAN SHAWCROSS (Stoke)
STOKE: Sorensen 6, Wilson 6, Shawcross 8, Huth 7, Higginbotham 6, Pennant 6
(Whitehead 5), Delap 6, Whelan 6, Etherington 7 (Collins 5), Walters 6,
Jones 5 (Fuller 5). Subs not used: Nash, Pugh, Diao, Wilkinson. Booked:
Shawcross, Fuller.
WEST HAM: Green 7, Da Costa 6, Tomkins 7, Upson 6, Bridge 6, Noble 5 (Hines
5), Parker 5, Hitzlsperger 5, Piquionne 6 (Spector 5), Cole 5, Obinna 5
(Keane 6). Subs not used: Boffin, Gabbidon, Boa Morte, Jacobsen. Booked:
Obinna, Hitzlsperger, Da Costa.
REF: M Jones 4
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You cannot be serious Ref
By ANDREW DILLON
The Sun
Published: Today
AVRAM GRANT blasted ref Mike Jones as West Ham missed out on a Wembley
appearance for the second time this season. The Hammers manager could even
be hit by an FA rap for questioning the way that Jones handled this
pulsating quarter-final. Jones and assistant Andy Madley failed to spot the
handball when Freddie Piquionne levelled for West Ham after half an hour.
And fuming Grant is convinced Stoke were given a string of dodgy decisions
in the second half to make up for it. Asked if he thought ref Jones was
trying to even things up, Grant said: "I think, yes. "Maybe this is the
reason the referee started the second half very, very strangely. "Until they
scored the goal, he gave fouls and penalties, everything for them. But it
was a penalty for us at the end and he didn't give it. Maybe he felt a
little bit weak."
West Ham claim defender James Tomkins was 'karate chopped' by Stoke striker
Jonathan Walters seven minutes from time with them trailing to Danny
Higginbotham's 63rd minute free-kick. Grant said: "I think what happened at
the end to Tomkins, it was more Bushido than a penalty. But, like I say,
maybe it was the effect of the first goal for us. "We came here and wanted
to win. The players fought very well. It was a big fight, like it always is
at Stoke. Now we want to continue in the league what we did in the last few
weeks. "I think if it was a draw it would be more fair. From the opening of
the game, they didn't create chances. "We didn't start well but also Stoke
started very well, using their energy to close us. It was difficult to play
our game.
"It was a tough, very tight game. They scored from their strengths - a
throw-in and a free-kick."
West Ham missed out again just one win away from a Wembley appearance
following their Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Birmingham. Grant's day was
made even more miserable when goalscorer Piquionne being carried off with an
ankle injury. He will need a scan today in the hope he can recover for
Saturday's Premier League clash at Tottenham with West Ham in the relegation
zone. Stoke are going to Wembley for their first major final since their
1972 League Cup win. Inspirational defender Robert Huth headed them ahead
from a trademark Rory Delap throw-in in the 12th minute. Former Hammers
winger Matthew Etherington had a penalty saved by Robert Green but
Higginbotham snatched victory with a deflected free-kick. Potters boss Pulis
reckons Stoke have defied the critics and the odds to prove they can handle
the big time. They avoided Manchester United to be drawn against Bolton in
the semi-final at Wembley next month. Pulis said: "For 2½ years since we got
promoted we've been written off. "We've got to three quarter-finals, two in
the FA Cup and once in the Carling Cup, and now we've reached a semi-final.
"To have that achievement is fantastic. Everybody wrote us off but we
haven't done badly. "It's disrespectful to Bolton to say that's the draw we
wanted. We just wanted to win today and whatever team we got pulled against
in the semi-final we'd treat them with total respect. "Bolton have been an
established Premier League team for longer than us and it will be a tough
game. "The equaliser, which looked a stonewall handball, and the penalty
miss knocked us down but we've shown great spirit and commitment to come
back. "A lesser team would have been affected by all that. But it was a
cracking cup-tie. "I'm just delighted for my players. The biggest problem
we've got is people getting blase about it. We have no right to beat anybody
unless we go out there and work hard. "Only three or four years ago we were
a struggling Championship club and we can't afford to get complacent. We
have to stay on the front foot. "I've told the players we've got a tough
game against Newcastle. I'll just tell them to look at the league table,
that's the best way. We'll certainly be doing that this week."
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Grant accuses referee of playing to Potters advantage
Published 23:01 13/03/11 By David Anderson
The Mirror
Danny Higginbotham fired Stoke into their first FA Cup semi-final in 39
years – but Avram Grant accused referee Mike Jones of being weak.
Higginbotham's goal earned Stoke a Wembley date with Bolton and a chance to
reach their first-ever FA Cup final. "That would be great," said the
defender. "Stoke are a great club, which has come on leaps and bounds and we
would love to get to the final. It's great that we have won and now we can
all look forward to asemi-final." But West Ham boss Grant claimed Jones
favoured Stoke in the second half to make up for allowing Frederic
Piquionne's handball goal for the Hammers. When asked if he felt Jones had
tried to even up things, Grant replied: "I think so, yes. Maybe this is the
reason the referee started the second half very, very strange. Until they
scored the goal, he gave fouls and penalties, everything for them. "But it
was a penalty for us at the end and he didn't give it. Maybe he felt a
little bit weak."
Grant was unhappy with several of Jones' decisions as he awarded Stoke a
controversial penalty and ignored a strong spot-kick appeal for Jonathan
Walters' wrestling match with James Tomkins. Stoke boss Tony Pulis refused
to be drawn on the referee and instead looked forward to the semi-final.
"Since we got promoted we've been written off," he said. "We've got to three
quarter-finals, two in the FA Cup and once in the Carling Cup and now we've
reached a semi-final. "That achievement is fantastic. Everybody wrote us
off, but we haven't done badly."
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