WHUFC.com
The manager said the team will head to leaders Southampton in great spirits
next week
15.10.2011
Sam Allardyce was delighted after the 4-0 win against Blackpool that took
the Hammers into the top two but admitted he was disappointed not add to the
tally. Sam Baldock scored his first West Ham United goals in between an
opener from John Carew and a clincher from Jack Collison as the home side
dominated at a packed Boleyn on Saturday. In truth, it could have been five
or six as chance after chance was spurned. The manager was satisfied,
nevertheless, when he faced the press. "It was confidence boosting.
Especially at home because it has been our achilles heel as everyone knows
results wise. Today we got everything right. We were defensively sound. We
had quality of play in possession and quality of finishing when the
opportunities arose. "It is not often I can say I am a little disappointed
we only scored four with the chances we created. There were a number of
other chances we had that could have been converted but I like the way we
finished Blackpool off in the second half and we took the chances we did."
Reminding that the team were "dreadful" in the last home outing against
Ipswich Town, the manager said he deliberately repeated the 4-4-2 formation
because he knew "Blackpool were very attack-minded and left a lot of gaps
and spaces." He added: "Because they like to push the full-backs on, it
left them exposed. Both centre-halves were left on their own facing John
Carew and Sam Baldock and those two were excellent. They were our best
players today and that is the main reason we won 4-0 and you have to give
the rest of the lads credit for the defensive work and the supply they gave
them to create and score chances."
Baldock and Carew got the nod up front with Carlton Cole rested. Henri
Lansbury was also stood down after two Under-21 internationals with England
while Mark Noble made the bench after overcoming his toe problem Those
three, plus unused sub Frederic Piquionne and Joey O'Brien, back from
hamstring trouble, should all be in contention for Southampton on Tuesday.
It will be hard for anyone to dislodge Baldock, with the manager emphasising
his praise for the No7. "As a player, in terms of his finishing he is
something we haven't got. We have got John, Carlton and Freddie, but Sam
looks like he can score many types. He was probably the only player on the
field apart from Kevin Phillips that could have scored the second."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 4-0 Blackpool FT
Sam Baldock scores twice as West Ham record their biggest home league win
since September 2005
15.10.2011
WHUFc.com
WEST HAM UNITED v BLACKPOOL
npower CHAMPIONSHIP
SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER 2011
KICK-OFF: 3PM
FULL AUDIO COVERAGE - WEST HAM TV
Final score - West Ham United 4-0 Blackpool
It's confirmed. Derby and Southampton have drawn, so West Ham are up to
second and can go top if they win at Southampton on Tuesday evening.
95 mins - The final whistle is blown. West Ham's biggest home league win
since Aston Villa were beaten 4-0 on 12 September 2005 could send them up to
second if results elsewhere stay the same.
94 mins - Less than two minutes to go and Blackpool have so many forward
players on the pitch that it's no surprise that they are pressing. They win
a corner, but LuaLua's cross is cut out for another flag kick. LuaLua
crosses again, but he balloons the ball behind for a goal kick.
93 mins - Good defending again there from the home side as Bogdanovic's
cross is headed clear by Reid before Noble shows composure to clear his
lines.
91 mins - Sam Baldock is voted Man of the Match. Can he get his hat-trick to
add the matchball to his trophy collection?
90 mins - LuaLua becomes the first Blackpool player booked for a sliding
challenge on Diop. We're going to have at least five added minutes.
89 mins - Faubert does well again there as LuaLua runs at him. He uses pace
and strength to shield the ball out for a goal kick. The home crowd respond
with a chant of 'Julien, Julien', no doubt bringing a smile to the face of a
certain Mr Dicks sat a few seats to my left.
87 mins - LuaLua nutmegs Diop and gets to the edge of the box, but Faubert
is across to make the challenge. The attendance today is a very healthy
31,448.
85 mins - Baptiste and Diop have a coming together over on the far
touchline. It doesn't look like D'Urso has seen anything there. Diop is down
on the turf clutching his leg. I must confess the incident is too far away
from me to say definitively what happened...
83 mins - Jack Collison's goal today is his first since West Ham beat
Burnley 5-3 in the Premier League here on 28 November 2009. He's been much
more like his old self today has Jack. He's been full of running and
supported the front two really well.
82 mins - A low corner into the box and Ormerod gets away from Sears, but
cannot direct his shot on target. Thankfully, the ball bounces wide of the
goal.
80 mins - Carew is replaced by Mark Noble. The big man gets a peroper
send-off and responds by applauding the home fans. He's quickly becoming a
hero here, is big John.
80 mins - Good save Almunia. Taylor-Fletcher gets in behind the Hammers back
four and is odds-on to score, but the Spaniard is out like lightning and
spreads himself well. The ball flies away to the right and when Baptiste
shoots, the ball flies well wide.
78 mins - Superb play from Faubert as he romps forward and plays a one-two
with Sears. He could shoot but instead looks up and picks out Baldock with a
cut-back. Baldock shoots low and Gilks does well to push it around the post.
The corner finds Baldock again at the far post and he cushions the ball back
for Sears, whose snapshot is straight at the goalkeeper.
77 mins - Reid is back on again.
76 mins - Reid needs the physio on and there is a bit of confusion over
whether he will be OK to continue. Meanwhile, West Ham have a throw deep in
Blackpool territory, but the visitors scramble the ball away.
