ALAN Pardew admitted that it felt like a defeat conceding a late
goal in the 2-2 draw against Brighton.
But the Hammers boss could take heart from the fact that the point
earned moved West Ham United above Reading and into the final
Play-off spot.
"We don't find ourselves in the Play-offs because of one
result at Brighton," he explained. "It's the run
we've been on leading up to that game, which was really turned
things around for us.
"It was always going to be a fight at the Withdean. It was
never going to be a pretty game. It's a tough place to play,
the pitch is small and pretty much every ball forward you are going
to find dropping in your penalty box.
"Admittedly, we were disappointed to draw, because we've
missed two or three really clear cut chances. When that happens and
you come so close to claiming what would have been a massive three
points it can't help but feel like a defeat.
"But we've moved up a place, we've gone another game
unbeaten and now we'll look forward to what will hopefully be a
good night against Sunderland on Friday."
Brighton's goals both came from the head of Dean Hammond, and
although young centre-back pairing, Elliott Ward and Anton
Ferdinand, might have done better on the goals Pards was in no mood
to hear any criticism of his defenders.
"Those two players have done terrific," he said.
"Maybe if we had had an experienced head there he might have
got us further up the pitch and we wouldn't have put ourselves
in that position.
"If you find crosses coming across your six yard box the
bottom line is they've got to be headed away.
"We didn't do that and it cost us, but we also felt
aggrieved about the corner being given before their second goal. We
don't think it was a corner, but their was a busy linesman on
that side who gave it and it has cost us.
"But Elliott and Anton are one of the reasons we now find
ourselves in the Play-offs. Their form has been brilliant over this
unbeaten run, so I'm not going to criticism them.
"It's really the first time at this level that they've
come under that type of pressure. Possibly a bit at Stoke, but we
handled it well there and unfortunately we couldn't do the same
at Brighton.
"But the two young lads will work at it and you can be sure
they'll get better at it because they are both excellent
players."
Now Alan must prepare his players for the visit of already-promoted
Sunderland to Upton Park on Friday. And the Hammers boss is
anticipating a bumper atmosphere for the Friday night fixture.
"Hopefully it'll be a great atmosphere on Friday," he
said. "It's a vital game and the crowd will really be up
for it.
Hopefully, they can create a similar atmosphere to the one we had
against Ipswich in the Play-off semi-finals last season, because
with a full stadium behind us it will give the team a great chance
of getting a result.
"Despite already being promoted I'm sure Sunderland will
come looking to put on a good show.
"Now we've got a couple of days to lift ourselves and get
over the Brighton result, because it was bitterly disappointing for
everyone.
"But we'll do that and the aim now is to prepare in the
right way for Sunderland and make sure we take maximum points on
Friday night."
Pards' Point To Prove
23rd April 2005