retired_pjscott64

Up where we belong – 04/05

West Ham go into November without a win in 3 games and falling down the table, the League cup provided a welcome diversion and the possibility of a morale boosting win against 3rd division Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium (or a potential ego bruising !)


3rd November 2004 - Vs Bristol Rovers (A) – League Cup 3rd Round

David Connolly finds his scoring boots and waits until the 2nd minute to try them out, They work! 1-0! Bristol Rovers make their first excursion in to the West Ham half and manage a very unlikely equaliser completely against the run of play! Boo go the travelling fans!! David Connolly adds to his tally to take West Ham in to Half Time at 2-1 up. Sunday Oliseh adds to his 2 goals for the season so far to make it 3-1 which is how it remained to see West Ham through to the 4th Round :thup:

7th November 2004 - Vs Everton (A)

The Hammers remained on their travels but were unable to build on the mid week win as the went down 2-0 to the bluenoses with Gravesen and Stubbs doing the damage. :thdn:


13th November 2004 - Vs Birmingham (H)

A rather small crowd turned out for this clash at the Boleyn, but after West Hams recent league form confidence in the team was not high! But you can bet the stay away fans wished they had come along as West Ham recorded their best ever victory beating hapless Brum 8-0! :eek: Connolly and Ameobi both grabbing hat tricks with Etherington and Thu adding to the tally! Total football came home to roost at Upton Park and the Boleyn faithful could not believe their eyes! :cool:

17th November 2004 - Vs Man Utd (A)

After the revelation against the Brummies, a trip to the shopping mall that is Old Trafford was next up to play London biggest team, Manure. Freddie Kanoute obviously felt no debt of gratitude to the team that brought him to the English Premiership as he waited until the 35th minute to open the scoring. 1-0 to the Corporate Cnuts at HT.RVN doubles the advantage on 63, Defoe raises the travelling fans hopes with a reply on 67 but this is short-lived as Manure turn the screw and pile on the pressure, eventually rewarded with the 3rd goal and RVN’s second on 80, and so it stays 3-1 and the Hammers revival splutters to a stall.

20th November 2004 - Vs Wolves (H)

The day following West Hams real life 3-1 victory at the Moulineux in the FA Cup 4th round, we play them in the premiership in CM. Things don’t go to plan as the Wolves wonder boy Kenny Miller (My Arce!) takes the lead for the gold and blacks straight from kick off. Defoe however, has other ideas and he draws the Irons level on 13 minutes then puts them in the driving seat, and in front with a 38th minute strike. 2-1 at half time. Alexei Smertin Draws the Golden Tits offspring level and a draw looks the likely result, especially when Cameron see’s his 74th minute penalty saved by James. Then in the 92nd minute up popped David Connolly to score the winner! 3-2 to the Mighty Hammers!

28th November 2004 - Vs Middlesborough (A)

A very dull affair at the riverside with only the goals from Connolly and Defoe brightening the day to give West Ham a 2-0 win which sees the hammers move into 5th position and end the month on the up after a dreadful start.

retired_pjscott64

Oh and Welcome Kris! :thup:

retired_rover2clover

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Andy H:
_******************ANNOUNCEMENT**************_

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest member back to EFB for the second time in Kristian Koprivnik. He was a member of the previous EFB and it is brilliant that he has decided to come out of retirement to play in EFB 03/04. All the best for the game mate. good to have you back. :thup:<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep a big welcome back to one of EFB's former member in Kris, glad you rejoined us mate now that you've got the time to play.

Kris has taken charge at Leicester and will be aiming to get them back to the prem asap, good luck with your new team mate.

retired_rover2clover

I'm Going For a Run and I Don't Wanna Come Back

Well after last weeks session things were starting to look good again at Stevenage after an average start in my eyes, despite us only requiring to avoid relegation. We were now 4th in the table but should really be higher.

So having lost 5-2 to Boston we went on and won the next few games in last week's session.

Well the upcoming line up of fixtures were to give our team a real test, Aldershot at home in the Vans Trophy, follwed by Yeovil and Swansea also at home, then Huddersfield, Doncaster and Cambridge away rounded up with an FA Cup clash versus high flying second division Bristol Rovers.

