Matty's Going For Goals

WINGER Matty Etherington will be going for goals in Saturday's clash with Watford at Upton Park as he looks to end a run of eight games without hitting the back of the net.

And with Marlon Harewood suspended, Matty knows he will need to be at his creative best as Alan Pardew's men look to bounce back in style with a win over the Hornets.

"It's important that we get a win against Watford," admitted the 23-year-old winger, "because it will give everyone connected with the Club a lift. We've had a bit of a poor run recently and we really need to bounce back with a good performance against Watford, and give the supporters something to cheer.

"We share their frustration when results don't go our way, but we're determined to put our home form back on track this weekend and take a good result with us up to Sunderland. 

" Marlon's sending-off at Millwall was disappointing and it means he'll be missing for this weekend's match. But that is why you have a squad of players, and I'm confident that whoever comes in will do a good job.

" Naturally I'd love to be the one that gets the goals on Saturday. I haven't scored for a few games now, so it would be good to get back amongst the goals. But to be honest it doesn't bother me who scores. As long as we get the three points that's all that matters."

Matty, who arrived at the Club from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2003, knows a thing or two about London derbies. And, after a tense encounter at the New Den on Sunday, the midfielder is looking forward to another local clash - and a highly-charged atmosphere - at Upton Park.

"The game at the Den was very tough," he confessed. "It was tense all around the ground, and that was reflected in some of the things going on out on the pitch.

"But I thought we handled ourselves well on the whole and we'll need similar composure again against Watford.

"Although no where near as hyped-up as the Millwall game, it is another local rivalry and I'm sure Watford will come to Upton Park looking to throw us off our game.

"They achieved a very good draw at Leeds United during the week and will come into the game with a lot of confidence. But the belief amongst the West Ham squad is still strong and the lads are all looking forward to Saturday's game.

"It's no secret that we've had a bad run, but nobody is keener to put that right than the manager and players. Hopefully, we can do that with a win against Watford."