International Duty's

This week Valon Behrami and James Collins have stayed at Chadwell Heath after minor injurys missing the mid week international games but these players have made it.

England - Cole(debut), Green and Upson

Jamaica - Zavon Hines(debut)

Czech Republic - Kovac

Australia - Lucas Neill

Wales - Collison

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

Neither side managed a chance on target in a dire first half dominated by Arsenal, and this was to prove costly.

After the break Arsenal were all over West Ham but Emmanuel Adebayor wasted the game's two best chances with a shot wide and header straight at the keeper.

The visitors were on the back foot for almost the entire second half but their stout defending earned them a point.

Savio takes the number 10 shirt

West Ham have signed 19 year old Ugandan born German under 20 striker. Savio Nserko has signed from Italian Serie B side Bresica. He has agreed to sign for the hammers on a four and a half year deal for an undisclosed fee rumoured to have broke the clubs transfer record with £9mill.

Nsereko passed a medical and, subject to international clearance, will make his debut in the Barclays Premier League clash against Hull at Upton Park on Wednesday night.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: "We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe."

"He is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come."

"It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward."

Savio is a replacement for Craig Bellamy who went to Man City last week. This week though West Ham have said good bye to Hayden Mullins who has signed a four and a half year deal down on the South Coast with Tony Adams at Pompey.

Still in the F.A Cup

West Ham travelled north yesterday to meet the challenge of Hartlepool. Hartlepool had knocked out Premiership opposition there in the last round as they saw off Stoke City. The early kick off in the day was on ITV.

A goal from just inside the area saw Behrami hit the back of the net in style after 44mins. Then a long ball looking for Di Michele was handled before it reached him by Michael Nelson. The ref then pointed to the spot and Mark Noble confidently stepped up to slide the ball in to the net making the Irons go in to the break 2-0 up after it was looking like it was going to be stalemate after the first 45mins. Video replays show that the handball was actually outside the area and Hartlepool were unlucky. With no goals in the second half West Ham went bouncing through to the next round.

With the draw just been taken place at Soho Square West Ham have now got a home tie against Middlesbrough in the 5th round. The game will be held on the weekend 14/15 Feb.

Bellamy goes to Eastland

After Bellemy didnt turn up to training on Saturday for West Ham he made his statement clear he didnt want to stay at the Boleyn. Therefore he wasnt in the side on Sunday but in the end we didnt need him.

Man City have expressed they have wanted the player and now they have got him for a fee of around £14mill. Bellamy has signed a 4 and a half year contract at Eastlands. It gives City boss Mark Hughes another chance to work with the striker having previously worked with him at Blackburn and Wales.

West Ham 3 - 1 Fulham

West Ham stopped Fulham going on a 10 game unbeaten run on Sunday.

West Ham are now 5 games unbeaten after Di Michele scored after 6mins to put the hammers in front. Old West Ham full back John Pantsil was to blame for the goal. Then Paul Konchesky another ex hammer was also to blame for the next goal has he hit is first for Fulham from 30 yards out.

With the teams level at half time a Konchesky mistake let Carlton Cole through and he was tripped up in the area by Konchesky who's fortunes were turning. Once the ref had pointed to the spot Mark Noble had put the Hammers back in front. This was West Ham's first penalty of the season and they were the longest team to go through to this stage of the season without getting a penalty. Then a fantastic break from the hammers saw Collison pass to Di Michele who put a great ball through and Cole did the rest making it 5 in 5 for him.

So West Ham climbed above Fulham by the end of the game and saw them self in 8th place after a vintage performance from Carlton Cole.

Bowyer saves Birmingham

After Lee Bowyer has moved from West Ham to Birmingham on loan for the rest of the season he scored on his debut.



His goal came in the 90th minute as he made it Birmingham 1 - 1 Cardiff. Alex McLeish was releaved to see the ball hit the back of the net when the ball kindly fell to him after a miss timed header.

David Di Michele

David Di Michele is one of West Ham's italian strikers. He is currently on a loan spell from Torino.

