westhamacademy

West Ham United began their pre-season tour of Austria with a 1 -1 draw against SVL Flavia Solva. A Jack Collison penalty saw Gianfranco Zola's side share the spoils at the Roman Stadium - named in honour of the nearby historic Roman settlement of Flavia Solva, which was decreed to be a municipium, or second-class city, by the Emperor Vespasian in 70AD. The modem-day Austrians, promoted to their country's Third Division last season, proved to be plucky and determined opponents on a hot evening in the picturesque village of Wagna, taking an early lead before being pegged back by Collisoris spot-kick. A sunny night was further brightened by the sight of Scott Parker completing his first full training session of the pre-season following his recovery from a groin injury before kick-off. Gianfranco Zola named a young side, with only full-backs Julien Faubert and Herita Ilunga aged over 21. Austria Under-19 midfielder Georg Grasser was handed a start in his homeland after impressing in the 2-1 win at Grays Athletic on Sunday. Fellow Academy graduates Marek Stech, Jordan Spence, Bondz N'Gala, Jack Collison, Ollie Lee, Anthony Edgar and Zavon Hines also started, while Savio made his first appearance of the pre-season. West Ham, captained by DR Congo left-back Ilunga, made a bright start only to fall behind to a 16th-minute strike from Mario Ploschnik. The midfielder saw his first effort cannon back off the post, but reacted quickest to fire the rebound past Marek Stech.
Having fallen behind, the visitors upped their game and had already gone close on a number of occasions when Collison levelled matters from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark after Zavon Hines had been tripped. Zola rang the changes at half-time, introducing Wales defenders Danny Gabbidon and James Collins, who took over the captaincy, along with England's Kieron Dyer. Hungary Under-21 goalkeeper Peter Kurucz and homegrown stars Josh Payne and Junior Stanislas were also introduced at the interval, with Stech, Faubert, Ilunga, Grasser, Collison and Savio making way. The alterations brought about a special moment for close friends Collins and Gabbidon, who acted as best men at each other's weddings. The pair, who joined West Ham on the same day from Cardiff City in July 2005, last lined up together in the Barclays Premier Reserve League South fixture against Portsmouth at Havant and Waterlooville on 23 January 2008.
The wholesale changes failed to upset the Hammers' rhythm, however, as Stanislas came close to putting the tourists ahead seven minutes after the break. The winger and Hines were then denied by a spectacular double save from home goalkeeper Harald Letnik. West Ham pressed hard for the victory in the closing stages, while the Austrians also caused a few moments of concern in the Hammers' rearguard. However, neither side could find a winner as honours ended even as darkness fell.

SV WERDER BREMEN (Germany)

Thermenstadion, Bad Waltersdorf
18th July 2009

No official programme was issued
PIRATE PROGRAMME

West Ham's Friendly game with German side Werder Bremen has fallen victim to the wet weather in Austria the game was cancelled because of torrential downpours. Following six days of non-stop sunshine, heavy thunderstorms hit eastern Austria on Saturday morning, rendering the pitch in Bad Waltersdorf unplayable and leaving the two clubs with no option but to call the game off.

IN THE NEWS - 21st July 2009

Frank Nouble signs from Chelsea

West Ham announce the signing of Frank Nouble from Chesea for an undisclosed fee.
With several clubs keen on securing his services after he turned down a contract at Stamford Bridge this summer. A former England Under-17 international, the powerful and speedy forward was Chelsea's leading scorer in the FA Premier Academy League last season, netting 12 times in 20 appearances

BURSASPOR (Turkey)

Thermenarena, Bad Radkersburg
1-1 (Dyer)
22nd July 2009

Green (Stech)
Faubert
Collins (N'Gala)
Upson (Lee)
Ilunga
Collison (Gasser)
Jimenez (Spence)
Boa Morte (Edgar)
Dyer (Payne)
Stanislas (Nsereko)
Cole (Hines)

No official programme was issued
PIRATE PROGRAMME

Bursaspor and West Ham United Teamsheets

ND MURA 05 (Slovenia)

Fazanerija Stadium, Murska Sobota
0-0
23rd July 2009

Green (Kurucz)
Spence
N'Gala
Gabbidon (Tomkins)
Grasser (Collins)
Nsereko (Noble)
Lee (Jimenez)
Payne (Parker)
Stanislas
Hines (Cole)

No official programme was issued
PIRATE PROGRAMME

Austian Training Camp images and souvenirs courtesy of
Paul and Graham Sturton

Grays Athletic
12th July 2009
2-1 The New Rec

Cambridge United
18th July 2009
1-1 Abbey Stadium

Tiptree United
22nd July 2009
2-2 Chapel Road

Thurrock
24th July 2009
3-2 Ship Lane

Kingstonian
31st July 2009
3-0 Kingsmeadow

Bishop's Stortford
5th August 2009
0-1 Woodside Park:

Barclays Asia Trophy

The Hammers took part in the four-team Barclays Asia Trophy in Beijing, China as part of the club's pre-season preperations. The prestigious event is organised by the Premier League, the Beijing Football Association (BFA) and Barclays. West Ham United will play Tottenham Hotspur with the winners playing in the Final against either

Hull City and Beijing Guoan who play each other in the other tie. A third-place play-off will be between the two losing sides from the opening matches.

My thanks to Graham and Paul Sturton for the souvenirs

The Barclays Asia Trophy is one of the headline events at the inauguaral 2009 Beijing Football International Festival. Now an established part of teh Premier League's fixture calendar, the Barclays Asia Trophy has been staged in some of Asia's major cities - Kuala Lumpar, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Barclays Asia Trophy

Workers' Stadium
0-1
29th July 2009

Green
Faubert
Upson
Collins
Ilunga
Boa Morte (Noble)
Dyer (Parker)
Collison (Spector)
Jimenez (Hines)
Stanislas (Nsereko)
Cole

Hammers beaten in Beijing

West Ham United went down to a single Jermain Defoe goal in the opening match of the Barclays Asia Trophy at the Workers Stadium in Beijing. Defoe struck in the 75th minute on a hot and humid night to secure his side a place in the final of the pre-season tournament. The Hammers had several half-chances of their own but could not offer a serious threat to their London rivals' goal.
Gianfranco Zola sent his men out in a 4-3-3 formation that that included new signing Luis Jimenez in central midfield role. Carlton Cole was tasked with leading the line up front with support from Junior Stanislas and Luis Boa Morte on the flanks. Spurs were showing off a new signing of their own with Kyle Naughton starting on the right of midfield. In a London derby played 5,000 miles from home, it was the team from the north of the capital that came out of the blocks stronger. Within the first minute a cross from Naughton had to be palmed over the crossbar by Robert Green and then, moments later, captain Luka Modric dragged a shot wide of the post from 25 yards. West Ham fought back, though, and had their first chance six minutes later when Jimenez floated in a free-kick that saw James Collins rose to flick a header goalwards. His effort would surely have caused Carlo Cudicini in the Spurs goal some problems had it fallen either side of him rather than straight at him. The Hammers suffered a blow six minutes later when Luis Boa Morte had to be stretchered off after catching his knee on the turf. The Portuguese was taken to hospital for his injury to be assessed. Mark Noble came on to replace him. Tottenham came within a lick of paint away from taking the lead when Jamie O'Hara picked up a loose pass by Noble before feeding Roman Pavlyuchenko. The Russian struck a curling right-footed shot first time only to see it hit the inside of the post. Only a last-ditch tackle from Collins prevented the Russian from drilling home the rebound. O'Hara was next to threaten Green's goal when he curled a shot inches wide and Pavlyuchenko followed suit when he blasted a good opening from the edge of the box high and wide. After surviving a host of early attacks, West Ham gradually grew in confidence with Cole using his strength and power to valiantly lead the line. Indeed, it was the England striker who won the free-kick that led to his side's final chance of the half. Jimenez whipped it in from 40 yards out and, once more, Collins met the ball, but could only direct his header wide.
Zola sought to add some extra bite to his midfield at the interval with the introduction of Hammer of the Year Scott Parker, who came on in place of Dyer. Harry Redknapp made Tottenham's first change by bringing on Robbie Keane for Pavlyuchenko. Spurs had another good opening six minutes later when a clever flicked through ball by Keane presented Defoe with a clear sight of goal, but the former Hammer could only place his volley high over the crossbar. Just before the hour mark, Noble and O'Hara were both then booked after a tangleing off the ball. West Ham United in their new home kit then had their best chance of the game when a clever one-two involving Jimenez and Cole saw the Chilean find some space in the area. With the angle tight, the loan signing frim Inter Milan, did well to get a shot in that deflected off Tom Huddlestone and over the bar. Zola introduced Savio in place of Stanislas as he sought to win the game outright and avoid the lottery of a penalty shoot-out and his Tottenham counterpart followed suit with Aaron Lennon coming on for Naughton. With 18 mtnutes left Green was called into serious action for the first time as Modric raced into the area and forced the England stopper to save with his legs. At the other end, a superb run by Collison ended with the Welshman shooting straight at Cudicini. Tottenham took the lead 15 minutes from the end when Defoe broke the offside tap to race onto a through ball. Faubert did his best to get near to close him down, but the striker finished low past Green. Jonathan Spector and Zavon Hines were introduced in place of Jimenez and Collison with ten minutes to go as West Ham desperately tried to get back on level terms. They had a half-chance when Faubert, who had been moved into midfield, crossed for Cole, but the 25-year-old could only find the stand behind Cudicini's goal. Spurs' final change saw Jake Livermore come on for Palacious as West Ham gave it their all but ultimately could not find a way past the stubborn Spurs back line.
Zola's side will now play Beijing Guoan on Fnday morning in the third/fourthplace play-off, after they lost on penalties to Hull City in the other semi-final.

