Dublin Hammers Meetings - Season 2014-2015
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 24th May, 2015
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Well another season comes to a close, after a promising start the season fizzled out to a damp squib… and a new dawn beckons after BFS leaves the club. I think a collective sigh of relief was heard from East London to Brannigans in Dublin!
The last trip is a distant memory and members have recovered and are ready for a few drinks as we mull over the season at the Annual AGM. Things started well as Paul the Barman sanctioned a free pint to all members, so thank you to him and all at Brannigans for looking after us all season!
First on the agenda was the treasury report, Jimmy clad in a dapper shiny suit quickly glossed over the missing 5 million and we moved on to electing the new committee… well “new” it wasn’t, as we saw Liam as Secretary, Eddie was Chairman, Jimmy the Treasurer, Tom the Travel Sec. and Gerry Nolan and Brian Madden… the same as last season, however, as Timmy said “if it ain’t broken, why fix it?” well said that man!
We had a brief break as the sandwiches and hot food arrived, but before long the floor was opened and the following topics were discussed.
Season tickets for next season… at present 2 members have a season ticket, these will be open to use by members (when they are not being used by the ticket owner). Costs for use of these season tickets will be €50. A third ticket is available for the cost of €25 per game (contact Liam for more information).
Will there be any DH 25th Anniversary celebration? This was discussed, but no firm decision was made.
Getting tickets for next season… Travel Sec. Tom stated that due to it being our last season at Upton Park, it will not be so easy to get tickets, all members MUST be UK Members if they want to travel next season!
And that folks was about it... then we headed downstairs for a pint!
Report by Paul Smith.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 24th May, 2015
NEWCASTLE UTD 2 vs WEST HAM UTD 0.
So this was it, the last game of the season and the Hammers are in the north east for what was billed as survival Sunday. The meeting in Brannigans saw the return of the members from last weeks game vs Everton and Ray from Romford.
It was fortunate for Newcastle that they found themselves up against a club whose mood was almost as dismal as their own. You would have been forgiven for thinking, at times during the first half, that this was an end-of-season game with nothing whatsoever riding upon it rather than a potentially pivotal moment in the life of Newcastle.
As for West Ham, it meant a great deal less. One thing was for sure this had to be Big Sams swan song, the writing was on the wall, the board had called a meeting for Monday but Sam wasn't going to attend he was away with the grandchildren on holidays, a statement in its self.
Liam must have been thirsty as he bought himself a Guinness and a Coors Light, it transpired the Coors was for Sandra, who turned up a half hour after it was bought for her and Liam as diplomatic as ever, asked her what took you so long Darling.
Gerry (I'll do it if nobody else will) Nolan was feeling a bit seedy after his granddaughter's party, nothing a pint of Bud wouldn't cure and out of nowhere he produces a bubble machine and fills it with Budweiser... Gerry... tut tut.
Half time saw four plates of sambos and more beer soapy beer for Gerry.
The second half saw Newcastle take the lead when Sissoko met Gutierrez's fine cross from the left with a downward header to put Newcastle in front. Gutierrez then raised the roof by unleashing a strike that deflected beyond Adrian. West Ham played shit in the second half, they didn't play much better in the first half, and Newcastle saw the match out and survived to play another season in the Premier League, the result saw Hull relegated.
The early season promise had faded badly at West Ham, and Allardyces' style of football does not sit well with everybody, so it was his time to go, we can stay a mid table team with Fat Sam or we can try push forward with somebody else. I'm not saying the next manager will be the next big thing, but Big Sam was not doing it any more at West Ham and I'll never forgive him for the F.A Cup debacle against Forest... so "good bye Sam, don't let the door hit you in the arse when you leave".
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting/Trip - 16th May, 2015
WEST HAM UTD 1 vs EVERTON 2.
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The Presidents View... As Bill O'Herlihy used to say. "Live". Not inspiring in the first half, second half |
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 9th May, 2015
ASTON VILLA 1 vs WEST HAM UTD 0.