David started his carreer off at Lodgiani (now Cisco Roma) in serie C1. He made 43 apps for the club scoring 6 goals. He then went on to Foggia in 1996 playing 68 times and grabbing him self 14 goals in just two years. He then went onto to Salernitana where he made his serie A debut but Salernitana were relagted back to Serie B that season. In 2001 he moved onto to Udinese where he made 25 apps scoring 5 goals in one season. Next it was to Reggina where he made 62 apps scoring 15 goals. In 2004 he moved back to Udinese and made 53 apps scoring 18 goals. After just two years he moved to Palermo where he made his name in all Hammers fans memory as he scored against us as Palermo beat us in the UEFA Cup. Whilst at Palermo he was given a $27,000 fine for illegal betting. At Palermo he scored 16 goals in 48 apps. He went to Torino in 2007 and made 25 apps scoring 6 goals. At the start of this season Gianfranco Zola made David his first signing on a loan move. So far he has made 11 apps scoring 2 goals.

Matty bids Hammers fare well for Stoke

Stoke have completed the deal for tricky West Ham winger Matty Etherington. The 27 year old has signed a 3 and a half year deal with the Potters in a deal around £3 million.

Tony Pullis believes that Etherington's experience will help Stoke avoid the drop in a season which could end in tears if Stoke mantain there current league position. "I think Matthew feels it is right to get out of London and start again," Pulis said. "Perhaps we can give him the love and care he has not had for a while."

Etherington is keen to make a fresh start after being troubled by gambling problems.

"No disrespect but we are at a club where we can't deal in the top bracket of players we would like to bring here, " said the Stoke boss. "You are always working below that. We are not at Crufts, we are at Battersea Dogs Home. We are looking for strays. We are looking for people who have gone astray with the aim of bringing them back. You look for players who have gone off the rails and for whatever reason have not fulfilled their potential."

Tevez saga still not over

The Premier League and the Football Association are to launch a new inquiry into West Ham's conduct over the Carlos Tevez affair.

The new investigation, into West Ham's dealings with the striker's after the club had initially been fined £5.5million for breaching league rules over third-party agreements, will be conducted jointly by the FA and the Premier League.

The team who want the Hammers to suffer are Sheffield United who believe West Ham signed Tevez illegally and that was a cause for there relegation back to the Championship.

A joint statement said: "The Premier League and the FA are to institute a joint inquiry into the views expressed by the Independent Arbitral Tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths in September 2008, which dealt with a compensation claim by Sheffield United against West Ham United brought under FA Rules. The joint inquiry will examine whether the conduct of West Ham United immediately after the Independent Disciplinary Commission's decision of 27 April 2007 amounted to further breaches of Premier League or FA Rules."

West Hams statement on www.whufc.com said: "West Ham United will co-operate fully with the joint inquiry convened by the FA and Premier League. We have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the Premier League following the initial penalty. We have nothing to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected in our evidence to the FA and Premier League."

Hammers draw Hartlepool

After West Ham cruised past Barnsley 3-0 in the F.A Cup 3rd round tie at Upton Park they earnt them self a 4th round tie with giant killers Hartlepool United away at Victoria Park.

Goals from Ilunga, Noble and Cole saw the Hammers beat the South Yorkshire side with ease. The game saw Kieron Dyer return to duty after 17 months out with an injury. Meanwhile Hartlepool beat Premiership new comers Stoke City 2-0 at Victoria Park. Can the hammers win the famous Cup for the first time in 29 years with Gianfranco Zola at the helm?

