Daily WHUFC News - 11th April 2012

Hall at the double
WHUFC.com
Rob Hall scored twice in a 3-2 Development Squad defeat by Fulham on Tuesday
afternoon
10.04.2012

West Ham United's Development Squad lost a tight match 3-2 to Fulham on
Tuesday at Little Heath. The team, which included Papa Bouba Diop, Sam
Baldock and Dan Potts, were beaten by a strong Fulham reserve side despite
two excellent goals from Rob Hall. Despite Hall's brace, manager Ian Hendon
was left frustrated with the Hammers first half display. Fulham started much
the brighter and took the lead after just two minutes when a through ball
split the West Ham defence and striker Ronnie Minkwitz stroked the ball
home. Two minutes before the half, the scores were levelled when Sam Baldock
chested the ball down on the edge of the area before Hall struck a wonderful
half-volley into the top right-hand corner of the net. "We made it tough for
ourselves in the first 45 to be honest," said Hendon. "We didn't play as
well as we know we can, we didn't get amongst them and we showed them too
much respect. Because of that we got punished and we were lucky to end the
half on level terms."

Hendon made changes at the break and the second half was a different story
as the Hammers came out fighting - pushing Fulham back into their own half.
The hosts got their reward when, 20 minutes into the second half, winger
Blair Turgott won a penalty after latching onto Seb Lletget's through ball.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, Hall's spot-kick was saved by Grant Smith in
the Fulham goal, Hendon said, "We made a few changes with Blair and Dom Vose
coming on, which freshened things up a bit, and I did give the lads a little
rocket at half-time. They played with more urgency in the second half, got
amongst the Fulham boys a bit more, shut the ball down and pushed them into
their own half for the first 15 minutes of the second half and we got our
reward with the penalty."

The penalty miss seemed to take the wind out of the Hammers sails and three
minutes later Fulham took the lead. A free-kick on the edge of the area was
expertly dispatched into the top corner by Whites midfielder Alex Smith.
Fulham then extended their lead just two minutes later with Buomesca Tue Na
Bangna poking the ball home following a corner. There was still time left
for Hall to double his tally for the day with a free-kick from the
right-hand side of the area that he curled brilliantly over the wall and
into the top corner. Boss Hendon was impressed with Hall's overall
performance. "Rob's got that in his locker, he's a great ball striker which
you can see from his goal and free kick today. He's got that ability to
score goals which he showed and overall he did well today which is down to
his hard work on the training pitch."

West Ham United XI: Cowler, Driver, Potts (Fanimo), Diop (Turgott), Wearen,
K.Lee, Morrison (Ruddock), Lletget (Powell), Montenegro (McCallum), Hall,
Baldock (Vose)

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'There is no doubt in anybody's mind'
WHUFC.com
In-form Ricardo Vaz Te is convinced West Ham United are still on course for
promotion
09.04.2012

Ricardo Vaz Te remains in 'no doubt' that West Ham United will be promoted
after salvaging a point from Easter Monday's thrilling 3-3 npower
Championship draw with Birmingham City. Vaz Te took his Hammers tally to
seven goals in 12 appearances with a powerful header and nerveless
88th-minute penalty as Sam Allardyce's side battled back from a two-goal
half-time deficit. The forward is possibly the most modest footballer on the
planet and refused to take the plaudits for slamming the late spot-kick high
into the net after Chris Burke had handled substitute Henri Lansbury's shot.
"There is no doubt in anybody's mind - the players and the staff - that
we're going up," he said. "That's the aim and nobody is running from the
responsibility. Some people might have a doubt, but we dominated the game
and should have won. We just have to keep improving and keep focuring on
getting better. "I didn't really show guts to take the penalty! We all
showed guts to get ourselves in that position again, to fight back so hard
after making silly mistakes to be behind. I just stepped up like anybody
else would have done. There was no doubt from anybody on the pitch that we
were getting back in the game."

Vaz Te may have been with West Ham for only ten weeks, but he has already
felt the full range of emotions in claret and blue. Monday's game was a
microsm of his time with the Hammers, with highs and lows experienced amid
an amazing atmosphere at a rain-soaked Boleyn Ground. "It was a great effort
at the end but we've just got ourselves to blame really," said the No12. "We
put ourselves in that position which we didn't need to because we were
dominating. "I think now we realise that every time we dominate a game we
need to be more focused and pay attention so we don't leave ourselves open
to the counter-attack. I think we need to focus more. "I think we dominate
every team. We have shown that we're better than every team, pretty much,
but like I said we need to pay attention so we don't leave ourselves too
open to the counter-attack."

Looking forward to Saturday's visit of Play-Off contenders Brighton and Hove
Albion, Vaz Te believes the Hammers must take the momentum generated in the
second half against the Blues into the whole 90 minutes against the
Seagulls. "There is no doubt that is what we have to do. We just need to
focus to not leave ourselves too open on the counter where we've been
vulnerable. With the rest of the game, we just keep on going, keep the
positives and improve the negatives. That's what we have to work on."

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Striker set for extended stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th April 2012
By: Staff Writer

Frank Nouble will remain with Championship side Barnsley for at least
another month after agreeing to extend his stay at Oakwell. The 20-year-old
striker joined the Tykes at the beginning of March on a month's loan. And
West Ham confirmed earlier today that the two clubs have agreed a deal
allowing the former Chelsea youth product to remain in South Yorkshire for
the remainder of the season. Nouble, who has made just four appearances for
Sam Allardyce's West Ham during the current campaign spent three of the
first four months of the season on loan at League Two outfit Gillingham,
before returning to Upton Park. After briefly being involved with West Ham's
first team he was allowed to join Barnsley, for whom he has since made made
five appearances - four starts and one as a substitute. However a happy
spell it has not been, as since moving to Oakwell the Championship
strugglers have lost all five matches that Nouble has appeared in without
scoring a single goal.
Despite this, Tykes boss Keith Hill - who saw his side (minus Nouble, who
was unavailable for selection) thrashed 4-0 at home by West Ham last Friday
- has still opted to retain the services of the youngster.

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Trio selected
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th April 2012
By: Staff Writer

Three West Ham players have been included in the nPower Championship team of
the week. Portuguese forward Ricardo Vaz Te - who scored three goals over
the course of the Easter weekend, club captain Kevin Nolan plus centre half
James Tomkins have all been named in the Football League's nominated XI, as
selected by the Press Association. Included alongside the trio of Hammers
are Birmingham's Chris Burke, who scored the third of City's goals against
West Ham in last night's 3-3 draw at the Boleyn Ground plus former United
players Jobi McAnuff and Paul Konchesky. Meanwhile former Hammer Paolo Di
Canio's Swindon Town had two players - defenders Alan McCormack and Jay
McEveley - named in the League Two team of the Week.

Week 35: Championship Team of the Week

Goalkeeper
Frank Fielding (Derby County).

Defence
Kieran Trippier (Burnley); Paul Konchesky (Leicester City); Ben Turner
(Cardiff City); James Tomkins (West Ham Utd).

Midfield
Craig Bryson (Derby County); Kevin Nolan (West Ham Utd); Chris Burke
(Birmingham City); Jobi McAnuff (reading).

Attack
Ricky Lambert (Southampton); Ricardo Vaz Te (West Ham Utd).

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Nolan advocates long-ball game
Captain tells Hammers to be more ruthless, if they want to win promotion
Last Updated: April 10, 2012 4:06pm
SSN

Kevin Nolan believes West Ham United can still clinch automatic promotion,
if they concentrate on hurting teams. Speaking after the Hammers recovered
from 3-1 down to draw with Birmingham City, the skipper admitted the Upton
Park side must gain maximum points from their last four games to have a
chance of avoiding the play-offs. He told the London Evening Standard: "It's
not all done and dusted yet. We have to win every game now to give us a
chance of going up automatically.
"We really have to give it a big push now. If that doesn't work, then it's
the play-offs, but we have to make sure that, from now until the end of the
season, we get the basics right."

Win ugly

And Nolan says that the fans' desire to play attractive football may have to
be tempered to get results as Monday's draw with Birmingham was West Ham's
seventh home game without a win. He continued: "We got sucked in to just
keeping the ball and not hurting them. We're conceding sloppy goals when we
have control of the game. "We should have played some more long balls, to
open up the game and try to get between their midfield and the back four.
"There were a few things said to a few people at half-time but to be fair we
have a great bunch of lads here, and we have to be able to tell each other
when we're not doing the right things."

Penalty

Nolan was booked after protesting to the referee, who failed to award the
Hammers a penalty when Carlton Cole was pulled back by Steven Caldwell. The
captain said he had spoken to the striker about his reaction to the foul.
"People are going on about 'divers' in the game all the time, but Carlton,
the honest lad that he is, decided to stay up after being pulled back. "I
said, 'If you want the penalty, you have to go down'. If you're honest, it
seems, you don't get it."

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Fans won't like it but West Ham must 'lump it' if they're to go up
West Ham 3 - 3 Birmingham
Evening Standard
Ken Dyer
10 April 2012

West Ham fans should swiftly adapt one of their songs after their second-
half great escape at home to Birmingham. Instead of singing about playing on
the floor, their new chant should be: 'We're West Ham United, we lump it in
the air.' In reality, the Upton Park club's automatic promotion hopes are
fading fast following yet another failure to win at home but yesterday's
draw at least still makes it possible if, as manager Sam Allardyce admits,
they need to win their last four remaining Championship matches. Against
Chris Hughton's well-drilled side, West Ham were determined to follow their
supporters' advice and play it on the floor but were 3-1 down at the end of
a dreadful first half. All thoughts of the so-called 'West Ham way'
evaporated after that. Allardyce's team went direct and no one was moaning
as they battled gamely back to take a point and could have even won it had
substitute Henri Lansbury not contrived an 'air shot' in front of goal in
the dying seconds.

Captain Kevin Nolan, who was booked for protesting too strongly after
referee Jonathan Moss had turned down one of several strong penalty appeals,
said: "We've been wanting a home performance like that second half for a
while but it's just disappointing we're not learning and conceding sloppy
goals when we have control of the game. "We really have to give it a big
push now for automatic promotion. If that doesn't work then it's the
play-offs but we have to make sure that, from now until the end of the
season, we get the basics right. "There were a few things said to a few
people at half-time but to be fair we have a great bunch of lads here and we
have to be able to tell each other when we're not doing the right things.
"It's not all done and dusted yet, though. What we have to do is win every
game now to give us a chance of going up automatically."

The naive way West Ham played in the first half suited Birmingham perfectly.
While Mark Noble and company tipped and tapped their ineffective way,
Hughton's side sat deep, lit up a cigar and waited for the chance to
counter-attack. They scored two goals on the break, through Jordan Mutch and
Marlon King before an anaemic West Ham side managed to pull one back through
Ricardo Vaz Te only for Chris Burke to immediately stretch the visitors'
lead once again. That was a signal for Allardyce to desperately launch the
heavy artillery and in the second half, after laying siege to Birmingham's
goal, West Ham first made it 3-2 through Carlton Cole before Vaz Te netted a
dramatic 89th-minute penalty. "We got sucked in to just keeping the ball and
not hurting them in the first half," admitted Nolan. "We should have played
some more long balls then, to open up the game and try to get between their
midfield and the back four. "That was the most disappointing aspect, that we
didn't realise we were playing balls we shouldn't have been, particularly
because that was where their first two goals came from."

Nolan also revealed he spoke to his team-mate Cole after the West Ham
striker decided to stay on his feet, having been pulled back by Birmingham
defender Steven Caldwell. "People are going on about 'divers' in the game
all the time but Carlton, the honest lad that he is, decided to stay up
after being pulled back," he said.
"I said, 'If you want the penalty, you have to go down'. If you're honest it
seems, you don't get it."

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Nolan: 'Cole should have gone down for penalty'
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
3:53 PM
London 24

West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan says the Hammers are too honest for their own
good after their 3-3 draw with Birmingham City on Monday. The Hammers
skipper could not believe that the challenge on Carlton Cole in the second
half did not result in a spot-kick for the Hammers and he suggested that the
striker should have taken a tumble. "The foul on 'Coley' was a penalty,"
insisted Nolan. "People are going on about these divers all the time and
that's the disappointing thing. "He is an honest lad and has tried to stay
up and in the end Caldwell has made a fantastic tackle, but he has pulled
him back and that is a definite penalty. "It is not what we want in the
game, but when he doesn't go down he doesn't get the penalty, that's what I
said to him at the end of the game. "He has tried to be honest, but for that
he doesn't get the penalty. "That is what I said to the referee, though not
in those nice words and I have got a booking for it!" Nolan has hit top form
at just the right time and he insists that there is still plenty of room for
improvement. The 29-year-old grabbed his 11th goal of the campaign at
Barnsley on Friday and then laid on Cole's goal on Monday. And he puts his
form down to things happening off the field. "I have been delighted with my
form," said the skipper following the 3-3 draw with Birmingham. "It is a
massive thing coming to a new club with the expectations about doing the job
from the start. "It is about trying to find the right balance with your
personal and professional life. I feel that now more than ever. "I've got my
family moving down in August and we are looking to get everything sorted.
"It takes a huge weight off your shoulders having the kids around. It has
been fantastic and on the pitch I feel that I am better for it. "But I still
think there is a lot more to come from me and I am very positive that it
will come."

