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.