Hammers win at Pompey 4-1

Jermain Defoe's missed penalty against his old club proved costly as West Ham romped to a vital win at Portsmouth to ease the pressure on manager Gianfranco Zola.
Defoe had the chance to put Pompey ahead on the stroke of half-time but fired wide, allowing West Ham to capitalise with second-half goals from Craig Bellamy, who netted twice, and Carlton Cole.
Nadir Belhadj had earlier given Portsmouth an early lead, but Jack Collison equalised to send the Hammers on their way to only their second win in 13 league games.
It was a third straight defeat for Portsmouth boss Tony Adams, and only victory at his former club Arsenal on Sunday will prevent the wolves creeping to his door.
West Ham had never won a Premier League game against Portsmouth but they dominated the early exchanges at Fratton Park.
In the first minute Collison won a free-kick in a promising position after being scythed down by Sol Campbell but Bellamy, linked with a possible move away from West Ham in January, curled his effort high and wide.
The early pressure did not produce a goal however, and Portsmouth settled their nerves with the opener after eight minutes.
Left-back Belhadj started and finished a fine sweeping move, his cross-field pass finding Little, who launched a high cross to Peter Crouch at the far post.
The striker deftly plucked the ball from the air and pulled back to Belhadj, who slammed home his second goal of the season.
Collison's shot minutes later was deflected wide, but the midfielder made no mistake with West Ham's equaliser midway through the half.
Cole latched on to Mark Noble's free-kick on the left and crossed low to Collison, whose first-time shot went through first the legs of Sylvain Distin and then an unsighted David James.
The visitors have not scored more than one goal in a game for 12 league fixtures and their goalscoring problems were evident towards the end of the first half.
Portsmouth enjoyed the better chances, with Defoe turning sharply before shooting wide and Crouch forcing a good reaction save from Robert Green with a far-post volley.
Sean Davis' volley on the half-hour mark was even more impressive. The midfielder struck Belhadj's cross first time on the edge of the box, but Green was equal to it, blocking well with his legs.
At the other end Mark Noble missed a sitter when, with James helpless out of his goal, he tried to chip a backpedalling Campbell who comfortably headed clear.
Portsmouth were awarded a penalty just before the break when Neill fouled Crouch, but the spot-kick from Defoe, who has not scored in six games, smacked of a player lacking confidence and went wide of Green's right post.
The hosts wasted no time in registering their first effort on goal after the interval.
The Hammers made a hash of clearing out of their box and the ball fell to Crouch, who shot straight a Green from close range.
The England man was at it again minutes later but was off target this time, sidefooting over from Belhadj's cross, and Niko Kranjcar was equally wasteful when he blasted over from the right.
West Ham responded with a close-range effort from Collison which James repelled, and from the resulting corner Matthew Upson's looping header clipped the crossbar.
Defoe proved he was not dwelling on his penalty miss when he beat two players and raced into the box, but his fierce shot was caught by Green.
The missed opportunities proved costly when Cole edged West Ham in front in the 69th minute.
Bellamy crossed to Collison from the left and after the midfielder's shotcame back off the left post, Cole was well placed to stab home.
Having taken so many games to score that elusive second goal in a match, it was ironic a third would follow minutes later for West Ham.
Bellamy was put through one on one with James, and although the goalkeeper got a hand on the ball, the striker rounded him, composed himself and rifled home a high shot which beat Campbell on the line.
Bellamy added gloss to the scoreline with his second goal late on, providing a neat finish to Luis Boa Morte's low cross in the 83rd minute.
Teams:
Portsmouth James, Wilson, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Little (Armand Traore 71), Davis, Hughes, Kranjcar, Crouch,Defoe (Kanu 73).

Courtesy of Sportinglife

Lucas Neill

This weeks player profile is all about the hammers and Austrailian captain Lucas Neill. Lucas was born in Sydney on the 9th March 1978. In 1994 he went to Australian Institute of Sport for a scholarship for football. Lucas became a firm favourite with all the women.

Whilst playing for AIS, Austrailian Institute of Sport, Milwall came along and watched him and liked the look of him. He then moved to Milwall on a free transfer. 4 months after joining he made his debut in February 1996 against Luton. He went on to play 178 times at the Den scoring 13 goals. In September 2001 Neill was the longest serving player at that time for Milwall and the right back then requested a transfer. Blackburn were quickest to react and snapped up the signing with an initial fee of 600k with an extra 400k depending on appearences. His first game for Blackburn came against Sunderland. Then later on that month he went on to score his first goal for the club against rivals Bolton. Whilst at Blackburn Neill conquered all defensive positions with ease benefiting Blackburn and Australia. The Blackburn fans regarded Lucas to be a determined player and proved it with fantastic performances week in week out being one of the most consitent players for Blackburn at that time. In the 2003-04 season he was described as a dirty player and he went on to break Jamie Carragher's leg a few matches after. Over 6 years for Blackburn he made 188apps scoring 5 times. Lucas rejected a 4 year extension in 2006 as he felt it was time for a change and a new challenge. Liverpool and Chelsea were in the race to buy him and soon enough the Blackburn fans disliked Lucas and were booing him.

In January 2007 Neill signed for the surprise team West Ham over Liverpool. But Why? Reports claimed it was the money West Ham were offering him which was around 60k a week. The deal was completed on the 23rd of January. In Neill's first game for the hammers he damaged his knee and was forced to leave the field in a 1-0 defeat against Watford. He captained the side on the 3rd of March in a 4-3 defeat to rivals Spurs. He went on to take part in every game of the season afater this. He was playing well and the West Ham fans started to like him but he was still being critised outside the Boleyn. He went on to play a key part in the Great Escape for the Hammers. When Reo Coker went to Villa Neill was given the Captains armband permantly. Lucas scored his first goal for the Irons earlier on this season in a 3-2 defeat away at struggling West Brom.