74 mins - Off go Ince, Phillips and Shelvey, with Ormerod, Bogdanovic and
LuaLua on in their respective places. Bogdanovic is going to take a
free-kick from 30 yards with his first touch, but he curls it high and wide
of the target.
72 mins - Blackpool are going to make three changes at the next break in
play.
71 mins - Faye takes a couple of chances trying to dribble the ball clear.
He gets away with it, but Big Sam is going nuts on the touchline, waving his
arms around and shouting at the veteran centre-back.
67 mins - Calm down dear! Baptiste chases the length of the pitch for the
ball but McCartney allows it to run before playing it out off the full-back.
Baptiste responds by booting the corner flag off its mooring.
66 mins - Baldock has the ball in the net from Collison's pass, but he's
been flagged for offside. That was a VERY close decision.
64 mins - Collison floats the ball over and Reid wins it. The ball loops
just past the angle of post and crossbar. 'Ooohs' all round from the home
fans.
63 mins - There are more goals to be had here for West Ham. Crainey makes a
hash of a clearance and concedes a needless corner. Collison to take it...
62 mins - The change is made and Sears is on for Taylor. Sears gets a loud
cheer, as always. They love their own here at the Boleyn.
61 mins - I think we're going to see Freddie Sears on for Matt Taylor in a
short while. too.
60 mins - West Ham will make a change in a second. It will be Tomkins who
will come off for Faye. There is nothing wrong with Tomkins, but the Hammers
have two more games this week and the No5 will be required for both of them.
57 mins - That should be 5-0 and Baldock's hat-trick. Nolan sends Carew
clear with a superb pass. The Norwegian leaves his marker for dead and
should cross for the unmarked Baldock to roll in his third. Instead, he
tries to curl the ball into the top corner and gets it horribly wrong.
Baldock is livid! Carew raises his hand in apology.
56 mins - Crikey! Baldock gets through again and shoots low. Gilks blocks
with his legs. The ball spins away and Collison is crowded out. West Ham
come again, though and Faubert sends in another fine cross for Taylor. He
shoots with his weaker right foot and the ball just clears the crossbar.
55 mins - GOAL! I think Mark Hunter might get his win now! McCartney does
superbly to get in behind Baptiste. He looks up and could pull the ball back
for Baldock. He instead crosses low towards Carew and the ball hits a
defender and is pushed clear by Gilks to Collison. He controls on his thigh
before shooting low and the ball hits a defender on its way into the bottom
left-hand corner.
52 mins - Taylor-Fletcher gets in behind McCartney and crosses to the far
post. The ball flicks off Reid, I think, and Ince cannot find the target at
the far post. He should probably have at least worked Almunia there, if not
scored.
51 mins - GOAL! Baldock again! That's real opportunist forward play there.
Nolan lifts a pass over the defence for Carew, whose touch lets him down and
he can only prod the ball past Gilks. Two defenders are on the line, but
Baldock reacts quicker than both of them and converts the easiest of chances
from about two yards out.
49 mins - I wonder when the last occasion was when two West Ham players
scored their first Boleyn Ground goals for the club on the same day? Carew
and Baldock, of course, have both scored their first East End goals in
claret and blue this afternoon.
47 mins - GOAL! Good composure and a great finish from Sam Baldock!
Faubert's clearance is high and towards the striker. He forces Hill to head
the ball straight to Taylor, who sends the striker away with a first-time
pass. Baldock is in acres and has an age, but he keeps his cool and slots
the ball between Gilks and the right-hand post.
46 mins - Blackpool get the second half underway, but it's West Ham who show
first. Taylor finds Collison and he cuts inside Hill before squaring for
Taylor. The winger has to slide as he shoots and the ball flies well over
the top. Shame, that.
No changes from either manager at the break. Manuel Almunia gets a good
reception from the fans in the Sir Trevor Brooking Lower on what is his home
debut for the club.
Olympic and world rowing champion Mark Hunter is introduced to the crowd.
Hunter visited Chadwell Heath on Friday and gave the players and coaching
staff a motivational talk. Hunter draws the winners of the new matchday
50/50 Lotto before being asked what he thinks will happen after the break.
The medallist believes a second goal will kill Blackpool's challenge off.
Let's hope he is right.
Half-time score - West Ham United 1-0 Blackpool
47 mins - Blackpool build patiently before sending a diagonal ball over that
Taylor heads out for a throw. Ince works some space and crosses, but Reid is
there to head clear at the near post and the half-time whistle is blown.
46 mins - We will have at least two added minutes. Ince shows quick feet to
get away from two defenders before laying the ball back to Southern. He
shoots through a crowd of players and Almunia shows good handling to hold on
in front of his line.
45 mins - There are more goals in this for the Hammers as Diop and Carew
combine. The Senegal man tries to play in Collison, but Baldock does not
read the script and cuts out the through ball.
43 mins - Carew could have had a hat-trick this half. Taylor follows up and
sends the Norwegian clear into the penalty area. He shoots and Gilks makes
the save with his right leg. The ball breaks back to Nolan, who doesn't
panic and lifts a delightful pass to Baldock. The striker has to stretch and
unfortunately can only direct his volley over the top. So close to a second.
