Sunday, October 23, 2005
West Ham 2 Boro 1
So on the balance of play The Hammers probably just deserved to win this - looking fresher and more competitive, especially on the left side - but the game will be remembered for a massive injustice and a linesman who guessed a goal that never was!
No complaints about their first - Sheringham coming on and having instant impact, finding a yard on a tired looking Boro defense that were under pressure throughout the match. Their second however was no where near a goal, as Chris Riggott touched it back towards Schwarzer who fumbled but eventually saved well enough. Every man on the pitch, even those in claret and blue looked bemused at the decision and the tie was effectively over.
To their credit Boro didn't give up and were rewarded with a late consolation from Rochemback's corner and Queudrue's confident header. Not a classic performance and the hint of a European hangover once again leaves the club in the bottom half of the premiership with serious concerns about keeping in touch with the top six. The next league match is against Man Utd and things may get worse before they get better - It is time to stop pretending we deserve to win and just go out and do the business...
My MOTM: Franck Queudrue for coming on for an injured Southgate and showing exactly the right spirit for the team.
No complaints about their first - Sheringham coming on and having instant impact, finding a yard on a tired looking Boro defense that were under pressure throughout the match. Their second however was no where near a goal, as Chris Riggott touched it back towards Schwarzer who fumbled but eventually saved well enough. Every man on the pitch, even those in claret and blue looked bemused at the decision and the tie was effectively over.
To their credit Boro didn't give up and were rewarded with a late consolation from Rochemback's corner and Queudrue's confident header. Not a classic performance and the hint of a European hangover once again leaves the club in the bottom half of the premiership with serious concerns about keeping in touch with the top six. The next league match is against Man Utd and things may get worse before they get better - It is time to stop pretending we deserve to win and just go out and do the business...
My MOTM: Franck Queudrue for coming on for an injured Southgate and showing exactly the right spirit for the team.