He made his debut at 18 years and 7 months for Australia against Saudi Arabia being the second youngest player to play for Australia after Harry Kewell. He also played for the national team in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He helped them qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Neill played all 4 games for the Aussies wearing the #2 shirt. A controversial penalty was given against him against Italy. Totti slotted the pen away meaning Australia were out of the World Cup. After the World Cup he captained the side being the 50th ever captain.

Chelsea 1-1 West Ham

0-1 Bellamy:


1-1 Anelka:

Hammers hold Chelsea to a draw

Today Gianfranco Zola went back to Stamford Bridge after having such a succesful playing career there but today he was managing for the opposition.

West Ham lead at the break thanks to some fantastic play by Mark Noble in the corner and a great chest and finish from Craig Bellamy. Chelsea players were appealing for handball against Noble but replays show that it wasn't a handball at all. The goal came 33minutes into the game. The West Ham fans loved it and were going crazy as it looked like they could take something away from Stamford Bridge which would have been a rare occasion last season.

The teams came out to the second half and an inspirational sub, Didier Drogba, made all the differance but the goal came courtesy of Anelka due to a sublime pass from ex hammer Frank Lampard. Straight away Carlton Cole nearly put West Ham ahead twice. Then in the 91st minute a great run from Valon Behrami nearly produced a goal as he passed the ball into Carlton Cole who just had to slide it past keeper Petr Cech but couldn't manage it and Cech saved well. The full time whistle then went with Zola leaving happy after a great performance.

The West Ham fans were immense in the second half driving on the team with the song 'We are West Ham's claret and blue army'. The Barclays Premiership Man of the Match went to ex Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker.

The hammers line up looked like this;
1. Robert Green
2. Lucas Neill
15. Matthew Upson
27. Calum Davenport
3. Herita Ilunga
31. Jack Collison (87)
8. Scott Parker
16. Mark Noble (72)
21. Valon Behrami
10. Craig Bellamy (90)
12. Carlton Cole

SUBS
24. Jan Lastuvka (GK)
13. Luis Boa Morte (87)
17. Hayden Mullins (72)
20. Julien Faubert
25. Diego Tristan
32. David Di Michele (90)
33. Fred Sears

Watch out for highligths soon.

West Ham 0 - 2 Tottenham Highlights

First Goal:


Second Goal:

8 hammers loanees set to play this Weekend

8 West Ham players who have been sent out on loan this season are all set to play today for there current clubs.

James Tomkins will represent Derby again after a wonderful league cup win over Stoke City. Tomkins revealed he would like to stay at the Rams as they have just got to the semi-final of the league cup but that is down to hammers manager Zola. London club Crystal Palace come up to Pride Park today and James is hoping for more of the same following mid week glory.

Josh Payne is also set to make a comeback into the Cheltenham team through ex hammer Martin Allen. He is set to make his 11th app for Cheltenham and they face Crewe today at home.

Junior Stanislas is also out on loan but at Southend United. He scored twice to beat Luton in the F.A Cup 2nd round. Today he makes his way up to table toppers Leicester at the Walkers Stadium.

The England Under 19 defender Jordan Spence secured his first 90 minutes of football for Leyton Orient in a fantastic 2-1 victory over Bradford in the F.A Cup 2nd round. Today he faces a trip up to Northampton in search of all 3 points.

Kyel Reid made his first appearence for the seasiders Blackpool last weekend in a 2-1 victory over Plymouth which helped them up to 18th position in the Championship. Today they welcome the visit of struggling Charlton Athletic who are currently in 21st place.

Nigel Quashie is set yet again to play for Birmingham as he played in the West Midlands derby against Wolves last week. Today they face Watford at home and look to embark on another great result today.

The 35 year old keeper, Jimmy Walker got off to a winning start with Colchester as they beat Northampton by 2 goals to 1. He looks certain to play again against Hereford United at home.

Finnally MK Dons defender Bondz N'Gala had a week off last week due to the F.A Cup taking place so he should be refreshed and ready for the visit of Bristol Rovers.

SBOBET announce link with West Ham

Finnally West Ham have got a new shirt sponsorship since XL went bust.

