[Archived] West Ham United - Fa Cup 5Th Round

[Al]

Lambert just said that Gomez is the only one to drop out today who was fit.

Sorry but I just don't believe him. He is making excuses after realising that he got it badly wrong.

[EgyptianPete]

Seems fairly simple to me, we were beaten by a far better side. The days of us being a superior side to the likes of West Ham have gone, perhaps for good.

However, we did compete to an extent until the Taylor sending off. The fact that the majority of the crowd gave him a standing ovation says it all about the knowledge of football crowds.

All I'm trying to do for the rest of this season is to try and see some green shoots, to try and spot an emerging style of play and system- I believe we are slowly seeing that, however it all comes down to one thing- PLAYERS, PLAYERS, PLAYERS.

Give Lambert the tools and I believe he can slowly turn around the listing tanker that is BRFC, however another summer of selling your best assets and bringing in loans and freebies and we all know where we will be heading.

I agree why the hell clap taylor he was pretty crap the time he was on, then walks off so slowly he flatters to deceive with his jogging around antics and cost us at least one goal because he couldn't keep up after losing the ball, Henley and Akpan - please get rid, both awful, iv'e calmed down now but yesterday i was livid, no commitment from either, Henley has not progressed in three years the least i expect is commitment the last twenty minutes was a complete and utter shambles, oh and apparently you can't have an opinion in my section of the blackburn end, talk about dumbed down expectations.

[Al]

Suffice it to say that after that team selection I will never again pay for a ticket for a cup match. That team was an insult to the paying public and Brown should be paid up and seen off.

[philipl]

Think you are right about Coventry it was 2-5 (we scored first in that match as well)

Coventry also did us in the cup in 2008 at home 1-4

What an athletic figure of a man Micky Quinn was.

In all the belly aching about team selection yesterday, has anyone mention injuries or cup-tied?

[DE.]

What an athletic figure of a man Micky Quinn was.

In all the belly aching about team selection yesterday, has anyone mention injuries or cup-tied?

Wasn't Graham the only player cup tied?

[Al]

What an athletic figure of a man Micky Quinn was.

In all the belly aching about team selection yesterday, has anyone mention injuries or cup-tied?

Yes but if they are on the bench they are not injured.

[EgyptianPete]

Yes but if they are on the bench they are not injured.

Now if we get some kind of result at Derby maybe we can put it down to experience

[mustard]

I often defend Lambert but I was VERY disappointed in the team selection yesterday. Maybe he was trying to say to the Venky's "look at the dross I have to pick from" as there is no other fathomable explanation for playing hopeless chancers such as Taylor and Akpan.

Special mention for those who clapped off Taylor following his dismissal. Should be ashamed of themselves. I couldn't understand why the fudge a player who has been stealing a living the past few years, who posts regular updates on social media of him getting boozy and who then costs us a game (that we were fighting back in) by committing stupid fouls to culminate in a sending off gets clapped off by the fans. Me and my brother were one of a handful in N05 booing the idiot off and to the dipsticks who clapped him as he left the field, it was an insult to all those who've sported the famous blue and white. If I was Lambert, I'd terminate Taylor's contract today.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Can't disagree with any of that ( unusual ! ) I went to the Rovers v Man City game ( 42,000 attendance) and from memory Jim Fryatt was the only player to score against City in the Cup that year. If that game had taken place this weekend , Jim probably would have been rested , along with Bell , Lee and Summerbee !

I went with a pal of mine who was a ' City fan. He said later that their performance was their best of the season. The pace in that team was frightening. They went from defence to attack in about two quick passes to feet. We gave it a good go but badly missed Eamon Rogers and Billy Wilson who were both playing really well at the time.

They were suspended by the time the match was actually played having been free to play on the original date of the game.