40 mins - This is a chance for Blackpool as Diop is penalised for a shove on
Phillips about 30 yards out. Shelvey fancies this one... After a big
build-up he sends his shot into the second last row of the Bobby Moore
Lower! Ironic cheers from his fellow West Ham fans.
39 mins - West Ham come again as Nolan sends a precision pass through for
Taylor. His cross is headed clear to Baldock, who tries to nod it back in
for Carew. A defender gets in the way and the visitors escape.
38 mins - Baldock does well in midfield before swapping passes with Taylor.
He streaks into the inside-left channel and cuts the ball back for Carew.
His first touch is a little too strong and the ball bounces away far enough
for Gilks to collect.
36 mins - Another half-chance for Blackpool as Phillips gets to the byline,
but his low cross is cut out by Reid on the edge of his own six-yard box.
35 mins - Phillips is a threat whenever he is on the pitch, but he cannot
beat Almunia with this attempt. The ball bounces on the edge of the box, but
it's just behind the veteran striker. He shoots on the turn, but it's
straight at the goalkeeper.
34 mins - The Blackpool fans are making plenty of noise away to my left.
They really lit up the Premier League last season, didn't they? With their
bright Tangerine shirts, they're doing so again this afternoon.
31 mins - Nolan makes a well-timed run in behind and controls McCartney's
long pass. He lays the ball back to Taylor, whose cross causes havoc as
Carew challenges for it. The ball drops, but Blackpool scramble it clear.
30 mins - A hairy moment inside the West Ham penalty area as McCartney's
touch lets him down, but Taylor-Fletcher cannot benefit. Taylor completes
the clearance and Baldock does well to spin away from Evatt. Baldock races
towards the penalty area, but his cross is too strong for Carew.
28 mins - The corner is cleared, but Taylor chases back and gets the ball.
He finds Reid, whose diagonal pass for Collison is well won in the air by
the No10. He nods it to Carew, who tries to pick out Collison's run with a
backheel. It is just cut out by a defender. So close.
27 mins - A great chance for Carew to double his tally and West Ham's lead
as he outmuscles Evatt and is in on goal. He shoots left-footed and Gilks
parries. Baldock retrieves the situation but his cross is cut out.
25 mins - Faubert's throw is controlled well on the chest by Carew. He spins
away and finds Collison, who uses Faubert as a decoy runner before crossing,
but it's high and a routine catch for Gilks.
23 mins - Oh dear. Collison gets a foot in and the ball breaks to Carew. He
skips over a challenge and is fouled, but the ball breaks back to Collison,
who is clean through. Referee D'Urso blows his whistle for the free-kick.
West Ham's players and management are incensed. I don't think D'Urso booked
the culprit, either. The free-kick comes to nothing.
22 mins - Blackpool are threatening too, but Taylor-Fletcher's pass for
Shelvey is over-hit. The Tangerines keep up the pressure and the ball is
worked back to Ferguson. He shoots from 25 yards or so, but it's too high.
21 mins - West Ham are carrying a threat and Blackpool don't look that solid
at the back. Baldock is involved again before Ferguson inadvertantly pokes
the ball back towards Gilks. Carew bears down on the goalkeeper, who gets
out smartly to hack clear.
20 mins - Blackpool work a crossing chance down the left cleverly. Baptiste
is the beneficiary and has room to pick a man out. His cross goes past
Taylor, but Reid is there to make a vital sliding clearance at the near
post. That's good defending.
19 mins - Baldock and Collison look lively today and the pair almost combine
to get the midfielder in, but he is just offside. It's encouraging to see
Collison making runs beyond the strikers.
17 mins - Faubert follows Nolan in to the book for a sliding challenge on
Taylor-Fletcher on halfway.
16 mins - Carew uses his body so well. He has a good touch and then makes it
impossible for the defender to get around him and take the ball from him.
There is no coincidence that he has played for some of Europe's top clubs.
Another fine touch nearly sets Collison away, but the Welshman is offside.
14 mins - Having gone ahead, West Ham threaten again through Baldock, who
makes a chance for himself and shoots from 30 yards. Gilks can only block
with his body, but no Hammers player is close enough to take advantage. To
be fair, Baldock was all on his own. Good work from the striker.
12 mins - GOAL! That one doesn't! Carew again! Nice football in midfield
involving Diop and Nolan before the skipper spreads play into space for
Faubert. The Frenchman looks up and curls a ball across - without too much
pace on it - that Carew gets to ahead of his marker and heads into the
bottom left-hand corner.
12 mins - Good football from the hosts as Collison and Faubert combine to
clear before McCartney and Taylor play their way down the left wing. The
pass for Collison or Baldock to chase is delayed too long and the chance
goes begging.
10 mins - Reid clips a cross into the box and the home fans behind the goal
want a free-kick, or even a penalty, for a hold on Carew. Nothing is given.
Diop picks up the pieces and swaps passes with Taylor, but his header into
the box is too strong for the Norwegian and Gilks collects.
8 mins - Blackpool come forward down their right and win a throw-in. The
ball is worked back to Shelvey, who shoots and the ball takes a deflection
and goes behind. Shelvey himself takes the corner and Almunia's punch isn't
convincing. The ball only just clears the six-yard box, but Nolan is fouled
and the hosts can clear their lines.
7 mins - D'Urso has his notebook out already to book Nolan for a foul on
Ince. Yellow card for the skipper.