Well our journey began, Aldershot came to our home and within seconds of the kick off, they run down left wing, cross and bang it in, great start, 1-0 Aldershot. Well the team picked themselves off the ground and played like they should, Huckerby used his fantastic pace and dribbling skills to go through the Aldershot defence and managed to score a brace, his effort was followed my on-loan striker Blinkhorn making it a 3-1 win and we advance to the quarter finals. 3-1 Final Score

Yeovil next and it looked to be a real battle of a game, but nope, Yeovil decided that they could not be bothered to play and we completely dominated the game and gave them a good hiding as again Blinkhorn scored making it 2 games 2 goals for him, great start for the lad. Then club captain Juliusson also put one in followed by four goals from the man of the moment Huckerby. 6-0 Final Score

Once again we had another home fixture, this time again Swansea who are top of the league and 14games unbeaten in a row, well done to the welsh but we wernt going to let them continue, so an inspirational Juliusson started by scoring a cracker, followed by Humphreys and on-loan star Blinkhorn who makes it 3 in 3. 3-1 Final Score

We went on a trip to Huddersfield next, they were doing alright, mid table, but it just wasnt good enough,they thought they could sit down against the newly promoted side and got punished for it as Laker and Humphreys started the scoring with once again on fire Huckerby scoring an amazing four goals. 6-0 Final Score

The next game would be tricky though, Juliusson was injured and could not inspire the team, so in came fellow country man Johannsson, he showed great skill and once again Huckerby scored followed by former Man utd youngster Poole.
Final score 2-0

Cambridge were next, a very good side who are currently in the play offs, the game was end to end and they played a 4-2-4 formation, then they scored, havnt not played awfully well I changed to 4-3-3 which certainly did the trick as we dominated the midfield and scored two goals, both from Icelandic team mates Porarinson and Johannsson. Final Score 2-1

Its that Magical Cup, yes it was once again FA Cup time, its the 2nd round of the FA Cup and we're facing high flying second division side Bristol Rovers, we beat their rivals City last season and we're hoping to do a double over Bristol.....and we did We took an early lead through the one and only Huckerby, then it went 1-1 and Bristol were starting to play a little better but just not good enough as a Huckerby solo effort sealed the tie. Final Score 2-1.

So a fantastic session for the Stevenage outfit and it also now makes it 11 games won in a row for us, we've also now moved up in the table into the automatic promotion spots and are second in the league, hopefully next session we will finally top the table and continue our sensational form that we have at present.

retired_gallant_pat

11 in a row, bloody hell Steve, you must have some tactic

retired_pdostie

Accrington Vs Farnborough

A goal from Somerville on 17 mins looked the start of what could be a hammering for Stanley Vs Farnborough. But that was not to be as Stanley held on till half time with the score still just 1-0. Then goals on 87 and 72 mins from Stanley’s Sean Devine were totally against the run of play to put Stanley in the lead. This lead though was short lived as Farnborough’s Somerville scored his second of the game to equalize.

Accrington Vs Forrest Green

The first half in this game was dominated by Stanley with Forest Green not having a single shot on or off target. With Accrington pouring on the pressure it was only a matter of time before they took the lead and they did in the 36th min though a goal by Justin Jackson as a long ball over the defense left Sean Devine with space on the left or the area to put in a cross which Jackson put away past the Forest Green keeper. In the second half Forest Green got back in the game but a late penalty scored by substitute Hindle settled the game in the last few minutes of the game

Accrington Vs Exeter

With the first chance of the game Stanley took the lead when a weaving run from Justin Jackson finished superbly ending his magnificent run. This proved to be the only real action of the first half. The second half started the same as the first ended with neither team posing a threat. Stanley’s second goal came when a hopeful long ball wasn’t cleared but the Exeter defense and Jackson was able to finish giving Accrington a 2 goal cushion that they held on to claim the 3 points.

Kettering Vs Accrington

Only 7 mins gone and Accrington though they had got the perfect start when Devine beat the defender in the air to set Jackson through who chipped to keeper only for it to be disallowed for offside. It was only 4 mins later that Accrington did take the lead when Calcutt was brought down in the box for a pen which Jackson put away from the spot. A good ball from Norman found Prendergast on the left who picked out Devine who put the ball in the net to put Accrington 2-0 up within 17 mins. Then another finish from Devine on 37 mins put the game past Kettering in the first half and sent Stanley to the top of the league.

