Nationwide Division One PO
Crystal Palace 1 West Ham United 0

Saturday, 29th May 2004
by Graeme Howlett

'And like my dreams, they fade and die' - never have those words seemed more poignant than today, after the Hammers went down 1-0 in this afternoon's first division play-off final to Crystal Palace at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium.

All had gone so well up until kick off; Alan Pardew had a fully fit squad to choose from, whilst 35,000+ expectant Hammers fans filled the streets and bars of Cardiff in preparation for the game that all hoped would take West Ham back into the Premiership at the first attempt.

Many questions were being asked beforehand about which West Ham would turn up - would it be the side that disappointed so at Portman Road in the first leg of the semi-final - or the side which offered a hugely impressive performance in the return leg, in the game which sent West Ham through to today's final?

Less than 15 minutes into the game, the signs weren't good. Marlon Harewood, for one, was having one of his off days on the right flank - which was surprising such was the vast space in which to roam he was afforded by the Millennium Stadium's huge playing surface - something which, on reflection, probably didn't help our cause thanks to Upton Park boasting the narrowest pitch in the first division.

The first real scare for West Ham came after Palace had aimed a couple of free-kicks wide of Stephen Bywater's goal. Three Hammers went in for a crunch tackle on the edge of the box, the ball spun loose to a Palace played who diverted the ball beyond the onrushing Bywater. However Tommy Repka was there to save the day with a goalline clearance (not dissimilar to the one which cost him an own goal earlier in the season). The signs were ominous.

Bobby Zamora could have changed all that had he converted a one on one moments later, after he was sent clear on goal thanks to a fabulous pass from Michael Carrick, who was surely playing his last game in claret and blue. However Zamora crashed his shot against the keeper; how costly that miss was to eventually prove.

West Ham's other best chance of the half fell to captain Christian Dailly, who sent a free header from a corner wide of the mark. Crucial chances missed - and when the half-time whistle sounded a sense of foreboding had already engulfed a Hammers support of some 35,000 people.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, although West Ham could have gone ahead through Steve Lomas, although he saw his dipping volley from the edge of the box easily tipped over by Vaesen.

Not unexpectedly Palace finally took the lead on the hour mark after Stephen Bywater failed to divert a Johnson shot, and Neil Shipperley ghosted in between three static defenders to clinch the goal which would ultimately be enough to secure a return to the Premiership after six years' absence for Palace.

Almost immediately the Hammers had the ball in the net when David Connolly chipped the advacing keeper, but it was (rightly) ruled offside. Minutes later West Ham thought again that they had produced the equaliser when Bobby Zamora stabbed home from close range. However the linesman had decided that the former Brighton man was offside; it looked marginal at the time.

Alan Pardew had by this stage seen enough, and introduced Brian Deane and Nigel Reo-Coker for the disappointing Harewood and Zamora.

As the half wore on Pardew threw his final roll of the dice, replacing David Connolly with Don Hutchison with little more than quarter of an hour remaining. It's fair to say that the decision was greeted with a measure of astonishment by the supporters, who were mystified at Pardew's decision to remove the lively striker when the Hammers had little more than 15 minutes in order to save the game. There has been no news since of an injury to Connolly.

Graham Poll - whose previous misdemeanors against West Ham KUMB had outlined in the 'Poll the other one' news item earlier in the week - firmly lodged himself alongside the likes of Keith Hackett in the annals of 'Most Hated Referees' by denying a cast iron penalty for a foul on Michael Carrick with just minutes remaining.

So blatant was the foul that even the watching Hammers fans were stunned into near silence by Poll's refusal to award a spot kick. It's true to say that over the course of a season these things tend to even themselves out - but to be denied such an obvious penalty with so much at stake was the cruelest blow. Poll's grin afforded to any appealing Hammer particularly rankled. Bearing in mind this referee's previous history with West Ham questions should be asked as to how he was awarded the task of officiating in the club's most important game in a generation.

West Ham were offered some hope when the fourth official signalled four minutes injury time, but rather than provide the Hammers fans with any joy it merely served to prolong the agony, as Palace saw out the final moments in some comfort.

As the final whistle blew, Iain Dowie rushed on to the pitch to embrace his players as the Hammers fell to their knees. Despite having to endure such a costly and devastating defeat, one couldn't help but applaud former Hammer Dowie, who endured such a tough time as a player, but has come back to confound his critics and perform a near miracle by taking Palace back to the Premiership after such a short time in charge.

So, at the end of the day, West Ham were simply not good enough. Had we played to our full capacity we wouldn't now be placing such importance on a referee's decision. Had the team which destroyed Ipswich at Upton Park featured today we would have walked this game. And that's meant with no disrespect to Crystal Palace, who thoroughly deserved their victory today.

Fingers will undoubtedly be pointed at the players and the manager as supporters seek to express their disappointment at the defeat, which condemns the Hammers to at least another season of First Division football.

Yes, the team was off form today - yes, the manager's starting line up and subsequent substitutions could be questioned - but it would be harsh perhaps to criticise their efforts too much after a season of utter turmoil both on and off the pitch at Upton Park.