6 mins - Better from the Hammers. Carew controls a high ball superbly and
finds Diop. He slides the pass wide right for Faubert, who curls over a
cross for Baldock to attack. The ball flies high into the air and Carew
attacks it, but he's penalised for a foul.
4 mins - It's all-action so far. A cross comes in from the right and Faubert
is able to allow it to fly over his head. Blackpool win back possession in
midfield and this time it is Hill, but Almunia makes the catch.
3 mins - Hammers fan Shelvey is heavily involved again, cutting in from the
left and beating Diop, but Nolan is there. West Ham break and Taylor gets to
the byline. His cross is too high for Carew and Collison cannot control.
2 mins - Blackpool have their first spell of possession as Shelvey comes
past Diop and finds Ince. His left-footed cross is blocked by Faubert for a
throw.
1 min - West Ham go on the offensive and Taylor tries to beat right-back
Baptiste, but the defender stands firm. It's 4-4-2 v 4-3-3 in terms of
formation. I am no prophet, but I'm expecting lots of chances and a few
goals this afternoon.
3.01pm - West Ham will kick-off, shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking
Stand. To my left, the great Martin Peters is singing along to 'Bubbles'.
You've got to love that!
3pm - Apologies for the lack of updates since 2pm. I've had some technical
issues, but they seem to be resolved now. The two teams are out on the pitch
and the atmosphere has built nicely ahead of kick-off. The mascots have had
their photos taken by Steve Bacon - who I am told has secured a book deal
for his life as West Ham's official photographer - and we're nearly ready
for kick-off.
1.58pm - The West Ham United team has been confirmed. Substitutes and the
Blackpool squad to follow shortly -
West Ham United: Almunia, Faubert, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney, Collison, Bouba
Diop, Nolan, Taylor, Baldock, Carew
Subs: Boffin, Faye, Noble, Sears, Piquionne
Blackpool: Gilks, Baptiste, Hill, Crainey, Evatt, Ferguson, Southern,
Taylor-Fletcher, Ince, Shelvey, Phillips
Subs: Howard, Eardley, Ormerod, LuaLua, Bogdanovic
1.50pm - Unfortunate news from Little Heath, where the Under-18s have lost
their unbeaten record courtesy of a 2-0 FA Premier Academy League defeat by
Charlton Athletic. A full report and reaction from Academy Director Tony
Carr will appear on whufc.com soon. Highlights will also be available on
West Ham TV early next week.
Good afternoon and welcome to another sunny afternoon at the Boleyn Ground
for this afternoon's npower Championship fixture between West Ham United and
Blackpool.
First off, if you live within reasonable driving distance of the stadium,
why not pack the kids in the car and get down here and watch the game in
person? It's Kids for a Quid, meaning you won't have to break the bank to
give them a day out they'll never forget! The turnstiles will be open right
up to kick-off at 3pm.
It is all to play for today, with both clubs seeking three points that would
really ignite their respective bids for promotion back to the Premier League
at the first attempt. West Ham are seeking a first win in three matches,
while Blackpool have been in fine form recently, defeating Bristol City 5-0
last time out.
History is on the side of the hosts, who have not lost at home to Blackpool
in their previous 17 meetings in east London in all competitions. Indeed,
the Tangerines have not left the Boleyn Ground with a win since April 1934.
Manager Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, has not lost in five matches against
Blackpool, while Ian Holloway has recorded just one win in five attempts
against the Hammers.
The two teams will be officially announced at 2pm, but before then we can
speculate over the lineup Big Sam will name this afternoon. Norway striker
John Carew is in line for a start after scoring a late equaliser as a
substitute at Crystal Palace a fortnight ago and for his country in midweek,
while Sam Baldock, Winston Reid, Mark Noble and Matt Taylor are all fit
again and pushing for a place in the starting XI.
On the down side, England midfielder David Bentley is out after undergoing
knee surgery that will sideline him for up to six months. Midfielder Gary
O'Neil is also out with a long-term ankle problem, while 12 players -
including Herita Ilunga, Pablo Barrera and Jordan Spence - are out on loan.
For Blackpool, former Newcastle United striker Lomana LuaLua joined the club
on loan on Thursday, while Billy Clarke and Matt Phillips were allowed to
leave the club on loan for Sheffield United on Friday. Injury-wise, the
Tangerines could be without left-back Stephen Crainey (ankle), centre-back
Craig Cathcart (knee) and forward Daniel Bogdanovic (hamstring), but then
again all three could be fit.
West Ham United: Almunia, Faubert, Tomkins (Faye 60), Reid, McCartney,
Collison, Bouba Diop, Nolan, Taylor (Sears 62), Baldock, Carew
Subs: Boffin, Noble, Piquionne
Blackpool: Gilks, Baptiste, Hill, Crainey, Evatt, Ferguson, Southern,
Taylor-Fletcher, Ince (Ormerod 74), Shelvey (LuaLua 74), Phillips
(Bogdanovic 74)
Subs not used: Howard, Eardley
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 4 - 0 Blackpool
Page last updated at 16:58 GMT, Saturday, 15 October 2011 17:58 UK
BBC.co.uk
Sam Baldock grabbed a double as West Ham scored three goals in eight
second-half minutes to ease past Blackpool and go second in the Championship
table.
