WEST Ham United have gone down 2-0 to Sheffield United at Upton
Park, goals from Derek Geary in the first-half and Leigh Bromby
after the break sealing defeat.
It was only the third time the Hammers have lost at the Boleyn
Ground this season, but the disappointment was obvious after
Saturday's 2-0 win at league leaders Ipswich.
Alan Pardew named the same side that won so well at Portman Road,
Teddy Sheringham(ankle) and Steve Lomas(calf) missing out for the
second game in a row.
Luke Chadwick shook off a bout of flu to take his place on the
bench, while Chris Cohen was among the substitutes in place of
Trent McClenahan.
The match began at a tepid pace, both sides showing weariness from
busy holiday schedules.
Sheffield United looked the more dangerous in the early stages and
had the game's first genuine effort on goal when Hayden Mullins
conceded possession to former Hammer John Harley 18 yards out. He
laid the ball back to Michael Tonge, but the midfielder dragged his
shot harmlessly wide.
The Blades were looking for their first win at Upton Park since
1974, and enjoyed the better of the goalmouth action without really
creating any clear cut openings.
Andy Liddell's half volley from Andy Gray's knock down on
27 minutes caused more flinching in the Bobby Moore Lower than it
did in West Ham's penalty area, as the Blades looked to
unsettle the home defence with a series of aerial assaults.
Bobby Zamora just failed to connect with Matty Etherington's
corner, but against a stern Blades defence the Hammers found it
hard to test visitors' goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
Indeed, with Neil Warnock's side employing some of
the most negative tactics seen at Upton Park in recent times it was
little surprise that chances were scarce.
But just when it looked as though the half would end goalless,
Sheffield United scored.
Jon Harley fed Derek Geary and his shot was deflected past Bywater
off the unfortunate Tomas Repka to send the Blades in 1-0 up at the
break.
HT: 0-1
Pards made two changes at the start of the second-half, Sergei
Rebrov and Luke Chadwick replacing Bobby Zamora and Matty
Etherington.
The substitutions instilled more confidence into the Hammers.
Keeping the ball better and showing more drive going forward,
Marlon Harewood shot over and Carl Fletcher dragged his long-range
effort wide.
But the West Ham fight-back was halted in dramatic fashion after 59
minutes when defender Leigh Bromby struck a decisive second for the
Blades.
Andy Liddell swung in a corner from the right and Malky
Mackay's headed clearance dropped to Bromby on the edge of the
box, who dispatched a dipping drive beyond the outstretched
Bywater.
The goal failed to dampen West Ham's determination, though.
Sergei Rebrov twisted away from a defender before unleashing a
skimming shot that crept just wide and Luke Chadwick surged into
the box only to see his cross diverted away from danger by Bromby.
With Sheffield United content to sit deep in their own half, Alan
Pardew's men began to pile on the pressure, yet continued to be
thwarted by a solid Blades backline.
Academy graduate Chris Cohen was introduced as an extra midfielder
after 78 minutes, with Malky Mackay making way, but Neil
Warnock's side remained resolute.
Substitutes Rebrov and Chadwick continued to carry the most threat
for West Ham but, like the majority of the 27,424 fans inside Upton
Park, the home side were frustrated as their attacking build ups
were disrupted by the team with the best away record in the
Championship.
Nigel Reo-Coker had a stinging drive blocked late on and the
rebound almost rolled very kindly for the Hammers, but Luke
Chadwick failed to force the ball over the line as Bromby cleared
the danger.
Despite being encouraged by four minutes of added time, the Hammers
could not find a way back into the match and it ended 2-0 to
Sheffield United.