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MATCH REPORT >>>>>>> WEST HAM V STOKE

West Ham 3 - Stoke 0

Premier League

Upton Park

05/03/11 15:00

Attendance: 33,066

Referee: A.Marriner

West Ham 3-0 Stoke City: Ba, Da Costa & Hitzlsperger goals help impressive Hammers move out of bottom three

West Ham moved out of the relegation zone in the Premier League thanks to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Stoke City at Upton Park with the goals coming from Demba Ba,Manuel Da Costa and Thomas Hitzlsperger.

The first chance of the game went the way of visitors and Jon Walters nearly scored after poking his foot at a Rory Delap cross from a tight angle which forced Robert Green into producing a good save as the ball was creeping in.

Minutes later Ryan Shawcross was unlucky not to fully connect with a header as he was clear of the West Ham defence when the ball was hooked back into the area after a Delap throw but the ball was just out of his reach to make good contact.

Despite the early chances falling Stoke’s way it was West Ham who took the lead in the 21^st minute through Ba after Begovic came out for the ball and missed his kick leaving the striker with an open goal to tap the ball into an empty net.

West Ham began to dominate the game and got a deserved second goal from a free-kick when Scott Parker was brought down by Shawcross. Thomas Hitzlsperger whipped in a delightful ball to the back post and Da Costaleaped upon his man to head across Begovic into the Stoke net.

Federic Piquionne should have give the Hammers a three goal cushion when he was one-on-one with Begovic but he fired wide after receiving the ball on the right after Robert Huth’s clearance from Ba’s shot fell directly in his path.

Just before the break Begovic had to produce a good save to deny Hitzlsperger getting on the score-sheet as his half volley from 20 yards looked destined for the net after he picked up Ba’s knockdown.

In the second half Stoke came out fighting and West Ham were grateful to Green as he made a great save to deny Delap who hit a sublime shot towards goal but Green was equal to it to maintain the Hammers' two goal cushion.

West Ham hit Stoke on the counter straight away and Carlton Cole shot could have wrapped up the points for Avram Grant’s side but Begovic produced an excellent save to push the ball away for a corner to keep the Potters in the game.

Another misunderstanding at the back could have cost Tony Pulis’ side as Shawcross let Cole get behind him but luckily for the defender Begovic was on hand to deny the England international again to keep him from getting on the score-sheet.

Stoke responded to the pressure by adding Kenwyne Jones to their strike force and that move nearly paid dividends straight away but his header from Matthew Etherington’s shot crept just past the post with Green stranded.

Cole came close yet again after great work from Tomkins who slipped the striker in but his left foot shot flew just past the post to further frustrate the former Chelsea man.

West Ham finally got the third goal they craved through Hitzlsperger who deserved a goal for his endeavour all game when Parker raced through the Stoke defence and cut the ball back for Piquionne whose shot was blocked on the line only for the ball to rebound for the German who crashed the ball past Begovic and into the net.

West Ham	3 - 0	Stoke
Ba (21), Da Costa (29), Hitzlsperger (83)

Venue: Upton Park		Attendance: 33,066

The Teams
Green		Begovic
Tomkins		Huth
Da Costa		Shawcross
Upson		Whelan
Bridge		Wilson
Parker	90+3	Pugh
Hitzlsperger		Pennant	51
Noble		Whitehead
Piquionne		Delap	68
Cole	86	Walters
Ba	82	Carew	65

Substitutes
Boffin		Sorensen
Gabbidon	90+3	Collins
Spector		Wilkinson
Jacobsen		Diao
O'Neil	82	Etherington	51
Hines		Jones	68
Obinna	86	Fuller	65

Game Statistics
15	Goal Attempts	7
10	On Target	5
7	Corners	3
9	Fouls	10
0	Yellow Cards	3
0	Red Cards	0
60	%	40

Ba and Cole celebrate after Ba scores again for the Hammers

Dacosta scores against the Potters yet again .....

On the Bench ... With Zavon Hines, Pushing for a Regular Role at West Ham

Teams need experience during a relegation dogfight, according to the pundits, who have seen how important it is to have a wise head in the squad.

That is the case to certain degree with West Ham, who rely on Scott Parker to pull them through, with Matthew Upson doing everything he can to battle an Achilles problem to get himself on the field.

But there is also room for raw talent and a fearlessness that comes from a younger player.

Zavon Hines offers those qualities - and a burst of genuine pace - to manager Avram Grant as he manager tries to lift the club out of the bottom three of the Premier League and towards safety.

Hines, 22, was rated highly enough by Grant to be included in his 25-man squad ahead of Benni McCarthy, who has been struggling with his weight, but would give Grant the experience that managers often crave.

Grant has been impressed with Hines's ability to frighten defenders with his direct running, and he has kept him involved on the fringes of the first team throughout the season.

He has been tipped for international honours too. Although he has previously been called up for the full Jamaica squad without playing, he has made his debut for England under-21s and with Stuart Pearce having a platform to recommend youngsters to Fabio Capello, Hines is in the right place to take his career to the next level.

"I moved to England when I was seven and I came to West Ham a bit late, in the under-16s, but it went well from there," he said on his background.

Hines needs to play regularly for his club first and he may get opportunities before the end of the season. Grant's formation in the victory against Liverpool recently looked a 4-1-4-1, with Frederic Piquionne looking slightly out of place on the wing.

An option for Grant is to unleash Hines, who is in his matchday squad most weeks and has started two league games.

The youngster is determined to seize his chance after serious knee injuries in the last two seasons, which tested his character during his time out.

"I've been trying to do my best because Wet Ham have had a lot of faith in my and it's good to see the hard work paying off," he said.

Chairman wished well

Everyone at West Ham United has sent 'get well soon' messages to co-owner David Gold

27.02.2011

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Scott Parker and Avram Grant both sent personal messages to the Chairman David Gold on Sunday after it was revealed he was in hospital being treated for cholangitis and septicaemia.

Parker and Grant took time to send their best wishes when talking to the media after the 3-1 win against Liverpool. The Board and all at the club have also sent their very best wishes to the Chairman, who was first taken ill on Wednesday evening.

Speaking earlier on Sunday, his daughter Jacqueline Gold said: "I saw my dad this morning and he is very poorly with cholangitis and septicaemia. He is on powerful antibiotics and we hope to see an improvement in the next few days.

"He asked me to be at the Liverpool game today on his behalf and is absolutely devastated he could not be there himself." She added that he had wished the team and the manager well before the game.

Opening goalscorer and man of the match, Parker said: "We heard just before kick-off that the Chairman's not too well. So obviously our thoughts are with him. Hopefully, that result's made it a little bit better for him."