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Home form has cost West Ham, says boss Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says their current run of home form could
cost them automatic promotion to the Premier League. The 3-3 draw against
Birmingham on Monday was their seventh game without a win at Upton Park. He
told BBC Sport: "If we don't get automatic promotion we'd have lost it here.
We've got to go and get four wins on the trot and hope that's enough. "Until
we break the hoodoo of the home win, every game will be tough." He added:
"We've been absolutely outstanding away this year. "It really does sicken me
that we can't show the way we play away from home to the West Ham fans at
home. That's where we really want to do it." The Hammers fought back from
being 3-1 down at half-time to draw against Birmingham, but Allardyce still
thought the result was a missed opportunity. "We committed suicide in the
first half by gifting Birmingham three soft goals," he continued. "I can't
be too critical of the players publicly because of what a magnificent
comeback it was. At least we showed some quality, some desire and fighting
spirit. "If we'd have won the game from where we were, we would have gone
straight up. "It would have been a massive turning point and given us the
spur to go on."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 10th April 2012

Big Sam encouraged by comeback
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was pleased with the Hammers' second-half comeback in the 3-3 draw with Birmingham
09.04.2012

Sam Allardyce had mixed emotions after a superb second-half West Ham United comeback earned a 3-3 draw with Birmingham City on Easter Monday. Some casual defending had allowed the Blues to race into a 3-1 half-time lead after two quick fire goals from Jordan Mutch and Marlon King around the half hour mark. Ricardo Vaz Te pulled one back for the home side but Chris Burke restored the two-goal lead before the break. The second half was a different story though as the Hammers were dominant from start to finish. Goals from Carlton Cole and a Vaz Te penalty set up a frantic finish that saw Henri Lansbury pass up a glorious chance to snatch the win in the dying minutes. "What a comeback in the second half - we showed fantastic quality and spirit," Big Sam said. "We got the crowd right behind us and we had them on the edge of their seats and they continued to drive us on, continued to cheer for us and the atmosphere was fantastic. "Eventually Cole scored and Vaz Te got the penalty so we gave ourselves a chance of winning the game. Then in the final minute we had a chance with Lansbury to win it; it's just a shame it was on his wrong foot and he took the chance too quickly."

The draw - in front of fantastic home support once more - moves the Hammers to within three points of second-placed Reading, who play Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday. The Royals then play Southampton on Friday in a decisive fixture that could determine who ends the season as Champions, while the Hammers host Brighton on Saturday. "We were supported hugely by the crowd who willed us on to get that all important win. Now we've got to give the crowd enough on Saturday to cheer us on to the win like we tried to do in the second half today. "Unfortunately we didn't get the three points and even though it was a very good comeback by us it is still two points dropped at home. Now we have to think of four wins and twelve points and hope that either Southampton or Reading slip up enough for us to get in there."

Despite the fantastic efforts in the second half, it was a first-half performance the Hammers will want to forget and Big Sam was frustrated at his team's lack of discipline at the back. "I have to give the lads credit for an outstanding performance but in the end it was too late after the first-half professional suicide we committed. In the first half we played some ridiculous football that allowed Birmingham to go straight through us because we were playing silly passes in our defensive third. "That was something we spoke about not doing but we continued to do so and that's why we found ourselves 2-0 down. Birmingham had two chances that they finished very well but we gave them those opportunities. "But then we showed courage by getting the goal just before half time and all we had to do was keep it like that until half time. Unfortunately we couldn't do that, their lad on the edge of the box is all on his own which is unacceptable."

There was some concern before half-time when George McCartney was stretchered off with a head injury, to be replaced by Danny Collins. Thankfully the on-loan full-back does not appear too badly hurt but it is too early to say if he will be fit for the visit of Brighton. "It was an accidental clash of heads between two committed players going for the ball and he got a nasty cut on his head and is suffering from mild concussion. "I thought Danny Collins came on and did fantastic on the left hand side. We will wait until Tuesday to see how bad McCartney's concussion is."

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Vaz Te wins SBOBET Player Poll
WHUFC.com
Hammers fans have voted Ricardo Vaz Te as their SBOBET Player of the Month for March
09.04.2012

Ricardo Vaz Te has been voted as the winner of March's SBOBET Player of the Month poll on whufc.com. The striker, who signed for the Hammers from Barnsley in January 2012, won the award with a majority 35% vote from Hammers fans . Vaz Te enjoyed a successful month in which he scored three goals despite missing three games through injury. He scored the opening goal in the Hammers' 1-1 draw at home with Watford, the second in the 2-0 away win at Peterborough and a great looping header at home to Reading.

The 25-year old Portuguese striker beat strong competition to win the award in the form of defender Abdoulaye Faye, who came second with 26%, and Robert Green with 17.9% of the fans' vote. Vaz Te was presented with his award before the Hammers kick-off against Birmingham on Easter Monday.

This was Vaz Te's first player of the month award and he follows previous winners James Tomkins (August), Henri Lansbury (September), Sam Baldock (October), Carlton Cole (November), Dan Potts (December) and Mark Noble (January and February).

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West Ham 3 Birmingham 3
BBC.co.uk
9 April 2012
Last updated at 20:03

West Ham remain in the hunt for automatic promotion after Ricardo Vaz Te's late penalty salvaged a point against fourth-placed Birmingham. Blues looked set for victory when goals by Jordon Mutch, Marlon King and Chris Burke put them 3-1 up at the break. But Sam Allardyce's side dominated after the break and Carlton Cole's low volley put them back in contention. Vaz Te, who had earlier scored a header, then netted with a minute left as the points were shared. The draw leaves the Hammers three points behind second-placed Reading, who take on Brighton on Tuesday night in their game in hand. But the point will do little to appease those West Ham fans who have been frustrated with both the style of football played under Allardyce and a recent lack of form, which has seen the Hammers win just three of their last 10 games. A win for Birmingham would have seen them close to within three points of Allardyce's side, but they remain firmly in the play-off places after a ruthlessly efficient first half in which they clinically took their chances.

Midfielder Mutch opened the scoring when he exchanged passes with King before advancing forward and rifling in a left-footed shot from 25 yards. And King then doubled the lead three minutes later, breaking a static offside trap to run on and finish low past Robert Green. Vaz Te gave the home side hope at the end of the first half, heading in from a corner to score in his fourth consecutive game. But there was still time for Chris Hughton's men to take advantage of more dismal defending and score a third in stoppage time. A corner was only half cleared and when Burke hit a scuffed shot back through a pack of bodies the ball somehow found its way into the corner.

The home side were much improved after the break and pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left when Cole was afforded time and space inside the area to control Kevin Nolan's pass and drive into the far corner. And they drew level when substitute Henri Lansbury's shot was handled by Chris Burke. Vaz Te took responsibility and drilled the penalty down the middle to secure a sixth draw in the last 10 games.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "The players, when we set out to win a game of football, they need to be aware of what the opposition do and what they don't do and what we did was play straight into Birmingham's hands in the first half. "There wasn't enough determination in the team by the players who defended that corner to say these boys are not going to score here at all costs. "We've paid for a sloppy first half yet again and unfortunately while it's a magnificent comeback once again it's only one point and not three and three is what we wanted."

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton: "It's a good point here, you can only get the wins that you need to get and get the points that you need to get and you hope that some of the other results go for you. "And I think the results of late have been good for us but whether we get into that top six or not won't be down to other teams it will be down to us. If we can keep the momentum we've got at the moment hopefully we'll be OK. "It was tough to keep it going for 90 minutes but we are a team that have come here and scored three goals. There won't be many that do that this season. "I've only got good things to say about my team and I thought we were excellent and well worthy of the draw - it's not easy playing two games in two games."

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West Ham Utd 3 Birmingham City 3
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th April 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham may have failed to win for a seventh successive home game - but a fantastic second half comeback could provide the platform Sam Allardyce's side need to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

3-1 behind at half time following some dreadful individual errors, West Ham were heading for a second successive home defeat and the play-offs before a second half performance that equalled any seen at the Boleyn Ground for many a year galvanised the team and its supporters - whilst keeping alive the club's slim hopes of snatching an automatic promotion spot.

Although tonight's result leaves the Irons three points behind Reading who also have a game in hand, the Royals have to visit both Brighton - who must win to keep alive their dreams of making the play-offs - and Southampton, who have been virtually invincible at home, this week.

And with West Ham rejuvenated and handed a massive psychological boost after tonight's incredible second half turnaround, who's to say that Brian McDermott's in-form Reading might not stumble at the final hurdle in the same way as Steve Coppell's team of 2005 did seven years ago?

Chris Hughton's Birmingham - who went into tonight's game on the back of three straight wins - had barely been in the game before they took the lead against the run of play on 27 minutes.

Having seen off West Ham's furious opening onslaught - that typically fell short in the final third - Jordan Mutch opened the scoring on the counter attack after he danced around a static Abdoulaye Faye before firing into Rob Green's bottom right-hand corner to stun the Boleyn faithful.

With the home side still in shock from the opening goal, the visitors doubled their lead just two minutes later after Carlton Cole lost the ball on the half way line.

A direct pass through to lone striker Marlon King - who lost his marker, the unusually under-par Faye with consummate ease - left the experienced striker one-on-one with Rob Green. Green, who had barely touched the ball beforehand could do little as the striker picked his spot and passed the ball into an empty net.

The in-form Ricardo Vaz Te scored his sixth goal since moving from Barnsley in the final minute of first-half normal time when a mark Noble corner was nodded back into the mix by James Tomkins and converted from five yards out by the Portuguese forward.

But unbelievably, Birmingham restored their two-goal advantage in the third minute of added-on time when Chris Burke's speculative effort from the edge of the box evaded everyone in a crowded box to find an empty net.

Having already lost George McCartney to a nasty head injury - one that saw the Irish full-back rushed to hospital for further examination - Allardyce rang the changes at the break by bringing on Henri Lansbury for the ineffective Nicky Maynard, who is yet to register a notable performance at the Boleyn despite impressing away from home.

And that change had an immediate effect when the Arsenal loanee was sent tumbling in the box by a clumsy challenge by Peter Ramage within two minutes of the restart. Although it appeared to be a clear penalty, referee Moss decided otherwise - as was the case when team mate Cole appeared to have his shirt tugged by Steven Caldwell midway through the half when poised to shoot.

Undeterred, Cole got back to his feet and a left-footed volley brought the Hammers back into the game with 20 minutes left on the clock. It was the least United had deserved for their determination since kicking off the second half.

Sensing a remarkable comeback, the Boleyn crowd - so often criticised, mostly unfairly, by the media this season - found their true voice and it was like the good old days once again as the team and supporters galvanised their efforts in the hunt for a dramatic equaliser.

After Cole, Danny Collins, the superb Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins had all seen efforts come to nothing it looked as if the Hammers were to be out of luck. But with just three minutes left on the clock, referee Moss awarded a penalty after Lansbury's fierce shot hit the raised hand of City's Chris Burke inside the box.

In truth, Burke could do little about it and of United's three second half appeals, it was probably the weakest. But West Ham's indignation at not being awarded either of their previous appeals was clearly on the mind of referee Moss who had no hesitation in pointing at the spot.

With Mark Noble off the pitch having been replaced by Sam Baldock minutes earlier, the chance to level the scores fell to Vaz Te. As the Boleyn Ground held its breath, Vaz Te planted his kick expertly straight down the centre and into the roof of Boaz Myhill's goal to grab the equaliser and what could yet prove to be a precious point in the race for automatic promotion.

Although the momentum has clearly swung back in the path of Southampton and Reading tonight, West Ham's remarkable comeback could yet prove pivotal in the race for promotion.

The general feeling of despondency felt around the club in recent weeks as the top two places slipped further away was instantly lifted with Vaz Te's penalty.

And even if the Hammers fail to grab one of the two automatic promotion berths come next month, that goal could rejuvenate the club in much the same way as the 3-4 defeat to Tottenham in 2007 did - and just in time for the play-offs, where form and momentum are absolutely key.

West Ham Utd 3 Birmingham City 3: match facts

West Ham Utd: Green, Tomkins, Reid, Faye, McCartney (Collins 34), O'Neil, Noble (Baldock 82), Nolan, Vaz Te, Maynard (Lansbury 46), Cole.

Subs not used: Demel, Taylor.

Goals: Vaz Te (45, pen 89), Cole (70).

Booked: Lansbury (68), Nolan (68).

Shots on/off target: 9/8 (17).

Birmingham City: Myhill, Ramage, Caldwell, Davies, Murphy, Burke, N'Daw (Zigic 68), Fahey, Elliott, Mutch, King (Townsend 80).

Subs not used: Doyle, Redmond, Huseklepp.

Goals: Mutch (27), King (30), Burke (45+3).

Booked: N'Daw (37), Zigic (72), Burke (88).

Shots on/off target: 6/3 (9).

Possession: West Ham Utd 44%, Birmingham City 56%.

Referee: Jonathan Moss (6).

Assistants: Stephen Bratt and William Smallwood.

Fourth Official: Gavin Ward.

Attendance: 31,045.

Man of the Match: Kevin Nolan.

Did you Know? West Ham's three-goal haul was the first time Sam Allardyce's side had scored more than twice at home since the 3-1 home win against Derby on 26th November last year.

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Midfielder set for extended stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th April 2012
By: Staff Writer

Young Hammer George Moncur is set to stay with League Two side AFC Wimbledon for the remainder of the 2011/12 season. The 18-year-old son of former Hammer John Moncur has been with AFC since the beginning of January and his most recent arrangement, agreed back in March, saw him stay at Kingsmeadow until this week. However the two clubs recently agreed a new deal and after spending a couple of days back with his West Ham team mates this week, Moncur will return to Wimbledon where he will remain for the duration of the current campaign. The young Hammer, who first joined AFC in January has now made 16 appearances for the League Two club. He scored the first goal of his professional career on 24th March in a 4-0 win over Burton at Kingsmeadow. Speaking just last week, Moncur said: "Wimbledon are similar to West Ham in that they want to play good football and it has been great for me. It is better than playing reserve team football with the fans here and the atmosphere at matches. "It makes sense for everyone for this loan to be extended so it's likely it will."

AFC, who face promotion contenders Southend at Roots Hall this afternoon are currently 17th in League Two, some 11 points clear of the relegation zone and 18 shy of the play-off zone.