John Carew set the Hammers on their way, heading in from Julien Faubert's
cross before the break. The hosts missed several chances but Baldock did
make it 2-0 on 47 minutes when he ran through and slotted home. Baldock
almost added a third from close range after good work from Carew, and Jack
Collison's strike sealed the win. Despite the scoreline, Blackpool started
in confident fashion following their 5-0 win over Bristol City last time
out. In fact, they looked the better side until West Ham opened the scoring
on 12 minutes when Faubert crossed from the right and Carew was strong
enough to hold off Matt Hill and find the bottom corner with his header. But
that opening goal was the signal for almost complete home dominance and the
Hammers could have added a second almost immediately but Baldock was denied
by Matt Gilks in the Blackpool goal. Gilks was soon in action again, saving
from Carew after a poor defensive error by Hill and then blocking a Carew
shot with his legs. Hammers goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was finally involved
just before the interval but had no trouble holding a low shot by Jonjo
Shelvey - and that was about as good as it got for the visitors. The hosts'
second goal arrived when Blackpool tried to play a high offside trap and
Baldock duly converted after racing on to Matthew Taylor's header. Another
Hill mistake then gifted a third goal when he let the ball bounce in the
area and Carew flicked the ball on to Baldock who tapped it over the line.
Collison completed the rout when his deflected volley from the edge of the
area easily beat Gilks, and only a superb save by the overworked keeper
prevented Baldock completing his hat-trick.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 4 Blackpool 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 15th October 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's team produced their best performance of the season so far to
see off the challenge of Blackpool with consumate ease at the BG this
afternoon.
Despite dominating the visitors from virtually the opening whistle, it was a
purple patch at the beginning of the second half - during which three goals
were bagged in just eight stunning minutes - that was largely responsible
for West Ham's biggest win since demolishing current Premier League
champions Manchester United by the same score last November.
Recent signing Sam Baldock grabbed a brace for the Hammers - his first since
moving from MK Dons - whilst Jack Collison and fellow striker John Carew
also got in on the act. Both front men - featuring in a rarely-seen
Allardyce 4-4-2 line-up - were in top form today and instrumental in the win
that lifts West Ham into the automatic promotion spots for the first time
this season.
United were simply a different class to the side that were, quite frankly,
awful against Ipswich in their last outing at the Boleyn. Oddly, the Hammers
registered only three more efforts on target today that they did against the
Tractor boys - ten shots to seven - but that was where the similarities
ended.
Most evident today was that Allardyce's side were far more adventurous in
attack than in recent home outings, where 'safety first' has perhaps been
considered of more importance. Whenever West Ham pushed forward they did so
in numbers, with five or more pressing in the final third on most occasions.
It was from one such foray that the Irons opened their account; with just 12
minutes on the clock - and having survived the customary early scare - Sam
Baldock's persistance paid off when forcing an error that was pounced upon
by Julien Faubert.
The Frenchman, playing at right back once again in the continued absence of
Joey O'Brien and Guy Demel (who is still to make his debut) delivered a
pinpoint cross that John Carew rose highest to meet and guide into the far
corner of a static Matt Gilks' goal.
The Norwegian striker, notching his second goal in consecutive games
following his first at Crystal Palace a fortnight ago went on to sqander a
brace of gilt-edged opportunities before half time. Sent through with just
the 'keeper to beat twice, the 32-year-old fluffed his lines by firing
straight at Gilks on each occasion.
Those misses were the only negatives from a sterling first 45 minutes' work
from Carew, who constantly had the beating of his markers both in the air
and on the ground throughout. But with the experienced partner in the front
two misfiring, it was left to young upstart Sam Baldock to show the former
Valencia and Roma striker just how it should be done.
With barely 100 seconds on the clock after the restart Matt Taylor threaded
a great ball through for the 22-year-old, who brought back memories of a
young Tony Cottee when sizing up his target before firing beyond Gilks into
the bottom right corner to register his first goal for the club.
Just four minutes later the youngster was celebrating again when he made it
3-0. Kevin Nolan, who produced an efficient performance in the centre of the
park put John Carew behind the defence but the Norwegian's first touch was
poor. However Baldock seised on the opportunity and once again echoed former
Hammer Cottee when beating two defenders to the ball which he prodded over
the line.
With Blackpool still recoiling from Baldock's second goal of the afternoon,
Jack Collison make it 4-0 with 55 minutes on the clock. The Welsh
international, still feeling his way back from a year-long absence was
perfectly positioned to pick up on John Carew's half-cleared shot.
Positioned on the edge of the penalty area, Collison fired home through a
crowd of bodies to record West Ham's third goal in eight minutes.
With the points in the bag, United took their foot off the gas and the final
third of the game was little more than a high-intensity training exercise.
Freddie Sears, Abdoulaye Faye and Mark Noble all got valuable match
experience as the game teetered towards its inevitable conclusion.
Indeed, the biggest cheer for the remainder of the game was reserved for a
groundsman who was forced to jog halfway round the pitch to replace a broken
corner-flag, snapped in two by an impetuous kick from a disgruntled Alex
Baptiste.
Having made his way from the dug-out to the corner between the Trevor
Brooking and East Stands to replace the flag - twice, having forgotten to
take a replacement flag on the first occasion - the embarrased groundsman
ignored calls from the Trevor Brooking Lower to 'give us a wave' which
naturally resulted in a chorus of, 'who the f**ing Hell are you?' from both
home and away fans.