The manager added: "I want to wish David Gold well, he is a great guy. We missed him, especially me because I always speak to him before the game when he comes to my office. This win is for him. He comes every Friday to the training ground. He is always positive, always smiling. We missed him today."

West Ham V Liverpool match report >>>>>>>>

27 February 2011 7:00:00 PM IST

Boleyn Ground — London
Referee:‬ M. Halsey‎

West Ham

Parker 22 Ba 45 Cole C 90

3 - 1

Liverpool

Johnson 84

Parker Inspires Great Hammers Victory over the Reds

A typically heroic display from Scott Parker gave West Ham hope of escaping Premier League relegation after a deserved 3-1 victory over Liverpool.

The England midfielder opened the scoring in the first half at Upton Park and also produced a non-stop performance to inspire his team to the three points which mean it is only goal difference keeping Avram Grant's side in the drop zone.

Demba Ba added West Ham's second goal before half-time and substitute Carlton Colenetted a third in injury time before the final whistle, after Glen Johnson had offeredLiverpool some hope.

Kenny Dalglish's team were poor as they lost their first match since mid-January and their Sunday afternoon was made worse by injuries toMartin Kelly and Raul Meireles.

The defeat left Liverpool eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham having played a game more, while Grant was able to celebrate a result that moved the Hammers level on points with fourth-from-bottom Wolves.

West Ham certainly did not lack for confidence in the opening moments, the excellent Thomas Hitzlsperger - making his Premier League debut for the club - unleashing an outrageous 40-yard volley that flew into the arms of Jose Reina.

A minute later, Meireles looped a header wide from the fit-again Steven Gerrard's pinpoint 50-yard ball before Martin Skrtel was booked for tripping Frederic Piquionne in full flight.

Meireles also fired straight at Robert Green, Gary O'Neil's shot hit a Liverpool defender and Johnson saw a header from a corner blocked before the game settled down.

Rocket

A Hitzlsperger rocket was again too close to Reina before Parker showed the kind of precision his team-mate had been lacking to give West Ham a 22nd minute lead.

He and Hitzlsperger played a neat one-two on the edge of the box and Parker floated a delightful finish right into the far corner with the outside of his foot.

Dirk Kuyt hit the side netting from 20 yards following a lightning Liverpool break when team-mates were arguably better placed.

The recalled Piquionne then sent a wicked ball across the six-yard box, which just evaded Ba.

Liverpool struggled to respond, Luis Suarez repeatedly coming off second best in his personal battle with the impressive James Tomkins.

Right-back Kelly's low drive was too close to Green as the interval approached, while Mark Noble, who dovetailed brilliantly with Parker and Hitzlsperger in a midfield trio, curled a free-kick wide at the other end.

Liverpool suffered another blow when Kelly pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Joe Cole, Dalglish switching his formation from 5-3-2 to 4-4-2 shortly before half-time.

That was not the end of their woes, with the unmarked Ba powering home a header on the stroke of half-time from O'Neil's cross.

Liverpool began the second half on top, but nevertheless made a quick change when David Ngog came on for Meireles, who reportedly had a knee problem which was sustained in a challenge with Parker in the first half.

Howler

With Wolves having won 4-0 on Saturday, West Ham needed another goal to climb out of the drop zone and Ba almost provided it when he drilled inches wide from 25 yards.

Tomkins, Piquionne and Ba were all close to connecting with a corner as the home side hit back.

But they had Green to thank for preserving their two-goal lead when Suarez finally beat Tomkins with a quick turn and unleashed a rising drive which the goalkeeper tipped behind.

Piquionne missed a glorious chance to kill the game when he glanced Noble's corner wide midway through the half, but West Ham's commitment was summed up when Parker threw himself in front of a goalbound Gerrard shot.

Gerrard was making his presence felt and Green tipped a dipping volley over the bar from the England star.

Reina had to be equally alert to beat Ba to the ball from a Hammers break, but he almost produced an absolute howler when he spilt Piquionne's shot goalwards before recovering.

Grant withdrew Piquionne for Jonathan Spector after Joe Cole had mishit a volley for the visitors.

The Reds' pressure paid off six minutes from time when Suarez crossed for Johnson to tap into an unguarded net.

West Ham ran down the clock by bringing on Carlton Cole for Ba - although time-wasting was the last thing on the substitute's mind as he left Skrtel in a heap and drilled home at Reina's near post in stoppage-time.

There was still time for Suarez to test Green again but the points had already been lost.

Game Stats >>>>>>>>

West Ham United	Team Statistics	Liverpool
3	Goals	1
2	1st Half Goals	0
8	Shots on Target	6
7	Shots off Target	6
5	Blocked Shots	6
7	Corners	8
13	Fouls	8
0	Offsides	1
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
75.1	Passing Success	78.7
18	Tackles	21
72.2	Tackles Success	71.4
41.6	Possession	58.4
49.7	Territorial Advantage	50.3

Scott Parker celebrates with Hitzlsperger after putting the Hammers up 1-0

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is considering a move for West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green as a replacement forBrad Friedel, who is set to return to the United States in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

Green is thought to be valued at around £6 million, but whether the Hammers are in the Premier League or not next season could affect the price.

West Ham will not be keen to let their No.1 leave the club, but he is thought to be one of the highest paid players at Upton Park and this could tempt them into selling.

Co-owner David Sullivan has said in the past that any playerat the club could potentially leave, apart from vice-captain Scott Parker.

Robert green could be a target for Aston Vlla.................

Jack Collison hoping to be fit again soon..............

On-loan Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has turned to an ice chamber in a bid to speed up his recovery from a calf injury.

Keane has been told he is likely to be sidelined until the end of next month with the injury but is hoping the revolutionary treatment can aid his recovery and he will be back in first-team contention sooner rather than later.

Teammate Jack Collison is also using the chamber in a bid to overcome a knee injury and he told The Sun: "Robbie and I had to sit in the chamber at minus 140 degrees for five minutes at a time.

"We had to share the chamber with boxer Frank Bruno. It was great to meet him but he made us look really weak as he was in there doing all kinds of exercises while Robbie and I just sat there trying to keep warm."

West Ham V Burnley Fa Cup 5th Round

Match Report >>>>>>

West Ham	5-1	Burnley
(HT 1-0)
Hitzlsperger 23 Cole 48 Cole 50 Reid 59 Sears 90+3		Rodriguez 71

West Ham strolled into an FA Cup sixth-round tie at Stoke with a comprehensive win over Championship outfit Burnley.

Thomas Hitzlsperger, making his long-awaited Hammers debut, opened the scoring with a trademark thunderbolt.

