Chelsea v West Ham Utd: half time report

  • by Staff Writer
  • Sunday, 14th December 2008

The Hammers go into the break one up in this afternoon's London derby at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Craig Bellamy strike.

Bellamy - who, prior to today, had failed to register since the opening day of the season - scored the only goal of the first half when he converted a Mark Noble cross from close range on 33 minutes.

Unsurprisingly the home side enjoyed the better of the first half (10 shots to four) but a combination of poor finishing and solid defending from the Hammers back four - featuring Calum Davenport in place of the missing James Collins - ensured Robert Green remained unbeaten at the break.

Referee Mike Riley did his best to spoil a feisty yet fascinating game by booking five players in the first half - Ashley Cole, John Obi Mikel and Michael Ballack for Chelsea, Carlton Cole and goalscorer Bellamy for the Hammers - and both sides will be have to be on their guard in the second period in order to ensure the match finishes with 22 players on the pitch.

We'll have more for you at the final whistle.

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