BEIJING GUOAN : Barclays Asia Trophy (Third / Fourth Play-off)

Worker's Stadium
2-0
31st July 2009

Green
Spector
Tomkins
Gabbidon (Tomkins)
Ilunga (N'Gala)
Dyer (Nsereko)
Noble (Spence)
Parker (Payne)
Collison (Stanislas)
Jimenez (Hines)
Cole

Hammers finish on a high

Danny Gabbidon and Zavon Hines struck to ensure West Ham United secured third place at the Barclays Asia Trophy with a 2-0 win over Beijing Guoan. Gabbidon rose highest to meet Mark Noble's comer ten minutes from time before substitute Hines added a second at the death to give a much-improved West Ham a deserved victory at the Workers Stadium. Gianfranco Zola made five changes to the team that narrowly lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals on Wednesday. Jonathan Spector, James Tomkins, Noble and Scott Parker, who was handed the captain's armband, all made their first starts of the pre-season, while Gabbidon came back into the starting XI.
Beijing, who sit top of the Chinese Super League, had already sent a squad of 13 players away for their Sunday Chinese Super League game in Chonqing, and named an entirely new side for the match from the one beaten by Hull City in the semi-finals.
After a couple of long-range efforts from Beijing in the opening five minutes, the visitors began to stamp their authority on the game. A neat passing move involving Herita Ilunga, Parker and Dyer saw the latter try to flick a ball on for Ilunga to chase. The covering defender could only bring the DR Congo left-back down and Luis Jimenez came close to registering his first goal for his new club with a powerful, curling free-kick that Zhang Sipeng held at the second attempt. Once West Ham had found their feet, Beijing rarely troubled Robert Green in the West Ham goal and only had two real chances in the opening half. The first, a half-chance that Paulo Vogt blasted over, fell on 20 minutes, while the second was a low drive from Wang Ke that Green got down quickly to gather. After several marginal offside decisions went against them, West Ham thought they had taken the lead four minutes before half time when Dyer slotted the ball inside the far post from Collisoris pass. However, once more the referee's assistant's flag was raised to deny the visitors.
Beijing made two changes at the break with Victor coming on up front and Li Tixiang entering the fray in midfield. In the warm and sticky conditions the Hammers toiled after the break but once again forced themselves onto their opponents and enjoyed much of the ball in the opening exchanges. With Dyer getting forward in support of Cole, West Ham carried the far greater threat, although they did have to survive a minor scare when Wang looped a long-range volley narrowly over the bar seven minutes after the re-start. Five minutes later and another promising burst forward by Dyer won West Ham a comer as they sought to turn the screw on their hosts. Guoan's cause was not helped by an injury to Park, who was replaced by Lang Zheng, while captain Sui and Wang went off for Kou and Sun Kaj. Zola made his first change with Bondz NGala coming at left back for Herita Ilunga. Understandably, the rhythm of the game suffered slightly as a result of the changes, but West Ham continued to have the better of the possession with Dyer and Collison on either flank looking particularly threatening. The Londoners' move of the match came on 69 minutes when Noble's ball forward was flicked into Dyer's path by Cole. The winger returned the favour by laying the ball back into the England forward's path, only for the striker to be denied the opening goal by a last-ditch tackle. Junior Stanislas was introduced in place of Collison to add yet more pace to West Ham's attack and the England Under-20 international almost made his mark from Noble's pass, but his shot is deflected wide. Zola then made two further changes with Zavon Hines and Josh Payne coming on for Jimenez and Parker. Zola's side finally got their reward ten minutes from the end as Gabbidon muscled himself away from his marker to meet Noble's flighted comer and direct a header past Sipeng. Having missed 18 months through injury, the Wales defender's goal was met with a huge outpouring of celebration from his team-mates. It was a fitting way to mark the former Hammer of the Year's return to action. Savio and Jordan Spence were the final changes for West Ham in place of the superb Dyer and industrious Noble, but it was another substitute, Hines, who was to have the final say. The Jamaican, who had already seen a snap-shot saved by the goalkeeper, raced onto a through-ball and finished neatly with his left foot through Sipeng's legs. After the frustration of losing to Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday's semi-final, West Ham's performance, particularly in the second half, will have given Zola and the fans who have travelled over from the UK real optimism ahead of the start of the Barclays Premier League season on 15 August.

IN THE NEWS - 31st July 2009

Fabio Daprela signs from Grasshoppers

West Ham have signed Switzerland U19 defender Fabio Daprela from Grasshopper Club Zurich for an undisclosed fee. Deprela, a left-back, flew straight to London to complete his move to the Boleyn Ground fromnm the UEFA European U19 Championship finals in Ukraine. THe club had to contend with interest from a host of top Italian sides for the youngster, who has signed a five-year deal after moving from the Zurich club.

SSC NAPOLI : BOBBY MOORE CUP

Upton Park
0-1
8th August 2009
Att: 21,364

Green
Faubert (Spector)
Tomkins (Collins)
Upson (Gabbidon)
Ilunga
Noble
Parker
Collison (Hines)
Jimenez (Stanislas)
Dyer (Nsereko)
Cole

West Ham United went down to a single goal defeat as Napoli lifted the Bobby Moore Cup. Italy international Fabio Quagliarella's brilliant header with 12 minutes remaining sealed the win for the visitors, who were reduced to ten men late on. On the day the new Sir Trevor Brooking Stand was opened, West Ham were punished for not converting several clear-cut chances, but will go into the season with optimism after a spirited performance. Gianfranco Zola had no new injury concerns so named a strong starting XI. Julien Faubert started at right-back, Scott Parker returned in midfield, while new signing Luis Jimenez made his first appearance at the Boleyn Ground. Captain Matthew Upson led the teams out and once they were lined up, guests of honour Sir Trevor Brooking and Stephanie Moore were introduced to the players. A minute of applause was also held in memory of Sir Bobby Robson, with the 1,200-strong travelling supporters joining the home fans to create a crescendo of noise. In the glorious sunshine in east London, Napoli set about continuing their impressive pre-season form, which has seen them win three and draw one of their warm-up games. After just 48 seconds Ezequiel Lavezzi showed a statement of intent with a shot that flew over the crossbar that would no doubt have impressed the watching England head coach Fabio Capello. Five minutes later another forceful break saw Quagliarella break down the left touchline before turning James Tomkins and driving a shot that crashed into the back of fellow forward Lavezzi. West Ham began to show their attacking intent as the front-three of Jimenez, Kieron Dyer and Carlton Cole started to link up with some short, sharp passing. Dyer won a free-kick on the left. Jimenez took it, and his drilled ball across the six-yard box was just inches away from being converting by Tomkins' outstretched leg. Dyer's forceful running was causing the Italians some concern, and he won another free-kick right on the edge of the Napoli penalty area. Jimenez stepped up once more but his free-kick hit the wall. Napoli continued to carry a threat, though, and Faubert had to be at his best to thwart the visitors as he made a superb interception just as Quagliarella seemed destined to score. Ten minutes before the break, Cole played a delightful ball into the path of Parker and, after taking a quick look up, the Hammer of the Year opted to take it first-time and blasted a right-foot shot narrowly wide of the far, top corner. Luca Cigriani became the first player to be booked after a late lunge on Collison shortly before the break.
After finishing the first half on top, the Hammers started the second in the same vein. Mark Noble was the first to come close as his spectacular effort from the edge of the area was just off target before substitute James Collins, on for Tomkins at half-time, hit a free-kick high and wide. Parker had an even better chance minutes later when he rounded Morgan De Sanctis to give himself a clear sight of goal from the angle. Sadly, the West Ham No8 lost his footing just at the crucial moment and the chance went begging. Collison was the cautioned for a challenge on Lavezzi before Napoli made their first three changes as Hugo Campagnaro, Manuele Blasi and Christian Maggio replaced captain Gianluca Grava, Michele Pazienza and Leandro Rinaudo. Gianfranco Zola, managing against the team where he first made a major impact as a player, made two more substitutions of his own a short time later, with Jonathan Spector and Savio replacing Faubert, who had enjoyed an impressive afternoon at right-back, and Dyer. Junior Stanislas was the next replacement to be called up, replacing Jimenez before Blasi picked up his first booking for a foul on Savio on 77 minutes. Napoli took the lead with 12 minutes remaining when a hopeful ball into the box from right wing-back Maggio was met expertly by Quagliarella, who twisted his neck to loop the ball over the stranded Green. It was to be the striker's final contribution to the match as he soon replaced by Erwin Hoffer, while West Ham introduced Danny Gabbidon in place of Upson for the defender's first home appearance since December 2007. Blasi received his marching orders for a second booking following a dangerous, late tackle on Ilunga. West Ham continued to probe in the closing stages, with Collins powering a header too close to De Sanctis from Noble's right-wing comer.
The match provided an entertaining spectacle for the 21,364 inside the Boleyn Ground and their attendance helped raise £42,728 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.

44e Internationaal A-Jeugdtoernooi v.v. Doetinchem

International Under-19 Tournament (14th - 16th August 2009)

Group Matches:
West Ham United v. AZ Alkmaar 1-4 (Abdullah)
Red Bull Salzburg v. West Ham United 0-1 (Hall)
West Ham United v. De Graafschap 2-1 (Purdy, Abdulla)

Semi-Final:
West Ham United v. Botafogo FR 0-3

Third/Fourth Play-off:
FC Kopenhagen v. West Ham United 2-0

West Ham United Squad in Doetinchem

Peter Loveday, Callum Driver, Jordan Brown, Jack Lampe, Sergio Sanchez, George Moncur, Nick Barrett, Eion Waeren, Christian Montano, Conor Okus, Ahmed Abdulla, Robert Hall, Deniz Mehmet, Paco Craig, Jack Werndly, Danny Subuola, Danny Purdy, Miles Smith

Wim Kuijper Internationaal Jeugo Voetbaltoernooi

International Under-14 Tournament (15th - 16th August 2009)

Group Matches:
West Ham United v. Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-2
Ajax v. West Ham United 1-0
Lokomotiv Moscow v. West Ham United 2-1
vv Vorden v. West Ham United 0-9

Cross Semi-Final:
West Ham United v. Austria Wien 2-1

Fifth / Sixth Play-off:
Ajax v. West Ham United 3-2

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS : Barclays Premier League

Molineux
2-0 (Noble, Upson)
15th August 2009
Att: 28,674
Referee: C. Foy

Green
Faubert
Collins
Upson
Ilunga (Spector)
Collison
Parker
Noble
Dyer (Stanislas)
Jimenez
Cole (Nouble)

Mick McCarthy saw his Wolves side pay the price for poor defending on their return to the Premier League after a six-year absence. Mark Noble and Matthew Upson both took advantage to secure the three points for West Ham with goals either side of half time. It was just the start manager Gianfranco Zola was looking for against the newly-promoted side. In contrast Wolves boss McCarthy knows they will have to learn their lessons sooner than later if they are not to face an uphill struggle this season. The home side made a bright start, however, and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake headed over the bar from a good position in the 14th minute following a cross from Stephen Ward. Wolves were looking busy in front of their raucous supporters, clearly enjoying life back in the top flight. Andy Keogh then tried to curl a shot beyond goalkeeper Robert Green, only for his effort to drift wide. West Ham made the breakthrough after 22 minutes with Wolves caught napping. Carlton Cole played the ball across the face of the area and Noble was given time and space to clip a shot over Wayne Hennessey. Wolves were stunned but hit back in the 29th minute when Andy Keogh released Matt Jarvis but he could not get enough power or direction on his shot. It was West Ham, though, who looked dangerous every time they went on the counter attack. Hennessey then did well to parry Cole's effort and the ball broke to Kieron Dyer. He rattled in a shot, only for Craddock to clear off the line and concede a corner. Noble picked out Herita Ilunga with his delivery but he headed over the bar from a good position. McCarthy's side were being exposed at the back and Jack Collison headed on Julien Faubert's long ball with ease in the 41st minute. Collison, though, failed to pick out a team-mate and the home side were able to clear. Wolves made a rousing start to the second half and Green did well to turn away Nenad Milijas's shot in the 47th minute after seeing it late. However West Ham almost added a second six minutes later following a mistake by skipper Jody Craddock. He played in Collison, who homed in on goal. He look certain to score from inside the six-yard area but tried to place it and Kevin Foley cleared off the line. Collison was left shaking his head in frustration and little wonder after squandering a marvellous chance. Milijas then picked out Ebanks-Blake with a neat through ball, only for the alert Green to block his effort. Wolves continued to battle away with Milijas their best creative option but West Ham were looking comfortable. He was given a rousing reception in the 90th minute when he was replaced by David Edwards. West Ham could have added a third in the 82nd minute but Jimenez's shot came back off Hennessey's chest. Wolves almost got a consolation goal a minute from time but Green blocked Stearman's effort following a cross from Halford.