Carlton Cole looked to be offside and to have handled the ball when he slotted home before his classy lob over Clarets keeper Lee Grant made it 3-0.

In between Winston Reid's header and Freddie Sears' fine high finish, Jay Rodriguez was gifted a consolation.

While Burnley had chances to exploit the home side's shaky defence, the cups continue to liberate the east Londoners, who have recorded three more wins in knockout competitions than in the Premier League this season.

But, despite the crushing scoreline, it was the visitors who made the more promising start and Rodriguez should have punished the hesitant Reid after only 13 minutes but the Clarets striker spurned the opportunity with a tame shot.

Moments later West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green spared his side's blushes when he parried Ross Wallace's fizzing shot from the edge of the penalty area, before making a brilliant reaction save as Rodriguez tried to steer in the rebound from close-range.

After failing to take their opportunities, Burnley were on the back foot as the Hammers finally found some rhythm.

The midfield trio of Scott Parker, Mark Noble and Hitzlsperger, who was making his first competitive start since being sidelined with a thigh injury in pre-season training, worked well as the visitors struggled to impose themselves.

The hosts' superiority was rewarded in the 23rd minute in stunning fashion. Cutting in from the right, Hitzlsperger exploited a gap in front of the Burnley defence before unleashing a venomous dipping drive with his left foot from all of 25 yards.

While Hitzlsperger's strike was a flash of brilliance, the kind of moment all too rare in West Ham's season, the Clarets paid the price for affording the German the time to align his shot - with Grant failing to at least get his fingertips to the ball.

With the Upton Park faithful finding its voice after the deadlock was broken, the visitors came under increasing pressure but managed to hold firm and even forced Green into action when Chris Eagles had a low shot after a neat flick from Rodriguez.

Tyrone Mears almost found a way behind the Hammers defence, outpacing Wayne Bridge down the flank to collect Wallace's threaded pass, only for James Tomkins to thwart the attack with a timely interception of the cut-back to Rodriguez.

Burnley proved themselves capable of playing attractive football throughout the contest, but it was West Ham who were the more efficient in possession, and it was a neat build-up that led to Cole's controversial strike which doubled the home side's lead barely three minutes after the restart.

Cole and Noble linked brilliantly for West Ham

Cole, picked out by an exquisite pass from the outside of Mark Noble's right boot, mis-controlled the ball with his second touch but as Grant had appeared to have smothered the shot, the England striker's persistence paid off as he picked himself up to scramble the ball home from close-range.

However, on closer-inspection, the ball clearly struck the forward's arm as he adjusted his body to shoot. The visitors were enraged that the goal was allowed to stand, especially given that Cole also appeared to be offside as Noble played him in.

With Burnley still rocking, Cole doubled his personal tally a minute later, but there was no doubt about this one.

Picking up another defence-splitting pass from Noble, the Hammers striker this time took an excellent touch after exploiting the Burnley offside trap, before stroking the ball over Grant and into the roof of the net.

As the Clarets went into damage-limitation mode, Reid made it 4-0 with a glancing header at the near post, having found space at Hitzlsperger's corner to score his first goal for the men from Upton Park.

The lively Rodriguez missed the opportunity to restore some pride for the visitors, blazing over from 20 yards, but he was rewarded for a decent personal display moments later.

Rather than clearing his lines, Wayne Bridge's ill-advised back pass to Green gave the England goalkeeper very little time to clear.

As a result Green's clearance ricocheted off the back of the charging Mears and the ball popped up for Rodriguez to nod into an empty net.

Burnley deserved something from the game, but West Ham manager Avram Grant will be disappointed that his side surrendered their clean sheet in such farcical circumstances.

Freddie Sears then wrapped up the win in injury time, slotting home from 15 yards after the ball broke to him following Burnley's failure to clear.

Ref: AtkinsonAtt: 30,000

Bookings			Rodriguez 66 Elliott 74

Corners	660%	440%
Goal attempts	1352%	1248%
On target	960%	640%
Fouls	952%	848%
Offside	228%	572%

Bonzo and ward are the Hammers star attraction once again...........

Hammers fans have a chance to meet one of the club's all time greats,when Billy Bonds takes to the stage for one of his rare appearances in "An Evening with West Ham Legends Billy Bonds and Mark Ward on Friday 4th of March."

Guests will have the opportunity to hear all about Bonzo's long and successful career at Upton Park,as well as what really went on during his spell as Manager,while Wardie will also talk about his prison experiences on B wing as well as his time playing on the right wing.

The show,hosted by Tony Gale,is being held in Dagenham & Redbridge Football club,victoria road,Dagenham,and starts at 8pm.

Tickets are priced at £30.00 per person which will include a full waitress service,a meal of curry with rice and side orders,cash pay bar,a Q&A session with the legends and an opportunity for photos and autographs afterwards.

Tickets will be in great demand,and can be purchased in tables of 10 or individually.

For further information or to purchase your tickets,please call 07783 704893 or email ourgreatnightsout@gmail.com

WHAT ON earth were West Ham thinking? Just a week after he had failed a medical at Stoke City, Demba Ba was signing a permanent deal at Upton Park!

Whether it was madness or desperation, that huge gamble paid off magnificently on Saturday at The Hawthorns as the Hammers newest striker grabbed two goals to claw West Ham back from 3-0 down to earn a draw with relegation rivals West Brom.

He could have had a lot more. Forget the incompetence of the home defence, aside from his goals he had one cleared off the line, another that was pushed on to the post and one that hit the side-netting.

This was a remarkable game that could easily have finished 8-8 and it was Ba who was the star.

“I am very happy,” said the 25-year-old in his French accent. “It has been a while since I played from the beginning of a game. I am very tired as well because I didn’t think that I could play for 90 minutes.”

Manager Avram Grant wasn’t convinced either: “It’s the first game he started and he needed to play 90 minutes,” he said. “It’s not easy to come straight in and he did very well, scored two goals and was denied two times off the line. He is a very good striker.”

If Robbie Keane or Victor Obinna had been fit, Grant admitted that Ba would not have started this game, but his acrobatic second goal proved that he can be a real force to be reckoned with for the rest of the season.

“The ball came over level with my right foot and I just tried to hit the ball as hard as I could and it was fine,” said the former Hoffenheim hitman, who seemed to link fairly well with Carlton Cole and Freddie Piquionne when he came on in the second half.

“Even in the training, I play not only with Carlton, but with the other strikers too,” he said. “I always try to give my best and try to understand how to work with the other player.

“It was very nice to play with Carlton today and when Freddie came on he made a real difference because we were one more up front. He gave us a certain energy and he was very good.”