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Hammers rally but draw again
Last updated: 9th April 2012
SSN

Ricardo Vaz Te's penalty salvaged a point for West Ham, although they made it seven home games without a win after drawing 3-3 with Birmingham. The Hammers were left shell-shocked at the break in Monday evening's Championship clash at Upton Park as they found themselves 3-1 behind. Jordon Mutch struck first with an impressive solo goal for the visitors, bamboozling Abdoulaye Faye with some trickery before firing a shot past an unsighted Rob Green. And Blues doubled their advantage moments later when Marlon King beat the offside trap before keeping his cool to slot home. The home supporters were beginning to voice their displeasure before Vaz Te headed in his fourth goal in as many games in first half stoppage time. However, Birmingham went straight up the other end and restored their two-goal advantage when Chris Burke fired a volley into the ground which somehow bounced into Green's net. Carlton Cole pulled one goal back before Vaz Te lashed in the equaliser from the spot which was awarded after Henri Lansbury's shot hit Burke's arm. West Ham's recent home form has threatened to scupper their bid to immediately return to the Barclays Premier League and the Blues broke the deadlock in the 27th minute thanks to a terrific effort from Mutch. The midfielder won the ball with a sliding challenge before launching a counter attack following a one-two with King. Mutch drove straight at Faye, creating space with a step over, before squeezing a left foot shot into the bottom corner. Chris Hughton's side were then two goals to the good just three minutes later courtesy of King. Cole was robbed in the middle of the park and King, played onside by Winston Reid, collected Keith Fahey's pass before opening his body and placing the ball past Green. With murmurs of discontent circling around the ground, Vaz Te's goal offered some hope. Mark Noble's corner was hung up to James Tomkins and he headed the ball across goal for Vaz Te to nod in. But Birmingham had their two goal advantage back just over a minute later when Burke hit a volley into the ground which somehow looped over Cole and into the net. Allardyce threw Lansbury on at half-time and he nearly had an immediate impact after Peter Ramage clumsily clattered into him in the penalty area, although referee Jon Moss ignored the Arsenal loanee's appeals. The hosts were incensed when Cole was also denied a penalty after Steven Caldwell pulled him back, but the former England striker was on target in the 70th minute. Kevin Nolan lifted the ball back to Cole from the byline and he controlled the ball before smashing a left-foot half-volley past Boaz Myhill. The home side flooded forward in search of an equaliser with Cole and Danny Collins firing narrowly over. And referee Moss awarded a spot-kick to the hosts right at the death when Lansbury's vicious shot struck the raised arm of Burke, who was in close proximity to the effort. Vaz Te stepped up and crashed his penalty straight down the middle, into the roof of the net, to earn a share of the spoils.

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Big Sam doubts top-two spot
Hughton pleased Birmingham took a point at Upton Park
Last Updated: April 9, 2012 9:46pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce is pessimistic about catching Championship leaders Southampton after West Ham United were held to a 3-3 draw by Birmingham City, which left Chris Hughton content with a point. The Hammers twice came from two goals down to snatch a point thanks to Ricardo Vaz Te's 89th minute penalty, but the result does little for the club's hopes of finishing in the top two. With Southampton having won at Crystal Palace earlier in the day, West Ham are now six points adrift of top spot and have just four games left to play. And Allardyce believes the only way the Hammers can gain automatic promotion is in second place if Reading slip up against Brighton and then Southampton on Friday.

Unbelievable

"It depends on what Reading do tomorrow and then what happens between Southampton and Reading," said Allardyce. "If Reading slip up tomorrow and then Southampton beat Reading that's our only way back really. And at the end of that we've still got to go for four games with four wins. "The first half suicidal commitment was unbelievable from my point of view. "The players, when we set out to win a game of football, they need to be aware of what the opposition do and what they don't do and what we did was play straight into Birmingham's hands in the first half. "There wasn't enough determination in the team by the players who defended that corner to say these boys are not going to score here at all costs. "We've paid for a sloppy first half yet again and unfortunately while it's a magnificent comeback once again it's only one point and not three and three is what we wanted."

Vaz Te's late strike brought an end to Birmingham's three-game winning run but Hughton's side remain in fourth spot as they close in on a play-off place. And while his side led until the 89th minute, Hughton believes it was a point gained rather than two dropped, insisting Birmingham's fate is in their own hands.

Momentum

"It's a good point here, you can only get the wins that you need to get and get the points that you need to get and you hope that some of the other results go for you," he said. "And I think the results of late have been good for us but whether we get into that top six or not won't be down to other teams it will be down to us. If we can keep the momentum we've got at the moment hopefully we'll be OK. "It was tough to keep it going for 90 minutes but we are a team that have come here and scored three goals. There won't be many that do that this season. "I've only got good things to say about my team and I thought we were excellent and well worthy of the draw - it's not easy playing two games in two days."

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Match Report: West Ham 3 Birmingham City 3
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die

A hugely exciting match, but for all the wrong reasons. Yet another two points dropped. How on earth we think we can get automatic promotion by dropping five points in the last six, I really don't know. But we live to fight another day, no thanks to the referee. The first goal should never have been scored as a West Ham player had been fouled on the half way line, but it wasn't given. We had two clear penalties not given, although it has to be said the one which was given was a joke.

But there were two main reasons we failed to win today, and they were both wrong decisions by the manager. The initial lineup was wrong and unbalanced in defence. And because of that, we paid. James Tomkins is a Premier League central defender and that is where he should play. End of story. To play him at right back was just plain wrong. I presume O'Brien, Demel and Faubert must all be injured, but why not play Winston Reid there? He's done it before. The second poor decision was to replace the injured George McCartney with Danny Collins. This meant there were four central defenders playing across the back. Inevitable the full backs never really got forward enough and we didn't have enough width. The substitution at half time of Nicky Maynard was also inexplicable. If you were going to bring on Lansbury, why not take off one of the four central defenders, play three cross the back and leave two up front?

The other major fault in the team selection was picking Gary O'Neil. He did nothing. And hasn't really done so in any game he's played since his return from injury. Yes, he scored a spectacular goal recently, but in terms of creative wide play he hasn't done anything.

You can't fault the application - and they put up a real fight in the second half. The crowd recognised that and got behind the team. But that doesn't mask the fact that this was a game we should have been able to win. Carlton Cole - goal apart - contributed very little, so when you have s makeshift defence and two other players who aren't on the ball, is it any surprise that there are problems?

I have always thought we would, in the end, just about get automatic promotion. I have no idea why, but I still think we might do so. If Brighton and Southampton beat Reading this week, and we beat Brighton on Saturday (yes, I know...) we will be back in second. Yes, there are a lot of 'ifs' there, but let's not write ourseleves off completely yet. But I will admit that I have out the playoff dates in my diary!

Green 6, Tomkins 6, Faye 5, Reid 6, McCartney 6, Collins 6, Noble 7, Nolan 7, Lansbury 6, Vaz Te 7, Cole 5, Baldock 5, O'Neil 4, Maynard 6

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West Ham 3-3 Birmingham: Sam slams "suicidal" defenders
Published 19:48 09/04/12 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce reckons he must have been speaking Swahili to his players after they commited "defensive suicide". Big Sam watched in horror as comical defending allowed Chris Burke to fire the visitors into a 3-1 half-time lead. It came less than a minute after Ricardo Vaz Te had halved the deficit in first-half stoppage time. But Carlton Cole's angled drive and Vaz Te's 89th-minute penalty ensured the Hammers stay in the automatic promotion hunt. Allardyce raged: "Our first-half suicide was unbelievable. When we set out to win a game you have to be aware of what the opposition do and we played straight into their hands. We punished ourselves by giving the ball away cheaply and then they got two great finishes.Vaz Te's goal should have been the start of the recovery but there wasn't enough determination when defending the corner – not enough players saying 'these boys aren't going to score if I have to get my teeth kicked out and jaw broken, so be it'. "Instead, we commit suicide again. I said before the game that if you come off the pitch with a clean sheet, then you'll win the game, but I must have been talking Swahili."

West Ham started the better side but two quick-fire goals shook Upton Park. Jordan Mutch won the ball in midfield before beating Abdoulaye Faye and firing a left-footed shot past Robert Green, who remained rooted to the spot after 27 minutes. Three minutes later Carlton Cole gave the ball to Wade Elliott, who played in Marlon King to coolly slot home. Allardyce turned and punched the air in frustration. The Hammers hit back on the stroke of half-time when Ricardo Vaz Te headed in from close range for his fourth goal on the bounce, shortly after Nicky Maynard's curling effort rattled the bar. But the drama was not over before the break as four minutes into stoppage time the visitors scored again. A corner was cleared to Chris Burke whose volley bounced through a crowded penalty area and into the back of the net.

After the break West Ham poured forward. Cole gave them hope with an angled shot into the bottom corner after being set up by Nolan on 70 minutes. And the Hammers levelled when Vaz Te slammed home from the spot for his fifth goal in four matches after Chris Burke handled subsitute Henri Lansbury's fierce shot.
Birmingham boss Chris Hughton said: "For the penalty the lad was only two yards away and it was hit with force and he made no movement towards it. "It was surprise to score that many goals in the first half but I knew we were able to do it because we have enough quality in our team. We needed to show more composure when we had the ball amid the intensity of the second half." The Hammers are without a home win in seven matches and three points behind second-placed Reading, who play Brighton.

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West Ham recover from two goals down to salvage draw with Birmingham
Paul Doyle at Upton Park
guardian.co.uk, Monday 9 April 2012 23.22 BST

West Ham's Kevin Nolan attempts an overhead kick during the Championship match against Birmingham City. Photograph: PA
"I said to the players beforehand that if they come off the pitch having kept a clean sheet, then we'll have won – but I must have been talking Swahili." West Ham United mounted a rousing comeback to recover from two goals down and salvage a draw but Sam Allardyce was aghast at how victory eluded his team, extending their winless home streak to seven matches and complicating their hopes of claiming an automatic promotion spot.

With the Championship's leading two sides, Southampton and Reading, facing each other on Friday, this was an opportunity for West Ham to enhance their chances of returning directly to the Premier League but Birmingham City's opportunism and their own slipshod defending meant they made up only minimal ground.

West Ham enjoyed early possession but Birmingham were solid and soon exposed the fragility of a home defence that has been impeccable for most of the season but has now conceded seven goals in two home matches. Chris Hughton's team went in front in the 27th minute when West Ham gave the ball away in midfield. Jordon Mutch was allowed to carry the ball towards the box before sidestepping Abdoulaye Faye and firing a low 20-yard shot into the net. Green did not even move to save it.

West Ham were penetrated again three minutes later, Wade Elliott slipping a pass through to Marlon King who finished expertly. The home side rallied and Nicky Maynard curled a delicate shot against the bar a minute before Vaz Tê cut the deficit, heading in from close range after James Tomkins had nodded a corner back across goal. That was in the 44th minute but West Ham could not make it to the break without conceding again.

After a Birmingham corner was cleared to the edge of the area, Burke volleyed at goal and Curtis Davies appeared to apply a touch from close range to help it past Green. "Our first‑half suicide was unbelievable," said Allardyce. "We punished ourselves by giving the ball away cheaply and they got two great finishes. Vaz Tê's goal should have been the start of the recovery but there wasn't enough determination when defending the corner – not enough players saying, 'These boys aren't going to score and, if I have to get my teeth kicked out and jaw broken , so be it.' Instead we committed suicide again."

West Ham dominated the second half but most of their attacking was predictable and it seemed Birmingham had only to retain their shape and win the many aerial duels to stay ahead. The loss of Guirame N'Daw to injury in the 68th minute was a significant blow ithin two minutes that defence was breached. Kevin Nolan was given too much time to collect a punt into the box and feed it back to Carlton Cole, who drove low into the net.

Birmingham nearly responded at once when Nikola Zigic, who had come on moments before the goal, headed a cross by Burke inches wide. But three minutes from time West Ham got a break when they were awarded a penalty after Henri Lansbury's 20-yard shot crashed into Burke's arm.

Vaz Tê walloped into the net from the spot. "While it was a magnificent comeback, we wanted three points and only got one," grumbled Allardyce, who says he is now relying on Reading unravelling.

"The only way back for us now is if Reading drop points on Tuesday [against Brighton & Hove Albion] and Southampton beat them on Friday and even then we'll have to win all four of our games."

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Vaz Te goals revive faltering West Ham
West Ham United 3 Birmingham City 3
IAN WINROW UPTON PARK TUESDAY 10 APRIL 2012
Independent

Ricardo Vaz Te's late penalty salvaged a point for West Ham United yesterday, but Sam Allardyce fears his side's first-half display may ultimately cost them in their efforts to claim an automatic promotion spot in the Championship. Birmingham City, who consolidated their position in fourth, took full advantage, establishing a 3-1 half-time lead that appeared destined to deliver a valuable victory before Vaz Te claimed his second goal of the game three minutes from the finish. West Ham were unable to fashion a fourth, however, and, stirring as the recovery was, have now failed to win in seven successive home games, leaving them three points behind second-placed Reading who travel to Brighton tonight. "Our first-half suicide was unbelievable," said the West Ham manager. "When we set out to win a game you have to be aware of what the opposition do and we played straight into their hands. I said before the game that if you come off the pitch with a clean sheet, then you'll win the game, but I must have been talking Swahili. "The only way back for us is if Reading slip up tomorrow and Southampton beat them on Friday and we win all four games left."

For the Birmingham manager, Chris Hughton, the disappointment of conceding a late goal was balanced by the knowledge that results elsewhere had been kind to his side who now look certain to finish in the top six. "After the disappointment of losing a 3-1 lead, the reality sets in that this is a good point," he said.

Jordan Mutch put the visitors ahead in the 27th minute when he was allowed to advance unchallenged towards the home goal before beating Green with a left-foot shot, with the keeper rooted to the spot. Three minutes later Marlon King made it two.

Vaz Te appeared to have kick-started the recovery in first-half added time but Chris Burke immediately responded when the home side failed to deal with a corner adequately.

Boos greeted the half-time whistle but West Ham's response was far more encouraging, and Carlton Cole struck his side's second goal with a left-foot shot from Kevin Nolan's pull-back with 20 minutes remaining.

The West Ham pressure grew relentless and they were eventually rewarded when Burke blocked Henri Lansbury's shot, allowing Vaz Te to claim his fifth goal in four games.

West Ham United (4-4-2): Green 5; Tomkins 6, Faye 5, Reid 5, McCartney 6 (Collins, 34, 7); O'Neil 6, Noble 6 (Baldock, 82), Nolan 8, Vaz Te 9; Cole 7, Maynard 6 (Lansbury, h-t, 7). Substitutes not used Taylor, Demel.

Birmingham City (4-5-1): Myhill 7; Ramage 7, Davies 7, Caldwell 6, Murphy 6; Burke 7, Fahey 7, N'Daw 6 (Zigic 68, 6), Mutch 8, Elliott 7; King 7 (Townsend, 80). Substitutes not used Doyle, Huseklepp, Redmond.

Referee J Moss.

Scorers. West Ham: Vaz Te 45, pen 89, Cole 70. Birmingham: Mutch 27, King 30, Burke 45

West Ham United (4-4-2): Green 5; Tomkins 6, Faye 5, Reid 5, McCartney 6 (Collins, 34, 7); O'Neil 6, Noble 6 (Baldock, 82), Nolan 8; Vaz Te 9, Cole 7, Maynard 6(Lansbury, h-t, 7). Substitutes not used Taylor, Demel.