Since May 2003, West Ham have sold or released more than 20 players, employed three managers and two assistant managers AND faced possible administration. With that in mind, it could be argued that to do as well as they have this season should be applauded.

Questions will now be asked about next season. What players will leave; what budget - if any - will Alan Pardew receive to spend on replacements; can the club retain it's supporter base in the face of this latest in a long line of disappointments?

As far as the ongoing boardroom struggle is concerned, Terry Brown's administration will face their toughest test yet as they fight desperately to retain control of the club in the face of mounting unrest amongst supporters. WHISTLE remain in the shadows waiting to provide a ??20m cash injection which would stabalise the clubs financial position - indeed, after today, for how much longer can Brown refuse to accept fresh financial support?

Those questions can wait for another day. For now, instead of dreaming of trips to Anfield, to Old Trafford and to Stamford Bridge we face another season at venues such as The Madjeski Stadium, Home Park and Millmoor.

Harsh perhaps that the past nine months efforts eventually hinged on one poor performance - but even the most biased Hammer would probably admit that over the course of the season, we just weren't really quite good enough.

We'll see you all next season. Keep the faith - our day will come.

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Player Ratings

Stephen Bywater
Steve's handling was erratic today, and his kicking fared little better. One who looked as if the occasion got the better of him overall, although he made an excellent save to deny Andy Johnson in the first half.


Tomas Repka
On the positive side, Tomas kept his temper in check (bar one late altercation which involved nearly everybody) and defended solidly. The first half goalline clearance was vital, although his distribution could have been better. Likely to be his last game for West Ham.


Hayden Mullins
Favoured over Rufus Brevett at left back, it was a difficult afternoon for Mullins who was targeted by Palace as a weak spot in the side. As with several of his team mates, his distribution was poor. One wonders whether he will be regretting moving from Palace earlier in the season.


Christian Dailly
A real captain's performance from the big-hearted Scot, who along with Steve Lomas were the only squad members to applaud the crowd at the final whistle. Has said in the past week that he wants to stay at West Ham whatever division they are in; if he is to do so a big drop in wages is probably necessary.


Andy Melville
Did a fair job at the heart of the defence although he was caught napping when Neil Shipperley ghosted in behind him to score the game's only goal. With departures likely the veteran Welshman looks set to retain his place at the heart of defence next season.


Michael Carrick
In what was almost certainly his last game for West Ham, Carrick was a huge disappointment bearing in mind the expectancy played upon his young shoulders. A great through ball to Zamora and a valid shout for a penalty were just about the sum of his notable contributions. Still a huge void to fill should he leave in the summer.


Steve Lomas
A typically combative performance from the Ulsterman, who was visibly upset by the defeat. Almost scored a beauty with a dipping volley. Another who could be on his way in the summer due to his Premiership wages.


Matthew Etherington
One or two mazy runs down the flank and a dipping drive were about as much as West Ham's player of the year could muster. Clearly targeted by Palace, more often than not he was forced inside by the defenders in order to keep him off his dangerous left-foot. A job well done by Iain Dowie and his charges.


Bobby Zamora
Once again it just wasn't to be Bobby's day. He will reflect on the missed opportunity when one on one with Vaesen which should have put the Hammers ahead. His speed troubled Palace but apart from one brief moment when he fired home only to be ruled offside he offered little threat.


Marlon Harewood
An utterly disappointing performance. Clearly unhappy at playing on the flank, but he hardly helped his cause by putting in next to no effort - which was quite incredible, considering the importance of the game. One gets the feeling that Harewood could be set for pastures new in the summer if he fails to resolve his questionable attitude.


David Connolly
Connolly's form in front of goal has dipped just at the wrong time. Still made an impact, being his usual busy self frustrating and harrying the opposition - but it just wasn't enough. His late substitution was questionable as you still felt Connolly could just produce the one moment of necessary magic to turn the game.



Substitutes

Brian Deane
(Replaced Zamora, 68) Thrown on again as a last resort, this was one game too far for the big striker, who was making his farewell performance in claret and blue. Despite today's disappointment Deane can feel proud of his efforts for West Ham.


Nigel Reo-Coker
(Replaced Harewood, 68) Injected some much needed pace into the Hammers midfield but it was all a case of too little, too late.


Don Hutchison
(Replaced Connolly, 74) Failed to make any kind of impact when replacing Connolly late on. Yet another who looks on his way in the summer.


Pavel Srnicek
Did not play.


Rufus Brevett
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Stephen Bywater, Tomas Repka, Hayden Mullins, Christian Dailly, Andy Melville, Michael Carrick, Steve Lomas, Matthew Etherington, Bobby Zamora, Marlon Harewood, David Connolly.

Goals: None.

Booked: Tomas Repka 44 Nigel Reo-Coker 89 Matthew Etherington 90      .

Sent Off: None sent off.     .

Crystal Palace: Vaesen, Granville, Butterfield, Popovic, Leigertwood, Routledge, Rihilahti, Derry, Hughes, Johnson, Shipperley.

Subs not used: Berthelin, Powell, Black, Watson.

Goals: Shipperley (62).

Booked: Derry (72), Hughes (77), Routledge (90).

Sent off: None.

Referee: G.Poll.

Attendance: 72,523.

Man of the Match: Steve Lomas.