The Youth team play 18 group fixtures, twice against the other nine teams on a home and away basis. They also play ten inter-group fixtures against teams from Groups B, C and D. In all they play 28 matches. The four group winners proceed to the Semi-Final before the Final is held in May

EVERTON Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Finch Farm
2-1 (Montano, Brookes)
22nd August 2009

Mehmet
Brookes
Brown
Lampe
Sanchez
Lee
Barrett (Moncur)
Wearen
Abdulla (Purdy)
Montano (Subuola)
Kearns

Brookes the U18 hero

A late Tony Brookes header was enough to give the Hammers an impressive win on the opening day of the FA Premier Academy League campaign.
Brookes, playing at right-back, signed his first professional contract with the club in the summer. His headed winner meant an excellent result from an inter-group fixture that had seen the side travel up on Friday to Merseyside to take on the Toffees. He along with captain Oliver Lee and Danny Kearns provided much needed experience in the side.
In all, Carr's team play 18 games home and away against all of their Group A rivals and then a total of ten fixtures against sides from Groups B, C and D. Everton are in Group C, the same division as Stoke City who travel to Little Heath this coming Saturday.
The young Hammers were raring to go on Saturday morning after an impressive pre-season and applied early pressure before opening the scoring against their hosts through Cristian Montano's tenth-minute goal. Everton were soon able to level matters at their Finch Farm ground through Karl Sheppard but when Kearns swung in a corner five minutes from time, Brookes was on the spot to claim the victory.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Barclays Premier League

Upton Park
1-2 (Cole)
23rd August 2009
Att: 33,095
Referee:
M. Clattenburg

Green
Faubert
Collins
Upson
Spector
Noble
Parker (Hines)
Collison (Nouble)
Jimenez (Kovac)
Cole
Stanislas

Tottenham maintained their 100% start to the Barclays Premier League season after West Ham gifted them Jermain Defoe's equaliser and Aaron Lennon's winner at Upton Park in a 2-1 win. The Hammers were leading through Carlton Cole's spectacular volley but the England striker's backpass then set up Defoe to level against his former club. Another mistake led to Lennon's winner, with Jonathan Spector slipping at the vital moment and the winger taking full advantage to rifle into the bottom corner. Since leaving West Ham, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has an impressive record of getting results at Upton Park - but he does not usually need help from his former club. Spurs enjoyed the majority of possession and looked dangerous going forward, with Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green kept busy in the early stages when Tom Huddlestone launched a fearsome drive towards the near post. Luka Modric forced Green into a save at the near post and went wide, with the Croatia playmaker also setting up the chance that saw Ledley King hit the crossbar on the half-hour mark. Luis Jimenez was booked for a foul on Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the build-up, with Modric whipping over the free-kick and King's looping header bouncing off the woodwork. Sebastien Bassong also went wide from another Modric free-kick - but it was not entirely one-way traffic and West Ham had the clearer chances in the first half even if they had less of the ball. Zola is desperate to buy another striker before the transfer window closes but a shortage in attack is bringing the best out of Cole going forward - even if he was guilty of a blunder for the equaliser. He volleyed over early on after chasing down a long pass and juggling the ball like he did when playing for England against Holland. When Spector threaded a ball through and Jimenez intelligently dummied, Cole ran through and saw Carlo Cudicini block his finish. Cudicini had already been called into action when Scott Parker latched onto a poor clearance and struck a 35-yard volley that had the Italian stopper scrambling across his goalline to save. The Hammers had two huge changes just before the break. King bravely blocked from Jack Collison's shot after Cole held the ball up and pulled it back for the Wales midfielder. Then Junior Stanislas was sent down the left with a 60-yard pass from James Collins and the youngster carried the ball into the area - but his dangerous cross was just too far in front of Cole. Cole broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half with his unstoppable volley. Despite his height, Jimenez managed to get his head on the ball, cushioning it back to Cole 25 yards out. The 25-year-old took a touch before swinging with left and sending his effort crashing past Cudicini. But the Hammers striker went from hero to villain in the space of five minutes. There was no danger when held the ball up near the halfway line but his pass backwards turned into a perfect through-ball for Defoe. The former Hammers striker accepted the invitation and lashed past Green. Modric almost gave Spurs the lead shortly after but headed just wide when Lennon found him at the far post, while the hosts felt they should have had a penalty when Assou-Ekotto hauled down Jimenez. Defoe, in turn, thought he should have had a spot-kick when Julien Faubert challenged him - but Mark Clattenburg waved play on again. Cole, looking to atone for his mistake, cut inside and went just wide with his shot. Lennon's winning goal came with 11 minutes remaining. Spector lost his footing when there was little danger apparent, with Lennon nipping in and unleashing a drive into the far corner.

MILLWALL : Carling Cup (Second Round)

Upton Park
3-1 a.e.t (Stanislas 2, [1 pen], Hines)
26th August 2009
Att: 24,492
Referee: P. Taylor

Green
Faubert
Gabbidon
Tomkins
Spector
Collison
Parker
Kovac (Nouble)
Payne (Hines)
Cole (Upson)
Stanislas

48 HOURS OF HELL FOR COLLISON

Star defies family tragedy and a night of madness

IT WAS a night which saw Gianfranco Zola's boys become men at Upton Park. The last two days had seen West Ham rocked by Calum Davenport's stabbing and the death of Jack Collison's dad Ian in a motorcycle crash on Sunday. The 20-year-old midfielder, to his immense credit, insisted on playing last night as his teammates wore black armbands as a mark of respect. And in the minutes before kick-off Collison appeared in a daze, walking around in circles hugging anyone in claret and blue, repeatedly looking skyward then dropping down on his haunches with his head in his hands. His team-mates were desperate to get a win to lift morale - instead they got a very special result completely overshadowed by mindless thuggery both inside and outside the ground. Violence that so angered the FA that they expressed their outrage within minutes of the final whistle. This was a night that took the image of English football back 35 years. This was a night of menace and hatred between two sets of seething snarling fans who we hope will not meet again for a very long time. This was a night which saw football being played out against a soundtrack of racism, helicopters flying overhead and police sirens wailing in the distance. For the record, Neil Harris put Millwall ahead but the youngsters from the Upton Park academy fought back brilliantly to pinch an 87th-minute equaliser through Junior Stanislas. With hindsight the 19-year-old would probably regret celebrating his leveller in front of the away fans. But it was a special night for him which was to get even more so when he i smashed home a 97th minute penalty. Another academy youngster, Zavon Hines, hit a fabulous third to cap a brilliant win. This was a result that symbolised the resilience in the Upton Park dressing room. And yet today all we are talking about is a corner of London which was being openly described last night as 'a war zone'. Hooligans fought out preplanned battles in the streets while inside the stadium Hammers striker Carlton Cole was being subjected to appalling racist abuse from the away end. The home support scrapped with stewards in a vicious attempt to get at the Millwall fans. Riot police arrived (far too slowly) and thrashed around with batons in a vain attempt to keep order But when Stanislas got the leveller, Upton Park went ballistic, fans streaming on to the pitch -an invasion repeated when Stanislas speared home his penalty and again at the final whistle. Nobody seemed to know what to do. Least of all referee Paul Taylor. While anarchy reigned on the pitch, Collison made his way around the touchline, flanked by two members of the Hammers staff, applauding the fans.

IN THE NEWS - 26th August 2009

BATTLE OF THE BOLEYN

WEST HAM are facing a massive FA punishment after a night of shame at the Boleyn Ground. One man was stabbed and dozens were arrested outside and inside the ground during the Hammers' 3-1 Carling Cup win over Millwall. Fans described the appalling scenes as a war-zone as stewards and riot police battled yobs, who threw coins and missiles at them and the visiting fans. West Ham striker Carlton Cole was forced to endure shocking racist abuse from Millwall fans. And there was also FOUR pitch invasions as home fans ignored desperate appeals to stay off the pitch. At one stage, a security guard joined Millwall officials in taking the players off the pitch, fearing for their safety, during the home fans' third encroachment after the Hammers went 2-1 up. Stunned West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said: "I knew it was a game that meant a lot for the two sets of supporters, but I didn't imagine it could be like this. "I've never seen anything like that after seven years with Chelsea and 11 months with West Ham. I'm sure there will be enquiries and they will try to look at the situation. I was completely shocked." Millwall boss Kenny Jackett said: "I was not aware of the stabbing. I'm very sad to hear about that. We've got a passionate game in this country, but when it oversteps the mark then things have to be done." An FA spokesman said: "We absolutely condemn all of the disorder that has occurred at Upton Park this evening both inside and outside the ground. "We will be working with all parties including the police and clubs to establish the facts surrounding tonight's events. "We expect all culprits to be banned for life. They have no place in our game." West Ham are expected to announce measure to deal with the troublemakers.

100 YEARS OF RIVALRY

This is definitely one of the most bitter rivalries in England, even though the two have rarely been in the same division at the same time. Both clubs actually originated in London's docklands, with West Ham previously known as Thames Ironworks, Millwall then moved from the Isle of dogs to New Cross on the south side of the Thames in 1910. In the 20's there was a rivalry between two shipyards, on either side of the river. The Millwall, london and Surrey docks were a Millwall stronghold while the Royal docks was West Ham. In 1926 tensions increased further when West Ham dockers went on strike and Millwall's carried on working.

IN THE NEWS - 28th August 2009

Hammers complete the permanet transfer of Alessandro Diamanti from AS Livorno Calcio

The 26-year-old becomes Gianfranco Zola's second major recruit from the Italian top flight after Chilean international Luis Jimenez arrived from Internazionale. The latest recruit will provide extra firepower to the Hammers attack alongside striker Carlton Cole. Diamanti scored 18 times in 37 league and cup matches last seasson, including six goals in the fimal ten matches of what proved a hugely successful campaign.