Ba gave West Ham a cutting edge even in that desperate first half where everything went so horribly wrong for the Hammers.

So what did the Senegal striker think was the problem in the opening 45 minutes?

“We were just slipping,” he said in an accent that reminded you of Inspector Clouseau at his best. It is difficult to remember any of the players slipping around on the pitch though.

“No, not slipping, sleeping,” he smiled, correcting the waiting journalists, and this time he was dead right. “We started badly, but we finished with a lot of force and strength, it was certainly a very strange game.

“At half time the manager said it was time to play like men out there. If we want to get something from the game, we had to start fighting and that is what we did in the second half.”

They certainly did. Piquionne’s arrival was vital, but it was the finishing of Ba that was to prove crucial and could even have won West Ham all three points by the end.

“When you look at the way we played in the second half, we are very happy with it,” he said. “I won’t say that we can forget the first half, but we did everything to put it right and now we have to play like that from the beginning – it is very important.”

They do, but what about that fitness. Are we going to see Ba have a run in the team? Or is that old injury going to blight his West Ham career just as it is beginning?

“I have always said from the beginning, the only answer I can give about my fitness is on the pitch and that is what I did today and I will try to do it for the next couple of weeks now,” he said emphatically.

“I am not 100 per cent yet, but I feel good.”

West Ham fans feel good about the striker too and with Keane and Obinna on the sidelines, they might well have found a new goalscoring hero.

At Hoffenheim earlier in the season, he scored in five consecutive games – now wouldn’t that be nice?

Barry Hearn has claimed Leyton Orient are being “bullied” out of existence in the rush to install West Ham as Olympic stadium tenants.

Just 72 hours before his League One club’s shot at FA Cup glory against Arsenal, Hearn accused the Premier League of ignoring their own rulebook and of a “staggering” disregard for Orient’s survival.

The Os chairman confirmed he may take the Olympic Park Legacy Company’s decision to give the Hammers preferred bidder status to move into the stadium after 2012 to judicial review - which would gum up the works for up to two years.

Holding court at Orient's Brisbane Road ground, with the Olympic Stadium’s iconic triangular floodlights visible in the middle-distance, Hearn raged: “One of the things I hate most in life is bullying - and I don’t like being bullied by the big boys. The only way to take on a bully is to push him onto the back foot.

“I find the lack of respect for Leyton Orient, from all sides, absolutely staggering.

“We talk about keeping the athletics track as part of the 2012 legacy, and I have seen West Ham’s images of how the stadium will look once they have moved in, and there is only one thing wrong with those pictures - they don’t show an athletics track.

“This is not a game of poker for Leyton Orient - it’s a matter of life and death. And it’s rather ironic that the legacy of the Olympic Games, the best thing that’s happened to the east end in my lifetime, could be the demise of a local community club.

“I can’t blame West Ham for taking advantage of the situation - they are only doing what they think is best for their club. The real culprits in this debacle are the Premier League and the Government, but when my back is against the wall I will defend myself.”

Hearn admitted he did not have an oven-ready solution, but warned West Ham’s plan to fill their adapted, adopted 60,000-seater home with discounted tickets and bundles of giveaways to local schoolkids would kill off Orient.

One possible exit strategy under review is Orient taking over the Olympic hockey venue, giving the club a presence at the Olympic Park, but Hearn warned: “Make no mistake, [West Ham vice-chair] Karren Brady’s comments that they would use complimentary and discounted tickets to help fill it, has grave implications for Leyton Orient.

“We have been in existence for 130 years, and to have a giant moving in on our doorstep would bring our survival as a club into question.

“But I find it incredible that the Government should even consider rubber-stamping West Ham as their preferred bidder before they have gone through due process and taken into account the catastrophic effects such a move would have on the area’s incumbent League club.

“I have meetings planned with my lawyers to examine the merits of taking this to judicial review. I have also written to the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London and the Government departments involved asking them not to wave West Ham’s move through until they have given us the decency, respect and the right to put our case forward.

“Our second major issue is with the rules of the Premier League - and the Football League, which may apply should West Ham be relegated - which, to my untrained legal eyes, are plain black and white.

“They say, quite specifically, they will not grant consent for a club to move grounds if it would adversely affect established clubs in the immediate vicinity.

“Even a blind man could see, from Ms Brady’s comments, that West Ham’s move into the Olympic Stadium infringes the Premier League’s own rules and impinges on our territory.

“I am meeting [Premier League chief executive] Richard Scudamore on Friday to discuss how he interprets his own rules, and I’ve asked [Football League chairman] Greg Clarke for written confirmation that he would not sanction West Ham’s move.

“Rules are not there to be ignored, they are the tools of government.”

Message from the West Ham Lounge Creator

Hello there I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has visited my site so far,I hope that at this moment in time that it has been a worthwhile venture so far,but I would really like to get it noticed a bit more and would ask my fellow Hammer support to please tell others about this website so that we can all build it and all add to it,any comments or ideas and They will be edited into the site.Without the support and members joining the website I fear that it will not get the attention that the site needs so please send this link to your hammers friends so that we can get more support for the cause,pleas enjoy the future of the West Ham Lounge.......... http://trevswesthamlounge.yolasite.com/news.php

West Brom V West Ham Match Report >>>>>>>

12 February 2011 15:00:00 GMT

The Hawthorns, West Bromwich — West Bromwich

West Brom 3	Dorrans 3, Thomas 8, Reid (og) 32
West Ham United 3	Ba 50, Cole 58, Ba 83

West Brom 3

Dorrans 3,

Thomas 8,

Reid (og) 32

West Ham United 3

Ba 50,

Cole 58,

Ba 83

Demba Ba scored twice as West Ham's second-half comeback secured them a point from a thrilling encounter with fellow Barclays Premier League strugglers West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Albion produced a stunning first-half performance in front of their new head coach Roy Hodgson, who was watching from the stands, scoring twice in the opening eight minutes through Graham Dorrans and Jerome Thomas before Winston Reid's own goal put them 3-0 ahead just after the half-hour mark.

But things could not have been more different after the break as a Ba double - on his first start for the Hammers - and a header from Carlton Cole in between ensured the match finished all-square.

The Baggies, overseen by caretaker boss Michael Appleton, served up a treat for Hodgson in the first half but the former Liverpool manager, who was announced as Roberto Di Matteo's successor on Friday and takes up the reins on Monday, will be deeply concerned by the capitulation which followed.

West Brom remain above the relegation zone on goal difference alone, while West Ham are two points below them, having moved off the bottom up to 19th.

The hosts appeared eager to impress Hodgson from the off and they made the best possible start as Dorrans put them in front after only three minutes.