[Exiled in Toronto]

It was the most memorable game I've seen at Ewood . Played under floodlights , massive crowd with City , dazzling in their black and red stripes, all skill , speed and power. When Jim Fryatt equalized I bet you could hear the noise on the Boulevard !

http://www.citytilidie.com/latest/blackburn-away-fa-cup-5th-round-196869/

Thanks for posting that, I don't remember ever seeing pictures of it. Just looking at the crowd in the Enclosure is almost unbelievable.

[onlyonetugay]

I went with a pal of mine who was a ' City fan. He said later that their performance was their best of the season. The pace in that team was frightening. They went from defence to attack in about two quick passes to feet. We gave it a good go but badly missed Eamon Rogers and Billy Wilson who were both playing really well at the time.

They were suspended by the time the match was actually played having been free to play on the original date of the game.

I'd forgotten that Eamonn Rodgers and Billy Wilson were suspended . You're right , at the time they were two of our better players , and weakened Rovers considerably that night. I really rated Billy Wilson , still one of the best left backs I've seen at Rovers. When Rovers sold Eamonn Rodgers I was devastated , he was our George Best !

[USABlue]

I think I have only just calmed down enough to comment now.

I was very pleased with how we started out, some nice slick passing, harrying, closing down then we scored and I thought an upset was on the cards. What came next was shameful

It was like a swicth was.flicked. We started backing off giving them time and space, the backing off for the.first goal, well ,I thought Bowyer was back in charge.

I've usually liked the fekla but today Akpan was a disgrace to the shirt. How much was he paid for strolling around constantly stopping short of putting in a challenge. The only thing more.disgraceful is that Lambert left him out there. I thought we had.turned a corner, obviously it was a u-turn. Lamberts done himself some damage with this. If I was in charge of Rovers he'd be gone today, just for that.

[Boz]

Overall a feeling of disappointment from yesterday's game.

We had a good chance after getting off to a great start to cause a shock, thanks to our best and in form player Ben Marshall.

To list the disappointments:-

PL - with the team selection and formation, plus the lack of changing things as the game progressed. We seemed to go with a two man holding midfield of Akpan & Lenihan to rest one of our most recent better player's, Evans, who has settled very well into sitting at the base of the diamond. Was PL hopeful of having two players there against Premier League opposition that might provide more cover? Well this failed, with neither of them filling the roll that Evans has been doing. Look at their first two goals, both were dragged out of a sitting midfield, turned and trying to recover the position. A holding midfield would have been there and coming out to meet Moses and Payet.

Akpan - I like him going forward where he attempts to get beyond the ball, but defensively he has been shown wanting and not at the races.

Henley - I am trying not to be too critical of a young lad from our academy, asked to come into the team and play at left back against one of the in form players in England, Payet. Regrettably he was not on his game, positionally he was sadly lacking, combined with lacking a sense of awareness or danger. He has previously done a job against good quality opposition, but yesterday he was poor, could he have got more help from experienced players Ward & Conway?. He looked shell shocked and might have appreciated being replaced, I'd have brought Kilgallon on and gone to three at the back.

Conway - again not the previous levels he has reached, he provided little coverage for Henley, or help, for a senior player I would have wanted him to do a lot more to assist down our left hand side where all their threats were mostly coming from. Did I see on here, or was it somewhere else in a pre-match report that WHU's attacking threat was down their right, obviously PL or his staff didn't appreciate this.

Steele - poor for the first goal and possibly for the second as it wasn't really in the corner, although if he'd come more across his goals and was beaten at the opposite side his wall was defending, he would be to blame, though a good free kick from a good player. Also, I recall a first half cross that seemed to be in the air for quite some time which he failed to come for, Marshall was asking him if he should have come for it. He did make some good reflex saves but merits a place on the bench, any other player at fault like he was for the first goal might expect not to be playing in the next match.

Taylor - unfortunate for his first yellow card, but after that an experienced player should not have been making a needless challenge in the opposition's half.