BLACKBURN ROVERS : Barclays Premier League

Ewood Park
0-0
29th August 2009
Att: 23,421
Referee: P. Dowd

Green
Faubert
Collins
Upson
Spector
Jimenez (Dyer)
Parker
Noble
Collison (Kovac)
Cole
Stanislas

Blackburn teenager Junior Hoilett spurned the best chance of a fairly tedious goalless draw against West Ham at Ewood Park. The 19-year-old substitute's 20-yard chip over Robert Green in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper dropped onto the top of the net in the 77th minute. Prior to that Carlton Cole had the visitors' best effort, curling wide a 20th-minute shot from a narrow angle while Rovers defender Chris Samba fired over from the edge of the penalty area in the first half. Hoilett's 30-minute cameo was one of the few positives on a frustrating afternoon for Blackburn. The other was securing their first point of the season - after defeats to Manchester City and Sunderland - which meant they avoided equalling their worst start to a season since 1947/48. West Ham were not much better, with Cole - starved of service and support - having little chance of showing the form of an England international. The game began brightly with debutant Pascal Chimbonda's surging run down the left touchline resulting in James Collins, on his 100th league start, being booked for a foul on Morten Gamst Pedersen. David Dunn, on his first league appearance since April, lofted over the ninth-minute free-kick which Chris Samba headed back across goal but the stretching Jason Roberts could not divert the ball in. Samba was then involved at the other end as some neat interplay between Junior Stanislas and Luis Jimenez set up Cole only for his shot to be blocked by the big Rovers defender. The England striker was being kept on a tight rein by the centre-back but when he burst into the left of the penalty Samba slipped to leave Cole clear. He had a narrow angle from which to shoot but curled his right-footed effort wide of the far post without drawing Paul Robinson into a save. Chimbonda twice denied Jimenez with sliding blocks in the penalty area before Samba, who seemed to be the major player at both ends of the field, fired over from the edge of the West Ham box after the visitors had failed to clear Roberts' pull-back. Three minutes into the second half Cole lashed a 20-yard shot over Robinson's crossbar with Collins' shot from Mark Noble's left-wing corner also too high. Roberts was becoming increasingly isolated up front and in an attempt to counter that manager Sam Allardyce replaced holding midfielder Steven Nzonzi with Hoilett. Andrews dropped back to allow the 19-year-old Canadian to occupy the wide right slot in midfield. Gianfranco Zola's change was to replace Jimenez with Kieron Dyer, making only his 10th appearance for the Hammers since August 2007. Hoilett's first involvement was to shoot into the side-netting from Dunn's reverse pass in the 68th minute before returning the favour only for the midfielder to shoot straight at Green from 25 yards. Summer signing Nikola Kalinic replaced Roberts for his home debut with 16 minutes remaining. But it was Hoilett who should have broken the deadlock in the 77th minute when Dunn picked him out on a swift counter-attack with an incisive outside-of-the-foot pass. Green raced out to meet the youngster who tried an audacious 20-yard chip which landed on the roof of the net. It was the closest either side came to scoring on a disappointing afternoon.

STOKE CITY Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Little Heath
0-1
29th August 2009

Mehmet, Driver, Brown, Lampe,Sanchez,Moncur (Werndly), Barrett, Wearen, Abdulla (Hall), Montano, Purdy (Craig)

U18s stung by Stoke

Tony Carr's side were unlucky to lose their first home match of the 2009/10 FA Premier Academy League season. Having won 2-1 at Everton the week before, the Hammers were frustrated at Little Heath. Like the Toffees tie, the Stoke match was one often inter-group fixtures to be played by the U 18s in their 28-game season. Carr's side will hope to bounce back with a trip to Group A rivals Tottenham Hotspur on the 5th September. Cristian Montano and Ahmed Abdulla were both particularly lively up front and had a number of chances to level matters after Stoke had taken the lead in the first half through a headed goal from a left-wing cross. However, the Hammers - captained by Sergio Sanchez - were unable to take advantage of their pressure. Nick Barrett with a decent run and shot late in the game was perhaps the closest to an equaliser.

IN THE NEWS - 31st August 2009

Da Costa in for Savio

West Ham United have sold Savio Nsereko to AFC Fiorentina with the club receiving an undisclosed fee and Portuguese centre-back Manuel Da Costa in return. Da Costa, 23, moves to the Boleyn Ground on a three-year contract after one season in Italy, having left Florence in January for a loan at their Serie A rivals UC Sampdoria.
Savio's departure will see the club retain 50 per cent of his sell-on value in future. The German Under-20 international arrived at the Boleyn Ground in January from Brescia Calcio for an undisclosed fee. The 20-year-old made eleven appearances - ten off the substitute's bench - but failed to estabish himself in the side. The emergence of junior Stanislas also limited Savio's chances.

ASTON VILLA : Barclays Premier Reserve League

Villa Park
1-2 (Edgar)
1st September 2009)

Champions just too good

Kurucz
N'Gala
Brown
Fry
Eyjolfsson
Zola (Wearen)
Lee (Montano)
Payne
Edgar
Nouble
Hines

A youthful Hammers lineup played a full part in a keenly-contested game at Villa Park, but were unable to resist the home side, who have won the title in each of the last two seasons. Highly-rated striker Nathan Delfouneso fired Villa into a fourth-minute lead with a smart finish as Villa enjoyed much the better of things before half-time. West Ham's sole chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to Zavon Hines, but the Jamaican was unable to replicate his finish in last Tuesday's Carling Cup victory over Millwall, shooting too close to veteran goalkeeper Andy Marshall. The Hammers, who lost midfielder Andrea Zola to a facial injury midway through the opening 45 minutes, came out strongly after the break, and were level five minutes into the second period. Matt Fry was fouled by Chris Herd as he broke forward down the left, Anthony Edgar swung over a vicious, curling free-kick and the ball looped past Marshall via the head of Villa's Republic of Ireland youth international striker James Collins. For a while, it appeared Alex Dyer's side could go on to claim all three points, but the Villans had other ideas, securing the victory themselves thanks to a sumptuous volley from substitute Gary Gardner 18 minutes from full-time. Gardner, the younger brother of Villa defender Craig, was fouled midway inside the Hammers half by Josh Payne. Eric Lichaj lifted the resulting free-kick into the box, where the ball fell to Gardner, who controlled on his chest before lifting an inch-perfect volley past Peter Kurucz. West Ham, for whom Frank Nouble enjoyed a decent night, tried gamely to force their way back into the match, but it was the hosts who finished by far the stronger of the two teams. Kurucz did superbly to deny Collins twice inside the space of a few seconds, while Delfouneso and substitute Adam McGurk both shot narrowly off-target when well-placed. .

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Spurs Lodge
2-5 (Hall, Sanchez)
5th September 2009

Loveday
Smith (Modelski)
Brown
Lampe
Driver (Moncur)
Sanchez
Barrett
Wearen
Hall
Abdulla
Montano (Subuola)

Tough day for U18s

A youthful Academy side came up short in the London derby away to Tottenham Hotspur. Tony Carr's side found themselves 3-0 down by half-time and quickly conceded a fourth in the second half before staging a spirited fightback. Robert Hall, still only 15, and captain Sergio Sanchez pulled two goals back and the Hammers began to believe they could yet earn something from the game. However, Danny Subuola was unlucky with a great chance to make it 4-3 and Spurs regained their superiority and added a fifth.
"Tottenham were too powerful and too strong for us," said Carr "They were better than us on the day and we were second best in most departments. However, we did well after half-time and we got the improved performance that we were looking for. We got two goals back and could have made it interesting had we got the third one but it was not to be. Peter Loveday saved a penalty before they scored again." The Academy Director changed things around in the second half with Sanchez dropping back into defence from a holding midfield role and Hall on a rare start at this level soon got his reward. Sanchez then headed in from close range after a corner before substitute Subuola nearly added a third. Goalkeeper Loveday, on his first start of the season with Turkey's Deniz Mehmet on international duty, then saved from the spot while Hall also had a couple more opportunities. There was the welcome boost of Polish youth international full-back Filip Modelski returning after his long-term knee injury with a second-half appearance off the bench. It was his first outing since mid-January. "Filip came on for the last 30 minutes which was a real plus and there was no reaction," added Carr. "He will get a bit more in the next few weeks and hopefully we can progress as well. We got off to a flying start on the first day at Everton and let's hope we can get back to that."

BIRMINGHAM CITY : Barclays Premier Reserve League

Upton Park
6-0 (Hines 3, Diamanti 2 [1 pen], N'Gala)
8th September 2009

Stech
Ferrari (Fry)
Daprela
N'Gala
Da Costa
Payne
Quashie
Behrami (Kearns)
Hines
Nouble
Diamanti (Edgar)

West Ham United handed Valon Behrami the perfect welcome back to competitive action in the shape of a 6-0 Barclays Premier Reserve League South thrashing of Birmingham City. The Switzerland midfielder, back after six months out with a knee ligament problem, was back to his irrepressible best against the Blues, laying on the opening goal for hat-trick hero Zavon Hines.
While the sight of Behrami bounding around the Boleyn Ground pitch was most welcome, then so were the performances of new boys Alessandro Diamanti, Manuel Da Costa and Davide Ferrari. Diamanti, in particular, caught the eye with a display full of incisive passes, clever flicks and powerful shooting with his trademark left foot - capping a memorable evening with two fantastic free-kicks.
For manager Alex Dyer, who saw his team bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa a week ago, the evening could not have gone much better in front of a 1,250-strong crowd. The hosts roared out of the traps, creating chance after chance and, in all honesty, had the match won inside the first nine minutes. Josh Payne had already fired narrowly wide before Behrami laid on the opening goal for Hines after just 80 seconds, sliding a superb pass through to the Jamaican, who cut inside his marker before lashing a left-foot rocket inside Colin Doyle's near-post. Behrami almost repeated the trick three minutes later, only for Hines to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from the Blues' former England

Under-21 defender Scott Dann. With Diamanti dictating play from a free role behind the front-two of Hines and Frank Nouble, West Ham were positively purring against a shell-shocked Birmingham. It was Nouble who was next to threaten, seeing his shot deflected wide for a corner before powering Diamanti's resulting flag-kick against the crossbar with Doyle beaten all-ends-up. The second goal was not long in coming, however, and when the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper pushed Payne's skimming 25-yarder around the post, it was only delaying the inevitable. Diamanti and Behrami, who has been giving the former AS Livorno Calcio forward lifts to and from training at Chadwell Heath, worked a short-corner routine before finding Payne. The 18-year-old laid the ball to captain N'Gala, who side-stepped a defender before curling a delicious shot into the top right-hand corner. Less than ten minutes old, the game was already up, but there was still so much more to enjoy. Birmingham did threaten sporadically, though their best chance came when Hammers goalkeeper Marek Stech saw his clearance cannon off Jake Jervis and spin narrowly wide of the target. Having survived that scare, Diamanti re-assumed centre-stage, sending a truly marvellous free-kick up and over the Birmingham defensive wall and past a motionless Doyle. Four minutes later and it was 4-0. Da Costa's 60-yard pass found Fabio Daprela, who instantly found Nouble. The 17-year-old laid square to strike-partner Hines, who cut inside and slotted low into the net. Into the second half and the hosts continued where they left off. Nouble should have added fifth seven minutes after the break following a sumptuous build-up involving Da Costa, Behrami and Diamanti, only for the teenager to chip his shot on to the roof of the net. Behrami's night ended to a rapturous round of applause 13 minutes after the interval, as Dyer replaced him with Danny Kearns. Hines completed his hat-trick three minutes later, capitalising on a mix-up between David Joyce and Will Packwood before lifting the ball over the advancing Doyle. On to the 65th minute and Diamanti stole the show again, bending another superlative free-kick beyond Doyle after Mines had been flattened by substitute Jamie Dunphy. It was a fitting finale to an outstanding debut from the 26-year-old, who also received a rousing ovation when he was replaced by Anthony Edgar moments later. No doubt inspired by what he had seen from the bench, Edgar was soon into the action, testing the busy Doyle with no fewer than three shots from outside the penalty area, while Mines came close to netting his fourth. Birmingham came close to netting a consolation late on, but Stech was in no mood to be charitable, diving full-length to push Luke Hubbins' shot aside to complete an excellent night's work.

