Newcastle v West Ham match report

By: j | September 20th, 2008

The Gianfranco Zola era at West Ham started with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Newcastle earlier today on the strength of two David Di Michele goals before the break. The Hammers added to their lead eight minutes after the break with a strike from Matthew Etherington. Things were looking bleak till Michael Owen finished wonderfully at the sixty-seven minute mark and it definitely provided the Magpies a morsel of hope as they fought valiantly on. While West Ham threated with a number of opportunities including two misses Luis Boa Morte that left you gasping, they held tough for the resounding victory.

Certainly for the Toon Army this is a difficult step in a difficult season however I do want to stress the club fought very hard today and certainly showed an inspired and honourable effort after falling behind 3-0. Acting manager Chris Hughton is doing a splendid job in a impossible position and I think should be commended for holding the club together.

Newcastle faces Tottenham this Wednesday in Carling Cup action and Blackburn in league action on Saturday.

Newcastle
Shay Given,Claudio Cacapa,David Edgar (Sébastien Bassong 60′),Steven Taylor,Fabricio Coloccini,Nicky Butt,Charles N’Zogbia,Geremi,Damien Duff,Michael Owen,Xisco
Substitutes not used:Steve Harper,Ryan Donaldson,Mark Doninger,Ignacio González,Ben Tozer,Shola Ameobi

West Ham
Robert Green,Lucas Neill,Hérita N’Kongolo Ilunga,Matthew Upson,Mark Noble,Scott Parker (Hayden Mullins 72′),Julien Faubert,Valon Behrami,Matthew Etherington (Luis Boa Morte 74′),David Di Michele,Carlton Cole (Fred Sears 87′)
Substitutes not used:Kyel Reid,Walter Lopez,Calum Davenport,Jan Lastuvka