This weekend Hammers fans can go to Lakeside and Stadium Stores to see the unveiling of the new kit and snap it up in time for christmas.

The adult shirt will be priced at £30 having the new sponsor on. Whilst the kids shirt will cost £25 feauturing the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research logo on.

Fans who have already bought a shirt this year can go to the store and get the new sponsor put on for free.

This Isle of Man betting company announced the deal with West Ham this week and they have signed a contract running out at the end of the 09/10 season.

The first time the kit will be worn will be next Monday against London rivals Spurs.

James Collins

This weeks player profile is all about the ginger lad at the back, James Collins. James started his life in Newport. He started his career off as he played local football in Newport and Cardiff spotted him and he became a trainee in 2000.

In November that year he made his debut for the bluebirds against Bristol Rovers in which Cardiff won 5-1. He went on to make 86 apps for the Welsh side scoring 6 goals. He moved to East London in 2005 with fellow Welsh centre back Danny Gabbidon. The deal was worth 3.5mill for both of the players. But due to a few injury problems and more experienced centre backs James found it difficult to push into the first team. He made his debut in a 4-2 win at Hillsbrough in the Carling Cup. He made his league debut against Bolton in October. Due to Matty Upson and Danny Gabidon being injured Collins took full advantage and pushed himself into the first team. Ginge was delighted to be in the hammers back four and was an influential part in the Irons great escape. In Jan 08 it was announced he would be out for a year with injury but came back earlier than expected in a 2-0 home defeat to London rivals Arsenal in October. In his time at the Hammers he has made 38 apps scoring 2 goals.

His international career has been formidable and has played for Wales u19's, u20's, u21's and Wales national team. He scored his first international goal in October 2007 in a 3-1 defeat to Cyprus. He has made no more than 26 apps for Wales and hopes to get more in the future.

The Irons draw Barnsley in the Cup

Earlier on today the F.A Cup 3rd Round draw was made at F.A Headquarters Solo Square.

The number every West Ham fans was looking for was 42 and they got picked out at home and then the opposing team was announced as Championship side Barnsley.

Zola is happy with the draw as he says it is a good start to play at home and especially when you have got the crowd that West Ham have got. But Barnsley will be no pushovers as they proved a point last season as they seemed to be the surprise package of the Cup as they got to the Semi's but lost out to Cardiff at Wembley. Along the South Yorkshire club knocked out Liverpool at Anfield and then Chelsea at home in the 1/4 finals.

Can Zola lead the hammers to Cup glory as he has won the prestigious Cup twice in his time at Chelsea. The last meeting between the 2 sides was in 1998 when they met each other at Upton Park and West Ham ran riot and won 6-0. But the Tykes will not want a repeat of that.

Matty Upson - Player Profile

Matthew Upson currently wears the West Ham number 15 shirt after giving in his number 6 shirt in the memory of West Ham and England legend Bobby Moore. At the age of 29 Matty has been at West Ham since a January move in 2007 but was injured almost straight away at an away trip to Villa.

Matty came through the ranks at Luton Town and made his way into the first team in 1997 where he played against Rotherham United but only made 1 appearance for Luton as Arsenal snapped him up for a deal worth £2mill. Upson though was faced with a difficult challenge of getting in to the Arsenal starting 11 as such players as Keown, Bould and Adams stood in his way. Matty only made 35 apps for Arsenal without scoring over 6 years. But throughout that preiod he had gone out on loan to Notts Forest, Cystal Palace and Reading but never managed to score. In the 2002 season he made 22 apps for Arsenal giving him a PL winners medal but a broken leg ruled him out of an F.A Cup winners medal. In 2003 Birmingham bought Matty for a fee of 1 mill but it rised to over 3 mill due to the amount of appearences he made for them. But just like at Arsenal injurys cost him as he damaged his leg before a derby game against Villa and consequently missed the rest of the season in which Birmingham later dropped down to the Championship. But Matty made 113 apps for the Blues scoring 5 goals in the process.

In January 2007 Alan Curbishley came in for the defender and snapped him up in a deal worth up to £7.5 mill on the last day of the transfer window and agreed a 4 year deal. But just 30 minutes into his debut at Villa Park Matty suffered a calf injury and then once he came back in the dramatic 4-3 game at Upton Park against Spurs he only lasted 11mins. He finally made his first full appearance in a 2-0 away defeat to Man City. He then became captain 1 week later in a 1-0 away win at former club Birmingham. His first goal for the Hammers came when Curbishley kept up his 100% winning record against Man U with West Ham as he nodded in a winner in a dramatic 2-1 victory over the PL champions. Earlier on this season Matty gave up the number 6 shirt in memory of West Ham legend Bobby Moore and traded it for the number 15 shirt.