To think at Christmas West Ham were 4th in the Premiership giving so many fans the 'good factor' feeling, a feeling we have not had in a long time. This match, away to Villa, saw us struggle once again. Since the 2-0 away win at WBA on December 2nd, the Hammers and their travelling fans have clocked up over 1,300 miles in pursuit of a victory without joy.
The match was a 3 o'clock kick off and we had a good turn out for this meeting, with a stag party from London, Turkey and America (the same stags) joining us. A big hello to Patrick Ahern and his buddies, hope you all enjoyed the rest of the weekend.
Villa, unchanged from last week's win over Everton, started confidently, and Adrian made a smart parry to keep out Cleverley's volley from Fabian Delph's diagonal pass. Aston Villa's goal came in the 31st minute when Grealish raced to the left byline and his ball across the face of goal was tapped in by Cleverley.
Half time was sambos, chicken wings and chips, the bar staff, all Villa supporters, must have felt sorry for us. The President Fran Ryan was looking for his coupons in the shirt that he loves to wear, he's getting great value out of it and things were looking up for Gary winning two spot the balls in a row.
Allardyce made two changes at the break, with Morgan Amalfitano and Kevin Nolan being withdrawn for Alex Song and Nene - the latter showing his intent with a long-range effort that just cleared the crossbar.
James Collins had a looping header tipped over by Shay Given, while Enner Valencia had the ball in the net when he headed in Nene's cross but was flagged offside. West Ham pushed for an equaliser as the clock wound down, but it was Villa who almost scored a second when substitute Gabriel Agbonlahor - returning from a hamstring injury - raced clear only to lose his balance and shoot wide.
So the match ends 1-0 to Villa. After the match came this statement from our manager Sam Allardyce: "Our cutting edge has been missing for many weeks. We don't have anybody who can score a goal"... NO SHIT YOU ASSHOLE!
Next weekend sees the Dublin Hammers head to London for the Everton game, lets hope they get to see a better performance than this one. Hope you all enjoy yourself.
Report by Brian Madden.
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The Presidents View... Found myself watching Jack Grealish more that anything. Sad that. |
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 21st March, 2015
WEST HAM UTD 1 vs SUNDERLAND 0.
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The Presidents View... Delighted with the three points, but I couldn't bring myself to watch the highlights that night on Match of the Day. |
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 4th March, 2015
WEST HAM UTD 0 vs CHELSEA 1.
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The Presidents View... Unrecognisable display from the Palace game. Really up for it and got at Chelsea. Motivation problems perhaps? |
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 28th February, 2015
WEST HAM UTD 1 vs CRYSTAL PALACE 3.
So West Ham haven't won a premier league game since January 18th (vs Hull 3-0) and it was this time last year that Big Sam won manager of the month when the Hammers won every game in February. I have to say the wheels have come off the wagon and with Chelsea and Arsenal coming up, it's hard to see where the next win will come from, lets hope the great start to the season will get back on track and we can have a strong finish to it.
The match was a 12.45 kick-off and saw an OK turn out by the Dublin Hammers with one member arriving on a bike, good man Fran. The first half saw West Ham have the ball for long periods but not doing a lot with it, Mark Noble had a free kick smack off the cross bar in the 15th minute, but Crystal Palace were up for this one and in the 41st minute Glen Murray put Palace ahead when Aaron Cresswell sliced his header into the Hammers net.
Half time saw John and Carl join us, the lads were over for the Rugby match, now living in Essex and originally from Billericay. We all settled in for the second half but not before Carl won a spot the ball. Things went from bad to worse for the Hammers early in the second half as Puncheon's corner was headed in by the unchallenged Dann, it was going pear shaped for us so we started knocking the ball long, what a waste with no Carroll on the pitch, it was turning into a joke.
Murray made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute, and six minutes later was off with his second yellow card of the game. Substitute Nene struck a post after being introduced for his debut before Valencia's shot proved too strong for Speroni to keep out. Carl Jenkinson, Stewart Downing and Valencia threatened to set up a thrilling finale but, ultimately, Palace were able to claim the win.
I ended up downstairs with Gerry (I do it if nobody else will) Nolan, John and Carl from Billericay having a great chat about every thing West Ham and more. On a disturbing note, Gerry ended up with no shirt as he took it off to give it to John (it was his Dublin Hammers white top), but luckly enough he had a jumper to cover up!