WIGAN ATHLETIC : Barclays Premier League

DW Stadium
0-1
12th September 2009
Att: 17,142
Referee: A. Wiley

Green
Faubert
Tomkins
Upson
Gabbidon
Kovac (Behrami)
Noble (Nouble)
Parker
Stanislas (Diamanti)
Cole
Hines

Striker Hugo Rodallega's second goal of the season was enough to see Wigan beat West Ham at the DW Stadium and ease some of the pressure on manager Roberto Martinez. The Colombia striker pounced in the 55th minute to stab home Jason Koumas' blocked shot and end a run of three successive Barclays Premier League defeats. Prior to that the main point of interest had been the form of England goalkeeper Robert Green, who produced decent saves to deny Rodallega and Jordi Gomez in the first half. Green's performance was in stark contrast to that of England team-mate Carlton Cole, who showed little international class and was less of a threat than 20-year-old strike partner Zavon Hines on his first start of the season. That would partly explain why the Hammers have scored only three goals in four matches and drawn a blank in their last two. However, Rodallega's goal was also Wigan's first at home in three games and only their fourth all season, which gives an indication of where Martinez's side have to improve. The game did not really spring into life until after the interval, when five minutes into the second half Gomez released Rodallega through the middle on a counter-attack only for James Tomkins to get across and make a perfectly-timed tackle. The Colombia striker, however, eventually made his mark five minutes later. Charles N'Zogbia played in Mario Melchiot on the right of the area and his dangerous ball across the six-yard area should have been put away by Koumas at the far post only for Green to make a reaction block. Rodallega was alert enough though to poke home the rebound. Mercifully the goal sparked some life into the game and Wigan had to withstand a flurry of West Ham attacks. Titus Bramble's tackle denied Junior Stanislas as he burst into the area, Tomkins headed the resulting corner narrowly wide of the far post and Chris Kirkland tipped over a Scott Parker drive. Rodallega departed to a standing ovation as he was replaced by Jason Scotland in the 73rd minute but Wigan could not afford to relax and substitute Alessandro Diamanti's cross-shot from wide on the right cannoned back off the crossbar with Kirkland beaten. But the Latics survived a nervous five minutes of added time to record a welcome second victory of the season. The game had begun brightly for West Ham as, in the sixth minute, Maynor Figueroa cut across the back of Hines only for referee Alan Wiley to wave away penalty claims, with first contact also being made outside the area. Neat interplay between Koumas and Rodallega set up Gomez on the edge of the box but Green comfortably palmed the ball away diving to his left. The England goalkeeper then confidently watched midfielder Mohamed Diame's 35-yard shot fly narrowly wide of his right-hand post as Wigan began to get into their stride. West Ham's best chance in the opening 25 minutes fell to Cole but he could only get the slightest of touches on Mark Noble's bouncing pass and the ball harmlessly looped into Kirkland's arms. Kirkland was called into action to tip Noble's shot, deflected through a crowd of players, around a post before the West Ham midfielder was booked for tripping Hendry Thomas. Hines cut in from the left to fire a right-footed shot at Kirkland, who was almost caught out moments later when he took too long to deal with a Bramble back-pass and the young striker charged down his clearance only for it to rebound for a goal-kick. Rodallega's looping deflected shot off defender Matthew Upson forced Green into a fingertip save over his crossbar, with the goalkeeper also turning Gomez's dipping strike behind for a corner as Wigan pushed for the breakthrough before the interval.

BIRMINGHAM CITY Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Little Heath
1-2 (Purdy)
12th September 2009

Street, Driver, Brown, McNaughton (Modelski), Sanchez, Moncur (Werndly), Barrett (Okus), Wearen, Purdy, Hall (Werndly), Kearns

Purdy goal not enough

The Academy youngsters suffered their third defeat in a row on Saturday despite taking the lead at Little Heath through Danny Purdy. The Republic of Ireland Under-17 international, fresh from representing his country in a recent tournament, opened the scoring with a neat finish after capitalising on a Birmingham mistake out on the Hammers left wing. Purdy surged goalwards and slotted the ball under the keeper to open the scoring. However, the Blues were able to equalise before half-time after a mistake in the Hammers rearguard and that goal allowed them to believe they could head back to the Midlands with all three points. After Purdy saw a solid save deny him the chance to restore the lead, Birmingham broke home hearts following an incisive move through the middle. It means the Hammers have lost their last two fixtures at home, with a 1-0 defeat by a visiting Stoke City followed by a 5-2 loss at Tottenham Hotspur last week. There is an immediate chance to get things going again at Little Heath when Cardiff City arrive for another inter-group fixture next Saturday.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS : Barclays Premier Reserve League

Woodside Park
0-0
15th September 2009

Kurucz
Ferrari
Daprela
Quashie
N'Gala
Da Costa
Payne
Lee (Wearen)
Nouble
Edgar
Kearns

Hammers hold Wolves

West Ham United played out a creditable goalless Barclays Premier Reserve League South draw with an experienced Wolverhampton Wanderers. In a game of few chances played in almost incessant, driving rain, a young West Ham team held their own against an experienced Wolves side at Bishop's Stortford. With their opponents able to call upon the likes of England Under-21 winger Michael Kightly, returning from a long-term leg injury, Wales striker Sam Yokes and Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo, it was always likely to be a difficult task for Dyer's men. However, it was one they stuck to manfully. The first half was largely dominated by the visitors, who should have taken the lead through Yokes, an international colleague of Jack Collison and Danny Gabbidon, but the forward could only head Kightly's inch-perfect left-foot cross wide of Peter Kurucz's goal. Aside from that opportunity, Wolves were unable to turn their possession and territorial superiority into goals, with captain Bondz N'Gala, his central defensive partner Manuel Da Costa and right-back Davide Ferrari all making decisive interceptions inside their own penalty area. Behind them, Kurucz was largely untroubled, but when he was called upon, the Hungary U21 stopper dealt with everything that came near to his goal competently. Having seen off Wolves' threat in the opening 45 minutes, West Ham started the second period with a renewed urgency and could have taken the lead soon afterwards through the impressive Fabio Daprela. The Switzerland U19 left-back got past two challenges before seeing his shot deflected narrowly wide nine minutes after the interval. With

Wolves running out of ideas, the Hammers slowly grew in confidence, creating their best chance of the night through Frank Nouble 16 minutes from time. The 17-year-old burst through the centre of the Wolves defence, only to see his shot saved by Carl Ikeme. Two minutes later, Wolves substitute Nathaniel Mendez-Laing came even closer, cutting inside from the right wing before firing a shot just wide of the far post. West Ham continued to press for a late winner, with Edgar stinging Ikeme's palms with a powerful 80th-minute shot from distance. With just moments remaining, substitute Ashley Hemmings looked as if won it for the visitors on two separate occasions. First, he was denied by a miraculous block from Da Costa, then he fired a low shot against the base of Kurucz's far post. In truth, however, neither side deserved to lose on what was a grey, chilly and miserable night at Woodside Park.

IN THE NEWS - 17th September 2009

West Ham United announce the signing of Mexico striker Guillermo Franco after the expiry of his contract with Villarreal CF. The Argentinian-born forward arrives fresh from his goalscoring exploits with his adopted country. He scored four goals in his last six internationals. He had been linked with a move to South American champions Estudiantes as well as two Spanish clubs.

LIVERPOOL : Barclays Premier League

Upton Park
2-3 (Diamanti [pen], Cole
19th September 2009
Att: 34,658
Referee: A. Marriner

Green
Faubert
Tomkins
Upson (Gabbidon)
Ilunga
Behrami (Kovac)
Parker
Noble
Diamanti (Dyer)
Cole
Hines

Fernando Torres scored twice as Liverpool held off a brave fightback from West Ham to earn a deserved 3-2 victory in a five-goal thriller at Upton Park. Torres put the Reds in front in the 19th minute with a fine solo goal but debutant Alessandro Diamanti levelled from the penalty spot. Dirk Kuyt restored Liverpool's lead in the 40th minute but Carlton Cole levelled again a minute before the interval. But the irrepressible Torres settled a pulsating contest when he headed home from close range in the 75th minute. The first half was full of incident and it was the home side who squandered a great chance to take the lead in the second minute. Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher dithered over Glen Johnson's pass and let Zavon Hines in. The striker could not have asked for a simpler chance but although he beat Jose Reina, his shot hit the near post before the Spanish goalkeeper gratefully gathered the rebound. Another Carragher mistake on the halfway line gave Cole room to run at the Liverpool goal but this time Martin Skrtel made a wonderful saving challenge. In the 15th minute the home team had another chance, Cole bundling the ball to Hines from Julien Faubert's cross but the chance came too quickly and Hines' connection was minimal. Torres, meanwhile, acrobatically volleyed wide after 17 minutes before opening the scoring three minutes later. The Spaniard broke down the left flank, bamboozled James Tomkins and poked home at the near post. Torres was proving to be a real thorn in West Ham's side and was confident enough to try his luck from 30 yards in the 26th minute but his shot was far too high and failed to trouble Green. West Ham's woes continued moments later when Valon Behrami was forced out of the action through injury and replaced by Radoslav Kovac. It was the second enforced change for Gianfranco Zola's side who lost Matthew Upson earlier in the opening half. But the home side were back in the game in the 28th minute when referee Andre Marriner adjudged that Hines had been pushed by Carragher in the box. Alessandro Diamanti stepped-up to take the penalty and even though he put the ball into the net, the striker appeared to slip as he connected with the ball and touched it twice. Angry Liverpool players protested that the penalty should be ruled out as Diamanti had touched the ball more than once but Marriner rejected their protests. But Liverpool went back in front five minutes before the end of an eventful opening 45 minutes. An outswinging corner from Yossi Benayoun was headed towards the far post by Steven Gerrard only for Kuyt to stick out a foot and poke the ball into the corner of the net in the 40th minute. But a minute before the half-time whistle, England striker Cole rose highest in the six-yard box to meet Mark Noble's corner and head the Hammers level for the second time in the game. Hines was giving Liverpool's defence a great deal of cause for concern. Javier Mascherano could only bring the winger down in the 49th minute and his mistimed tackle earned the Liverpool player a yellow card. A rare West Ham corner in the 59th minute almost caught out the Reds. Debutant Diamanti sent an inswinging corner into the Liverpool six-yard box and Reina had to tip the ball away for another flag-kick as it threatened to end up in the net. Liverpool replaced goalscorer Kuyt with Ryan Babel on the hour as the Merseysiders searched for a winner. A fabulous run into the West Ham penalty area by Benayoun almost brought Liverpool a third but the home defence cleared the ball at the last hurdle. West Ham were suffering from the lack of a killer final ball. Kieron Dyer, on for Diamanti, made a superb run deep into the Liverpool half in the 68th minute but he could not supply the final ball to put Cole clear. Liverpool's Babel tried his luck from 25 yards but his accuracy was found wanting as the ball went high over the bar and into the crowd. But the Reds clinched the game in the 75th minute when Babel's cross was headed into the corner of the net by Torres from eight yards. Kovac was then denied at the death by a brilliant Reina save.