Brown - I can't say that I was particularly disappointed with him, as I set the bar so low given his ability or lack of, he worked hard, as per.

Referee - premier league ref, allowing WHU to fall over at will. The Professional Game Match Officials Board really need to get their house in order, the disparity in quality and referring application between the EPL and the Football League is stark and for the good of the game needs addressing. More to a Football League application too in my opinion with a physical challenge being occasionally permitted!

Overall, disappointed that from a good position we threw it away and ended up looking embarrassing.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Thanks for posting that, I don't remember ever seeing pictures of it. Just looking at the crowd in the Enclosure is almost unbelievable.

I was on the Blackburn End, all standing of course. We were packed in like sardines, it was a bit scary even for a twenty year old daft lad. The gulf that night was massive even though we had some good players in the team. The saddest thing for me was Bryan Douglas coming on as a sub when the game was all but over. At one time he would have danced around the ' City midfield but the magic was gone and looked as lost as the rest of the team.

A very young Stuart Metcalfe was outstanding for us that night out on the right wing. He took the fight to 'City all night. It was a free kick from a foul on him out on the right that Jim Fryatt headed home from

[philipl]

Thanks for posting that, I don't remember ever seeing pictures of it. Just looking at the crowd in the Enclosure is almost unbelievable.

I had the flu and couldn't go that night. I thought the gate was given as 48,000 something at the time. Ewood had an official capacity of 60,000- I don't know how they worked that one out but I think the Burnley replay in 1960 had 55,000 on.

[USABlue]

it's the hope that kills.

After yesterday, kill the Hope more like. If Lambert rested players then surely he us not so confident about iur ability to stay up is he.

[philipl]

WHam are contesting the Kayoute red card. Could get Marshall into trouble if they decide he dived.

Inconclusive from the TV angles I have seen.

[Dean]

WHam are contesting the Kayoute red card. Could get Marshall into trouble if they decide he dived.

Inconclusive from the TV angles I have seen.

It was Henley, and from what I've read that isn't their argument. They are saying that Henley had no chance of reaching the ball after he touched it, therefore Kouyate didn't deny a clear goal-scoring opportunity. They're not questioning the actual foul.

That was my initial reading of the situation as well, I imagine it will be overturned.

[K-Hod]

WHam are contesting the Kayoute red card. Could get Marshall into trouble if they decide he dived.

Inconclusive from the TV angles I have seen.

It shouldn't have been a red card imo. I don't think Henley dived though, it looked as if he tripped over on the replay.

[onlyonetugay]

I was on the Blackburn End, all standing of course. We were packed in like sardines, it was a bit scary even for a twenty year old daft lad. The gulf that night was massive even though we had some good players in the team. The saddest thing for me was Bryan Douglas coming on as a sub when the game was all but over. At one time he would have danced around the ' City midfield but the magic was gone and looked as lost as the rest of the team.

A very young Stuart Metcalfe was outstanding for us that night out on the right wing. He took the fight to 'City all night. It was a free kick from a foul on him out on the right that Jim Fryatt headed home from

Yes I remember Stuart Metcalfe ( sporting a crew cut/skinhead hairstyle ? ) having a really good game that night, I was in the Riverside , just nine years old. That year my Mum bought me a Rovers shirt off Accy market ( before club shops I suppose ) cut out a number 7 from some red material and sewed it on the back. Best birthday present ever !

[gumboots]

I think I have only just calmed down enough to comment now.

I was very pleased with how we started out, some nice slick passing, harrying, closing down then we scored and I thought an upset was on the cards. What came next was shameful

It was like a swicth was.flicked. We started backing off giving them time and space, the backing off for the.first goal, well ,I thought Bowyer was back in charge.

I've usually liked the fekla but today Akpan was a disgrace to the shirt. How much was he paid for strolling around constantly stopping short of putting in a challenge. The only thing more.disgraceful is that Lambert left him out there. I thought we had.turned a corner, obviously it was a u-turn. Lamberts done himself some damage with this. If I was in charge of Rovers he'd be gone today, just for that.