Report by Brian Madden.
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The Presidents View... Shambles of a display at home. Palace deserved the 3 points with a team that worked hard and had no prima donnas. Blame apportion... Manager 30%... Players 70%. |
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 22nd February, 2015
TOTTENHAM 2 vs WEST HAM UTD 2.
I would have taken the draw at the beginning of the match is a phrase that is used quite alot, but West Ham are playing better football this season then in previous years, so maybe today's match should have been an outright win.
It was an early start for the Dublin Hammers, with BT sport televising the game at midday Brannigans were good enough to open their doors early for us, but would we have enough members in to sell a spot the ball? the answer to that was... just about, but with no Dessie to sell one and Liam and Gerry (I'll do it if nobody else will) Nolan forgetting to bring one in, we just settled in for this early kick off.
The match had just kicked off when Ross and Amy arrived in. Ross originally from Essex and Amy from Rathfarnham were called to one side by Liam and asked if they were West Ham, when he was fully satisfied that they were, they were asked to join us. West Ham were without Andy Carroll or Kevin Nolan, so Big Sam's hand was forced into playing an attacking team with Sakho and Valencia playing up front. Some good football was been played by the Hammers and West Ham were in front after 22mins. Dembele gave the ball away and was made to pay, when Aaron Cresswell's inviting cross was met by a bullet header from Kouyate. The Dublin Hammers were on their feet giving it loads, while Liam was downstairs getting a pint. Hugo Lloris was playing a great game for Spurs between the sticks and had to be alert to prevent Valencia from doubling West Ham lead not long after.
Half Time and sambos and monies giving for the free trip draw. Gerry (I'll do it if nobody else will) Nolan who had his grandson in tow was looking very seedy and for the first time I can remember, didn't let any alcohol pass his lips.
The second half saw West Ham increase their lead, when from a Mark Noble cross Sakho volleyed home in the 62nd minute. One or two of the young Dublin Hammers broke into "Its happening again" but were told to pipe down because we still had a long way to go in this match. Mark Noble was lucky to be on the pitch, after a bad foul on the Spurs captain.
(Brian, my feeling is that the game changed at this point when BFS took Noble off, probably because he didn't want him to get sent off, but to replace him with Cole? It changed the shape of the team and from that moment on we were on the back foot, we lost any kind of threat up front and invited them onto us. Paul.S).
It was suggested by a Committee member that maybe we should invest in a defibrillator, because Spurs were throwing everything at us and on 81mins Danny Rose shot the ball into the ground and it managed to loop over Adrian's head and into the back of the net.
This was going to be a very tense last 10 mins, now Spurs were all over us. Song must have thought he was playing for Barcelona as he was trying to pass the ball out of defence instead of hoofing it. There was one final twist though; when Kane was brought down by Alex Song... penalty! Kane equalized in the final seconds of injury time by tucking home the rebound after Adrian could only parry the spot kick back into his path... so from a winning position, it happened again... but this time to West Ham, seems we can't hold onto a lead anymore.
When the meeting was over, it felt like a loss to the assembled Dublin Hammers, would I have taken a draw at the beginning of the game? NO, never against the Spuds.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 14st February, 2015
WEST BROM 4 vs WEST HAM UTD 0.
With the day that was in it, it should have been full of passion, but for West Ham it was the St Valentine's Massacre (Not for the first time... anyone remember Oldham? Ed.). This report will be short and to the point. The Dublin Hammers where out in force for this one with one or two getting day passes with the day that was in it. West Ham played a strong team but played with no heart or passion. I don't know what went wrong, the team couldn't string a pass together, they stood off every time, WBA were on the attack and the Hammers just looked like they didn't want to be there.
The match was been shown on BT sport and was on early enough, a 12.45 kick off and it was good to see Mick Brennan who was over for the weekend show up with Louis. Alan Corr came into us in the second half and bid us a fond farewell, Alan was heading to England to start his training for his new job on the high sea's (a fitness instructor on a cruise liner) he will be missed, but he promised to keep touch via Facebook and let everybody at sea know about the Dublin Hammers.