CARDIFF CITY Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Little Heath
0-0
19th September 2009

Mehmet, Modelski, McNaughton, Sanchez, Brown, Barrett, Moncur, Okus (Montano), Purdy (Driver), Abdulla, Subuola

U18s hold Cardiff

Ten-man West Ham United ended a three-match FA Premier Academy League losing run with a battling goalless draw with Cardiff City at Little Heath. The Hammers lost right-back Filip Modelski two minutes after half-time when the Poland youth international received a second yellow card for deliberate handball. The defender was hugely unfortunate to see a red card, as both the handball decision, and that to book him for shirt-pulling on the stroke of half-time, appeared to be harsh. Despite being reduced to ten men, Tony Carr's side produced a spirited display, and could even have nicked all three points with a little more luck in the attacking third. In a game of few clear-cut opportunities, it was the Bluebirds who came closest to scoring a winner, only for Deniz Mehmet to pull of a brave stop to keep out Nathaniel Daniels' seventh-minute shot with his head. West Ham's best moment arrived on 22 minutes, when a sweeping move from back to front involving Mehmet, Sergio Sanchez, George Moncur, Danny Subuola and Ahmed Abdulla ended with Danny Purdy just unable to finish from an acute angle. Subuola also went close himself nine minutes before the break, but his shot was well saved by Cardiff goalkeeper Jordan Santiago with his legs. With Carr forced to sacrifice forward Purdy for defender Callum Driver following Modelski's dismissal, the Hammers were forced to play on the break for the remainder of the game, with Subuola running himself into the ground up front. There were impressive rearguard actions across the pitch, with Sanchez, Nick Barrett and captain Jordan Brown particularly catching the eye. Substitutes Driver and Cristian Montano also worked hard to relieve the pressure on the home side. Turkey Under-17 stopper Mehmet took centre-stage with three minutes remaining, brilliantly parrying substitute Soloman Taylor's shot on to the post. West Ham broke straight up the other end, where replacement Jack Werndly worked Santiago with a powerful left-foot shot. Having lost to Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur and Birmingham City in their last three matches, Carr and his players will have taken confidence from the relative ease with which they held off Cardiff in the second half.

BOLTON WANDERERS : Carling Cup (Third Round)

Reebok Stadium
1-3 a.e.t. (Ilunga)
22nd September 2009
Att: 8,050
Referee: H. Webb

Green
Spector
Kovac
Tomkins
Ilunga
Dyer (Cole)
Parker
Noble
Da Costa (N'Gala)
Diamanti
Hines (Faubert)

Defender Gary Cahill was the unlikely match-winner for Bolton as he produced a stunning strike in extra-time to beat West Ham 3-1 in their Carling Cup third-round tie at the Reebok Stadium. The centre-back drilled home from 25 yards just six minutes into the additional period to turn things around for the home side with Johan Elmander sliding in a third very late on. Wanderers captain Kevin Davies had struck with a header just before the end of 90 minutes to cancel out Herita Ilunga's first goal for the club on the hour. Although the Barclays Premier League remains the priority for Bolton, the victory provided a welcome confidence boost after a sketchy start to the season. For West Ham this was a seventh failure in eight years to reach the fourth round but at least manager Gianfranco Zola now has a chance to concentrate on lifting his side away from the lower end of the league table. Despite not having the best start to their campaigns the match got off to a flying start and both sides could have scored in the opening two minutes. From Matt Taylor's corner Ricardo Gardner's shot was charged down by Ilunga and West Ham quickly countered with Kieron Dyer seeing his effort deflected past a post. From that corner Alessandro Diamanti's strike was saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen. In the 13th minute Robert Green got down well to his right to keep out Zat Knight's header from Sam Ricketts' cross, while Zavon Hines was denied by Jaaskelainen as the end-to-end action continued. Ivan Klasnic, who was brought in to provide extra firepower as before tonight £10million striker Elmander had not scored in 22 matches since his goal against Aston Villa on December 13, produced his howler in the 27th minute. Davies did all the hard work by beating Manuel da Costa to the right byline but when he clipped in his cross the Croatian somehow diverted the ball back towards his team-mate from three yards with the goal at his mercy. Seconds later Klasnic showed a much better touch as his looping header from Gardner's cross forced Green into a fingertip save. Just before half-time Da Costa was only inches away from heading in Ilunga's left-wing cross as the Hammers showed they remained a threat. Less than two minutes into the second half Klasnic almost scored with a complete mis-kick. Davies' knock-down dropped to him on the penalty spot and as he swung a leg at it the ball shot skywards but as the Croatian turned his back in disgust Green had to tip it over as it dropped just under his crossbar. The England goalkeeper was also at full stretch to get his fingertips to Taylor's inswinging right-wing cross as Bolton increased the pressure. Surprisingly, it was West Ham who took the lead in the 59th minute with their first real attack after the interval. Taylor hacked wildly at Diamanti's poorly-hit corner and succeeded only in diverting the ball to the far post where Ilunga rammed home from close range. Klasnic was eventually replaced by Elmander with 14 minutes remaining but Taylor remained Bolton's biggest threat with his set-piece delivery and twice the visitors had to scramble away right-wing corners. With five minutes to go Taylor's fiendish delivery finally worked as Davies headed home the equaliser. Taylor almost won the match four minutes into the added period but his 25-yard free-kick rebounded off a post with Green well beaten. However, the winner came two minutes later when Fabrice Muamba's blocked shot dropped to centre-back Cahill who smashed home from outside the penalty area. Diamanti hit the crossbar with a left-footed curling shot nine minutes from the end but that was the closest West Ham came as Elmander added the decisive third late on.

IPSWICH TOWN Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Training Ground, Playford Road
1-2 (Montano)
26th September 2009

Mehmet
Modelski
Brown
Lampe
Sanchez
Moncur (Driver)
Barrett (Smith)
Wearen (Werndly)
Subuola
Montano
Abdulla

Under 18's defeated

The Under-18s went down 2-1 at Ipswich Town Playford Road training ground. They will feel unlucky to have not taken anything from the game after hitting the woodwork twice and being denied by two outstanding saves from the Ipswich goalkeeper with the score at 0-0.
Ipswich took the lead in the 25th minute with their first attack of the game and it stayed that way until half time. In the second half Cristian Montano was denied in a one-on-one by another superb save from the Ipswich stopper. Moments later, the hosts got the killer second after the West Ham defence's offside trap was broken to leave their striker with a simple finish. Cristian Montano grabbed a late header to set up a close finish but the home side held on to pick up all three points.
The Under-18s will be looking to return to winning ways when they play host to Southampton at Little Heath next weekend.

MANCHESTER CITY : Barclays Premier League

City of Manchester Stadium
1-3 (Cole)
28th September 2009
Att: 42,745
Referee: C. Foy

Green
Faubert
Da Costa
Tomkins
Ilunga
Diamanti
Kovac (Hines)
Parker
Noble
Jimenez (Stanislas)
Cole

Manchester City's sublime start to the season continued with Carlos Tevez doing the damage against former club West Ham. City's fifth win out of their opening six games represented their best start since 1961, but it is the here and now that Blues supporters are more interested in. Two Tevez goals and a first-half free-kick from Martin Petrov scarcely did justice to their dominance. West Ham were totally outclassed, even though Carlton Cole did score an equaliser, and on this evidence they will not be the last as City seem to have found an irresistible mix of brilliant attacking play and solid defending. After finding one set of former supporters no longer regard him with any affection at Old Trafford last week, Tevez knew he was on safer ground with the Hammers who, for all the controversy, will always be grateful for the goals that kept them up. The respect is mutual and as Tevez raced in front of them after scoring the opening goal, he raised an almost apologetic hand of acknowledgement before being besieged by ecstatic team-mates. It was a pretty significant goal for Tevez given Sir Alex Ferguson's doubts over his goalscoring prowess, and Petrov's assist was arguably even more noteworthy. Brought to the club two years ago by Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Bulgarian's direct running endeared him to the City faithful. However, as other noteworthy Eriksson buys were doing little to impress Mark Hughes in his first season at the club, Petrov had little chance to impress once he had ruptured his cruciate on international duty. Petrov felt he had no future at the club and made his disappointment known when a deadline-day move to Tottenham failed to materialise. Yet he remains a big danger and a worthwhile asset and was afforded his first start when Stephen Ireland was ruled out through illness. He clearly intended to make the most of it and, after presenting Tevez with a tap-in following his forceful left-wing burst, was soon celebrating a goal too. There may have been an element of good fortune about the free-kick City were awarded for Luis Jimenez's minor shove on Nigel de Jong, but the finish was pretty emphatic. Petrov drilled it into the bottom corner before edging towards Hughes in his dug-out and pulling the back of his shirt to emphasise his name. Had the goal been City's fourth or fifth, West Ham could not have complained. Attack after attack washed over them, with Tevez, Petrov, strike partner Craig Bellamy and Joleon Lescott all going close. Staggeringly though, Petrov had actually put City back in front for, on their first attack, the Hammers had equalised when Cole turned home Radoslav Kovac's volley. In fact, the Hammers would have been in front but for the generosity of referee Chris Foy, who ruled Cole had fouled Lescott before teeing up Scott Parker when contact had been very minimal. Gianfranco Zola did not need that to prove it was going to be another bad night for his team. A simple offside manoeuvre proved beyond the Hammers defence when Bellamy floated over a free-kick just after the hour mark. As the visitors raced out, three City men were left to queue up to score, Tevez nodding home from six yards. It was the end of the goals, but not the chances. Barry went close with a thunderous effort before Roque Santa Cruz made his debut after spending all the time since his £17million summer move from Blackburn recovering from knee surgery. It was a move West Ham could only dream of. Indeed, neither Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool nor Manchester United could presently make such a show of strength. Forget about giving City time. Their rivals have every reason to be worried right now.