I thought you said you'd calmed down? Why sack Lambert because we lost yesterday? Who would you get instead? What would they do with the players we have? Win more games? I don't think so as general consensus is that the majority of players are not very good to rubbish. Yesterday didn't matter in real terms. It might be about pride and bragging rights for us so it hurts but for footballers it's just another match, one they would have liked to have won, because that's what they like doing. It's not a disgrace to lose to West Ham at the moment. It will be a disgrace if we lose to MK Dons at the weekend.

[gumboots]

Referee - premier league ref, allowing WHU to fall over at will. The Professional Game Match Officials Board really need to get their house in order, the disparity in quality and referring application between the EPL and the Football League is stark and for the good of the game needs addressing. More to a Football League application too in my opinion with a physical challenge being occasionally permitted!

have to agree with this. There were too many free kicks given for things that week in, week out are waved on in the Championship. I prefer the more physical side of things provided that dangerous and reckless challenges are punished. I get really irritated by the sight of 6ft2 athletes, solid muscle, being apparently felled by 5ft10 guys who look like a puff of wind would blow them away. Stay on your feet and show them they can't get to you used to be more the rule. Now it's fall over if he accidentally brushes you as he runs past and refs are too whistle happy and condone it

[jim mk2]

I was on the Blackburn End, all standing of course. We were packed in like sardines, it was a bit scary even for a twenty year old daft lad. The gulf that night was massive even though we had some good players in the team. The saddest thing for me was Bryan Douglas coming on as a sub when the game was all but over. At one time he would have danced around the ' City midfield but the magic was gone and looked as lost as the rest of the team.

A very young Stuart Metcalfe was outstanding for us that night out on the right wing. He took the fight to 'City all night. It was a free kick from a foul on him out on the right that Jim Fryatt headed home from

I was in the Nuttall Street stand. I've never been in an atmosphere like it - before or since, although Everton v Bayern in the Cup-winners Cup semi-final in 1984 was good. When Rovers equalised the whole stand shook, and I remember the crowd swaying on the opposite Riverside terrace, a frightening sight and how those barriers held firm I'll never know. Metcalfe had a good game and we all expected him to make a move to a "big" club - but the call never came for some reason. City were brilliant, though it hurt to watch it at the time. Happy days, though Rovers as a club was going down the pan.

[joey_big_nose]

The most bizarre thing Lambert did yesterday was the substitution immediately after Taylor got sent off. We went from a 5 man midfield to a 3 man midfield and never recovered

Agree about this. We had no midfield. West Ham cut through us like butter.

To be honest I think when Taylor went off Lambert decided the game was up and left us wide open.

[the original david brent]

have to agree with this. There were too many free kicks given for things that week in, week out are waved on in the Championship. I prefer the more physical side of things provided that dangerous and reckless challenges are punished. I get really irritated by the sight of 6ft2 athletes, solid muscle, being apparently felled by 5ft10 guys who look like a puff of wind would blow them away. Stay on your feet and show them they can't get to you used to be more the rule. Now it's fall over if he accidentally brushes you as he runs past and refs are too whistle happy and condone it

As much as Taylor was a moron for his needless and costly fouls, would any of those challenges have been bookings in the championship? The ref against Fulham certainly wouldn't have booked him!

The first one their player (Payet I think) wasn't going forward, he was going across at walking pace and we had defenders back. I thought at the time it was harsh to book him but then remembered we had a premier league referee. If the ref deemed that to be a booking then any trip within a goal scoring range should have been a booking.

The second one seemed to be an attempt to get the ball, albeit mistimed. Their player must have been 70 yards from goal. Taylor should have learned his lesson from the first booking and his actions were clearly braindead.

I just think that if Taylor is getting sent off for those kind of innocuous tackles, games will be finishing with 8 v 8 players.