So the match was played with no passion and we were lucky only to be beaten by four goals. The players had better get their act together for the next match (away to the Spuds on Sunday @ 12 noon BT sports again).
So that's it... we'll have to wait a while longer before we get our hands on the FA Cup again, but we live in hope, you have to, being a Hammers Supporter.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 8th February, 2015
WEST HAM UTD 1 vs MANCHESTER UTD 1.
A very good turnout saw us take Man Ure apart but fail to collect all three points, which is what we deserved. I was delighted to see Valencia and Sakho play up front together for the first time since early in the season. I think the pace of the pair of them causes defences all sorts of problems rather than our reliance on Andy Carroll (who I still believe is the best centre half in England!) heading balls here and there. And so it proved to be as Valencia and Sakho saw lots of the ball throughout the first half and only for good goalkeeping from de Gea we would have been ahead at the break.
The half time whistle saw us all eagerly awaiting the free trip draw. Liamo was centre stage to tell us there would be five trips available and following some controversy over your availability to travel etc. we all held our breath and crossed our fingers. And the winners were... John Thompson, Kevin Murphy, Brendan Shiels, Dessie Doyle and Liam McDonagh... hold on a minute were these not the same winners as last year!?! We were all mightily suspicious and more so when Tom Jones wrote down the winners just before the draw (I’m joking of course). Anyway congratulations and well done to all the winners who will join the Christmas winner, Jim Conway at the Everton game.
The sandwiches arrived and were wolfed. I went downstairs to get some refreshments and passed the baskets of chips, free range corn fed chicken goujons and onion rings on my way out and when I returned was lucky to get a chip!
The second half started and within the first few minutes we were all out of our seats as Kouyate played some keepie uppie in the Man Ure box before blasting it home! What was all the more remarkable about the goal was that Gerry “I’ll do it if nobody else will” Nolan was actually looking at the TV – a first in Dublin Hammers history!!!!
Man Ure brought on Chris from behind the bar to get an equaliser and they then hoofed balls up hoping to get a second ball for their billionaire forward line. I don’t know why that grumpy toad, van Gall needs a big notebook – our Sam has written that tactic on the back of a beermat for years.
We could have added to our tally with some fantastic football but again de Gea proved to be man Ure’s best player. Into injury time and Man Ure resembling Stoke on a bad day finally got a break they didn’t deserve as the Blind fellah saw an opportunity and scored an equaliser – the jammy sods!!!
Anyway, we can take great heart from the performance as we looked dangerous throughout and solid at the back. We welcomed Michael from Beaumont to our fold as he signed up to be a Dublin Hammer just before the transfer deadline and also Conor from Connecticut who is visiting us as he is studying in UCD.
Report by Gerry Murtagh.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 31st January, 2015
LIVERPOOL 2 vs WEST HAM UTD 0.
So it was 1963 the last time the Hammers beat Liverpool at Anfield, was this the year we change that stat? The turn out for this meeting was good, Dessie was able to sell two spot the balls and yours truly won again.
West Ham turned up without Sakho and Jenkinson, and with Joey O'Brien getting a start and Nolan playing at the tip of the diamond formation, it was not looking good. Liverpool were looking very pacey with Sterling and Coutinho causing us major problems in their attack and then the camera goes to their bench and Sturridge was itching to get onto the pitch. Nolan was missing in action and Carroll was not getting a look in, Valencia made one or two good runs and had the Liverpool defence beaten for pace, but the runs didn't come to anything.
Half time came and Liam took to the floor to tell us next weeks match vs. Man Utd will see the free trip draw take place. He also said a big hello to some guests on the day (now lets see if I remember their names), there was Michael and Jessica, Tony who I think won the other spot the ball and Ian and his girlfriend (sorry, can't remember your name) from London.
The second half had just kicked off when the President's wife ousted me from my seat, I tried to explain to her I never ran at the telly, but Fran was having none of it (see previous posts for explanation).