The Scotland midfielder, who had not scored all season, opened his account in spectacular fashion, unleashing a fierce drive from outside the box that flew into the top corner.

Two minutes later Albion almost doubled their lead as Robert Green palmed Peter Odemwingie's cross to Chris Brunt, whose shot was on target but cannoned away off his team-mate Marc-Antoine Fortune.

That was a near miss, but West Brom were looking rampant, and within moments, they had made it 2-0.

Fortune made amends by providing the assist, laying the ball to Thomas who then coolly passed it across Green and into the net.

The momentum showed no sign of letting up as Thomas muscled past two defenders, rounded Green and went down under the attentions of Reid, but referee Lee Mason waved away appeals for a penalty.

Youssouf Mulumbu then had to be withdrawn for James Morrison, but West Brom remained on the front foot, with Odemwingie sending a free header from Dorrans' corner into Green's arms.

West Ham thought they had pulled one back when Cole was slipped in and beat Boaz Myhill, but the effort was disallowed for offside.

Reid then survived another scare at the other end when his apparent handball in the box went unpunished.

The New Zealand defender was having a torrid afternoon and it got worse moments later as Albion extended their advantage.

Dorrans sent a free-kick into the area and it deflected in off a hapless Reid to put the Baggies three up.

Hammers captain Scott Parker tried to respond but Gonzalo Jara did enough to put him off as he shaped to shoot and then Myhill tipped Ba's strike on to the post, Morrison clearing the danger.

But West Brom were soon attacking again, with Dorrans bringing a great save out of Green and Thomas shooting wide from distance.

West Ham saw another attempt hit the woodwork in first-half stoppage time as Gary O'Neil cracked a shot against the bar, but the rebound went unconverted, as did a Manuel da Costa header soon after.

The visitors needed something quick at the start of the second period and found it five minutes in thanks to Ba, who chested down Mark Noble's lofted pass and tucked the ball past Myhill.

The goal seemed to galvanise the visitors and Myhill had to get down to stop Luis Boa Morte's header from a corner.

Hammers boss Avram Grant then threw on Frederic Piquionne for Boa Morte and the striker's impact was almost immediate as he nodded Noble's free-kick back across goal for Cole to head in and make it 3-2.

Suddenly, with more than half an hour to go, it was game on and Piquionne nearly drew things level with a header that bounced off the bar.

West Brom managed to switch play and Odemwingie was denied from the edge of the box by another fine Green save.

But West Ham were in the ascendancy and went close again when Ba's shot was blocked by Nicky Shorey.

The Senegal forward then sent a shot into the side-netting, and with seven minutes of normal time remaining, he scored the third West Ham goal which had by that point seemed almost inevitable.

Noble was the provider once more, delivering a cross that was not dealt with and fell to Ba, who volleyed against the turf and in.

Odemwingie and Piquionne had chances to seal victory in the dying moments, but it was honours even come the final whistle.

Teams >>> West Brom Myhill, Jara, Scharner, Olsson, Shorey, Brunt, Mulumbu (Morrison 14), Dorrans (Tamas 82), Thomas (Barnes 61), Odemwingie, Fortune.

Subs Not Used: Carson, Pablo, Vela, Cox.

Booked: Dorrans, Brunt.

West Ham Green, Jacobsen, Reid, da Costa, Bridge, O'Neil (Spector 78), Parker, Noble, Boa Morte (Piquionne 57), Cole, Ba.

Subs Not Used: Boffin, Hitzlsperger, Kovac, Faubert, Hines.

Booked: Boa Morte, Noble, Spector.

STAT ATTACK
11	Shots On Target	11
4	Shots Off Target	7
12	Fouls (Conceded)	13
4	Corners	9
2	Yellow Cards	3
0	Red Cards	0

Demba Ba Could have had a Hatrick .......

West Ham chosen unanimously as preferred bidder for olympic stadium

The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) has today announced that it has chosen West Ham United and Newham Council as its preferred bidder to take over the 2012 Olympic Stadium after the Games.

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said: "We are delighted by the announcement. We think this decision is the right one and the nation will be the biggest winner.

"We are pleased the OPLC has recognised our bid. London won the right to host the Olympics by making a promise to leave a lasting legacy, not just for us and our children but for future generations. It will inspire people in Newham and beyond.

"We were delighted when public opinion supported this view, and this overwhelming public support has been recognised by the OPLC.

"Our bid is about giving something back to the community, to London and the country. We will make the stadium a magnet for visitors across Britain, Europe and the world, to view and participate in a wide range of sport and entertainment fixtures.

"We want to create a situation where people will feel good about community education projects and more. That means every member of our community could access the Olympic Stadium. Spectacular events drawing huge crowds could sit side by side with community activities. You could go to a Madonna concert - then sing on the same stage in a community choir the next day."

Karren Brady, Vice Chairman of West Ham United, said: "Today is a momentous day. I would like to thank the Olympic Park Legacy Company for making us preferred bidder and acknowledge everyone involved in what has been a truly professional process.

"I would also like to recognise the significant contribution of Newham Council, who have shared in our exciting vision from day one, and thank our supporters for trusting in us to take West Ham United to a new level.

"We are proud to have been passed the Olympic torch and fully embrace the responsibility we have for keeping the flame alive.

"We have been working on this project for some time now and are just at the starting line of the race to make this a stadium that will really make the nation proud.

"With our partners we know exactly how to do it. We are working on realising our proposals already. We would like to say far more but fully understand we are still under the process and must continue to respect it - as we have to this point.

"To West Ham supporters, I look forward to extending our consultation process - now that we have the mandate from the OPLC to do so - and I guarantee their views will continue to be heard. We simply cannot wait to show them around this impressive and intimate stadium so they can truly experience the awe and excitement that all who visit are compelled to feel.

"The club is run by supporters and today is another great day in our proud history. This will be your stadium and an atmospheric home for generations to come. Our vision is to move forward always with an eye on the past. We have been granted a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow our club in a way its huge fan base deserves and to really give something back to the community of which it is such an intrinsic part.

"The nation has kept its promise and we'll keep ours. I promise.''

West Ham get the Olympic Stadium and beat spurs to it ...........

West Ham United are expected to be recommended as the preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium on Friday, clearing the way for negotiations that could see the club to move into the arena after the 2012 Games.

The Olympic Park Legacy Company board will meet on Friday morning and sources with knowledge of the process have indicated it will be told that West Ham’s is the only bid that satisfies the criteria laid down by Government.

West Ham have promised to retain the Olympic running track in the stadium after the Games in line with the promises made in London’s bid that the Games would leave an athletics legacy in the capital.