Despite Matty's injury crisis he has made 12 apps for England Under 21's scoring 2 goals. And with recent performances he has helped him self to full England apps and has now made 12 scoring 1 goal. His goal came in Berlin just last week as England beat Germany 2-1 in a freindly match.

Upson and Bellamy on a high

Matthew Upson and Craig Bellamy both represented there countries tonight and both got them self on to the score sheet helping there teams to victory.

After Upson traveled with the England squad to Berlin to face the Germans in a so called freindly match he helped himself to a goal for England in the 23rd minute. This was Upsons 1st goal for England in 12 apps now. After the match John Terry said that "He was a differant class".

Bellamy also grabbed a goal for Wales as they saw off Denmark 1-0 away from home. His goal came just before the hour mark in Copenhagen. Fellow Irons team mates James Collins and Jack Collison also played in a great win for the Welsh. Bellamy after said "I am just happy with the win" outlining the success of the night.

Valon Behrami represented Switzerland in a 1-0 victory over Finland whilst West Ham and Australian captain Lucas Neill also represented his nation in another fantastic victory over Bahrain as they won the game 1-0.

So overall a great night for International duty from the Hammers and well done everyone surely the biggest success is Matty Upson scoring his first goal for his country.

Herita Ilunga

This weeks player profile is on the Irons left back Herita Ilunga. Herita is a Congolese international at the age of 26 is currently wearing the number 3 shirt at Upton Park.

Herita started his carreer off at Espanyol B and made 19 apps scoring 1 goal in one season. That then earnt him a move to Saint Ettiene in 2003 where he made a further 136 apps scoring just the 2 goals he then left in 2007. He then went on to move to Toulouse in 2007 making 37apps scoring 0 goals. Now this season he has come to the Hammers on loan hoping to seek first team football and so far he seems to be coping well in the Premiership making steady progress. He has currently made 9 apps failing to score.

He made his first app in 2004 for Congo and has since made 17 more apps for his country but failing to score once. Ilunga came as a replacement for George McCartney as he moved up North to rejoin the Black Cats.

Zola begging for a third win

West Ham kept their first clean sheet in 25 matches but it was little consolation for manager Gianfranco Zola, who saw home fans walking out long before the end.

West Ham bungled their chance to end a six-match run without a win with a sloppy first-half attitude which allowed Pompey to take a grip on the game.

And even though Pompey boss Tony Adams would have been devastated at the sight of Lassana Diarra limping out of the contest early on, he would otherwise have been delighted with a game which saw the best chances fall to former Hammers striker Jermain Defoe.

Portsmouth had to start without the injured Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar, who pulled out with a foot problem just before the start.

But a midfield reshuffle, pulling Papa Bouba Diop in from the right and switching Nadir Belhadj from the left showed no sign of interrupting their rhythm in the first half, despite Diarra limping off after a challenge by Scott Parker.

Defoe's appearance was greeted with a chorus of boos - he demanded a transfer just a day after West Ham were relegated in 2003 - but home fans gave David James, who left them six months later, a much milder reception.

West Ham's early pressure briefly pushed Pompey back and the visitors had a big escape when Freddie Sears' cross clearly struck Sylvain Distin on the arm, only for the well-placed referee Martin Atkinson to wave play on.

Within a minute West Ham's Herita Ilunga picked up possession on the left and curled in a lovely cross which the unmarked Cole just could not reach six yards out.

Pompey could have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Glen Johnson capped a penetrating run on the right by slipping a ball into the box for Defoe, who just got to it before goalkeeper Robert Green but could only hook it over the bar.

Pompey pushed forward for a spell and Green was required to make a good save to deny another impressive run and shot from Johnson.

Defoe then challenged for Diop's through ball which spun away into the path of Crouch, who looked certain to score until Ilunga's challenge did just enough to put him off.

Zola brought on Matthew Etherington and Julien Faubert early in the second half but they were lucky not to be out of the game after two sublime moments by Defoe.

In the 48th minute he took Traore's pass, left Lucas Neill trailing and fired a
shot which forced Green into a brilliant save.