Well it was coming, and on the 51st minute Sterling put the pool one up and then with Sturridge on the pitch he made it 2-0 in the 80th minute. The bad news was both Carroll and Collins came off injured, it's not looking good for Sundays match vs. Man Utd. But, don't forget folks, the free trip draw is on this Sunday, hope to see you all there.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 25th January, 2015
BRISTOL CITY 0 vs WEST HAM UTD 1 - FA CUP 4TH ROUND.
Cup games are always tricky. It’s always easier to play against teams from your own league rather than a team from a lower one. West Ham have a time honoured tradition of beating the “top” sides in the league and then getting embarrassed by someone from the Dagenham & District ex-Schoolboy League or elsewhere! Hence we approached our FA Cup game against Bristol City from League 1 with a little wariness as we knew they had nothing to lose and would be happy to stuff our bunch of overpaid moppets!
Sure enough City battered us in the first half and two goal-line clearances kept us in the game at half time. Throughout the first half I don’t think we had a decent shot on target. Their big centre forward gave us a torrid time at set pieces and I’m sure Winston Reid has a number of bruises from his close encounters with the lad.
The attendance was good enough considering the game was on BBC1, but we did miss our Gary for his insightful thoughts on proceedings. We had a number of tourists join us, and we hope they had a good time despite not winning the Spot the Balls.
The halftime sambos arrived just as the second half started, so Liamo didn’t suffer too much abuse about his ability to organise a meeting. They were quickly followed by some hot food since the President wasn’t in attendance. Thankfully there wasn’t any cold “hot food” like we had at the Hull game last weekend.
The second half saw us match Bristol in intensity and Sakho coming on for Valencia gave us a bit more zip in attack. How Nolan managed to stay on the pitch until the final two minutes amazed me – he is so far off the pace at this stage that it’s like playing with 10 men! Anyway, with 10 minutes to go the best centre half we have, Andy Carroll managed to get a ball across from the end line that Sakho met perfectly to head home and put us 1-0 ahead. Cue much leaping around and choruses of “Wembley, Wembley...”
Despite Bristol’s best efforts they couldn’t get the equaliser and we were all delighted to hear the final whistle. Into the next round and maybe this is the year that we will do it!! Come on you Irons!!!!
Report by Gerry Murtagh.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 6th January, 2015
WEST HAM UTD 2 vs EVERTON 2 (aet. Hammers win 9-8 on penalties) - FA CUP 3RD ROUND REPLAY.
It was take two at Upton Park, Everton in the FA Cup replay under the lights at the Bolyen. The turn out for this meeting saw enough members to sell one spot the ball and yours truly won it. Everton wore their away strip for this one and West Ham wore their 3rd strip to the amusement of the DH members (can't see anyone running out to buy this one).
With 3,000 fans in tow, Everton looked lively in the early exchanges, but it was Enner Valencia who had the Dublin Hammers on their feet, he robbed the ball from Stones and went to chip the diving keeper, the ball hit Robles, then Carroll, from an off side position headed the ball off the bar.
Gary was in good form, Fran and Liam where having a debate on buying drinks for their family members and Gerry (I'll do if nobody else will) Nolan talking about a 4-4-2 formation or 4 play... or something like that... tut tut Gerry.
Ah half time, sambo's and talk of extra time or maybe peno's... if only we knew. The second half saw West Ham take the lead through Valencia, a nice ball from Carroll saw Valencia beat Robles from a tight enough angle.
The next big decision saw Aiden McGeady get his marching orders for a second yellow, with a foul on Mark Noble, this only spurred on Everton and on 82 minutes they win a free kick on the edge of our box and with a sweet curling shot Mirallas brings the tie to extra time! F**k, it happened again, we just can't hold onto a lead at the moment.
Time for a pint and a pee, extra time starts and Mirallas is at it again, he walks through our defence and sets up Lukaku for a tap in, a stool is sent flying across the floor from the boot of an angry DH fan. The second period of extra time saw big Carlton Cole come on for Collins, and with his first touch (a knock down from Tomkins in the box from a corner) scores to equalise... Que the DH going wild!
