West Ham United 0 Leeds United 0
Sunday, 14th May 2000
by Graeme Howlett
The Hammers could only manage a goalless draw with Leeds on the final day of the season.
The outgoing Marc Vivien Foe became the latest Hammer to receive his marching orders for kicking Danny Mills in the final minute.The result was enough for David O'Leary's side to qualify for next seasons 'Champions League'.
The final curtain came down on a topsy-turvy season for the Hammers at Upton Park this afternoon with a goalless draw against David O'Leary's young Leeds side.
Despite having the lions share of possession the Hammers failed to find the net and had to settle for a share of the spoils.
It was a beautiful summers day in East London with temperatures outside the ground bordering on 30 degrees. The carnival atmosphere was evident, and the packed house came expecting goals but left disappointed as neither side managed to convert any of several good chances.
Saying that there weren't too many sad faces amongst the vocal travelling support - the point was enough for O'Leary's boys to guarantee a spot in next season's lucrative Champions League. Likable Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale was full of smiles after the final whistle.
The best chances of a rather drab encounter fell in the main to the Hammers; Paulo Wanchope drove across goal when he should have hit the target on 21 minutes; Freddy Kanoute should have done better with a good opportunity on the hour and Paolo Di Canio rounded Leeds keeper Nigel Martyn shortly after but his shot rolled agonisingly across the face of the open goal with nobody in striking range.
The only contentious issue came in the final minute, with Leeds already celebrating their third place following the news from Bradford that Liverpool had been beaten 1-0 - which, as I'm sure you've heard by now was enough to relegate London neighbours Wimbledon - and former Hammers John Hartson and Michael Hughes. Marc Vivien Foe became involved in a scuffle with one of the Leeds defenders before inexplicably laying the boot into the prone defender. Unfortunately for Foe it was right under the nose of referee Graham Barber who had no option but to show the red card. Not the best way to say goodbye.
So with the points shared the squad came on for the now ritual lap of honour at the end of the game, and Paolo Di Canio was duly named Hammers player of the year. The day really summed up our entire season - could have done better.
The point means that the Hammers finish in 9th spot in the Premiership - 4 places and 2 points down on last season. But at least we finished above Tottenham - again, so it wasn't all bad.
Final word of the day goes to Harry Redknapp.
"It's been an enjoyable season and we've played some great games. We would have done even better and finished higher if we hadn't run into the injury crisis we had a couple of months ago. It's incredible to see that we've finished so high with what we've had to play with."
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Match Facts
West Ham United: , , , , , , , , , , .Goals: None.
Booked: None.
Sent off: None.
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Subs not used: .
Goals: .
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Sent off: None.
Referee: .
Attendance: 0.
Man of the Match: .