Tottenham’s rival bid is based on ripping out the track and rebuilding a football stadium from scratch on the site while refurbishing the Crystal Palace athletics stadium as an alternative legacy.

It is thought this failure to meet the key legacy commitment of the bid, allied to some concerns over the cost and source of some funding in the Tottenham bid, may have counted against them.

The OPLC chair, Baroness Ford, and chief executive Andrew Altman have spent the past week examining final submissions from both bids and are understood to have reached the conclusion that only West Ham satisfactorily fulfil all the criteria laid down for the decision.

These are: to achieve a viable long-term solution for the Olympic Stadium that is deliverable and provides value for money; to secure a partner with the capability to deliver and operate a legacy solution for a venue of the stadium’s size and complexity.

To reopen the stadium for operational use as rapidly as possible once the 2012 Games have finished; to ensure that the stadium remains a distinctive physical symbol supporting the economic, physical and social regeneration of the surrounding area and to allow flexible usage of the stadium, accommodating a vibrant programme of events that allows year-round access for schools, the local community, the wider public and elite sport.

Concerns over financial aspects of West Ham’s bid have been raised during an increasingly bitter lobbying campaign, but the fact their construction costs are cheaper than Tottenham’s and involve less borrowing may have counted in their favour.

West Ham have said it will cost £95 million to convert the stadium for football, including the addition of a permanent roof and facilities including hospitality, toilets and concessions.

Of this around £40 million is covered by a loan from their partner Newham Council, borrowing at prudential rates from the Treasury, considered the safest and among the cheapest forms of credit.

A further £35 million comes from a “conversion fund” set aside by the Olympic Delivery Authority and available to whichever bid is successful, with the balance ultimately from the sale of Upton Park.

West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan have promised to underwrite a bridging facility to allow work to be completed before the club leaves Upton Park. One of the key issues being addressed in the last week was the strength of the financial guarantees from Gold and Sullivan, but they appear to have satisfied the OPLC they are sound.

Tottenham’s plan relies on up to £250 million of borrowing, underwritten by the club’s owners ENIC, a company controlled by currency billionaire Joe Lewis, and their partner in the stadium project AEG. The borrowing is thought to be covered by bank covenants some of which are understood to lie offshore.

On Wednesday night, a spokeswoman for the OPLC confirmed that a board meeting would be held on Friday but declined to comment on the recommendation that will be made.

If West Ham’s selection as preferred bidder is ratified by the 14-member OPLC board it will then pass to London mayor Boris Johnson and government ministers Jeremy Hunt and Eric Pickles for ratification.

Given the government has repeatedly restated its commitment to the Olympic project and the legacy commitments made in Singapore, it would be surprising were they to go against the recommendation of the OPLC.

Opinion polls have also shown overwhelming public support for retaining the track within the stadium, a factor likely to influence the political decision-makers.

Assuming there was no objection from the mayor or ministers West Ham would enter a period of exclusive negotiation with the OPLC during which the details of their lease and the final financial terms of the deal will be settled.

There remains the possibility that West Ham will fail to complete negotiations and the OPLC may then return to Tottenham.

If West Ham are selected it will satisfy the large and vocal Olympic and athletics lobby that has campaigned hard for the East London club to be selected.

Tottenham are unlikely to take rejection lying down, however, and have already indicated that they will consider judicial review of the decision if it goes against them.

They have argued consistently that only their bid would provide a secure financial legacy for the Olympic Park because of the security that a football-only stadium can provide.

On Wednesday, Tim Leiweke, president and chief executive of AEG, predicted that the Olympic stadium will be “bust in 10 years” if West Ham try and combine football with a running track.

Zola 'surprised' Avram Grant was not sacked by West Ham

Former West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola says current Hammers boss Avram Grant is lucky to still be in a job.
Zola was given the sack last May when West Ham finished 17th in the Premier League, only five points clear of relegation.
But things have certainly not improved this season and West Ham are bottom of the table, two points adrift of safety.
"I'm surprised [Grant is still there] because in football nowadays there's no patience - it's so difficult for everybody, not just Avram," said Zola.
Former Chelsea and Portsmouth manager Grant was given a four-year contract by the East london club last June but the team have won only five of their 26 league games this season. There has been some ray of light in the cup competitions but the Hammers were beaten by Birmingham City in last month's Carling Cup semi-final.
That setback came only a fortnight after the club's flirtation with Martin O'Neill ended when the ex-Aston Villa and Celtic boss declined the invitation to replace the 56-year-old Israeli as manager at Upton Park.
Despite all of these problems, Zola is confident that his former charges can get themselves out of trouble and points to last season's late revival as evidence of their ability to do the same this season.
"It's a tough time but I believe the club, the team and the supporters deserve better and I hope they can change things around," the popular Italian said.
"We did it last year, we were in deep trouble and not many people gave us much hope. But the players have done it before so I believe they can do it again."
The former Napoli, Parma and Chelsea maestro, who finished his playing career at Cagliari, is currently enjoying a year away from the professional game, spending time with his family and finishing his coaching badges.

West Ham V Birmingham Match Report...........................

West Ham

0 - 1

Birmingham

Zigic 65

Blues Beat the Hammers again..............

Birmingham City piled further misery on West Ham United as Nikola Zigic's second-half header secured a 1-0 win at Upton Park.

Fresh from reaching the Carling Cup final at West Ham's expense last month, Birmingham moved out of the Premier League's relegation zone and sent their opponents back to the bottom after a hard-fought success.

The Hammers had been the brighter of the two teams in the first half, but were made to pay for a slack piece of defending when Zigic met Sebastian Larsson's free-kick with 25 minutes to go.

The first half was bereft of any clear-cut chances, although West Ham new boy Robbie Keane volleyed over just before the break after skilful work in the box.

Birmingham improved after the interval after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes and made the decisive breakthrough on 65 minutes.

Substitute Larsson, whose future had been in doubt throughout the January transfer window, whipped in a free-kick to the far post and Zigic guided his header inside the upright.

West Ham tried to rally and came closest to snatching an equaliser through debutant Demba Ba with 13 minutes to go when his well-struck volley thundered back off the post.

Hammers boss Avram Grant, who was celebrating his 56th birthday, will now undoubtedly find his position come under scrutiny once more as a result of the defeat.

Troubled season

The Israeli went into the match knowing a victory would see West Ham record their first back-to-back league wins in what has been a troubled season so far.

Their attempts were hit by a calf injury to James Tomkins in the warm-up which meant an early recall for Matthew Upson, who had missed the midweek win over Blackpool with tendonitis.