Two minutes later he pulled a long clearance out of the sky with a fine first touch, shrugged off Matthew Upson and almost lobbed Green only for the goalkeeper to tip over the bar.

Pamarot gave away a soft free-kick on the edge of the area but Bellamy's set-piece clattered back off the bar and James had to smother Jack Collison's follow up for his first real save in the 53rd minute.

James was not troubled by tame efforts from Bellamy and Cole soon afterwards but Hammers were seeing more and more of the ball and Pompey boss Adams brought on Kanu for the ineffective Crouch to try to turn the tide.

The Nigerian nearly made all the difference, his clever ball setting up Defoe for another chance but this time, though he side-stepped Upson, his angle was too tight and Green again made the block.

Pompey striker Jermain Defoe's appearance was greeted with a chorus of boos for the player who asked for a transfer just a day after West Ham were relegated in 2003 but home fans gave rival keeper David James, who left them six months later, a much milder reception.
West Ham's early pressure pushed Pompey back and the visitors had a big escape when after Nadir Belhadj gave the ball away Sears' cross from the right clearly struck Sylvain Distin on the arm only for the well-placed referee Martin Atkinson to wave play on.

West Ham's Herita Ilunga picked up possession on the left and curled in a lovely cross which the unmarked Cole just could not reach six yards out and with only James to beat.
But Pompey could just as easily have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Glen Johnson capped a penetrating run on the right by slipping a through-ball into the box for Defoe.
He got to it before keeper Robert Green but could only hook it over the bar, with Peter Crouch all alone in front of goal.

Lassana Diarra had to limp off for treatment after being caught by an unpunished late challenge by Scott Parker but came back to try to run off the injury which looked to be effecting his left leg.

But the little Frenchman was soon down on the turf in pain again and had to be replaced in the 19th minute by compatriot Armand Traore.
It needed a major reshuffle of the midfield with Belhadj switching from left to right and Diop moving into a central role.

Pompey pushed forward for a spell and Green was required to make a good save to deny another impressive run and shot by Johnson.

Hammers hit back and Kaboul effected a sound clearance to end a raid by the dangerous Behrami.

West Ham started to look a little more menacing with Collison causing problems from midfield especially when he broke and fired just wide.

But after 28 minutes there was a glimpse of an opening for Crouch at the other end. Diop tried to release Defoe through the middle but the ball bounced off defender James Collins and straight into Crouch's path on the edge of the area. Full back Ilunga just did enough to put the tall striker off his shot which sailed wide.

Pompey were threatening again when Defoe wriggled into the area and forced a corner with a low shot which was deflected wide. The visitors looked comfortable and stand-in skipper Distin easily saw off Cole as the West Ham striker tried to muscle his way through from the left - the defender timing his challenge to perfection to earn a goal-kick.

But Noe Pamarot was a little too cool when he tried to chest down a cross by Ilunga in his own six-yard box with three West Ham players lurking and was fortunate none of them had the wit to drill it home.

Ironically, Pamarot was booked two minutes later for a late challenge that sent Behrami crashing down out on the right.

HT West Ham 0 Portsmouth 0

West Ham replaced Sears with Matthew Etherington at half-time but there was more bright play by Pompey, with Defoe prominent.

In the 48th minute he took Traore's pass down the left, lost Lucas Neill and cut in to force a flying save from Green with a right-foot shot.

Two minutes later Defoe seized a long ball out of defence, shrugged off Matthew Upson and narrowly failed to lob Green who stretched to tip the ball away.

Cole produced a cute reverse ball at the other end but Bellamy's shot lacked the power to beat James.

There was real danger though in the 53rd minute when Pamarot gave away a soft free- kick on the edge of the area for a foul on Behrami and Bellamy's set-piece strike clattered against the bar.

It was the closest the home side had come to scoring so far and boss Zola was encouraged to send on Julien Faubert for the more defensive Ilunga and push Bellamy further forward in support of Cole.

Etherington's pace and ability to find width was beginning to stretch Pompey's defence but he could not find a finisher for his crosses.

Bellamy and Cole both produced tame efforts that barely tested James and Pompey were always poised to strike on the break. Defoe wriggled clear from a Traore pass but slipped as he tried to steer an angled effort beyond Green.

FT West Ham 0 Portsmouth 0 West Ham looked for a late winner as Pompey's defenders and midfielders tired but it was striker Crouch who was taken off with Kanu the replacement on 75 minutes.