That episode summed up the mood prevalant amongst West Ham's supporters
leaving the stadium; unanimously in good spirit having witnessed a
performance full of hope and promise.
It was also the perfect platform for a series of tricky games that await
this month - a series that encompasses a home encounter with Leicester (29th
October) plus trips to Brighton (24th October) and current table-toppers
Southampton this coming Tuesday evening (18th October).
West Ham Utd 4 Blackpool 0: match facts
West Ham Utd: Manuel Almunia, Julien Faubert, James Tomkins (Abdoulaye Faye
60), Winston Reid, George McCartney, Jack Collison, Kevin Nolan, Papa Bouba
Diop, Matthew Taylor (Freddie Sears 62), Sam Baldock, John Carew (Mark Noble
80).
Subs not used: Ruud Boffin, Frederic Piquionne.
Goals: John Carew (12), Sam Baldock (47, 51), Jack Collison (55).
Booked: Matt Taylor (7), Julien Faubert (17).
Blackpool: Matthew Gilks, Alex Baptiste, Ian Evatt, Matthew Hill, Stephen
Crainey, Jonjo Shelvey (Lomana Tresor LuaLua73), Keith Southern, Barry
Ferguson, Thomas Ince (Brett Ormerod 72), Kevin Phillips (Daniel Bogdanovic
73), Gary Taylor-Fletcher.
Subs not used: Neal Eardley, Mark Howard.
Booked: Lomana Tresor LuaLua (90).
Referee: Andy D'Urso (4).
Assistants: David Rock, Stuart Butler.
Fourth Official: Graham Horwood.
Attendance: 31,448.
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No complaints for Allardyce
Holloway less than impressed after heavy defeat
Last Updated: October 15, 2011 6:50pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce reckons his side got everything right as they
hammered a Blackpool, while Ian Holloway was keen to point out his club has
changed from their Premier League adventure. Home side West Ham dominated
the majority of the first half but only John Carew's header separated the
sides at the break. It was West Ham's blistering start to the second half
that left Blackpool trailing in their wake as Sam Baldock scored twice and
Jack Collison added a fourth with only 55 minutes on the clock. Allardyce
was delighted with the display, as he said: "It has been our Achilles heel
as everybody knows results-wise and today we got everything right. "(We
were) Defensively sound, quality of play in possession, quality of finishing
when the opportunities arose and it's not often I can say I'm a little
disappointed that we only scored four."
Excuse
Carew showed that he still has what it takes to play in England's top flight
as he dominated the Blackpool defence from the first whistle until he was
substituted late on.
The former Aston Villa man's strike partner for the game, Baldock, also
impressed and helped himself to a brace - his first goals for the club since
he moved from MK Dons in the transfer window - and Allardyce felt their
contribution was important. "Those two (Carew and Baldock) were our best
players today and were the reason we won by four goals," he said. "As a
player he (Baldock) is something we haven't got. We have good centre
forwards but Sam looks like he can score many types of goals."
A 1-0 win at Hull City on the opening day of the campaign remains
Blackpool's solitary away victory in the league this season and manager Ian
Holloway was less than impressed with his side's defending.
Fame
"I never saw that coming to be fair with the first-half performance," he
said. "I thought we then made excuse after excuse in the second half. "We
were asking the linesman to help us out but we defended terribly and my two
centre halves couldn't deal with Baldock or the big man's (Carew) movement."
Holloway was also quick to point out his team has changed a lot since their
single Premier League campaign last year and they cannot take anything for
granted. "Blackpool has changed," he said. "The tower is still there. The
lights are still there but the fame has gone. "We were famous for one year
and you have got to fight and you have to come to places like this, believe
in yourself and hurt them."
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Hammers running on four-star
Last updated: 15th October 2011
SSN
Three goals in eight second-half minutes ensured a comfortable 4-0 victory
for West Ham as Blackpool's defence endured a torrid afternoon. John Carew
set the Hammers on their way with a 12th-minute header and
Blackpoolcollapsed after the break as a Sam Baldockdouble and Jack
Collison's strike completed the rout.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce had spoken during the week of his bitterness at
being dismissed by Blackpool after leading them to the brink of promotion in
1996 and he gained some revenge with a dominant display at Upton Park.
Blackpool had gone into the game high on confidence after winning 5-0 last
time out and they actually looked the better team until West Ham opened the
scoring.
Julien Faubert crossed from the right and Carew showed good strength to hold
off Matt Hill and find the bottom corner with his header. That gave the
Hammers a huge boost and they could have added a second almost immediately
but Baldock was denied by Matt Gilks. West Ham were angered when Collison
split the Blackpool defence and was put through on goal but referee Andy
D'Urso failed to play advantage and instead blew for a free-kick in the
centre circle. Gilks was called into action again just before the half-hour
mark when his smart save spared the blushes of Hill , whose poor touch
allowed Carew a clear run at goal. West Ham continued to look threatening
and Gilks again denied them a second when he saved with his right leg from
Carew, before Baldock fired over. West Ham goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was
finally called into action just before the interval but had no trouble
holding a low drive by Jonjo Shelvey. A second goal looked like it would be
enough to kill off the visitors and West Ham needed just two minutes of the
second half to double their lead.