The tie goes to peno's and this is how it went... a bunch of middle aged men with the exception of one or two started biting their nails, while in London Adrian saves from Naismith, then on the Hammers 5th peno Downing's shot is saved by Robles... its sudden death lads! The next few spot kicks are all put away, then Evertons Keeper, their last man standing, puts the ball down and blasts the ball off the cross bar... so this is it, Tomkins only has to put it away and we are into the next round... but hold it... Adrian is taking the spot kick... he took off his gloves, threw them on the ground, stepped up and bang it's in the back of the net, sending Robles the wrong way.
The Dublin Hammers go wild... it was a great night, we all sang bubbles and celebrated like we had won the cup! It was late... but just enough time for one pint before the last bus home.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 6th January, 2015
EVERTON 1 vs WEST HAM UTD 1 - FA CUP 3RD ROUND.
Last year this fixture saw BFS field a totally inexperienced team in a 3-5-2 formation (that he had never played) away to Nottingham Forest... who duly thumped us 5-0 and left our young players shell-shocked.
This season BFS has taken this fixture seriously... kinda with a reasonably strong lineup, with the exception of “4XL shorts” Nolan. I’m not sure where Carroll was – there was a rumour that he was sea sick having spent too long looking at the design on the wall of his new house!
The usual crew turned up to watch and were joined by new boy, Des – welcome aboard.
Anyway the Irons were well up for it and so were Everton, so we were treated to a decent game of ball. Both teams created chances, Everton in fairness had the better of them and we were a bit lucky to get to halftime without conceding.
The second half saw us take the lead with a terrific header from James Collins and from that point on it was end to end stuff. We looked to be on the brink of a famous victory until the fourth official found the old Man Ure board that has 4 minutes permanently etched on it. We had made a number of changes bringing on top, top quality players like Joey O’Brien and keeping “4XL Shorts” Nolan wheezing on the pitch for the entire game, so we knew that we were going to be up against it for the additional time.
Sure enough, within a minute Lukaku kept up his good record against us as he buried an equaliser from close range. We were devastated!
Overall it was probably a fair result as both teams put in tremendous performances. The only downside that I could see was why Nolan was picked, first of all and then left on for the entire game. He continually gave the ball away, wasn’t able to track back and wasn’t able to keep up with the play. He was so bad that the normally quiet and reserved Brendan lost his reason and hurled abuse at the chap! We were all shocked at the outburst and it has been described as similar to Brian Madden’s "race at the TV" from last season. The President was totally shocked!
Report by Gerry Murtagh.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 1st January, 2015
WEST HAM UTD 1 vs WBA 1.
Following the two recent defeats against top class teams such as Chelski and Arsenal I was expecting us to bounce back and murder West Brom at Upton Park. The “Liam McDonagh glass half empty” feeling struck me when I heard on the radio that morning that the Baggies had just appointed Tony Pulis as their new manager. I just knew that they would play like men possessed knowing that a new manager was sitting watching them... Unfortunately I was right!
A well attended meeting saw us start well and we were good value for our 1-0 lead after just ten minutes. Cresswell, who has impressed me going forward but is still suspect in going backwards, put in a great ball from the endline and there was that man again, Sakho to head home. Shortly afterwards Downing made his way into the box and instead of pulling the ball back for either Sakho or Carroll to score decided to shoot himself – a big mistake!
After that West Brom upped their game considerably and were the better side as we continually gave them the ball rather than trying to take a bit of the sting out of their game. All our defensive clearances were too rushed and the ball kept coming back at us. The Baggies equalised just before the break from our corner!! A quick break saw them two on two against Collins and Reid and Berahino duly scored. Realistically we were lucky to go in level at the break. Our game was as disjointed as the TV signal which kept freezing and cutting out.
There were no major announcements from our Liamo at the break except to say that we were on Tuesday night. Liamo and Gary won the Spot the Balls and there were no sambos on offer.