And with seven minutes left the Nigerian nearly set it up for Defoe who side-stepped Upson but saw Green block his angled shot.

West Ham's late pressure was intense but largely incoherent and Pompey's defence stood firm.
Intro: West Ham kept their first clean sheet in 25 matches but it was little consolation for manager Gianfranco Zola whose team were jeered off against Portsmouth at Upton Park after their seventh consecutive failure to land a win.

Although the Hammers dominated the bulk of the second half and Craig Bellamy hit the crossbar with a terrific free-kick they were lucky to survive some magic moments from their former striker Jermain Defoe who hooked an early half-chance over and forced three fine saves from goalkeeper Robert Green.

Pompey's cause was handicapped when they lost midfield dynamo Lassana Diarra through injury after less than 20 minutes having started without the injured Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar, but the result was surely much better received by their new boss Tony Adams who scored his first away win at Sunderland last week.


Courtesy of http://www.sportinglife.com

Craig Bellamy

This weeks player profile is on the Hammers striker Craig Bellamy. Craig is now 29 and was born in Cardiff he is currently at West Ham and playing international football for Wales.

He started off his carreer in the Bristol Rovers acadamy then moved then he went to Norwich but spent a short spell at Bradford Park Avenue after making 2 apps scoring one goal in the 1995-96 season then he moved to Norwich again. He made 84 apps scoring 32 goals in 4 seasons. He then moved to Coventry in 2000 but left in 2001 after playing 34 apps scoring 6 goals. That then secured him a move to the Toon army and he spent 4 years there making 93 apps scoring 28 goals. He went out on loan to Celtic in 2005 and made 12 apps scoring 7 goals. Then he moved to Blackburn Rovers but yet again only spent one year there playing 27 games scoring 13 goals. He then went onto Liverpool and played in 27 games scoring 7 goals in just one season. He is now at West Ham after joining in 2007 but has only made 15 apps scoring 3 goals due to bad injury problems.

But he has not just been succesful on the pitch in England but his international performances have been pretty good aswell. He has made no fewer than 53 full international apps scoirng 13 goals. He made his debut in the 97-98 season in a freindly against Jamaica. Bellamy is the current Wales captain.

So all together he hasnt had a bad carrer so far and has been around a few clubs but he seems to be happy at West Ham and seems to be getting back to full fitness now which is relief to all you Hammers out there.

West Ham 1-3 Everton

West Ham 1st goal:


Everton 1st goal:


Everton 2nd goal:


Everton 3rd goal:

Message from Duxbury

Cheif executive Scott Duxbury today announced that the club is financially sound and running as normal.

"Like all businesses we have been affected by the current economic climate but were in a strong position financially and we are a well run club" is what the West Ham CEO said. He went on to say that the club wont have to sell in the summer to get players into the club so fans shouldn't be worried.

Also the club have stated that promosing issues are coming on about a shirt sponsor and they are nearly in a position to sign a contract with this sponsorship the club will not tell the public who this sponsor is.

This is ringing bells in the West Ham fans after the last month with the 30mill Tevez saga, the ISO bank going under and the 4 straight defeats. The future is looking bright and hopeful for all the Hammers so get behind the team and lets push them on tomorow when Everton come to the East End.

Julien Faubert

This weeks player profile is Julien Faubert, West Hams French full back.

The Frenchman started his carreer out as a Midfielder at French side Cannes whilst on the South coast he made 45 apps scoring 4 goals. He then made the move to French Giants Bordeaux in 2004 and spent 3 years there nearly making 100 apps. He made 96 apps overall and scored 9 goals. Then in 2007 he was reported to move to Rangers and then he turned up as a West Ham player. But almost straight away he got injured with a ruptured Achilles tendon which put him out for 6 months. So like all the other West Ham players they bought in the summer he was injured. But he was back by the 12th January in 2008 and came on against Fulham. He then went on to make 8 apps in league and cup but was played in a differant role at full back. He has now made 10 apps for the Irons this season and still hasnt scored. But he did unfortunatly score in the wrong net a few weeks ago against Arsenal.

Faubert International carreer hasnt been too bad either with making 1 app for the French National Team and scoring 1. He has also made 17 U21 apps scoring 2 goals. Faubert seems to be growing in confidence now and hopefully he can improve West Hams league position very soon.

Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham

First Goal:


Second Goal:

Man Utd 2 - 0 West Ham