Halifax Vs Accrington

A nice ball through from Quinn found Elam with space and when his shot was save the rebound fell kindly to Graeme Porter who put the ball into the empty net from inside the area. A great run and cross from Prendergast left Justin Jackson the simple task of equalizing for Stanley from close range on 57 mins. Calcutt then met a Prendergast corner at the front post to put Stanley 2-1 up on 84 mins and Calcutt then capped off a superb game with a great cross from the right to set Devine up with a simple finish from close range.

retired_pjscott64

Up where we belong – 04/05

As Winter starts to bite and the dark days are upon us, West Ham are still defying all of the preseason odds by steering well clear of the relegation zone! :eek:


4th December 2004 - Vs Portsmouth (H)

Harry Redknapp returns to Upton Park as manager of Pompey, managing a team sitting in the exact position that the bookies had predicted for the Hammers – A relegation struggle! Things start well with West Ham piling on the pressure, but no score as half time is reached. The second half see’s West Ham finally get some reward for their dominance with Defoe netting. Berger equalises for the visitors totally against the run of play. 1-1 the final score and the home crowd leave feeling as if they have been robbed!

8th December 2004 - Vs Rushden (H) – League cup 4th Round

Next to visit the chapel of Claret and Blue worship were Rushden in a surprisingly close encounter as the first division high fliers went all out for the win. West Ham defended well and nicked a goal via Thu on half time. The second half was a different affair as Rushden tired and the Hammers took control, Oskarsson added to the earlier goal to give West Ham a more comfortable 2-0 result. :cool:


13th December 2004 - Vs Tottenham (H)

Spurs were next up at the Boleyn, and the third home game in a row for West Ham! David Connolly scored mid way through the first half to give the home side a deserved lead which took the hammers to half time at 1-0. Acimovic pulled one back for the yids in the 2nd half and despite some very close efforts from West Ham, that was how it remained. 1-1 at full time.

13th December 2004 - Vs Blackburn (H)

The 4th Home game in a fortnight for the hammers! Defoe set the pace in the first half but Blackburns Kleft equalised in the second, overall 1-1 was a fair result. The score is becoming somewhat familiar though? :thdn:



22nd December 2004 - Vs Man Utd (H) - League Cup Quarter Final

Apparently the team coach is in for repairs and the FA have agreed that West Ham don’t have to bother with away games til its fixed! 5th home game in a row and the best performance is saved until last! A one man show from David Connolly puts the Hammers 2 in front until Giggs replies to make it 2-1 to West Ham at Half time> DC completes his hat trick in the second half, Kanoute replies late on, but the hammers cruise into the League cup Semi Final on the back of Connolly’s hat trick! 3-2

26th December 2004 - Vs Chelsea (A)

West Ham travel away from the Boleyn for the first time in a number of weeks, and it is obviously a disagreeable expedition as the Hammers surrender to two goals from Joe Cole and Adrian Mutu to lalow Chelsea a 2-0 win, Boo!

29th December 2004 - Vs Liverpool (H)


Back to the Boleyn, Hyypia sent offon 32, Oliseah scores on 33, Connolly on 35 and Defoe on 40, 3-0 at Half Time, Defoe grabs his brace on 66 to make it 4-0 to West Ham against the mighty scousers. What a sweet finish to 2004!

retired_abubaker

TIGERS UPDATE

Next up was a was a tricky away tie on paper against Swindon. Although it proved to be a different ball game on the pitch as Hull devestated their opponents with an awesome performance. Goals from Danny Allsopp and Porhallsson getting a brace as Hull went into overdrive in this game.

After this performance things were looking up at The Circle but in retrospect it did not quite happen like that. A game at home against Grimsby started a downward spiral for Hull as they would only to take 1 point from the next six league games. That point coming against Chesterfield in a 2-2 draw with goals from Ritchie "injury prone but potential superstar" Partridge and Stuart Elliot. The defeats came against Grimsby, Blackpool, Wigan, Plymouth and Cheltenham.