The former Birmingham centre-half was paired with Winston Reid, who came in for the injured Danny Gabbidon

Cameron Jerome and Barry Ferguson both overcame ankle injuries to make a Birmingham team that was unchanged from Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

The match was a chance for the Londoners to avenge their Carling Cup semi-final exit to their Midlands rivals last month.

Ben Foster, whose howler gifted West Ham a first-leg lead in that tie, started nervously, punching an early Gary O'Neil cross clear when it was easier to catch.

The England goalkeeper came out to snatch the ball from Frederic Piquionne's feet after he was put through by the in-form Victor Obinna.

After a quiet opening 15 minutes, West Ham started to pressure the visitors' goal.

On-loan Tottenham striker Keane played Piquionne in with a clever backheel but the former Portsmouth striker could only fire a tame curler at Foster.

Obinna, who had scored five in his previous two matches, then struck a 25-yard effort just wide and Scott Parker threatened with a dangerous low cross that was hooked clear.

Robert Green was called into action for the first time when he collected a low shot from Lee Bowyer on the half-hour.

Jerome beat Green to a header from a corner soon after but the former Cardiff marksman could only glance wide.

Roger Johnson beat Piquionne to a cross but flashed a free header over the bar from 10 yards.

Johnson cut out a dangerous cross from Obinna with a superb diving header as Piquionne lurked at the back post.

A late sliding challenge on David Bentley from Mark Noble earned the Hammers midfielder a yellow card.

West Ham felt they should have had a penalty late on in the first half when Lars Jacobsen's strike hit Liam Ridgewell on the arm but referee Chris Foy turned down their appeal.

Obinna had an appeal for another spot-kick turned down moments later when his shot hit Johnson on the arm in the box and Keane volleyed over under pressure in stoppage-time.

Frustrated

Manuel da Costa came on for Upson at half-time to make his first appearance in three months.

Birmingham started the second period brightly and Bentley found the towering Zigic at the back post but he headed wide, much to Alex McLeish's frustration.

The Birmingham manager brought Larsson on for Jerome in the 57th minute and Grant replaced Piquionne with Carlton Cole soon after.

The West Ham crowd were getting frustrated with their team's scrappy play and their hopes were further dashed when Zigic gave Birmingham a 65th-minute lead.

The 30-year-old took advantage of some slack marking from Wayne Bridge to meet Larsson's free-kick at the back post and nod home from six yards for his second in two matches.

Grant looked to Demba Ba for inspiration, the Senegalese coming on to make his Hammers debut in place of Keane.

The former Hoffenheim striker almost made an immediate impact when he slammed a volley onto the woodwork after the ball ricocheted around the Birmingham box.

Da Costa almost caught Foster out with a fierce 35-yard shot but the Birmingham keeper scrambled across his line to save.

The defender was at the forefront of West Ham's late push for an equaliser as he headed just wide of Foster's goal from eight yards.

Parker slipped into the box in stoppage-time but was met by a sea of Birmingham defenders.

Obinna and Da Costa were booked for late challenges in injury time and West Ham's threat petered out, the game ending with a chorus of boos from the home crowd.

NEWS FLASH.....................NEWS FLASH.......NEWS FLASH........

Our attacking play is getting better all the time! >Avram Grant

West Ham manager Avram Grant believes his side are starting to show the attacking vibrancy and defensive fortitude to pull away from relegation danger.

The Hammers impressed at both ends of the field last night as they lifted themselves off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League with a 3-1 win at Blackpool

This was a fabulous result, not just because it was only West Ham's second away win of the season; not just because the 3 points were sooo valuable, but because the team played as a TEAM. Obinna, Parker, Tomkins, Jacobsen, Noble of the old guard put in excellent shifts, and to pick a man of the match from this crop would be complete folly.

The team were confident, disciplined, and worked their socks off against a physical and industrious Blackpool side that only two weeks ago turned Liverpool over under Dalglish at that very ground. The balance of the Hammers seemed so much better tonight; and that is down to the injection of new players brought in by Avram.

Piquionne and Cole have been our main forward pairing this season; in fact, Piquionne has been our leading goal scorer. But Keane and the inspired Obinna illustrated in technicolour what we have been missing up front: quality, vision, drive, discipline, and commitment. They ran for everything. Piquionne was completely over-shadowed in the first half: anonymous. One might even say lazy. Keane was instrumental in giving him an earful at one point for sloppy play, and Obinna shamed Piquionne into some sort of work ethic in the second half. With Demba Ba waiting in the wings, both Piq's and Cole are going to have to up their games and work rate to avoid a permanent seat on the bench.

Well done West Ham now you must keep the good run going and firstly get a result against Relegation rivals Birmingham on Sunday,It is at least for now looking a little bit more promising after that performance last night.

Match Report.............

Obinna strikes again and keane also on target for Hammers 2nd away win of season

Blackpool 1 West Ham 3

Adam 42 Obinna 24,44 Keane 37

The in-form striker, who scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup win against Nottingham forest last time out, gave the Hammers the lead on 24 minutes when Richard Kingson fumbled his low shot at the near post into the net.

The Hammers then doubled the advantage 13 minutes later when Obinna forced Kingson into a fine double save and on-loan Spurs striker Robbie Keane netted the rebound on his debut for Avram Grant's side.

But Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam gave the Seasiders hope in bizarre fashion when his low corner from the right crept past Robert Green and into the goal.

But the Hammers were two goals to the good less than two minutes later when Scott Parker found Obinna to the left of goal and his long distance pile driver left Kingson with no chance.

In the second period, Blackpool put the Hammers under heavy pressure and Neal Eardley hit the crossbar with a free-kick and substitute Marlon Harewood forced Green to make a fine save but the visitors held firm to earn a massive three points.

Keane's flying start after joining the club and the form of Obinna offers much hope for manager Grant.

The Hammers boss made five changes to the side which beat Forest in the FA Cup at the weekend and the result was a vibrant first-half display.

Blackpool were buoyed by the presence of their captain Adam after his widely-predicted deadline-day move failed to materialise.

And the Scotland midfielder immediately tried to dispel any suggestions that the club's refusal to sell him might affect his game with a powerful run in the opening minute.

Midfield partner David Vaughan also looked keen to influence proceedings as the Seasiders, with new signing Andy Reid on debut, played their usual attacking game.

West Ham then doubled their lead on 37 minutes as Keane made his mark.

Blackpool got themselves into a mess at the back as Noble lobbed a free-kick into the area after Parker was felled.

Kingson twice saved from Obinna in quick succession but got no help from his defenders and Keane's sliced effort found the net before it could be cleared.