Birmingham City (4-5-1): Myhill 7; Ramage 7, Davies 7, Caldwell 6, Murphy 6; Burke 7, Fahey 7, N'Daw 6 (Zigic 68, 6), Mutch 8, Elliott 7; King 7 (Townsend, 80). Substitutes not used Doyle, Huseklepp, Redmond.

Referee Jonathan Moss

Man of the Match: Vaz Te (West Ham)

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West Ham United 3 Birmingham City 3: match report
By Arindam Rej, Upton Park7:48PM BST 09 Apr 2012
Telegraph.co.uk

Ricardo Vaz Te's late penalty sealed a thrilling comeback by West Ham, whose first-half horror show had seriously damaged their hopes of automatic promotion.
A point was not the desired outcome but at least they showed the fighting spirit to come back, having been 3-1 behind at the break after an error-filled performance.
The pressure on West Ham had increased before kick-off with Southampton's victory leaving them seven points adrift of Nigel Adkins's team. This was their game in hand and they could not afford to waste it. But that is exactly what they did, gifting Birmingham goals, before the rally after the interval. The third-placed side were punished for sloppy midfield play in the first half, carelessly giving the ball away twice in quick succession, leading to Birmingham's opening goals as the visitors broke forward and punished West Ham. In-form Ricardo Vaz Te headed the home team back into the match - but, almost immediately, West Ham shot themselves in the foot again by making a mess of a corner, allowing Chris Burke to score. They were booed off at the break.

In the second half, they pile forward and cut the gap when Carlton Cole finished well then Vaz Te held his nerve to reward a much-improved effort. West Ham had plenty of possession early on but could not use it effectively and the best chances started falling to Birmingham, who were slicing through their opponents with ease. Chris Burke forced Rob Green into a good reflex save and Jordan Mutch's corner was headed wide by Curtis Davies on the edge of the six-yard box. All-action Mutch single-handedly created and scored Birmingham's opener after seizing on a loose pass from George McCartney. Mutch exchanged passes swiftly with Marlon King, sauntered forward then drove in from 25 yards.

Within three minutes, West Ham were reeling further. Carlton Cole lost the ball in midfield, allowing Wade Elliott to thread the ball forward for King, who kept his cool to slot the ball in. Home manager Sam Allardyce could only shake his head. There was more bad news for them when McCartney and Peter Ramage clashed heads, leading to the West Ham left-back departing on a stretcher and going to hospital after suffering concussion. The east London side persevered though, as Nicky Maynard's curling effort from 18 yards hit the bar. The Upton Park faithful were finally lifted when Mark Noble floated over a corner from the left and James Tomkins powerfully headed it forward for Vaz Te to flick in their goal.

But, just when Allardyce's men looked back in contention, another costly blunder speedily followed. Mutch's corner was cleared ineffectively by Kevin Nolan and was met by a Burke volley. The ball hit the ground but Cole moved out of position and the ball bounced over him and into the net. Allardyce would have been livid at the break and his side came out looking desperate to make amends. There was soon more frustration though as Gary O'Neil went to ground in the penalty area after a Ramage challenge but no penalty was awarded. They kept pressing as Nolan sent a bobbling, angled shot just wide of the far post. Another flashpoint followed when West Ham's players were furious as another spot-kick appeal was rejected after Cole went down while tussling with Steven Caldwell.

The frustration was eased when Nolan hooked the ball over for Cole, who controlled on his thigh and lashed in to make it 3-2. It was an engrossing spectacle and Cole and Danny Collins came agonisingly close to an equaliser, both men volleying over from 20 yards. The comeback was finally complete when Burke handled Henri Lansbury‘s shot, allowing Vaz Te to rescue a point from the spot as he smashed in confidently.

Match details
West Ham (4-4-2): Green; A Faye, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney (Collins 34); O'Neil, Noble (Baldock 82), Nolan; Vaz Te, Cole, Maynard (Lansbury 45).
Subs: Taylor, Demel.
Booked: Nolan, Lansbury.
Birmingham (4-5-1): Myhill; Ramage, Davies, Caldwell, Murphy; Burke, Fahey, N'Daw (Zigic 67), Mutch, Elliott; King (Townsend 85).
Subs: Doyle (gk), Huseklepp, Redmond.
Booked: N'Daw, Zigic, Burke.
Referee: Jonathan Moss.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 9th April 2012

Birmingham City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the team news and background information ahead of Easter Monday's match.
08.04.2012

WEST HAM UNITED v BIRMINGHAM CITY
npower CHAMPIONSHIP
MONDAY 9 APRIL 2012
KICK-OFF: 5.20PM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST

Introduction
• West Ham United go into Easter Monday's clash with Birmingham City having
set a new club record for most away wins in a season after a 4-0 victory
over Barnsley on Good Friday.
• Birmingham City travel to east London having beaten Crystal Palace 3-1 at
home on Saturday afternoon. It was their third successive 3-1 win in a four
match unbeaten run for the Blues.
• West Ham currently sit in third place in the npower championship - just
four points behind Reading and top of the table Southampton. Birmingham are
in fourth position, six points behind the Hammers.
• West Ham and Birmingham shared the points when they met at St. Andrews on
Boxing Day. The match finished 1-1 after a goal each for West Ham's Carlton
Cole and Birmingham's David Murphy.
Team News

West Ham United
• The Hammers picked up no new injury concerns following their game on Good
Friday with Barnsley. Guy Demel was brougt off early after his return from
injury and with several key players on the bench, Big Sam could look to
rotate his side.
• Papa Bouba Diop could be in line to start his first game in three months
after coming off the bench against Barnsley.
• Right back Joey O'Brien remains a doubt with a thigh problem so Guy Demel
could keep his place in the starting eleven. Julien Faubert could also be
out after he missed the Barnsley win.

Birmingham
• Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey returned on Saturday against Palace
after a spell out with a groin injury and will be keen to keep his place.
• Former Hammer Jonathan Spector and Pablo Ibanez are still unfit after time
out with thigh and hamstring injuries.
• Stephen Carr is still out of action with a knee problem.

Last Time Out
Friday 6 April 2012
npower Championship
Barnsley 0-4 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Reid, McCartney, Tomkins, Demel (Collins 59), Nolan,
Taylor, Noble (Diop 80), O'Neil (Lansbury 70), Maynard, Vaz Te
Subs not used: Baldock, Cole
Goals: Nolan (7), Maynard (23), Noble (35), Vaz Te (55)

Saturday 7 April 2012
npower Championship
Birmingham City 3-1 Crystal Palace
Birmingham City: Myhill, Murphy, Caldwell, Ramage, Davies, Burke, Townsend,
Mutch, Fahey (N'daw 83), King (Rooney 88), Zigic (Huseklepp 46)
Subs not used: Doyle, Redmond
Goals: Burke (21), Fahey (22), Murphy (32)

Last six meetings
(championship unless stated)
26 December 2011 - Birmingham City 1-1West Ham United
6 February 2011 - West Ham United 0-1 Birmingham City (Premier League)
26 January 2011 - Birmingham City 3-1 West Ham United (League Cup
semi-final)
11 January 2011 West Ham United 2-1 Birmingham City (League Cup semi-final)
6 November 2010 - Birmingham City 2-2 West Ham United (Premier League)
10 February 2010 - West Ham United 2-0 Birmingham City (Premier League)
Overall record v Birmingham City (all competitions) W 32 D 21 L 40

Ten-year league records
West Ham United
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)

Birmingham City
2010/11 Premier League 18th (39 points)
2009/10 Premier League 9th (50 points)
2008/09 Championship 2nd (83 points - promoted to Premier League)
2007/08 Premier League 19th (35 points - relegated to Championship)
2006/07 Championship 2nd (86 points - promoted to Premier League)
2005/06 Premier League 18th (34 points - relegated to Championship)
2004/05 Premier League 12th (45 points)
2003/04 Premier League 10th (50 points)
2002/03 Premier League 13th (48 points)
2001/02 Championship 5th (76 points - promoted to Premier League via
play-offs)

Referee
• Easter Monday's referee will be Mr. Jon Moss.
• Moss has taken charge of the Hammers once this season - overseeing their
2-1 away defeat to Derby County on New Year's Eve.
• Headteacher Moss was promoted to the Select Group of referees in June 2011
and has been officiating in the Premier League this season.
• After progressing through the Northern Counties East League and Northern
Premier League, Moss was promoted to the National Group of assistant
referees in 2003.
• Moss took charge of the 2005 Conference Play-off final between Carlisle
United and Stevenage. He was then promoted to the National Group of referees
in 2005.
• Moss will be assisted by Stephen Bratt and William Smallwood with the
fourth official being Gavin Ward.
Us and Them
• Stratford-born Chris Hughton spent two years as a left-back with West Ham
between 1990 and 1992, making 43 appearances in all competitions including
the 1991 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
• Jonathan Spector signed a two-year deal with Birmingham in August 2011
after his five-year association with the Hammers ended. He made 101 league
appearances for West Ham, scoring two goals.
• Liam Ridgewell started off life in the West Ham United Academy before
moving to Aston Villa in February 2001.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Lee Bowyer,
Alan Curbishley, Jimmy Bloomfield, Kenny Brown, Julian Dicks, Eamonn Dolan,
Harry Hooper, David Kelly, Stan Lazaridis, Mike Newell, Sam Small, Matthew
Upson and Mark Ward.

Up Next
West Ham United will play host to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 14
April with kick off scheduled for 3:00pm. Ticket information for this game
can be found by clicking here.

Birmingham City will welcome Bristol City to St. Andrews on the same day
with kick-off also scheduled for 3:00pm

General Information
• Weather-wise, Easter Monday is set to be mild at 11C but wet with rain
expected all day. There are still tickets remaining for the visit of
Birmingham City with West Ham running their ever-popular Kids for a Quid
Scheme. More information can be found by clicking below.

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Olympic Stadium update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United would like to update fans on the latest news on the Olympic
Stadium
08.04.2012

Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has updated fans on the latest West Ham United
bid to be anchor concessionaire at the Olympic Stadium post the 2012 Games.
The club submitted a proposal by the 23 March deadline and now awaits a
decision as to who the successful bidders are. During this period the club
is keen to keep supporters updated with its plans wherever possible. The
Vice-Chairman has spoken of her understanding that some fans may be
frustrated by the confidentiality clauses in place around the process, but
has reassured them that their voices and opinions will be heard at the right
time. "I know there are some West Ham fans who have reservations about the
Olympic Stadium move and who may feel that they are not getting the chance
to share their opinions at this time," Brady said. "I would like to reassure
them that we will be running another extensive period of supporter
consultation when we are able to offer up more information. Should the
club's bid be successful on 21 May it is the Board's clear commitment to
consult widely with our supporters so that together we can be left in no
doubt that a move to the Olympic Stadium will be the right one for the
club."

Speaking on Tuesday, the Vice-Chairman acknowledged that a number of fans
were still against the move. ''I can't blame them to be honest, because they
can't see what we can see. We have been very lucky because we have had a
fantastic Supporters Advisory Board that brings together the various
different mixes of our season ticket holders who have been coming here for
generations. "We brought them all together, they all had to sign NDAs
[Non-disclosure Agreements] and we gave them a presentation and showed them
our vision and said 'This is what we want'. We can't explain that to all of
our supporters yet, we can only explain it to a select few, who we think
give us a very broad range''

The Supporter Advisory Board is made up primarily of Season Ticket holders
who have been put forward by a minimum of five fellow supporters from a wide
cross-section. Following a presentation about the club's vision for the new
stadium to its Olympic Stadium Group on the 23 February, a straw poll was
conducted and no supporters voted against the proposed move. The club also
remains aware of the desire of supporters to hold a poll regarding the
proposed move. The club has been in contact with campaign group WHU's View
and representatives attended a meeting held by the group on Wednesday
evening. As a result, West Ham United has once more contacted the London
Legacy Development Corporation - the body which will now oversee the Olympic
Stadium post 2012 after taking over from the OPLC- requesting the ability to
release further information to enable a supporter poll of some description.
No response has yet been received, but any response is expected to be
consistent with previous requests that restate the constraints of the
confidentiality agreement. Therefore, given the strict agreements in place
that preclude the club from sharing details of its plans for the Stadium,
West Ham can only confirm once more that its bid submitted on 23 March was
conditional on the delivery of a world-class Stadium that will look and feel
like a home for West Ham United and its fans. The Board believe a move to
the Stadium is the best opportunity it will have to improve the club's
long-term stability and fortunes which will, in turn, enable further
investment on the pitch. At the time the club's annual accounts in May of
last year the Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold had invested £29m
in the club in the previous 18 months and are predicted to invest in the
region of a further £30m in the current season. They have both confirmed
their long-term commitment to the club repeatedly and through their
continued investment have demonstrated this in a real and tangible way.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nobby keen to upset old pal Hughton
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan is eager to get one over his former Newcastle United manager
Chris Hughton
07.04.2012

Kevin Nolan would love nothing more than to enjoy a happy Easter Monday by
getting one over old pal Chris Hughton. The West Ham United skipper worked
under the Birmingham City manager at Newcastle United, where Hughton made
the No4 captain during a successful 2009/10 that ended with promotion from
the npower Championship. Two years later and both Nolan and Hughton are
targeting the same goal - but with different clubs. "They have done
fantastic," Nolan told West Ham TV. "Chris Hughton has done a great job
there and I'm absolutely delighted for him, to be fair. Chris and Colin
Calderwood were two great coaches who I worked under up at Newcastle and I'm
looking forward to seeing them again. "They were massive for me at
Newcastle. Chris made me captain up there. Obviously I'm delighted to see
what he's doing at Birmingham but hopefully on Monday we'll be sticking one
over him."