The second half saw us perform no better than the first as we never got to any decent level of play throughout the 45 minutes. Allerdyce decided to take off Sakho instead of the very ineffective Carroll and bring on Valencia. I would have put Sakho and Valencia on together seeing as they were terrific for us during the first few months of the season and the pace of the pair of them upfront would have pushed West Brom back. In fairness to Carroll his game wasn’t helped by the poor service that he received from those around him – any ball played into the box was too low giving him no chance to do what he does best. As well as that, the Baggies defence shackled him well throughout. In the end when he was replaced it was “England’s Number 9” that came on – the very ineffective Carlton Cole, so we knew the game was up. The only bright spark in the second half was Cresswell’s excellent free kick that came back off the upright and yet again Adrian saved our blushes with a few top class saves.
Overall it was quite a depressing game and the booing at the end by the home fans summed up just about everyone’s feeling on what they had just watched... we have to do better than this or we will be counting the points to avoid the drop!
Report by Gerry Murtagh.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 28th December, 2014
WEST HAM UTD 1 vs ARSENAL 2.
A good turn out for this one, with everybody in an upbeat festive mood! After the mauling by Chelsea on St. Stephen’s Day, which in my opinion was a complete cop out by BFS, I think he looked at the 3 Christmas fixtures and targeted the 2 home games, shame I was looking forward to us having a real go at Chelsea with the pace of Sakho and Valencia supplied by Song, but we got Nolan and Carroll… I like Carroll, but up against Terry, Ivanovic and Cahill? Disappointing… anyway moan over, onwards and hopefully upwards against the Arse, would BFS strategy prove correct?
A bright start to the game saw West Ham take the initiative and were unlucky not to be one up after Alex Songs shot from outside the area flew into the back of the net, only for it to be disallowed for off-side… we sat back down again. The TV reception was not good during the first half as the signal kept breaking forcing the barman to re-start the satellite system, but re-boot it he did we continued to watch West Ham go at Arsenal. Some poor finishing let us down, Carroll, Tomkins and Downing all wasted good opportunities. Arsenal tried to hit us on the break and late on in the game Santi (appropriate name for the time of year) Corzola ran into the box, Reid tried to clear the ball, but the ball rebounded into the path of Santi, Reid fell over backwards, left his foot up and Corzola went over… penalty! Santi proceeded to collect his present.
So, one nil down against the run of play, we pushed on, but 3 minutes later Arsenal broke again, Oxly-Chamberlain skinned Cresswell and sent in a low cross which Welbeck poked into the net… stunned I think is the expression… they had 2 chances… they had 2 goals. The half-time food was quickly demolished as we rued our missed chances.
The second half began as the first with the Hammers pressing, and 15 minutes in we pulled one back as Kouyate headed in from Sakho’s cross. From then on it was a real hum-dinger of a game, with us pushing for the equaliser and them hitting us on the break.
Why BFS took off Sakho (the clubs top scorer), just when I thought he was starting to cause them problems, I’m not sure. The best football I’ve seen us play this season has been with Sakho and Valencia up front, surely after 2 thirds of the game we could have dispensed with the ‘cross into the area for Carroll, get the second ball’ tactic and tried something different? With Sakho and Valencia as forwards, it forces us to play through midfield, but no, Carroll stayed on and Sakho was replaced by Valencia.
My man of the match Adrian, kept us in it with great saves from Sanchez and Chamberlain and although we gave them a late “aerial bombardment” (quote taken from the BBC football website) it wasn’t to be!
So the BFS master plan didn’t work… I felt we didn't deserve to lose the game, but poor finishing let us down... so, the Hammers drop to 6th in the table and all eyes are now on the WBA game on New Years Day.
A good meeting with a great atmosphere... Happy New Year Everyone!
Report by Paul Smith.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 13th December, 2014
DUBLIN HAMMERS CHRISTMAS PARTY 2014
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 7th December, 2014
WEST HAM UTD 3 vs SWANSEA CITY 1.
The early KO’s on a Sunday do not seem to be a good crowd drawer. As Dessie says, enough in to sell a spot the ball. I know I am a bit of a moan, but I would like to see the members making a bit more of an effort to get in as Brannigans have gone to the trouble of getting the games live for us.... anyway onto the game!
Swansea did not get a kick for 19 minutes, then 3 passes later Bony had them 1 up! The goal put us out of our stride for a bit. Every time Swansea went forward they looked like scoring. Gradually we got a grip again and on 41 minutes Carroll scored a great header from Jenkinsons cross.