IN THE NEWS - 28th September 2009

The FA has today issued charges against both West Ham United and Millwall.

The FA have today issued charges against both West Ham United FC and Millwall FC following the serious crowd disturbances in and around Upton Park on 25 August 2009.
West Ham United FC have been charged on four counts of failing to control their supporters whilst Millwall FC have been charged on three counts following events at the Carling Cup fixture.
It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure that their supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

The FA has liaised closely with all relevant authorities including the Metropolitan Police during the course of its investigations and has been in constant dialogue with both clubs during this time.
Both clubs now have a period of 14 days to respond to the charges.

Specific charges relating to West Ham United FC include:
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from racist behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters didn’t throw missiles, harmful or dangerous objects onto the pitch.
• Failure to ensure their supporters didn’t enter the field of play.

Specific charges relating to Millwall FC include:
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from racist behaviour.
• Failure to ensure their supporters didn’t throw missiles, harmful or dangerous objects onto the pitch.

PORTSMOUTH : Barclays Premier Reserve League

Westleigh Park
0-3
29th September 2009

Kurucz
Brookes (Ferrari)
N'Gala
Eyjolfsson
Daprela
Quashie (Kearns)
Payne
Lee (Grasser)
Edgar
Montano
Nouble

Youthful reserves lose out

A youthful West Ham United reserve side went down 3-0 at Portsmouth's Westleigh ground. Alex Dyer's side could not quite continue their early season form that had seen them go into the match third in the Barclays Premier Reserve League South. A sign that it was not to be their night came as early as the second minute when Gael Nlundulu's shot from the edge of the area flew into the top corner of Peter Kurucz's net. The Hammers youngsters did not let the early setback deter them and looked the better side for much of the opening 45 minutes. Despite some slick passing, they could not quite create a decent opening, though, with a Bondz N'Gala header probably the pick of a first half devoid of many clear-cut chances. However, 14 minutes after the restart, Pompey's summer signing Frederic Piquionne made it two for the hosts with a powerful header from Steve Finnan's centre. Minutes later, Frank Nouble had a great chance to pull one back but after taking it round Antti Niemi he could only fire his shot wide. Piquionne made sure the game was safe for the hosts with his second and their third with 21 minutes to go. Despite the setback, Dyer will be pleased with the effort his young side put in against opponents featuring several players with international experience.

SOUTHAMPTON Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Little Heath
3-3 (Werndly 2, Subuola)
3rd October 2009

Mehmet, Smith, Brown, Lampe, Sanchez, Barrett, Moncur (Okus), Wearen (Driver), Werndly, Subuola (Tombides), Abdulla

Werndly at the double

Two Jack Werndly goals were not enough to help West Ham United to a first win in six matches as Southampton battled from a two-goal deficit to draw at the death. Werndly was making his first start of the season and showed good composure to score in each half- his first U18 goals - before Danny Subuola also got off the mark at this level with the third on a windy morning at Little Heath. That put the Hammers 3-1 up but Carr's young charges allowed the visitors to force their way back into the contest and only a last-ditch Jack Lampe clearance late on ensured the point.
West Ham had been full value for their lead with Ahmed Abdulla pulling the strings. The Saudi Arabian-born forward made all three goals and turned in an impressive display in a dynamic front-three formation fielded by Carr. The Hammers were without Danny Purdy, who scored while on international duty last week with the Republic of Ireland U17 side. Werndly broke the deadlock by lifting the ball neatly over the Saints keeper after Abdulla had beaten the defence with a chipped pass. However, the visitors were able to equalise before half-time and more goals always seemed likely after the interval. In the second half, the Hammers were on top and few were surprised when Abdulla pushed the ball through to Werndly to score with a left-footed drive across the keeper that took a wicked bounce on its way into the net. Abdulla then supplied a through-ball for Subuola to smash in a strong right-footed third. Subuola was substituted soon afterwards, allowing promising U16 forward Dylan Tombides to make his first U18 appearance.
Southampton's first goal back came on a quick counterattack after a West Ham free-kick in Southampton territory before an uncharacteristic error by Denis Mehmet in the closing stages allowed the equaliser. The Turkey U17 international, who is still only 16 and trained with the first team last week, came to make a routine catch but allowed the ball to squeeze out of his grasp and a Southampton player was on hand to convert.

FULHAM : Barclays Premier League

Upton Park
2-2 (Cole, Stanislas)
4th October 2009
Att: 32,612
Referee: P. Dowd

Green
Faubert
Tomkins
Upson
Ilunga
Noble
Parker (Behrami)
Jimenez
Diamanti
Cole
Hines (Stanislas)

Junior Stanislas came off the bench to save West Ham from defeat against 10-man Fulham with an equaliser two minutes into added time. But the Hammers were still booed off at Upton Park after throwing away a golden chance to secure a first victory since the opening day of the season. West Ham were cruising at the interval after Carlton Cole's header earned them a deserved lead and Fulham had South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi sent off on his full debut. The Hammers lost all composure after the break and their defensive frailties were horribly exposed again as Danny Murphy drew Fulham level from the penalty spot before Zoltan Gera slotted home a far-post volley. West Ham became increasingly desperate and it was more through luck than judgment that Stanislas earned the point, with a strike that deflected off Aaron Hughes to beat Mark Schwarzer. The result keeps West Ham in the relegation zone and will do little to lift the pressure that is building on manager Gianfranco Zola. Matthew Upson returned to the heart of West Ham's defence after missing the 3-1 defeat at Manchester City with a calf injury while Zavon Hines came in for Radoslav Kovac. West Ham dominated the first half and Fulham were somewhat fortunate not to be more than 1-0 down as they struggled to cope with Cole up front and Alessandro Diamanti's deliveries from the right wing. After Brede Hangeland had been booked for a clumsy challenge on Julien Faubert, it was Diamanti's vicious free-kick that allowed Cole to bury his header past Schwarzer at the near post. Diamanti almost carved out a carbon copy minutes later when he curled a corner to James Tomkins at the far post but the unmarked West Ham defender headed wide. Murphy's quick free-kick released Andrew Johnson into the West Ham box but Robert Green raced off his line to close the angle and the Fulham striker pulled his shot across goal and wide. But it was a rare opening for Fulham, who were on the back foot. Cole almost picked out Hines after an incisive passing move and he then sent Mark Noble through on goal with a deft touch from Luis Jiminez's lofted pass. Scott Parker changed the point of attack with a driving run into the box and then saw a 30-yard drive saved after Fulham had again failed to deal properly with another Diamanti cross from the right. Fulham were then reduced to 10 men when Dikgacoi was sent off for an off-the-ball clash with Parker. West Ham were playing slick, one-touch football, which allowed them to make use of the extra man to create two more chances before the interval. Noble's shot from inside the box was tame before Herita Ilunga slipped Hines into space and the young winger unleashed a sweet right-foot drive that flew just wide of the post. West Ham were playing with such attacking verve it seemed victory was a formality but Fulham emerged in the second half to produce the perfect example of how to play a man down. Chris Baird came on for Johnson to shore up the midfield and within 30 seconds they were ahead as Diomansy Kamara bustled into the area and was brought down by Upson. Murphy beat Green from the penalty spot and West Ham began to lose their composure. Green reacted smartly to block Paul Konchesky's low free-kick but, from the resulting corner, Gera emerged unmarked at the far post to put Fulham head with a cool, side-footed finish. Julien Faubert was booked for throwing the ball away after conceding a soft free-kick and the frustration began to grow around Upton Park. Zola made two changes just after the hour mark, with Parker replaced by Valon Behrami and Stanislas introduced for Hines. Behrami brought urgency to West Ham but Diamanti resorted to shooting on sight and Stanislas opted for a speculative drive from distance that flew over the bar. West Ham finally found the breakthrough two minutes into added time when Stanislas worked space inside the Fulham box and saw his shot deflected past Schwarzer.

CRYSTAL PALACE Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Copers Cope Road
1-1 (Okus)
10th October 2009

Mehmet, Modelski, Brown, Craig (Lampe), Sanchez, Barrett (Abdulla), Okus, Werndly, Subuola (Purdy), Wearen, Montano

Okus earns Palace point

Conor Okus scored on his first full start of the season as West Ham United earned a creditable draw away to Crystal Palace. The midfielder struck midway through the first half after a good move involving Cristian Montano, who was himself just back from injury troubles while Filip Modelski got another game under his belt after his recent knee injury. The Hammers held the lead until the hour when the Eagles capitalised on injured centre-half Paco Craig being off the pitch to convert from a free-kick. Having drawn 3-3 last weekend at home to Southampton last weekend, Tony Carr's team will be on the road next Saturday as well when they go to Portsmouth. Danny Purdy could be back in contention after getting a late run-out against Palace after his goalscoring exploits with the Republic of Ireland U17 side last week.

STOKE CITY : Barclays Premier League

Britainnia Stadium
1-2 (Upson)
17th October 2009
Att: 27,026
Referee: M. Atkinson

Green
Faubert
Tomkins
Upson
Ilunga
Behrami
Kovac ((Stanislas)
Noble
Collison (Franco)
Cole
Diamanti (Hines)

Striker James Beattie's first goals of the season earned Stoke a 2-1 victory at home to West Ham. The burly forward scored his opener from an 11th-minute penalty, only for Matthew Upson to head an equaliser before the interval. However, Beattie had the last word when he forced home Ricardo Fuller's cross at the far post with 20 minutes to go. Those goals ended a run of four Premier League matches, which included successive home defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United, without a win for the Potters. It was also only their second victory in 14 matches against West Ham, who themselves have not won since the opening day of the season and are only one place off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League. That former Hammers winger Matthew Etherington, who left Upton Park in January, should have a major part in the breakthrough was no surprise. Fuller's backheel sent him racing into the penalty area only to go down under a challenge from Julien Faubert. Contact looked minimal but referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot and booked Faubert, and Beattie confidently dispatched the penalty for his first goal of the season. West Ham's response saw Alessandro Diamanti, who was struggling to cope with the physical opposition put up by Stoke, fire well over from 30 yards. The Italian's theatrical response to a tackle from Salif Diao earned the Senegal midfielder a booking and West Ham a 30-yard free-kick in a central position. However, Diamanti curled his shot straight at Thomas Sorensen, who caught it comfortably. Stoke's high-energy game began to dominate and England goalkeeper Robert Green almost embarrassed himself in the 31st minute when his duffed kick only just crept past Beattie five yards in front of him. But it was another England international, Upson, who grabbed West Ham's equaliser three minutes later. No-one tracked the centre-back's run from the edge of the penalty area and he was able to head home Mark Noble's inswinging left-wing corner unchallenged. Diamanti's tendency to go to ground and roll around at the slightest of touches contributed to Ryan Shawcross getting booked as he clipped the midfielder inside West Ham's half. West Ham came out after the break visibly more confident and Diamanti was first to test Sorensen with a curling left-footed shot which the Dane saved low to his right. Shawcross had two chances to put his side in front again from Etherington's corner, first with a header which was blocked two yards off the line by Radoslav Kovac and then with his follow-up which he stabbed wide. The England Under-21 centre-back then produced a perfectly-timed challenge at the other end to block Carlton Cole's shot. In the 69th minute Stoke went ahead again thanks to the invention and pace of Fuller and the strength of Beattie. Fuller turned Upson 35 yards from goal and raced down the inside-right channel before unleashing a shot which Green could only parry and that allowed Beattie to out-muscle Faubert and score from close range at the far post. Robert Huth was lucky to escape without any punishment after appearing to swing an arm at Upson, who was already carrying a facial injury from an accidental boot in the face during the first half. Etherington should have made it 3-1 in the 76th minute, after substitute Liam Lawrence had battled his way through two challenges in the penalty area, but the winger's far-post header went wide. Zavon Hines was introduced for Diamanti but his first contribution was to be booked for a late lunge on Lawrence. Late on Fuller almost produced a carbon copy of his assist for the second goal but this time his cross rolled through the six-yard area with no team-mate close.