While all focus has now shifted to Monday's Kids for a Quid visit of
Birmingham to the Boleyn Ground, Nolan was quick to point to the confidence
boost taken from Saturday's thumping 4-0 win at Barnsley. The captain
himself opened the scoring with his club-leading eleventh goal of the
season, but instead praised centre-backs James Tomkins and the returning
WInston Reid for their rock-solid displays in defence. "I think we needed a
performance and a win after the disappointment of last week [against
Reading]. We got the performance last week and just didn't put them away
when we had them but we let two sloppy goals in. "It was a fantastic
performance at Barnsley. All credit to the lads for the big turnaround. It
always helps when you get the early goal and if you follow it up, it gives
you confidence. I just think the whole team played the way it wanted to. "We
had a great line and the back four were fantastic throughout. Winston Reid
coming back is a massive plus for us and him and Tonks looked solid all the
way through. We played with a high line and that enabled us to get at them.
"As you could see, we worked our socks off to make sure we didn't let
Barnsley play because they can play some lovely stuff and we got our
rewards."

Nolan and his team-mates played a high-tempo pressing game at Oakwell and
got their rewards - most notably when Mark Noble collected a loose pass from
Barnsley goalkeeper David Button before chipping the stopper with an
exquisite effort from outside the penalty area. "We've got to be all
together and make sure we do the right things and make sure that we keep
putting the ball in the net like we did on Saturday. We scored four
fantastic finishes and I must say that mine was the best! I'm absolutely
delighted with the win. "Nobes' goal was fantastic technique but that's
standard for him and we expect it. If he hadn't put it away, he would have
got stick for it all the way home and all week so it's a good job he did put
it in!"

Finally, Nolan has called on the fans to replicate the fantastic atmosphere
they created at Barnsley at the Boleyn Ground come Monday teatime. The 2,500
at Oakwell never stopped singing and, at one stage during the second half,
dancing! A similarly positive atmosphere would be hugely welcome when
fourth-placed Birmingham come to town. "Their support was fantastic. We want
to make them happy. They have supported us in their thousands away from home
this year and they have got their just rewards with our away form. "We've
just got to make sure we can translate that into our home form in the three
games we've got remaining at home. Hopefully, with their support and the way
they have stayed behind us at Barnsley and against Reading, we will get our
rewards with an automatic slot."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Patient Nicky reaps rewards
WHUFC.com
Nicky Maynard was delighted to mark his return to the starting XI with a
fine performance at Barnsley
08.04.2012

Nicky Maynard has patiently waited for his opportunity to become a
match-winner for West Ham United. After bagging on his full debut at
Blackpool on 21 February, the striker went eight appearances without a goal
before ending that run in spectacular fashion at Barnsley on Good Friday.
The January signing from Bristol City was at his best at Oakwell, scoring
with a pinpoint finish to put the Hammers 2-0 up before hitting the crossbar
with a 30-yard rocket and seeing a late strike ruled out for offside.
Maynard's all-round game saw him run the channels and hound the Barnsley
back four and goalkeeper David Button, leading directly to West Ham's third
goal scored by Mark Noble. The 25-year-old said his Good Friday was a sign
that he is settling into life as a West Ham player. "Obviously as a new
person you want to settle in as quickly as possible. All the lads have done
everything possible to make me feel welcome, but it still takes time for
them to get to know me and it's still a learning curve for myself. "Things
clicked on Friday and I was glad to get on the scoresheet and for us to get
the important three points. "I managed to find some space in front of their
defenders, I played it into Nobby and he managed to set me nicely on it. I
got the ball at my feet and I had only one thing in mind and that was to get
my shot off and it went into the back of the net."

After being the first name on the teamsheet at Bristol City, Maynard is now
battling for a starting place with the likes of Carlton Cole, Ricardo Vaz
Te, Sam Baldock and John Carew. While he would clearly love to start every
game, the striker knows manager Sam Allardyce will need to rotate his squad
to keep his players fresh for the npower Championship run-in. "It was
frustrating because obviously every player wants to be playing all the time,
but at the end of the day it's a whole team effort and whatever team the
gaffer picks, everyone will give 100 per cent and if I'm not in there in the
starting XI I'll always be there supporting them. Then, when I do get my
chance, I'll try to take it. "Once I got my chance, it was up to me to take
it. Thankfully I got my goal and worked hard and I've done my best to keep
the jersey."

With Reading and Southampton now both four points ahead of the Hammers with
five games remaining, Maynard and his team-mates know automatic promotion is
not out of the question. However, the forward insisted the Hammers have to
focus on gaining their own victories - starting with the Easter Monday visit
of fourth-placed Birmingham City - before worrying about what the Royals or
Saints are doing. "To be honest with you, we're not worried about the other
two now. We've got five games to go and we've got to win all five. We
believe that if we can do that then we'll get automatic promotion. "We won't
worry about the other two teams, we'll only worry about ourselves and we can
cause problems like we did on Friday. Birmingham are in good form, but
coming off the back of our own win, the lads will be more than confident
that we can come away with three points. "Friday was just what we all needed
and hopefully we can keep doing that for the duration of the season. If we
can put on performances like we did up there, then that'll put us in a good
position."

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Open Training Day on Tuesday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will be hosting a special Open Training Day for fans on
Tuesday 10 April
08.04.2012

Young Hammers fans will get a chance to get up close to their heroes when
West Ham United hold a special Open Training Day for Academy members, Season
Ticket holders and corporate members at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 10
April. The event which is free to all the above members, will get to see the
first-team squad put through their paces on the Boleyn Ground pitch by
manager Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff. The session will come the day
after the Kids for a Quid Birmingham City game as the players begin to
prepare for the visit of Brighton and Hove Albion on 14 April. There will be
full coverage on the giant screens with regular stadium PA Jeremy Nicholas
giving some running commentary and the ever-popular Hammerhead and Bubbles
mascots will be on hand to greet young supporters enjoying the Easter School
holidays.

Once training is over, there will be a chance for five lucky Youth Academy
members and Junior Season Ticket holders to show their skills on the pitch
in a penalty shoot-out competition. To be in with a chance to win this
exciting prize, please send your name, address, a contact telephone number
and youth membership/junior season ticket number to
youthacademymemberships@westhamunited.co.uk . The deadline for entries is
5pm on Thursday 5 April.

Fans should then stick around afterwards to see players from the squad take
part in a West Ham United Community Sports Trust multi-sports coaching event
incorporating children from local schools and clubs. The stadium superstore
will also be open from 9am to 5pm for fans to grab Hammers goodies and take
advantage of the in-store sale on the remaining 2011/2012 Macron replica
kits - with adult shirts available from just £25 and juniors £20 - and the
fantastic discounts on end of range trainingwear.

Supporters will be seated in the Alpari West Stand Lower to watch all the
action on the pitch with access via Gate 3 from 10am. Parking will be on a
strictly first-come-first served basis.

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Lee looking forward
WHUFC.com
Kenzer Lee is targeting a first professional contract after a fine 2011/12
season
08.04.2012

"It's been a good season. I think I've been consistent and have worked hard
to try to get my pro contract. "I knew when I came back for pre-season that
I had to come back all guns blazing and give everything I have to give.
That's what I have done and it's turned out well."

Beckton-born centre-back Kenzer Lee has enjoyed a fine 2011/12 season - of
that there is no doubt. Familiarity has helped Lee and his team-mates to put
together a strong case for the defence this term. Whereas West Ham teams
might have been considered to be a soft touch in the past, the Hammers have
had a strong and settled back line this season. Lee has forged a fine
partnership with England Under-17 star Leo Chambers, while full-backs Dan
Potts, Jake Young and Frazer Shaw have also caught the eye with their
consistency. The defender also praised the influence of coach Nick Haycock,
who has taken charge of the Under-18s for the first time this season. "We've
linked quite well - myself, Leo, Pottsy or Frazer at left-back and Jake at
right-back. We haven't changed much or been switched out of the team much,
so it's worked really well. "Together, we communicate really well and we're
always covering each other. We're a good team. In front of us, we've got
Jack Powell, Pelly Ruddock and Taylor Miles who cover us well and work hard.
"The coach has worked with us for a long time so he knows us really well. It
wasn't like we had a new manager this year. He knows what we're good at and
what we need to work on and he's pushed each of us and we're still improving
now."

Lee himself believes he has been 'more commanding and better on the ball'
this season, but why? "I'm a lot more confident and I think that comes with
being fit. Last season, I had a lot of injuries, but this year I have been
confident and it's gone on from there."

While Potts has gone on to first-team honours, Chambers has represented
England and Young has a famous older brother in Queens Park Rangers star
Luke, Lee is happy to be the quietly-effective member of the back four.
"They are all well-known for one reason or another, but I don't mind coming
from the back up to the front. There is less pressure, but I like to prove
myself."

While Lee's season has been a success story, the FA Youth Cup has provided
great highs and lows for the defender. A winning goal at Wolverhampton
Wanderers in the third round was followed by a dramatic last-gasp equaliser
and penalty shootout defeat at Chelsea in the last-16. "Wolves was
definitely the best moment of my career. We should have beaten Chelsea and
it's frustrating to see them playing Manchester United at Old Trafford in
the semi-finals because we literally had them beaten - we had to hold out
for 40 seconds and we'd have been through to the quarter-finals. "I thought
we could win the Youth Cup and the league this year, but we've been a bit
unlucky with injuries, really."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Record-Breakers hailed by Brown
WHUFC.com
Ken Brown senior has praised the significance of West Ham United's record
run of away-game wins
07.04.2012

Former Hammer of the Year Ken Brown has praised the current West Ham United
side for beating the club record of most wins away from home in a season.
Brown was a member of the West Ham squad who set the record at eleven games
way back in 1957-58, a season in which they also won promotion back to the
top tier of English football and he has the utmost respect for the current
crop of Hammers for beating that record. The defender, who was ever-present
that season and won Hammer of the Year in 1959, spoke of how confidence
plays such a key part in achieving such a fantastic accolade. "Confidence is
key; you've got to believe you can win away," he said. "It is much harder
today than it was in my day because everything has got quicker. It was not
quite as intense in my day as it is today.
"I don't think the players will take their achievement for granted. The
harder you work the better things go for you and they've got their reward
for going away from home and playing with great confidence."

Manager Sam Allardyce has guided the Hammers to their incredible away record
this season which has seen them pick up all three points at tough venues
such as Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and
Blackpool. The Hammers have amassed 41 of their total 75 points away from
the Boleyn Ground this season and Brown is hopeful that before the season's
end, West Ham United will go on to extend that run even further. "It is
brilliant that they have broken the record and it is just rewards for their
efforts this season. Although we were proud of our record I would never have
wished that this team wouldn't break it as it means they might not get
promoted. Promotion is the most important thing and if that meant them
beating our record to achieve it, then I'm happy."

Promotion straight back to the top flight is something Ken Brown knows all
about too well having done the same thing during his managerial career. When
Brown was in charge at Norwich in 1980, they won the Milk Cup and got
relegated, however they managed to gain promotion back to the top tier at
the first attempt. "I've been through that as a player and then as a manager
at Norwich. We won the Milk Cup but we got relegated. The lads couldn't
believe it but we kept the same team and we bounced straight back," Brown
said. "You need to have belief in the players and they will respond. We kept
the same team and we bounced back and got promoted."

Since 2000, of the 30 teams relegated from the Premier League, only eight
have managed to bounce straight to the top tier. Brown thinks that the
current West Ham United side under Big Sam still have what it takes to
become the just the ninth team in the what would be eleven years to achieve
such a feat. "I think the guys have worked really well as a team. They've
been functioning as a team and if someone has an off day then they get each
other through it. "That belief needs to come from the top and if they feel
that the manager is going to back them and is with them day in, day out then
they will give it their upmost and hopefully will be rewarded for it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Birmingham
BBC.co.uk
KO 17:20
8 April 2012
Last updated at 11:42
NPOWER CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Upton Park Date: Monday 9 April Kick-off: 1720 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on The Football League Show; listen on BBC Radio
5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website

TEAM NEWS

Papa Bouba Diop could return to West Ham's starting line-up after his first
appearance in three months, following a thigh tear, off the bench at
Barnsley. Right-back Joey O'Brien remains an injury doubt (thigh) so
fit-again Guy Demel should stay in the side.

Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey (groin) returned against Crystal Palace
and will be keen to keep his place. Jonathan Spector (thigh) and Pablo
Ibanez (hamstring) are unfit. Stephen Carr (knee) is a long-term absentee.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
• Birmingham have won 40, West Ham 32 and 21 of 93 competitive
meetings over 93 years have been drawn.
• West Ham have won one of the last six league games against
Birmingham, who are chasing their third win from those six.
• The first goal in this game will also be the 250th generated in
league matches between these sides.

West Ham United
• West Ham returned to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 away win over
Barnsley on Friday. They have been beaten in only one of their last 13
Championship games, and remain four points below the top two.
• Sam Allardyce's side have drawn five of a winless last six at Upton
Park, and are chasing their first home league victory since the 2-1 triumph
over Millwall on 4 February.
• Their 67 goals have been shared between 21 different scorers
(excluding own goals).

Birmingham City
• Birmingham have registered 3-1 wins in their last three outings, and
go into their 56th match of the season hoping to complete four successive
league wins for the third time this season.
• They are six points inferior to the third placed Hammers immediately
above them, and are the third highest scorers in the division with 69 goals,
two fewer than Blackpool, and five fewer than Southampton.
• The Blues have picked up only one point in away matches against the
top 10 clubs.

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West Ham v Birmingham preview
Last updated: 8th April 2012
SSN

Team news ahead of Easter Monday's Championship clash between West Ham and
Birmingham at Upton Park (kick-off 5.20pm). Papa Bouba Diop could return to
the West Ham starting line-up for the visit of Birmingham. The Senegalese
midfielder has been out for three months with a thigh tear, but returned as
a late substitute in Friday's 4-0 win at Barnsley. Right-back Joey O'Brien
remains an injury doubt after missing out at Oakwell so fit-again Guy Demel
should keep his place. The Hammers suffered no new injuries so the bulk of
the team should be unchanged, although Carlton Cole could be recalled to the
starting line-up after he was rested against the Tykes. Sam Allardyce's side
have not won at home in six attempts and are now four points behind both
leaders Southampton and second-placed Reading.
Birmingham boss Chris Hughton must decide whether to freshen up his side for
the trip to east London.