Blackpool tried to play a high offside trap but were left waiting for a flag
that never came as Matthew Taylor' header put Baldock clean through, and
the striker held his nerve to slot coolly past Gilks. It was certainly all
over four minutes later and Hill was again at fault as the ball was allowed
to bounce in the area before Carew flicked the ball over Gilks and Baldock
tapped in on the line. The Seasiders conceded a fourth in the 55th minute
when the ball fell to Collison on the edge of the area and his deflected
volley again left Gilks with no chance. It was a case of damage limitation
for Blackpool from then on and Gilks again came to the rescue with a superb
save to prevent Baldock completing his hat-trick.
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Nolan - Big Sam for England
Hammers skipper backs Allardyce to coach Three Lions
By Subhankar Mondal. Last Updated: October 15, 2011 1:08pm
SSN
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan believes that manager Sam Allardyce has
what it takes to become the next England coach. Allardyce has long been
underpinned as one of the English candidates to replace Fabio Capello when
he steps down as the Three Lions' boss at the end of the Euro 2012 finals
next summer. Nolan, who has played under Allardyce at Bolton Wanderersand
Newcastle United, now says that the 56-year-old should have been given the
job instead of Steve McClaren way back in 2006. "No disrespect to Steve
McClaren, but when he got the England job I thought Sam should have had it
as he was the main candidate then," the midfielder told the Daily Mirror. "I
don't know why he didn't get it. He's portrayed as this long-ball, kick-off
merchant, but you guys can portray people any way you want. "If someone
wants to portray Sam as a calming influence as a manager, I think they could
now. When you see him he's a lot calmer on the sidelines. "In my opinion, he
is still ready for the job and I think he would do a good job if he got that
call."
However, Nolan admits that he does not know if Allardyce will accept the
England job should it now be offered to him. "I don't know if he still wants
it," said the 29-year-old. "I'm sure they would have to come knocking,
because he wouldn't put himself up. "I think he has a job to do here first.
If he produces what we all want and expect him to do in the next season or
two, I'm sure he'll be a firm favourite for that job if they want to go the
English route."
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Top Ten Good Things About Beating Blackpool
October 15th, 2011 - 10:03 pm by Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Well that was just what the doctor ordered, wasn't it? I had a bad feeling
about today. I just felt that we were going to be done over. A bit wrong,
wasn't I? And even Andy D'Urso couldn't even spoil it, despite making every
effort to do so.
There were so many good things about today. Here is my top ten.
1. A great performance despite at least five automatic first choicers being
injured or rested.
2. The crowd - really got behind the team. Loudest match of the season.
3. Manuel Almunia - looked totally secure and confident.
4. Marlow - the 9 year old who sits next to me, calling the referee a
'blanker'.
5. Sam Baldock, who grew as the game went on. He is going to be a star.
6. John Carew, who improves with every game.
7. The defence, especially Reid and Tomkins.
8. Baldock's second goal. Taken coolly and with class.
9. The return to form of Jack Collison.
10. The improvement in Kevin Nolan.
We now have two key matches away to Southampton and Derby. Four points would
be acceptable, six would really set us up for the Christmas run in.
Allardyce rested Lansbury and Cole today deliberately, with the next two
matches in mind. Will they come back at St Mary's? Lansbury in for Diop,
maybe but Carlton may face more of a challenge.
I am so looking forward to the Football League show at 11.45!
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West Ham 4-0 Blackpool: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 21:50 15/10/11 By Chester Stern
The Mirror
Ian Holloway was left raging after Blackpool's second-half capitulation at
Upton Park. "I never saw that coming," he said. "It was a disgrace. "West
Ham were miles better than us. That just shows what getting out of this
division is all about. You need to be solid. We weren't." Blackpool trailed
at half-time to a John Carew header but were hit by three goals in eight
second-half minutes. Sam Baldock struck twice as the Hammers romped to their
biggest home victory over Blackpool for 53 years and lifted them to second
in the Championship. Baldock, 22, a recent signing from MK Dons, outshone
his more illustrious strike partner Carew with his first goals for West Ham
as they ran riot in the autumn sunshine. Manager Sam Allardyce said: "It was
especially satisfying at home because it has been our Achilles heel and
today we got everything right. "It is not often I can say I'm disappointed
we only scored four. But I liked the way we saw Blackpool off and I liked
the way we defended. Sam Baldock and John Carew were our best players
today."
Norway striker Carew, making his first league start for the Hammers, rose
unmarked to head a simple 12th-minute goal from a Julien Faubert cross - his
third in as many games. Of the two others making their home debuts, Manuel
Almunia looked untroubled in goal and Papa Bouba Diop was a powerful
presence in midfield. With both sides anxious to bounce back to the top
flight at the first attempt there was plenty of Premier League quality
football on show. Matt Gilks made two splendid saves to deny Carew a
hat-trick before the break. For the visitors, life-long Hammers fan Jonjo
Shelvey - on loan from Liverpool - looked sharp and Kevin Phillips was as
busy as ever. Tom Ince, son of former Hammer Paul, made some mazy runs too,
but Holloway's men lacked finishing power. Two minutes after the interval
Matt Taylor nodded a through ball into the path of Baldock who was onside
and he steadied himself before coolly slotting past the advancing Gilks.