Finally they managed to win against Wycombe away in a fine performance to ease the fans nerves as the were starting to feel a bit jittery due to the recent run of form. Goals from Stuart Elliot and Danny Allsopp eased those nerves but it should have been more but in the end Hull had to settle for two.

Next up it was back to the Cirlce for the visit of Colchester. This was another vintage performance from Hull as they took Colchester apart with an awesome display of passing and moving. It was one way traffic as Hull put on a show for the fans who had been starved of a decent Hull performance at The Circle in recent weeks. again they created chance after but Hull did not put most of them away but did manage to score twice through goals from Stuart Elliot and Porhallsson.

Next up was a tough away trip at Barnsley. It proved to be tough in a very even encounter with both sides creating numerous chances and in the end a 2-2 draw was a fair result although Hull will feel slightly aggreived with the result but it was another game without defeat so Hepburn was happy. Goals came from Elliot and Allsopp who were both starting to hit some form.

Hull continued in this vain of form in the next few games as they defeated Tranmere, Notts County and Stockport 4-0, 3-0 and 4-0 respectively. At last Hull's strikers were finding the back of the net after a barren spell. In particular Stuart Elliot who notched all four goals in the game against Tranmere in a stunning individual performance. Loan signing Stewart Downing has to get a mention as he has been outstanding since his arrival from Boro on loan.

Then came Hepburn's first human v human clash as Hull visited London Road for the powerkeg clash against Edan Waldman's Peterbrough. The fans and both sets of players were really up for this game. The first half saw Peterbrough storm into a two goal lead in a fairly even first half but Hull pulled it back in an amazing recovery to win 3-2. Goals from Allsopp and another brace from Porhallsson won the match for Hull in a great team effort. It also meant another game unbeaten for Hull who were moving up the table nicely.

With this current run Hull were really wanting to take on anyone. Next up for them in the league was a trip to Lincoln. This was a game where Hull were outplayed as Lincoln played superbly well and had much of the play for long spells. Again they could not convert this possession into goals as Hull snatched a 1-1 draw courtesy of a spectacular Paulinho strike two minutes from time to deny Lincoln a deserved win. Hull knew they had played poorly but this a sign of champions, playing badly and still not losing. :cool:

This run still continued as Hull won their next three league games with successive 2-0 wins although more goals should have been the outcome in these games. Stuart Elliot was a target a few times during this run. During this run they had beaten Bournemouth, Ipswich and Reading which was potentially a tough game but turned out to be a great Hull performance.

Next up to what was becoming a bit of a fortress was Torquay. Again the visiting team walked away with nothing as Hull turned in another good performance as they won 1-0 but the scoreline flattered Torquay in truth as Hull bombarded them for 90 minutes.

Vans Trophy

In the past this competition has proved to be an anti climax for Hull. Last season knocked out by Blackpool in the second round. This season has however proved more fruitful for the Tigers. They find themselves in the semi final against Shrewsbury after good wins against Notts County, Chesterfield and Hartlepool. Hepburn has been quoted saying he does fancy his team's chances of reaching there first major final under Hepburn's management. This has yet to be seen though.

The FA Cup

So far so good in the famous cup as Hull have made there way to the third round where they face top of the table Bristol City. This is a tough draw but Hepburn feels it is winnable.

Stars of the Season so far

Hull have had a few stars this season that have helped turn their season around after a troublesome start. Thee star man has to be Stuart Elliot who has been sensational playing in an attacking midfield role and has been in freescoring form for the tigers. Other standout players have been Guy Branston in defence who has weighed in with his fair share of important goals. Loan signing Stewart Downing has been a revelation in midfield along with Paulinho who seems to be enjoying his football at The Circle again after some transfer speculation unsettled the young starlet. Ritchie Partridge is starting to get some games under his belt after a disasterous start to the season with injuries. Up front the consistent Allsopp has been banging them in with some help from Porhallsson. All in all things are starting to go well at The Circle under Hepburn's management.

:cool:

retired_pjscott64

Whatever happened to the website Gaz was building for our clan? is it still a goer or is it now a dead dodo?

retired_abubaker

Yeah Gaz thought you were gonna get it sorted over Christmas .