Hughton will have been impressed with the way in which his team brushed
aside Crystal Palace 3-1 on Saturday, with three goals inside the opening 32
minutes.
But he will be aware of the demands two games in 48 hours will have on his
side, who have already been stretched this season by their Europa League
exploits and an extended FA Cup run. Striker Nikola Zigic was replaced at
half-time at the weekend to keep the Serbian fresh and he is again expected
to partner Marlon King in attack. Midfielder Keith Fahey returned from a
groin problem to bag the second goal against the Eagles and will be keen to
keep his place at Upton Park. The likes of Wade Elliott and Guirane N'Daw
are options for Hughton should he opt to rotate one or two, but Jonathan
Spector (thigh) and Pablo Ibanez (hamstring) are not yet ready while fellow
defender Stephen Carr (knee) is battling to play again before the end of the
season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Breaking the Cycle of Two Steps Forward, One Step Back!
By S J Chandos 1 day ago
West Ham Till I Die

This West Ham team seems to getting in to a groove, in terms of its playing
style. There was a definite improvement in our play against both
Peterborough and Reading and we built on that progress at Barnsley. There
was no long, speculative, balls through the middle and they played some
lovely passing football, moving the ball quickly, on the floor, and into
space for the forwards. Yes, Barnsley were outclassed, but the encouraging
thing was that West Ham totally dictated play against a team who are all
about work rate and effort. Indeed, it was the Hammers who were pressing the
play high up the pitch and forcing Barnsley in to errors.

Hopefully the penny has dropped for Sam Allardyce. West Ham should indeed,
play football on the floor and he has the players to do it. Nicky Maynard
had his best match in a claret and blue shirt and his presence, in
sprearheading the attack, is quite reassuring. If Maynard is leading the
line, then hopefully they will continue to resist the tactic of playing high
balls forward. Maynard can not thrive using those tactics and needs the ball
played in to space. Vaz Te is mobile and is a continual threat. He certainly
demonstrated his sharpness in converting his goal yesterday. Vaz Te's goal
to games record is outstanding and hopefully he can continue in the same
tack. I also thought that Matty Taylor played his best game since his
returnm from injury. In midfield, Noble was outstanding, once again, and
O'Neill's work rate and pressing play was extremely good. In Nolan we have a
genuine goal scoring midfielder and a strong leader. Significantly, Lansbury
looked energized and used the ball well when he came on and Diop reminded us
all just how dominating he is in midfield with his size and power. At the
back, the re-unification of Tomkins-Reid in central defence was a good move.
Tomkins is our best defender, by a mile, and Reid effortlessly stepped back
in to partner him, looking both controlled and accompished. I feel that fans
have under-estimated just how much we have missed Reid in recent matches. At
full-back, McCartney put in another mighty shift at left flack and was a
constant threat going forward, while Demel eased himself back in to first
team football at right-back.

I sincerely hope that the true wider significance of Friday's result will be
the way in which it saw West Ham play their way back in to form and
self-belief. The key question is whether we can break the cycle of taking
two steps forward (away), only to then take one step back (at home)! We must
now follow up on this victory by beating Birmingham City on Monday. It will
be a very different challenge from that posed by Barnsley. Brum are a good
team and Chris Houghton will set them up to deny us space and hit us on the
counter-attack. Houghton was my choice as Hammers manager, in the summer,
and he has done an excellent job in getting Brum up to 4th place. He has
moulded a good team out of depleted resources and they are likely to give us
a stern test. But I am bargaining that we will rise to the challenge this
time. We will need to be patient, controlled and disciplined, adopting the
same intelligent passing game, in tendem with commitment and a high work
rate. Hopefully our pace, passing and mobility will be too good for Brum and
we will emerge with victory and another three points.

Elsewhere, could that draw with Pompey be the start of a Southampton slide?
While I found Reading's struggle to overcome a 10 man Leeds Utd encouraging.
Yes, they got there in the end, but they are not always necessarily going to
be that fortunate. Who would have thought that Snodgrass would have missed
that outstanding chance in the second half, while McCormack was very
unfortunate with that strike that rattled the post. Hopefully the
forthcoming Saints-Royals fixture, allied to another poor result or two
along the way, will allow us to force our way back in to the automatic
promotion spots. In short, as we all know, we need Southampton and Reading
to make mistakes over the next five matches. For our part, we need to be
ruthless and win our matches so that we do not end up repproaching ourselves
for failing to capitalise on any mistakes, if they occur.

Oh well it is never dull being an Hammers fan. It is likely that it the
promotion issue will go down to the final match of the season. It is now
very much a matter of which team's nerve is going to break. We should not be
in this position, but we are where we are. Out of the three teams, we have
the better players, the greatest experience and the best supporters. Lets
hope and pray that we can make them count.

SJ. Chandos.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 7th April 2012

Big Sam delighted with historic win
WHUFC.com
A 4-0 win over Barnsley on Good Friday saw West Ham set a new club record for away wins
06.04.2012

West Ham United set a new club record for most away wins in a season after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Barnsley at Oakwell. Goals from Kevin Nolan, Nicky Maynard, Mark Noble and ex-Barnsley striker Ricardo Vaz Te sealed West Ham's record breaking twelfth away victory of the season in a match they dominated from start to finish. The win, in front of 2,500 superb travelling fans, broke the record set in the 1957-58 promotion-winning season and it was a victory that delighted manager Sam Allardyce. "We broke a club record which I'm really pleased about. I'm pleased for the players and for the fans too, it's a terrific result for us and one that we fully deserved after such an excellent performance." Allardyce said. "I think we gave the fans something to cheer about which is great, it's a long journey up here, especially on Good Friday, so we thank them for coming and hopefully we entertained them and sent them home happy."

West Ham controlled the game and in truth were never really troubled by the hosts once they had taken the lead in the seventh minute when, following a corner, skipper Nolan was left all alone a yard out from goal and had the simple task of tapping into an empty net. Maynard then doubled the visitors' lead after 23 minutes with a beautifully struck shot from 22-yards out that nestled in the bottom corner. West Ham's pressure and persistence was the catalyst for their third as, ten minutes before the break, Maynard's excellent closing down of Button in the Tyke's goal led to a poor clearance that was picked up by Noble who struck a lovely chip over the keeper and into the net.

After the break the Hammers continued to dominate and put the game firmly to bed when, after some great work by George McCartney down the left-hand side, the defender saw his shot saved but the rebound fall straight to Vaz Te who side-footed into the net. The West Ham fans were certainly enjoying themselves on a drizzly Good Friday as a conga dance broke out in the away end. "The team deserve a lot of credit for the way they have scored their goals today. Kevin's was from a set-piece - something we work hard on in training, Maynard's was a quality strike and the third, for me, summed up the effort of the whole team today. "We've closed down Barnsley's defence and their keeper forcing them to make the error, then the finish from Noble was outstanding. We've got everything right and that pleases me greatly."

The Hammers could have had more when Nicky Maynard rifled a 25-yard shot against the crossbar and Henri Lansbury had a daisy-cutter well saved. The Hammers now have three days to prepare for another crucial game when Birmingham City visit the Boleyn Ground on Easter Monday. "We had the added pressure of knowing Reading had won earlier in the day and I was a tad worried how the players would take that pressure. But they used it in the right way and gave a very measured, controlled performance," Big Sam said. "Now we look to Birmingham on Monday where we will have the fans right behind us so what we must do is make sure we give the same type of performance as today and get that all important win."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barnsley 0 West Ham 4
Nolan 7′ Maynard 23′ Noble 35′ Vaz Te 55′
90 +4
HT 0-3
BBC.co.uk
6 April 2012
Last updated at 19:29
By Mandeep Sanghera

West Ham maintained their automatic promotion hopes with an emphatic win at struggling Barnsley. Barnsley failed to deal with a corner and Kevin Nolan tapped in the opener, before Nicky Maynard added a second with a guided 22-yard shot. Mark Noble then chipped in after an error by Barnsley keeper David Button. Ricardo Vaz Te pounced for a fourth after Button had parried a George McCartney shot into his path, before a Maynard shot struck the woodwork. West Ham had seen rivals Reading move to the top of the Championship by beating Leeds in the early kick-off and, knowing they needed victory to stay in touch at the top, the Hammers overwhelmed Barnsley. The victory moved the Upton Park side three points behind second-placed Southampton, who have a game in hand. And the Hammers set a club record of 12 away league wins in a single season. Barnsley suffered a sixth defeat in their last seven league outings and were left looking over their shoulder in the hope they are not dragged into the relegation mire, especially with four of their five remaining games against play-off chasing teams. The Tykes appear safe as they are nine points above the drop zone, but their form has plummeted and West Ham's victory was hardly in doubt after Nolan's sixth-minute goal. A West Ham corner ricocheted off Craig Davies and left an unmarked Nolan to apply a simple finish from point-blank range. Barnsley midfielder Stephen Dawson survived being red-carded for a two-footed tackle on James Tomkins before Maynard's lovely finish extended the away side's lead. West Ham's pressure and persistence was the springboard of their victory and, after Maynard's closing down of Button forced the keeper into a poor clearance, Noble took advantage by chipping in. Barnsley failed to produce any sign of a comeback, while West Ham were revelling in the space and time on the ball they were being afforded. Left-back McCartney even got in on the attacking action and despite having his curling shot saved by Button, the keeper could only palm the ball to ex-Barnsley forward Vaz Te, who sidefooted home.
Maynard shuddered the crossbar with a long-range strike before the referee's whistle ended Barnsley's misery.

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It dozen get much better than this
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th April 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have beaten their previous record haul of away league wins in a season after securing a 4-0 win against Barnsley at Oakwell this afternoon. Sam Allardyce's side have now won 12 times away from the Boleyn Ground this term - a figure that beats the 11 away wins achieved in the 1922/23 and 1957/58 seasons, both of which ended with the Hammers being promoted to the top flight. Today's win, secured through goals from Kevin Nolan, Nicky Maynard, Mark Noble and Ricardo Vaz Te means that the Hammers have now taken 41 points away from home this season - some seven points MORE than they have accrued from matches at Upton Park. With games at Bristol City and Leicester still to come, Sam Allardyce's squad could still achieve an amazing 14 away wins this season - yet incredibly, that still might now be enough to see them finish in the automatic promotion places come the end of the season.

Hard to beat: How the 2011/12 squad beat the record

2011
13th August: Doncaster 0-1 West Ham Utd (match 2)
16th August: Watford 0-4 West Ham Utd (match 3)
28th August: Nottingham Forest 1-4 West Ham Utd (match 5)
24th October: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-1 West Ham Utd (match 13)
5th November: Hull CIty 0-2 West Ham Utd (match 16)
19th November: Coventry City 1-2 West Ham Utd (match 17)
29th November Middlesbrough 0-2 West Ham Utd (match 19)

2012
14th January: Portsmouth 0-1 West Ham Utd (match 26)
21st February: Blackpool 1-4 West Ham Utd (match 31)
4th March: Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham Utd (match 33)
27th March: Peterborough 0-2 West Ham Utd (match 39)
6th April: Barnsley 0-4 West Ham Utd (match 41)

Previous best: the 1922/23 season...

1922
2nd September: Bradford City 0-1 West Ham Utd (match 3)
25th November: Clapton Orient 0-2 West Ham Utd (match 16)
16th December: Wolves 1-4 West Ham Utd (match 19)
25th December: Manchester Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd (match 21)
30th December: Coventry City 1-3 West Ham Utd (match 23)

1923
20th January: Port Vale 1-3 West Ham Utd (match 25)
15th February: Leicester City 0-6 West Ham Utd (match 28)
31st March: Crystal Palace 1-5 West Ham Utd (match 33)
2nd April: Bury 2-5 West Ham Utd (match 34)
14th April: Fulham 0-2 West Ham Utd (match 37)
30th April: Sheffield Weds 0-2 West Ham Utd (match 41)

...and the 1957/58 season

1957
31st August: Bristol Rovers 2-3 West Ham Utd (match 3)
12th October: Charlton 0-3 West Ham Utd (match 12)
26th October: Rotherham 1-2 West Ham Utd (match 14)
9th November: Grimsby 1-2 West Ham Utd (match 16)
21st December: Lincoln City 1-6 West Ham Utd (match 22)

1958
11th January: Derby County 2-3 West Ham Utd (match 26)
20th February: Leyton Orient 1-4 West Ham Utd (match 30)
1st March: Doncaster Rovers 1-2 West Ham Utd (match 32)
29th March: Stoke City 1-4 West Ham Utd (match 36)
12th April: Cardiff City 0-3 West Ham Utd (match 40)
26th April: Middlesbrough 1-3 West Ham Utd (match 42)

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Barnsley 0 West Ham Utd 4
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th April 2012
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce's West Ham secured a record-breaking 12th win of the season away from home at Oakwell this afternoon after thrashing a distinctly under-par Barnsley. United hit four, saw another disallowed and also hit the bar on what proved to be an extremely Good Friday for the Irons, who are now just three points behind second placed Southampton (albeit having played a game more). The game was as good as over by half time after West Ham entered the break with a commanding three-goal lead having completely overwhelmed their hosts, with former Barnsley forward Ricardo Vaz Te - who moved to east London in the January transfer window - being particularly influential. Captain Kevin Nolan gave Sam Allardyce's side an early lead when he grabbed his 11th goal of the campaign with just seven minutes on the clock. Matt Taylor's corner was flicked onat the near post leaving Nolan with the simplest of chances to score from virtually underneath the crossbar. The Hammers doubled their advantage after 23 minutes when Nicky Maynard grabbed his second goal for the club since moving from Bristol City. The striker, whose only previous goal for United came in the 4-1 win at Blackpool back in February played a delicious one-two with captain Nolan before firing expertly from 25 yards into the bottom right-hand corner.

West Ham grabbed a decisive third just nine minutes ahead of the break after an horrendous unforced error by Tykes 'keeper David Button. The on-loan-from-Spurs stopper lost the ball under pressure on the edge of the box allowing a lurking Mark Noble to lob the ball over his head into an empty net. Although the game was virtually in the bag at that the Hammers were far from done and added a fourth just nine minutes into the second half. George McCartney, who enjoyed a profitable afternoon on the left flank sent over a dipping cross-cum-shot that Button failed to deal with. The goalkeeper's save fell straight at the feet of Vaz Te who had the simplest of chances to convert in order to put the Hammers into an unassailable 4-0 lead; to his credit, the Portuguese forward refused to celebrate the goal against a club for whom he has scored 12 of his 17 goals this season.