Three minutes later the youngster grabbed his second, flicking the loose
ball into an empty net with Gilks stranded after Carew had caused panic in
Blackpool's defence. Moments later Jack Collison made it 4-0 with a
deflected shot as a Taylor cross was beaten into his path by Gilks. Baldock
might also have claimed a hat-trick were it not for the Blackpool keeper who
made a stunning save to push away a stinging goal-bound shot after Faubert
had unselfishly squared the ball into the striker's path. Holloway brought
on former Newcastle and Portsmouth striker Lomana Lualua, who joined on a
free transfer this week and he immediately injected pace and urgency into
his side - but West Ham were comfortable winners.
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West Ham 4 Blackpool 0: Baldock Hammers Ollie but sends Big Sam into top two
By ANDREW WARSHAW
Last updated at 10:32 PM on 15th October 2011
Daily Mail
Three goals in 10 remarkable minutes at the start of the second half
maintained West Ham's best start to a campaign for eight years against the
side where their boss Sam Allardyce started his full-time managerial career.
Relegation still hurts badly around these parts - just as it does for
Blackpool - but judging by this showing it looks a far more realistic bet
that the Hammers will return to the top flight quicker. The Championship is
arguably the toughest division to get out of with a clutch of strong
contenders starting every season with genuine promotion hopes. But many
more disastrous performances like this and Ian Holloway's side will earn a
reputation as one-season wonders.
For West Ham, back in the second tier of English football for the first time
since 2004-5, this was the first in a run of four games that could shape
their season with fixtures against promotion rivals Southampton, Brighton
and Leicester to follow. Allardyce, 57 on Wednesday, was without two
notable absentees, Carlton Cole and Henri Lansbury, neither of them even
making the bench. It was a case of rotation and managing resources for the
imminent tasks ahead rather than any special strategy. Also missing was the
luckless David Bentley, ruled out for six months after knee surgery. The
experienced John Carew, who scored for Norway in midweek, made his first
league start for the Hammers after equalising as a substitute in the 2-2
draw at Crystal Palace two weeks ago. Holloway, to his credit, has lost none
of his attacking instincts and went with the same 4-3-3 formation that won
him so many plaudits in the Premier League. Blackpool are unrecognisable
from last season, having offloaded 12 players and brought in 13, trimming
wages in the process.
Sadly, they were almost unrecognisable from the team who gained a reputation
for such boldness and adventure. Upton Park has rarely been a happy hunting
ground for the men in tangerine. In fact, it is 77 years since Blackpool
last took maximum points here but their 5-0 thrashing of Bristol City last
time out put them in good heart for the visit south. Despite playing three
strikers, Holloway has endeavoured to tighten up Blackpool defensively.
Only Middlesbrough have conceded fewer in the division this season but you
would not have guessed it from the dodgy start Blackpool made in the first
half and the way they emerged with even less concentration at the start of
the second. With 12 minutes on the clock, nobody picked up the lanky,
yellow-booted Carew and he rose to bury Julien Faubert's cross.
Early bookings for Julien Faubert and Matt Taylor did not go down well with
the home fans, who were equally annoyed when referee Andy D'Urso blew for a
foul on Carew instead of allowing the advantage. The bright afternoon sun
shone on Blackpool's band of travelling fans but not on their team, who were
restricted to a series of wayward, long-range efforts. Carew should really
have made it two when he was through on goal after a slip by Matt Hill, only
to be thwarted by Matt Gilks.
In fact, the Norwegian could have had a first-half hat-trick, Gilks again
saving his team on the stroke of half-time.
Blackpool should be able to play a lot better and were out quickly for the
second half. Instead, they continued to defend like novices and quickly saw
their day evaporate. Playing a dangerously high line, they were caught out
when the linesman's flag stayed down and Sam Baldock, put through by Taylor,
ran on to score his first goal for West Ham. The next time Baldock got the
ball, he made it 3-0, getting the last touch after Carew this time was given
the benefit of an offside decision.
A shell-shocked Holloway stood with his arms folded, only to watch the ball
hit the back of Blackpool's net again as George McCartney's shot cannoned
off the keeper straight into the path of Jack Collison, who rifled it home.
Carew and Baldock, twice, had chances to inflict further humiliation on
Blackpool, who ended up fortunate only to lose by four goals - not something
that Holloway will forget in a hurry.
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Round-up: Baldock double lifts Hammers
By Geoff Brown
Sunday, 16 October 2011
The Independent
Sam Baldock scored twice in four minutes early in the second half at Upton
Park as West Ham United blitzed Blackpool 4-0, the win lifting the Hammers
to second in the Championship. John Carew had headed in before the interval,
but Baldock's first goals for the Hammers, after 47 and 51 minutes, and a
Jack Collison strike four minutes later punished sloppy Pool defending.
Sam Baldock scored twice in four minutes early in the second half at Upton
Park as West Ham United blitzed Blackpool 4-0, the win lifting the Hammers
to second in the Championship.
John Carew headed in before the interval, but Baldock's first goals for the
Hammers, after 47 and 51 minutes, and a Jack Collison strike four minutes
later punished sloppy Pool defending.
"Defensively sound, quality of play in possession, quality of finishing, and
it's not often I can say I'm a little disappointed that we only scored
four," West Ham's manager Sam Allardyce said.
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