Rhapsody in Claret and Blue
West Ham United 2 Stan Ternent's Burnley 2
Report by Hego
As one of the fortune(ate) 500 who ventured out to watch the Clarets' childlike display of defending earlier in the week at Ipswich, I could not be blamed for being a little concerned at the entertainment to be spread before us at the Boleyn Ground. It was a bit like being an away supporter in the Lions versus Christians derby match in the good old days of the Colosseum. There was a view, shared by most imbibers at the local hostelry before the match, that the best preparation for the game would be to practise restarts. So, in the forlorn hope of a thumbs-up performance from the Clarets (and a ground tick), we all ventured forth into the depths of vee Eest Eeened, through bandit territory, for our first League game here in twenty-two years.
There didn't seem to me to be too much potential trouble in the general vicinity of the ground, but this may have had something to do with the vast array of constabulary around and about (in all guises: airborne, equine and canine). There could have been some river chappies in blue, too, but the need for liquid of the alcoholic variety cut short that particular line of enquiry. It could also have had something to do with the fact that you could wear BFC colours in some comfort, and indeed I think that the natives didn't realise quite what was to appear on their horizon. The view of the locals can be summed up in the oft-heard comment "Wot the 'ell are we playing this s**t for?". The answer (which one would not presume to offer whilst in that part of the world) is of course that we play in the same division. Yes indeed: welcome to the 1st Division, 'Appy 'Ammers!
Stan had no success in attracting a loan star in the few days since the last disaster, but Arthur did return from QPR, having played quite well. Luke Chadwick was also back to full fitness. The 'Ammers - managed by the godlike Trev Brooking - had Defoe and Connolly back, which was seriously bad news. Alan Pardew was in attendance after his successful escape from Reading. It would appear that his only serious challenger for the post came from an applicant whose previous managerial experience was on his PlayStation. However, a back line including bozos of the quality (or lack of it) of Pearce, Repka and Dailly was not to be sniffed at, as the probability of filling the onion bag was correspondingly higher than normal. Apparently the latter has received messages from God telling him not to quit soccer as yet, which, if true, means that he should buy a new aerial. I have to say, however, that 5-1 odds on a home win looked about right, even through my extremely biased eyes.
The ground itself isn't up to much, and the away end is crap - lodged underneath the home support behind one goal. They should call in an air strike and start again. I am amazed that these places ever get safety certificates, as in an emergency a speedy escape would have been impossible. With the exception of an extremely voluble BFC away support, the overall atmosphere was funereal and heavily expectant of a substantial home win.
Indeed, in the early stages of the game it seemed that Stan's team believed this as well, as they paid the 'Ammers far too much respect. Dailly and Defoe both had decent chances in the first twenty minutes, with the latter looking particularly dangerous (as you would expect of a seriously quality striker). The inevitable goal came after possession was again given away by Branch in a dangerous area to Connolly, who fed Defoe. The Beast saved the ensuing shot before Connolly swooped on the rebound without a BFC defender in sight. One-nil to the 'Ammers, and a modicum of cheers from the natives in the home stands.
The inevitable Repka booking, on 27 minutes, followed an agricultural hack at Chadwick. The last time I saw something that vaguely resembled Repka was on the Discovery Channel! Weller was then withdrawn from the fray, having made zero impact on proceedings. Assume he was injured - or maybe he was still disappointed that the 'Ammers didn't take him on in the days of 'Appy 'Arry Redknapp. Defoe then had another chance in a one-on-one with the Beast, which was saved - before we managed an equaliser out of nothing. A quick breakaway down the left by Moore was met at the far post by Facey, who took the ball on before beating James with a heavy drive into the corner of the net. Party time! The scoreboard stayed at 1-0 for some time after, in tune with the home support, which was in complete denial.
The second half was a full-on battle, in contrast to the tentative deference of the first half, as BFC realised they could actually win. It was almost a disastrous start, as Defoe hit the bar following a Chadwick misplaced pass. Etherington, who was giving a man of the match performance against Dean West, had an early chance, as did Dailly from an unchallenged header. Quinn was booked for a miserable foul on Moore, before being replaced by Mellor as the 'Ammers chased the win. The Beast caught a few high balls, admittedly not under much pressure, which was met by some ironic cheers from the away support. Not a popular man at present!
An anonymous Blake was taken off, to be replaced by Farrelly in an attempt to neutralise the continuing threat from Etherington, before Chadwick created a great chance for Grant on 70 minutes. Neat wing play led to a shot from Grant, who was centrally located at the edge of the box. He hit the inside of the post with James well beaten, but the lead was not too long in coming. Ian Moore broke through a static back line, chasing a Farrelly through ball before shooting for goal. James blocked the shot, but could not prevent the ball from entering the net. Cue delirium, with ten minutes to go.
The 'Ammers continued to press, and with five minutes left they equalised through a stunning Hutchison left-foot volley through a penalty area full of players. This followed a Dailly headed knock-down. Not a bad substitution by Saint Trev. It wasn't quite the end of the match, as Moore went close and Defoe hit the post. End of entertainment, and the long, long, long wait to get away from this part of the World.
This was a solid performance from Stan's boys, and a deserved point, in an exciting end-to-end game (particularly in the second half). Chaplow was in excellent form, chasing and harrying Carrick and Lee, and both Moore and - inevitably - Chadwick were involved in most good things that BFC did. The 'Ammers were always dangerous going forward, as you would expect with Defoe, Connolly and the excellent Etherington bang in form. Strangely, even the refereeing was passable, too. Thirty-one points to go.
Finally, a thought for the day. How do they persuade deer to cross the road only at those special road signs?
Burnley: Jensen, West, Camara, Gnohere, Branch, Weller (Grant, 27), Chaplow, Chadwick, Facey, Ian Moore, Blake (Farrelly, 78).
Subs not used: Roche, O'Neill, Pilkington.
Scorers: (West Ham) Connolly 20, Hutchison 86 / (Burnley) Facey 38, Ian Moore 82.
Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire).
Attendance: 31,474.
Hego's Man of the Match: Richard Chaplow.
As with all articles on the site, the views expressed in the match reports section are those of the individual contributor, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Burnley FC London Supporters' Club.