The victory could have been even more comprehensive had Nicky Maynard not strayed marginally offside before converting from close range - whilst Nicky Maynard was centimetres away from grabbing a brace when his second 25-yard effort of the day smashed against the crossbar. But there will be few complaints from the West Ham camp on a day when they broke an 80-year-old record for away wins in a season and reduced the margin between them and the leading two clubs - even if that only proved to be temporary.

Barnsley 0 West Ham Utd 4: match facts
West Ham Utd: Green, Demel (Collins 59), Tomkins, Reid, McCartney, Noble (Diop 80), O'Neil (Lansbury 70), Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Maynard.
Subs not used: Baldock, Cole.
Goals: Nolan (7), Maynard (23), Noble (35), Vaz Te (55).
Booked: Nolan (67).
Shots on/off target: 9/9 (18).

Barnsley: Button, Higginbotham, Foster, Dawson, Wiseman, McNulty, Golbourne (Collins 61), Smith (Perkins 64), Davies (O'Brien 64), Cotterill, Gray.
Subs not used: Lidakevicius, Tonge.
Booked: McNulty (11), Dawson (19).
Shots on/off target: 2/3 (5).
Possession: Barnsley 41%, West Ham Utd 59%

Attendance: 11,151.
Referee: Tony Bates.
Assistants: Christopher Kavanagh and Tony Peart.
Fourth Official: Gary Sutton.

Did You know? Not only did West Ham break their record number of away wins in a season today but it was also the first time the Hammers have ever scored more than three goals at Oakwell in a competitive fixture (the previous best being a 3-2 win way back in November 1948).

Today's Other Championship Results

Reading 2-0 Leeds Utd
Burnley 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Watford 0-2 Blackpool

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Allardyce: it's not over yet
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th April 2012
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce expressed his delight after he watched his side rack up four goals away from home for the fourth time this season - and maintained that automatic promotion was still a possibility. Allardyce answered his critics in perfect fashion this afternoon after his team produced a wonderful exhibition of passing football that left commentators drooling and supporters singing, "we're West Ham United, we play on the floor" without a hint of irony. It was the perfect response to Reading's somewhat fortuitous win at home to Leeds earlier in the day and one that keeps United's hopes of automatic promotion alive - even if victory for Southampton at home to bitter rivals Portsmouth at St Mary's tomorrow lunchtime would see the Hammers fall six points behind the automatic spots once again, with just five matches left to play. "It's still in sight for us," the Hammers boss told the BBC. "We had that extra bit of pressure on us today because we knew that Reading had won before we went out and I was just wondering would it affect the lads or not. "It affected them - but in the right way, as they went out and gave a very measured and controlled performance with a lot of quality. I'm really pleased that we've got the win and that we've broken the club's record for away wins in one season. "You've got to credit the whole team on how well it shook Barnsley down. All the goals were good today, it was a great performance and we got the all-important clean sheet to go with it. We got everything right and I'm pleased for everybody."

Allardyce, no doubt keen to repair the damage that comments he has made to critics of his footballing philosophy have caused also thanked the travelling supporters who gave up the first day of their Easter holiday in order to back the team. "I was really pleased for the players and the fans today and that we gave them something to cheer about all the way through," he said. "It's a terrific result, well deserved as we played ever so well and I'm pleased that three goals went in the end where they were supporting us. "It was a long journey for them today, we gave them great entertainment and they'll go home happy."

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Hammers crush Tykes at Oakwell
Last updated: 6th April 2012
SSN

West Ham kept Reading and Southampton in their sights in the Championship's automatic promotion race thanks to a 4-0 win at Barnsley. The Hammers, who started the game seven points adrift of new leaders Reading, never looked back once midfielder Kevin Nolantapped the ball home in the sixth minute after Nicky Maynard's corner had bounced between Barnsley striker Craig Davies' legs. Maynard added a fine second with a low finish from the edge of the penalty area after a neat interchange with Nolan in the 23rd minute and Mark Noble cashed in on some more hapless defending 12 minutes later to curl home a third goal from a tight angle.
Five straight draws last month meant Sam Allardyce's side have seen Reading cruise past them into the top two, but their second league win in eight games was already secured when Ricardo Vaz Te added a fourth goal from close range against his former club early in the second half. Barnsley have now won only one of their last 10 league matches and were left looking anxiously over their shoulders despite a nine-point cushion between themselves and the bottom three. Maynard went close to making it five with a spectacular 30-yard shot which crashed back off the crossbar soon after Vaz Te's effort. It took the Hammers only six minutes to make the breakthrough as Maynard's corner from the right somehow found its way to an unmarked Nolan on the goal line and the midfielder prodded the simplest of finishes beyond Barnsley goalkeeper David Button.

Vaz Te, on his first return to Oakwell since his January move to West Ham, saw his overhead kick comfortably held by Button, on loan from Tottenham, before the Hammers extended their advantage in the 23rd minute. Nolan was this time the provider, cutting the ball back inside on the edge of the penalty area, where Maynard drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. Barnsley then gave themselves a mountain to climb with some more shocking defending 10 minutes before the break. Winger David Cotterill played Button into trouble with a short back pass and when the goalkeeper's clearance rebounded to Noble on the left edge of the area, the Hammers midfielder curled the ball home in some style from a tight angle. West Ham defender George McCartney's 20-yard shot was well saved by Button soon after the restart before Vaz Te put the Hammers out of sight with a fourth goal in the 55th minute. The Portuguese striker latched on to McCartney's cross from the left six yards from goal and buried the ball beneath Button into the centre of goal. Barnsley substitute Jim O'Brien went close with a raking drive in the closing stages, but it was another afternoon to forget for Keith Hill's side.

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Allardyce hails performance
Hill at a loss to explain Barnsley display
Last Updated: April 6, 2012 8:58pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce was delighted with West Ham's performance after they eased to a 4-0 at Barnsley on Friday night. The comfortable win also set a new club record as the Hammers took their 12th away win of the season to keep the pressure on Reading and Southampton at the top of the Championship. The result at Oakwell was never in doubt, and Allardyce was pleased with how his side dominated the game. "We found a cutting edge and it was a fantastic, professional performance," he said. "We've broken the club record for away wins in a season, which is a great achievement. "It's very pleasing because it's always difficult to play away from home. It's just a pity we haven't won more games at home. "The front men are finding the back of the net and we scored three great goals in front of our fans in the first half. "It was a great strike from Nicky Maynard and he could have scored with another great effort late in the game "It was great for Vaz Te to come back to his old club and score. "I'm delighted because it was a great, all-round performance. "The pressure was on us after Reading won earlier in the day. Winning was the only thing for us and we did that. We did that with style and showed we could handle the pressure situation. "We now face Birmingham City on Monday and that will be a tough test for us. We need to try and grasp another three points and see where we go from there."

Disappointed

For Barnsley the result means they have won just once in their last 10 games, and Keith Hill was at a loss to explain his side's performance. He said: "I was disappointed with the result and the performance and I can't defend that as a manager. "It was always going to be difficult but we shot ourselves in the foot magnificently. Even John Wayne couldn't have done it better. "The only positive that I can salvage is that it wasn't six, seven or eight because it could have been even more embarrassing. We could have been more than three goals down at half-time. "You have to have the finance to be successful. I would like to spend on a squad what they spent on Kevin Nolan. They recruited Maynard and Vaz Te in the January transfer window. We are not, in any way, a competitor to West Ham. "I hate it because I want to be successful. It's at times like this that we've got to be brave and accountable."

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Vinny's Barnsley Report
Vinny 2:21 Sat Apr 7
West Ham Online

Barnsley 0 West Ham United 4

West Ham cruised to victory at Oakwell as Barnsley were crushed in a result which breaks the record for the number of away wins in the history of the football club.
This was a fine performance and perhaps the most complete display of the season given how we controlled the game from start to finish. We played some lovely passing football and looked so far ahead of our opponents it was boarding on embarrassing. Barnsley are one of the worst sides I have ever seen us play and we have played some pretty poor teams over the years. This is not to take away from our dominant performance and we can all be pleased with the way we applied ourselves and of course the end result.

It was as complete performance as you are likely to see and certainly the result we required after the crippling defeat at the hands of Reading last weekend. With Reading beating Leeds United in an early kick off the pressure for us to keep up with them was clear.

Manager Sam Allardyce had decided to make further antagonistic comments earlier in the week implying that certain supporters were 'talking bollocks' by questioning his tactics such as playing James Tomkins in centre midfield. The travelling fans would make reference to these comments (as well as previously calling us 'deluded') although it was all done in good spirit but with the team winning it certainly helped.

I felt these comments from Allardyce was just another example of him drawing a line in the sand. He clearly cannot take any criticism and for a manager with such experience he has been rattled by comments from the West Ham support and he is clearly bothered by what has been said.

But I don't want to make this a negative rant about Sam Allardyce as we have just put in a really fantastic display away from home. We should be feeling positive and although the odds are stacked against us we know that automatic promotion is still attainable.

The Team

Allardyce made three changes to the side who were beaten at the Boleyn Ground last weekend at the hands of Reading.

In defence, Julien Faubert was missing from the squad and with Joey O'Brien also out in came Guy Demel who was making his first start since November.

At centre half Winston Reid returned to the starting line up with Abdoulaye Faye missing.

The other change came up front with Nicky Maynard coming into the starting line up in place of Carlton Cole who dropped to the substitute's bench.

Mark Noble did start despite it being claimed that he was going to be out for a few weeks. I'm not really sure what that was all about.

Papa Bouba Diop was back from injury and in the squad and was on the bench.

First Half

The travelling West Ham fans took their place in the North Stand on this Good Friday and there were 2,428 of us in attendance. This was my first trip to Oakwell and as a club was our first trip since 1997 in a 2-1 victory with John Hartson and Frank Lampard Junior scoring the goals.

The opening few minutes of the game saw us have plenty of possession and it was an early indication of how the game would progress.

A good move saw Nolan exchange passes with Gary O'Neil and Nolan saw his shot scrambled behind for a corner.

With six minutes on the clock the corner was put into the area by Matthew Taylor and the ball took a touch off the Barnsley player Craig Davies and into the path of Kevin Nolan who simply poked the ball over the line from a couple of yards and made it 1-0.

It is certainly no coincidence that Nolan was again in the right place at the right time. He has made a career of it and whatever is said about his all-round performances this goal was his 11th of the season which for a midfielder is not a bad return.

From that moment on Barnsley couldn't get a look in and we controlled so much of the game.

The first booking of the game came when Vaz Te was brought down by McNulty and the resulting free kick was played into the area for Nolan to be there again but his volley went wide when it seemed certain that he would score.

With 15 minutes on the clock another chance to make it two came when Vaz Te found the unmarked Gary O'Neil who blasted his volley over the bar when he should have at least hit the target.

When Barnsley did have the ball they would quickly give it back to us with their own supporters beginning to get frustrated by their inability to hold onto the ball.

We were clearly growing in confidence and I thought we were going to score with every attack.

A two footed tackled from Dawson on Tomkins saw the Barnsley player become the second player to be yellow carded. From where we were it didn't look that bad and looked as though he got the ball but I haven't seen a replay yet so will have to wait for that.

A foul on Taylor saw the cross put into the area by McCartney to the back post for Tomkins to win the header and Vaz Te to attempt an overhead kick which he did connect with but it went harmlessly into the hand of the Barnsley keeper Button.

With the pressure being put on it was not a surprise when we scored our second goal with 23 minutes gone.

It was a fantastic finish as Nicky Maynard played a one-two with Kevin Nolan and Maynard took a touch and hit an excellent shot from outside the area which flew past Button and made it 2-0.

We continued to pass it around and any question regarding us playing the long ball was certainly not evident in the game as we simply out passed Barnsley all day long. If ever there was a time to use the phrase 'men against boys' this was it.

With only a half hour gone the 'ole's' could be heard from the away supporters who were in full voice and singing all the way through.

Vaz Te should have scored when he was put through and he got into the area, looked to have the chance to score but for some reason he continued his run and went nowhere. His eventual cross was snuffed out and scrambled clear.

But just a moment later it was 3-0.

Barnsley keeper Button was closed down by the hardworking Maynard which forced him into a poor clearance which went only as far as Mark Noble who took advantage and cooly chipped the ball into the back of the net to make it three.

This was Noble's 8th goal of the season but his first from outfield play.

It could have got even better when Taylor found himself in acres of space and his cross was just inches away from being turn in by Maynard.

It was almost like a training match with the space we were being afforded. We were just ripping Barnsley to pieces and they looked lost and without a clue to how to deal with us.

As the half time whistle blew just about every West Ham fan applauded the team off in what was a truly dominant first half.

At half time it was announced that we had 'drunk the bar dry' and there was no more alcohol.

Second Half

We took our foot off the gas in the second half but still had the better of it and started the half brightly.

A good chance saw O'Neil cross into the area for Nolan to put his header wide when if he had flicked the ball on or just left it Taylor was totally unmarked and would have surely scored.

Just nine minutes into the second half we did find the fourth goal and it all came from a wonderful run down the left from George McCartney who burst forward, cut inside the defender and hit a curling right foot shot which was palmed away by Button but only into the path of Ricardo Vaz Te who volleyed in from close range.

This was the third goal in three games from Vaz Te who is picking up the goal scoring knack at just the right time.

Nicky Maynard came so close to scoring the fifth when he picked up the ball midway in the Barnsley half, drove forward and smashed a shot from 30 yard at goal only for it to beat the keeper and crash off the cross bar. So unlucky and a fantastic effort.

With an hour gone Guy Demel was taken off and replaced by Danny Collins who went to left back with McCartney switching to the right.

In the stands the 'Conga' had begun and was slowly picking up numbers as the West Ham fans were in the mood to party. Barnsley feeling left out even had to copy us at the other end.

Like at Peterborough Robert Green was receiving a lot of love from the Hammers fans and even a chant of 'Robert Green's Claret & Blue Army' went out.
Kevin Nolan was booked for a lazy foul on Dawson from behind and could have no complaints with the award of the yellow card.

Henri Lansbury came on for Gary O'Neill with twenty minutes remaining.

Vaz Te had a go from around 20 yards out which was comfortably saved by the keeper.

Maynard had the ball in the back of the net a few moments later but he was flagged offside and before the free kick could be taken Mark Noble came off and Papa Bouba Diop replaced him.