Blackpool responded as Adam found the back of the net direct from a corner, Frederic Piquionne completely missing his kick at the near post and unsighting Green.

Yet the Tangerines' joy was short-lived as Obinna restored a two-goal advantage on the stroke of half-time with a ferocious shot from distance after being found by Parker.

The game tightened up in the second half as West Ham looked to deny Blackpool any further way of getting back into the game.

The midfield battle intensified and after Noble and Adam collided, Parker was booked for a late challenge on Vaughan.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway decided to go for all-out attack on the hour, sending on two more strikers in new signing James Beattie and former West Ham forward Harewood.

Beattie, who joined the club on loan from Rangers on Monday, had a chance moments after coming on but failed to make firm contact and Green easily gathered.

Eardley went close to pulling one back but his 25-yard free-kick struck the bar and West Ham scrambled clear.

Blackpool kept up the pressure with Adam flashing a shot narrowly wide and Winston Reid making a vital clearance, before Harewood forced Green into a good save in injury time as the Hammers held on to celebrate a crucial win.

A much needed Away win for West Ham who are still in the bottom 3

West Ham United Sign Robbie Keane On loan until end of season.............

West Ham United have agreed a deal to sign the Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane on loan until the end of the season.

While Keane is expected to complete his move to Upton Park tomorrow, Spurs are reported to have had a £10m bid for West Ham's Scott Parker turned down.

"We're delighted to sign a world-class striker. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy drives a hard bargain but we've got our man," the West Ham chairman, David Gold, told BBC Sport.

Keane should become West Ham's fourth signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Demba Ba, Wayne Bridge and Gary O'Neil.

But Gold has assured West Ham fans that they would resist bids for Parker and Matthew Upson. "Nobody can leave. You can see our situation. We would fight off any club pursuing our players," Gold said. "The next 14 games will be as important a 14 games as there have been in the history of the football club."

~~WEST HAM V NOTTINGHAM FOREST~~

~~MATCH REPORT.....................~~

~~Hammers into last 16 of the FA Cup~~

West Ham 3 Nottingham Forest 2

West Ham striker Victor Obinna helped the Hammers fans to forget about their midweek defeat in the League Cup against Birmingham City to secure a passage to the fifth round of the FA Cup, with a hat-trick against Championship high flyers Nottingham Forest.

The home side made a total of nine changes from the side that capitulated against Birmingham City in the League Cup on Wednesday evening and they came out wanting to make it up to their fans by claiming victory over the Championship side.

With less than five minutes on the clock the home fans had something to cheer about when a corner arrived at the feet of Mark Noble and his drive towards goal was deflected by Lee Camp in the Forest goal by Obinna to give the Hammers the lead.

That goal put Nottingham Forest into action, as they looked to give something to their 6,000 travelling support. And they nearly did that straight away, with Lewis McGugan going close for the visitors. Billy Davies side then had a chance from Radoslaw Majewski, but he could not find a finish.

But just after the quarter hour mark, Forest were level, when David McGoldrick found Dele Adebola inside the box and then the striker went on to slot the ball into the right hand corner of the goal to put his side level.

That goal help spur the visitors on further and they could have gone further ahead when Majewski struck towards goal after a Chris Cohen corner, but the ball was deflected wide by the Hammers defence.

Joel Lynch then had a chance at goal when he hit a shot towards goal after a McGugan ball across the face of goal had not been cleared properly by the West Ham defence. As Lynch struck, the ball appeared to strike the hand of Danny Gabbidon, but the tears for a penalty fell on deaf ears.

With five minutes to goal in the half Forest went in front, when Herita Ilunga fouled Chris Gunter. Cohen swung the free kick in to the box and with the home defence failing to deal with the ball McGoldrick was able to put the ball by Robert Green in the West Ham goal to give his side the lead.

That lead would only last for just over a minute, as Obinna received the ball on the right wing and while racing forward he looked up and powered a vicious shot that went over Lee Camp and into the back of the Forest goal.

Five minutes into the second half, the home side reclaimed the lead as Winston Reid was brought down by Lynch, allowing Obinna to step up to the spot and claim his hat-trick, which he celebrated with multiple summersaults.

West Ham could then have gone further ahead, minutes later when McGoldrick fouled Obinna, but no home player could get on the end of the free kick from Noble, as it bound though the penalty area and away to safety.

The home side should have extended their lead on the hour mark as Frederic Piquionne smashed the ball towards goal, but unfortunately for the striker, Camp managed to palm the ball away to safety.

Pablo Barrera was the next to try for a goal as he got on the end of a Ilunga corner, his shot was met by Camp, once again saving, to keep the sides on level terms.
With his side being behind, Forest boss Davies decided to make a series of changes, with Robert Earnshaw coming on in place of Adebola, then Nathan Tyson entering the field of play to replace Majewski.

Camp, who was single handily keeping the visitors in the cup tie was put back into action as he managed to save from Freddie Sears, after the winger shot after receiving the ball via an Ilunga corner kick.

With just over a quarter of an hour to go Avram Grant made his first change of the match as he took of Noble and replaced him with Louis Boa Morte, who was asked to play the central midfield position for the remainder of the game.

Sears could have put the game beyond Forest as he raced in on goal after Luke Chambers had misplaced a pass, but the winger failed to extend the lead for the Upton Park side and give their fans a level of security.

Forest should have got level when McGoldrick got his head onto the end of a corner from McGugan, but he could not place the effort by Green to secure a replay at the City Ground.

The home side managed to hang on for the reminder of the fixture in order to secure West Ham their passage through to the fifth round of the FA Cup and give manager Grant something to smile about.

Obinna Scores Penalty to Complete A great Hatrick

Match>>>>>>>>Stats>>>>>>>>>>

Bookings	Gabbidon 19		Lynch 51 Gunter 65

Corners	1055%	845%
Goal attempts	1246%	1454%
On target	770%	330%
Fouls	847%	953%

West Ham 3 Nottingham Forest 2

West Ham Scorer Obinna 4-42-52 Nottingham Forest Scorers Adebola 18 McGoldrick 40

Trev's Player Ratings.............1 to 10> 1 being poor and 10 being star player

Robert Green >>>8

Lars Jacobsen >>>4

Winston Reid >>>5

Danny Gabbidon >>>5

Herita IIunga >>>5

Freddie Sears >>>8

Radoslav Kovac >>>2

Mark Noble >>>7

Pablo Edson Barrera >>>7

Victor Obinna >>>10

Frederic Piquionne >>>8

subs..... Luis Boa Morte >>>5 Frank Nouble >>>4 Zavon Hines >>>4

The Lounge Star Player Is....Victor Obinna