So the dream didn’t happen but West Ham should go into the play-offs with high beliefs that Big Sam can in fact get the Hammers promoted at the first attempt.
The Irons have had a season with its usual amount of ups and downs, we have broken our away day victory record with 13 away wins this season, and we have lost the least amount of games this season in the whole of the Championship. So there is no reason why the Hammers can’t go all the way to Wembley and we can all look forward to next season in high hopes.
That’s not to say however that Cardiff won’t give us a hell of a game over the two legs, they have quality all over the pitch, with Peter Whittingham, Kenny Miller and Joe Mason being their primary danger men.
The Hammers will have to continue their fine away form on Thursday evening if they are to take the pressure of the 2nd leg. As nervy home fans could equate to danger as it has many a time this season.
But if the Irons do their job right there is no reason why the team couldn’t win away in Cardiff after all the Hammers have already been there and done it beating their Welsh counterparts 2-0 at the Cardiff City stadium earlier in the season.
There was an air of excitement as the West Ham faithful left the ground on Saturday, and I heard many a fan say “see you at Wembley” as they left their mates behind. The game itself turned into a bit of a damp squib as news that Southampton flew into a two nil home lead against an already relegated Coventry side who struggled to contain the quality of the Saints ( who went on to win 4-0 and seal their place in the PL). The home faithful sung “Que sera sera whatever will be will be were going to Wembley que sera sera.” A brace from Carlton Cole, who is coming into form at just the right time for the Hammers sealed the 3 points and kept up the momentum that the Hammers have created over the last 18 games where the Hammers have just lost the one.
Those stats though only losing the once in 18 are part the reason the Hammers are entering the play-offs. Big Sam’s “respect the point” has cost the east end club dear. Missed opportunities late on in games and dropped points from winning positions meant that the Hammers fell just 2 points short of automatic promotions to leave big Sam wishing that he had gambled to turn those one points against the likes of Bristol City home and away and Doncaster Rovers and Watford at home into three points.
So this season has been a roller coaster of emotions as usual so I’ll picks out my most memorable moments; here are my top 3.
3: Coventry away: What a great day this was, travelling up after a heavy night on a National Express coach was just the start the day deserved, and it started as it meant to go on. The Hammers much like myself that morning was slow to get going, in front of the 6,000+ travelling claret and blue army they fell behind to struggling Coventry as Clive Platt brilliantly turned home a cross from the left hand side in front of the away fans. But the away fans sang and sang like they have done so brilliantly away from home all season, and the turnaround was on when Carlton Cole on as a sub turned the game on its head, his darting run and shot deflecting in of the Coventry defender sent the travelling fans wild and sent me on a near tumble as I was grabbed by my mate James during
the celebration. And the comeback was complete when one of the funniest goals of the season was scored. A deep cross by Julien Faubert was missed at the back post by Freddie Piquionne only for it to rebound of his knee and trickle in to the delight of the travelling 6,000 fans. A truly memorable day for all the right reasons in the end.
2: The home demolition of Brighton: When was the last time West Ham left the ground having watched their side completely batter the opposition and scoring six goals in the process? As me and James took to our seats without the ill Billy the confidence was high, and I still don’t know why I felt so relaxed. The Hammers flew out the blocks and the tone for the day was set when Henri Lansbury struck the bar in the first minute. The Hammers would then go in at half time 3-0 up. Goals from Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan sent the Hammers on their way to their biggest win of the season to date. And superb overhead kick from Vaz Te to complete his hat trick was the best piece of individual skill I have seen
in a long time at the Boleyn and is sure to be a contender for goal of the season. Two more goals followed and the Hammers went on to win 6-0. The best home performance of the season and the most relaxed game I have felt in a long time.
1: That Winston Reid Volley against Millwall: With the game locked at 1-1 and the Hammers down to ten, the confidence that the Hammers could win against the old enemy was hanging on a knife edge.
With nails being chewed and prays being said. A deep Joey O’Brien cross was flapped at by David Forde, following a clear foul by Faubert which was missed by the officials (which made the goal that much sweeter) fell at the feet of centre half Reid who smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Cue mass hysteria in the home end and a superb atmosphere for the remainder of the game. That goal celebration is something I’ll never forget; grown men standing on their seats, falling over, jumping up and down, a superb day to be a Hammer.
So West Ham fans, it’s been a great season, but it’s not over yet, it could be an amazing season, culminating in a Wembley West Ham win and a return to the top flight. Keep believing.
Come On You Irons!
Tweet me @BowdenWhu with your top 3 moments or Comment below.