As we got into those final 10 minutes some West Ham fans were singing 'Is there a fire drill' in reference to some Barnsley supporters leaving. I would have sung that in the first minute as most of the ground was empty in a very poor turn out from the Barnsley support. There again, having to watch a quite truly terrible team such as that it should come as no surprise.

Barnsley's Steve Foster was voted man of the match over the tannoy system and despite no one in the West Ham end being aware of who he even was the chant of 'One Steve Foster' bellowed out from the West Ham end.

We saw out the rest of the game with relative ease with Robert Green having to make one decent stop in an otherwise untroubled final few minutes.
The fans applauded the players as they came off with Henri Lansbury and Robert Green both giving their shirts to supporters.

Forget the rest of the season for just a moment and savour a really good away day and a brilliant result.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
If there is to be a 'fans favourite' it seems that Green is the one you would nominate for that position. A clean sheet in a very easy game was pleasing but his banter and positive reaction to the supporters was good to see.

Guy Demel
I'll be honest; I can't remember much about his performance at all. He had bright orange boots. I don't know if that helps with an assessment of him. I had totally forgot he was playing till he was coming off and I can't seem to recall anything he did. But, as a defender to not be troubled for an hour is never a bad thing.

Winston Reid
A really top display from Reid who put in a commanding display. Good to see him back in the side and he and Tomkins seem like a good partnership.

James Tomkins
An authoritative performance from Tomkins who won countless headers and was always quick to read a pass and make a tackle.

George McCartney
Superb showing from McCartney who was excellent defensively and was eager to bomb forward showing some great awareness and enthusiasm.

Ricardo Vaz Te
Up against his old club he was dangerous throughout and give us that little more edge when attacking. Scored another goal which was his third goal in the last three games. He is a big player for us.

Gary O'Neil
Tireless and put in a really good shift. Did a lot of running and closing down and I have to say I have been impressed with him over the last few games.

Mark Noble
For a bloke who was apparently going to miss the next few games he came and did really well. Looked a bit leggy at times but he was persistent and made a number of interceptions. And of course his finish for his goal was sublime.

Kevin Nolan
An assist and a goal means that this was another effective Kevin Nolan performance.

Matthew Taylor
Like many of his performances he was decent in parts then anonymous in others. Looked tired at times in the second half and although the idea to beat his man was there he wasn't able to execute it.

Nicky Maynard
Really stepped up his game with a terrific performance. He ran and he ran, he scored, he hit the bar, he forced the keeper into a mistake which led to the third goal and he never tired. Even in second half injury time I saw him chase the keeper down.

Subs Used

Danny Collins (on for Demel 59 mins)
Allardyce clearly loves a bit of Danny Collins so it was no shock to see him get on again. He did well enough and made a few good runs down the left and one decent cross was cut out.

Henri Lansbury (on for O'Neil 70 mins)
After scoring for the reserves earlier in the week Lansbury clearly had a spring in his step and saw one low shot saved by the keeper. I thought that he did well in his 20 minutes on the pitch.

Papa Bouba Diop (on for Noble 80 mins)
Made a few interceptions and gave the ball away a couple of times.

Subs Not Used: Baldock, Cole

Bookings: Nolan

Man Of The Match: Nicky Maynard

Barnsley: Button, Higginbotham, Foster, Dawson, Wiseman, McNulty, Golbourne, Smith, Davies, Cotterill, Gray
Subs: Lidakevicius, O'Brien, Perkins, Tonge, Collins

Attendance: 11, 151

Overall

Whilst I had always hoped that this would be a game we would win comfortably I was still impressed that we actually went out and did the job. We looked a class above Barnsley and that is exactly what we should be playing like when playing a team this poor.

It is amazing to think of how good we have been away from home this season and how much we have struggled at home. It doesn't seem to make much sense and it is like watching two different teams.

Next Game – Birmingham City (h) Monday 9th April, 5.20pm Kick Off

Now here comes the test.

An away win at Barnsley is all very well but if we cannot win the following home game then it will mean nothing.

We are playing a side whom we have struggled against in recent times and the memories of the League Cup Semi Final still hold bitterness within me.

If we are to gain automatic promotion we simply have to win the remaining home games. There is no more excuses to be made.

I fear that we will not stand up to the pressure and will fail once again. I hope I am wrong but with the way we have been playing at home I want to know how Allardyce is going to change our fortunes.

And starting Carlton Cole up front on his own is not the answer.

Sam's View

"We broke a club record which I'm really pleased about. I'm pleased for the players and for the fans too, it's a terrific result for us and one that we fully deserved after such an excellent performance."

"I think we gave the fans something to cheer about which is great, it's a long journey up here, especially on Good Friday, so we thank them for coming and hopefully we entertained them and sent them home happy."

"The team deserve a lot of credit for the way they have scored their goals today. Kevin's was from a set-piece - something we work hard on in training, Maynard's was a quality strike and the third, for me, summed up the effort of the whole team today.

"We've closed down Barnsley's defence and their keeper forcing them to make the error, then the finish from Noble was outstanding. We've got everything right and that pleases me greatly."

"We had the added pressure of knowing Reading had won earlier in the day and I was a tad worried how the players would take that pressure. But they used it in the right way and gave a very measured, controlled performance,"

"Now we look to Birmingham on Monday where we will have the fans right behind us so what we must do is make sure we give the same type of performance as today and get that all important win."

Season 2011/12 Scorers and Red Cards

Kevin Nolan - 11 (11 League)
Carlton Cole - 10 (10 League)
Mark Noble - 8 (8 League)
Ricardo Vaz Te - 5(5 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Jack Collison - 3 (3 League)
James Tomkins - 3 (3 League)
Own Goal - 3 (3 League)
Gary O'Neil - 2 (2 League)
Nicky Maynard - 2 (2 League)
Winston Reid - 2 (2 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 2 (2 League)
Papa Bouba Diop - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Julien Faubert - 1 (1 League)
Frank Nouble - 1 (1 League)
George McCartney - 1 (1 League)
Danny Collins - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)

Red Cards

Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (vs Reading away)
Jack Collison - 1 (vs Reading away)
Kevin Nolan - 1 (vs Millwall home)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (vs Southampton home)
Robert Green - 1 (vs Blackpool away)*

*rescinded by FA on appeal

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West Ham set club record to put the heat on Saints
Barnsley 0 West Ham United 4
GORDON TYNAN OAKWELL SATURDAY 07 APRIL 2012
Independent

West Ham maintained their hopes of automatic promotion from the Championship in emphatic style, as they swept Barnsley aside to seal to a club record 12th away win of the season. Three goals up inside the opening 35 minutes, the visitors moved within three points of second-placed Southampton. Sam Allardyce had suggested that anything other than victory would end his side's hopes of finishing in the top two, but it was soon clear they would avoid any such pitfalls with consummate ease.

"It was a measured, controlled performance with a lot of quality," the West Ham manager insisted. "It's a terrific result and well deserved. We've broken a club record which I'm really pleased about for the players and our fans. We've given them something to cheer about all season away from home and it's just a shame we can't transmit that into our home form. Automatic promotion is still in sight."

Kevin Nolan stabbed home his 11th goal of the season from close range as Nicky Maynard flicked on Matt Taylors in-swinging corner after seven minutes for the Hammers' first.

Maynard's second goal for the club since a £1.5m move from Bristol City in January doubled the advantage on 23 minutes, the forward firing the ball into the bottom corner from 20-yards to round-off a free-flowing 10-pass move. Mark Noble chipped the third after a mistake from goalkeeper David Button presented the midfielder with the ball on the corner of the Barnsley area.

Ricardo Vaz Te, who remains Barnsley's top scorer on 12 despite leaving for Upton Park in January, volleyed his fourth goal in five games from close range 10 minutes after the break.

Barnsley (4-4-2) Button; Wiseman, Foster, McNulty, Golbourne (L Collins 61); Cotterill, Dawson, Smith (Perkins 64), Higginbotham; Davies (O'Brien 64), Gray. Substitutes not used: Lidakevicius, Tonge.

West Ham United (4-4-2) Green; Demel (D Collins, 59), Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; O'Neil (Lansbury, 70), Nolan, Noble (Diop, 80), Taylor; Vaz Te, Maynard. Substitutes not used: Baldock, Cole.

Referee: T Bates (Staffordshire).

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Hill downbeat after Hammers defeat
by Setanta Staff , 06 April 2012

Barnsley boss Keith Hill offered no excuses after his side were blown away 4-0 at home by high-flying West Ham. It was a second 4-0 defeat in the club's last three Oakwell outings and means the Tykes have now won just one of their last nine games. Hill said: "I was disappointed with the result and the performance and I can't defend that as a manager. "It was always going to be difficult but we shot ourselves in the foot magnificently. Even John Wayne couldn't have done it better.
"The only positive that I can salvage is that it wasn't six, seven or eight because it could have been even more embarrassing. We could have been more than three goals down at half-time. "You have to have the finance to be successful. I would like to spend on a squad what they spent on Kevin Nolan. They recruited (Nicky) Maynard and (Ricardo) Vaz Te in the January transfer window. "We are not, in any way, a competitor to West Ham. I hate it because I want to be successful. "It's at times like this that we've got to be brave and accountable."

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Barnsley 0 West Ham United 4: match report
7:15PM BST 06 Apr 20121
Telegraph.co.uk

West Ham outclassed Barnsley to stroll to their 12th away win of the season and maintain hopes of automatic promotion. The visitors, who were three goals up inside 35 minutes, moved to within three points of second-placed Southampton, albeit while having played a game more. With West Ham manager Sam Allardyce having warned that anything other than victory would end his side's hopes of finishing in the top two, Kevin Nolan stabbed home his 11th goal of the season early on when Barnsley failed to deal with Matt Taylor's inswinging corner. Nicky Maynard doubled the advantage when the forward fired into the bottom corner from 20 yards to round off a slick 10-pass move from West Ham's half. Mark Noble deftly chipped in the third goal after a mistake from goalkeeper David Button presented the midfielder with the ball on the corner of Barnsley's penalty area. Craig Davies came closest for the home side before the break, the forward's powerful 25-yard drive saved at full-stretch by Robert Green.

The margin of victory ought to have been more emphatic for West Ham, as Nolan forced a good save from Button after he burst through from a narrow angle and Gary O'Neil went close with a volleyed effort. Barnsley mounted a damage-limitation exercise after the interval. It failed to work as Ricardo Vaz Te, who left Barnsley for Upton Park in January, gathered a rebound to volley home his fourth goal in five games after Button had saved from George McCartney.

Barnsley (4-4-2) Button; Wiseman, Foster, McNulty, Golbourne (L Collins 61); Cotterill, Dawson, Smith (Pekins 64), Higginbotham; Davies (O'Brien 64), Gray. Subs: Lidakevicius, Tonge. Booked: McNulty, Dawson.
West Ham (4-4-2) Green; Demel (D Collins 59), Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; O'Neil (Lansbury 70), Nolan, Noble (Diop 80), Taylor; Vaz Te, Maynard. Subs: Baldock, Cole. Goals: Nolan 7, Maynard 23, Noble 35, Vaz Te 54. Booked: Nolan.
Referee: T Bates. Att: 11,151.

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Four-some West Ham grab record 12th away victory
London 24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Friday, April 6, 2012
7:52 PM

Barnsley 0 West Ham United 4

West Ham kept alive their slim chance of automatic promotion as they swept aside Barnsley at Oakwell with a clinical performance that gave them a club-record 12th away victory of the campaign. Yet another win by relentless Reading earlier in the day stretched the gap between the Hammers and the top two and piled more pressure on Sam Allardyce's men, but they responded in style and had wrapped up this game long before half time. The initiated watching on tv must have been wondering why the Hammers were not running away with the Championship as for much of the time this was a Premier League performance by the east London outfit. Allardyce surprisingly recalled Guy Demel at full back, while Nicky Maynard was preferred to Carlton Cole up front and Winston Reid returned instead of Abdoulaye Faye. In the first attack of note from either team on seven minutes, West Ham grabbed the lead. Matt Taylor's corner flew through a crowd of players, deflected of Craig Davies and fell invitingly for Kevin Nolan to tap in from close range. It was the skipper's 11th goal of the campaign and he could have added a second four minutes later when he latched on to Mark Noble's floating free kick, only to fire a volley wide. West Ham were passing Barnsley off the park by this stage and Ricardo Vaz Te set up Gary O'Neil for a chance which he blazed over the top, before the former Barnsley man tried himself with an overhead kick which was straight at the keeper. The home side's only real early chance came when Rob Green's poor kick was almost fired back in by Davies, but West Ham made it 2-0 on 23 minutes with a beautifully executed goal.

Nicky Maynard played a clever one-two with Nolan and then hit a low shot from the edge of the box that skidded past David Button and into the corner of the net.
Vaz Te had a chance to make it three when he raced past two defenders to get to the danger area, only to decide not to shoot, but seconds later the game was out of sight. Button went to deal with a back-pass, but was spooked by the sliding arrival of Maynard and miscontrolled the ball into the path of Noble on the left edge of the penalty area. The midfielder looked up and lobbed Button perfectly to put the ball into the empty net and score his eighth goal of the season, but his first from open play. Matt Taylor's low centre was almost turned in by Maynard before half time, while all Barnsley had to show for their efforts in that first half was a couple of moments for David Cotterill on the right which were both expertly cleaned up by the Reid. The Hammers continued their dominance after the break as they simply outclassed the home side with their passing game which prompted more of those 'we play it on the floor' chants. Nolan headed O'Neil's cross wide and then on 55 minutes they made it 4-0. George McCartney cut in from the left and hit a right-foot shot that was palmed out by Button, but Vaz Te reacted first to volley home the rebound and score against his old club. In truth it could have been many more. Maynard shot wide and then sent another shot crashing against the crossbar.
Allardyce brought on Danny Collins, Henri Lansbury and Papa Bouba Diop and the lively Lansbury went close with a drilled shot that forced a decent save, before he put in Maynard to score what looked like a fifth, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Green had to save well from O'Brien late on, but that was the only danger to the Hammers in that second half as they cruised to a magnificent victory.

West Ham: Green 7, Demel 6 (Collins 59, 6), McCartney 7, Tomkins 8, Reid 9, Vaz Te 8, Nolan 9*, Noble 8 (Diop 81), O'Neil 7 (Lansbury 70, 7), Taylor 6, Maynard 8.

Unused subs: Baldock, Cole.

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