PORTSMOUTH Under-18 (F.A. Premier Academy League)

Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh
2-0 (Tombides, Abdulla)
17th October 2009

Street, Modelski (Driver), Craig, Sanchez, Brown, Barrett, Moncur, Okus, Werndly (Purdy),Abdulla, Tombides (Wearen)

Victory at Portsmouth

West Ham United's Under-18s extended their unbeaten FA Premier Adademy League run to three matches with an impirtant victory at Portsmouth. Second half goals from debutant Dylan Tombides and Ahmed Abdulla saw the Hammers score their first win since the opening day of the season at Stoneham Lane in Eastleigh. Tombides, who has been in red-hot form for the Hammers' U16 team this season, opened the scoring before Abdulla made the game safe, ending a run of seven league matches without a win stretching back to the 2-1 success at Everton on 22nd August. Academy Director Tony Carr was delighted with the result, saying "It was a good win for us in what was a scrappy game on a pitch that was more suitable for rugby than for football. It's a real confidence booster for all of us and we'll look to win again when we entertain Arsenal on 31st October.

CHELSEA : Barclays Premier Reserve League

Griffin Park
1-4 (Nouble)
19th October 2009

Kurucz
Brookes
Ferrari (Zola)
Quashie
N'Gala
Da Costa (Kearns)
Stanislas
Payne
Nouble
Jimenez
Montano (Dixon)

ARSENAL : Barclays Premier League

Upton PArk
2-2 (Cole, Diamanti [pen])
25th October 2009
Att: 34,442
Referee: C. Foy

Green
Spector
Tomkins
Upson
Ilunga
Behrami (Kovac)
Parker
Noble (Diamanti)
Collison
Cole
Franco

Arsenal threw away the chance of a fifth straight Premier League win as West Ham battled back to earn a 2-2 draw at Upton Park. The Gunners had looked in complete control following first-half goals from Robin van Persie and William Gallas. However, Carlton Cole pulled a goal back before substitute Alessandro Diamanti netted a late penalty. West Ham finished with 10 men when Scott Parker was shown a second yellow card, but were not to be denied a much-needed positive result. Gianfranco Zola's men had shown plenty of early promise, when Cole's drive was charged down before again being undone by some poor defending. Arsenal slowly started to get themselves on top, with Robert Green standing up well at the near post to palm Van Persie's angled drive behind for a corner. Arsenal felt they had a strong shout for a penalty when, on 11 minutes, Van Persie's strike appeared to hit Matthew Upson, the former Gunners defender, on the arm, but referee Chris Foy thought otherwise. Eventually, though, the visitors took the lead on 16 minutes. Abou Diaby fed full-back Bacary Sagna on the overlap down the right. The French defender whipped the ball across the six-yard box, where Green came to palm it away, only to collide with Tomkins, leaving Van Persie free to slot into an empty net for his sixth goal of the season. Cole continued to ask questions of the Arsenal defence, with Gallas getting across to clear after another powerful run down the right. Upton Park was subdued, with the home fans starting to get restless before Arsenal doubled their lead on 37 minutes. A 25-yard shot from Cesc Fabregas was deflected behind for a corner. Van Persie whipped the ball across towards the far post, where Gallas got up to thump a header past Parker on the line.
West Ham had more impetus about them following the restart. Alexandre Song fouled Cole to concede a free-kick 30 yards out, just left of centre. The delivery from Mark Noble, though, was poor and the move eventually broke down. Italian Diamanti, sent on just before the hour mark, at least injected some life into the West Ham attack, as he fired a 35-yard effort wide. Cesc Fabregas then almost drilled in a third from a shorter distance, but the ball flew just wide of the top right corner. England Under-21 youngster Zavon Hines, also on as a substitute, knocked the ball down to Cole, who turned and fired just wide. This was a good spell for the Hammers, as Clichy made an important block when Hinds looked to get away his shot from eight yards. Fabregas broke quickly, before feeding Arshavin and Green was at full stretch to beat away the Russian's 20-yard effort. Diaby then wrestled Hinds to the ground, giving away a needless free-kick in a dangerous position, five yards outside the area on the left. Diamanti smashed the ball goalwards, which Mannone did well to keep out, but pushed it back to the six-yard box where Cole headed in to give West Ham a life-line on 74 minutes. The home fans were screaming for a penalty when Parker went down after running into Gallas, but the referee waved play on. However, a spot-kick was given with 10 minutes left when Song tripped Cole. After Mannone had been booked for not going back on his line, Diamanti levelled to send Upton Park into delirium. West Ham were reduced to 10 men when Parker, already booked, was shown a second yellow card for deliberately falling on the ball as Fabregas charged clear. The Hammers were not to be denied during four minutes of stoppage time, when Green somehow kept out van Persie's header.

ARKA GDYNIA (Poland) : Friendly

Stadion GOSiR
2-2 (Dixon, Daprela)
27th October 2009

Stech
Brookes
Brown
N'Gala
Daprela
Quashie
Grasser
Wearen
Kearns
Nouble
Dixon

West Ham United took a Reserve squad to Poland for a friendly against Arka Gdynia. The high-profile game in Eastern Pomerania attracted a crowd of around 5,000 which was screened live on Polish TV. The match marked a double anniversary for Arka this year. It is 80 years since the club were formed, while it also 30 years since they lifted the Polish Cup for the one and only time.
West Ham United agreed to play in the match having forged a relationship with the club after youth-team player Filip Modelski left Arka to join West Ham United. Terry Dixon was hailed by West Ham reserve boss Alex Dyer after the striker scored his first goal for the club. Swiss full-back Fabio Daprela was also on target as the Hammers went two goals up. But it was the impact made by 19-year-old Dixon, who has been given a chance to resurrect his career at Upton Park after suffering a serious knee injury while on Tottenham's books, that impressed his manager. Dyer said: "Terry did very well. He played for an hour and took his goal very well, so I was pleased. "His football was very controlled and it was nice to see him play for so long." Dixon struck from eight yards to give West Ham a ninth-minute lead before Daprela pounced from close-range on the hour mark. With both sides making a host of substitutions, the hosts - who developed a relationship with West Ham when young full back Filip Modelski switched clubs two years ago - hit back to level in the final stages

SUNDERLAND : Barclays Premier League

Stadium of Light
2-2 (Franco, Cole)
31st October 2009
Att: 39,033
Referee: A. Marriner

Green
Spector
Tomkins
Upson
Ilunga
Behrami (Diamanti)
Noble
Kovac
Collison
Franco (Hines)
Cole

Ten-man Sunderland came from two goals down at the Stadium of Light to snatch a deserved draw and deny West Ham a first Barclays Premier League win since the opening day of the season. Things looked bleak for the hosts when goals from Guillermo Franco - his first for the club - and the impressive Carlton Cole put the Hammers two up. But Andy Reid's superb free-kick gave them hope and, after Kenwyne Jones had seen red in first-half stoppage time, Kieran Richardson tapped home a cross from the returning Darren Bent to equalise. West Ham also finished the game a man light after Radoslav Kovac was sent off late on. The draw was no less than Steve Bruce's side deserved for a performance of real determination in an end-to-end second period and they might even had won it had leading scorer Bent taken one of the numerous chances that came his way. Bent came close to marking his return from injury with a goal in the sixth minute. Jones' deflected shot fell kindly for captain Lorik Cana in the left of the area and the Albania international picked out Bent with his cross, but the striker's header went wide of the right post. The tenacious Cana was booked in the 11th minute for a foul on Mark Noble. Cana then left his mark on Franco with another thunderous challenge, but referee Andre Marriner deemed it fair. The visitors went ahead against the run of play in the 30th minute when Jack Collison ran on to a ball down the right channel and, having been correctly ruled onside, pulled it back for Franco, a summer signing from Villarreal, to side-foot home at the near post. Gianfranco Zola's men almost made it two four minutes later but Craig Gordon athletically saved Cole's effort from inside the area. The England man did score in the 36th minute, though, when his diagonal run was picked out by Collison's reverse ball and, after taking a touch, he slotted his finish past Gordon. And it might have been worse for he hosts had Nyron Nosworthy not been given the benefit of the doubt when he looked like he might have brought down Cole as last man. Valon Behrami was then booked for a foul on Steed Malbranque on the edge of the area, to the right of centre, and Reid took full advantage from the free-kick. The Irishman curled it left-footed over the wall and into the near top corner to bring his side back into the match in the 38th minute. But things got worse for Bruce's men when Jones was given a straight red in first-half stoppage time. The striker was fouled by Herita Ilunga and retaliated by pushing him in the face. Franco almost had a second two minutes after the restart when he met Noble's right-wing corner, but Gordon did well to save his downward header. Robert Green then kept the visitors in front with two quickfire saves, first pushing Bent's low shot behind for a corner and then superbly parrying Michael Turner's header from the resulting set piece. The 10 men were fired up and Bent should have levelled in the 51st minute. The Black Cats came desperately close in the 65th minute when Cana's header after a Reid corner came back off the crossbar and, from the rebound, Paula Da Silva's header was tipped on to the bar and behind by Green. The momentum was with the hosts and Richardson pulled Sunderland level in the 76th minute. Bent's cross from the right was deflected off Upson and looped high over the head of Green to the back post where the unmarked Richardson was on hand to help it home. Cole then burst through the middle only to be denied by a last-ditch challenge from Nosworthy before he could shoot. West Ham were reduced to 10 men in the 87th minute when Kovac was sent off, having picked up a second yellow for a foul on Bent. The striker was handed a chance to win it moments later after running on to a long ball, but lashed his left-footed effort well wide. The hosts then had Turner to thank after he cleared Noble's low shot off the line, while Bent just failed to connect at the back post with Jordan Henderson's hanging cross from the right as a thrilling contest ended all square.

Piczo