Nice to be level at half time. As usual sambos and cocktail sausages were scoffed. Second half and apart from Bonys shot that skimmed the top of the bar we were on top. Another from AC put us ahead. Sahko made it safe with a volley from AC’s knockdown.
Full time and the bubbles went up, which is beginning to be a regular occurance. 3rd in the table... let's milk it boys! Before I finish don't forget the Xmas party next week. See you all next week boys!
Report by Liam McDonagh.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 1st November, 2014
STOKE CITY 2 vs WEST HAM UTD 2.
With a big Demo re water charges planed for 2pm in O'Connell Street I left work work at 1pm and headed straight for Brannigans. I took my time and landed at Brannigans at 1.40pm , I bought a paper, a pint and settled in for the afternoon. A few DH members must have had the same idea as me because not long after I was joined by 5 or 6 more members.
Setanta Sports 1 was showing this 3pm kick off vs Stoke at the Britannia, the bad news was that we where missing our top goal scorer Sakho with a shoulder injury. The team lined up 4-5-1 with Valencia leading the line, it was not working as Stoke were the better team all over the park and only for James Collins we could have been a couple of goals down after 15 minutes.
On the 24th minute Tomkins replaced Reid, who had twisted his leg a couple of minutes earlier. Moses scored in the 33rd minute after Geoff Cameron’s cross towards Diouf who shot the ball straight at James Collins, only for Moses to scramble the ball over the line for his first goal for the club. Diouf and Steve Sidwell should have made it 2-0 just before half-time.
It was around this time The President Fran Ryan joined us and was not impressed to see Gerry (I'll do it if nobody else will) Nolan drinking a pint of Bud. It being November, Fran & Gerry don't drink alcohol, a long time arrangement between them both, Gerry said he forgot it was the 1st of November, it didn't set well with Fran!
The second half and Sam changed it, he took off Almalfitano who was not playing well at all and brought on Cole for a 4-4-2 formation, but Stoke where still the better team. With 56 minutes on the clock Aaron Cresswell was out-muscled by Jonathan Walters on the right and he then crossed for Diouf to head in from three yards.
The game looked to be over for West Ham, then Alex Song won the ball with a robust challenge in midfield, released Downing, who ran down the wing and his curling right-wing cross was headed in at the back post by Valencia to give West Ham hope with 30 minutes to play.
Downing and Valencia combined once again to level this time the Ecuadorian supplied the cross from the byline and Downing arrived in the box to smash home with his right foot. The game ended 2-2 and I think it was a well won point because West Ham where not at the races today.
The next game see the Dublin Hammers head to London for the visit of Villa, lets hope the lads heading over get to see us back playing the passing game and a win.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 25th October, 2014
WEST HAM UTD 2 vs MANCHESTER CITY 1.
What a start to the bank holiday weekend. BT Sport had us all in to Branigans early for this one, the visit of the champions Man City. I arrived a little late, I ordered a pint, had a quick look at the T.V. before heading upstairs with the score at 0-0. West Ham had shipped 14 goals against City last season over four games, so this game might be a tough one, would Big Sam shut up shop or let the team play as in previous games.
Well, to the relief of a well attended meeting he let them play ball and it was on 21 minutes when Alex Song (the man of the match) split the city defence with a pass for Valencia who sprinted past Clichy to pull back across the box for Morgan Amalfitano who slotted home from close range.
The Dublin Hammers are on their feet, one nil and we are all over them. Song was on song, he was up for this one, Valencia should have given the Hammers a bigger half time lead but failed to connect properly with a shot from eight yards before the break. Moments later a set-piece gave the Hammers another chance to go two up, but Collins could not apply a decisive touch. City did come close but Adrian pulled off a great save from Aguero right on the stroke of half time.
Time for sambo's and spot the ball, there was a rumour going around that Gerry (I'll do it if nobody else will) Nolan was caught watching the match by a member of the committee for the first time this season. There was no sign of The President Fran Ryan, but someone said he didn't have any groupon coupons (a meal for two) so he went to play golf instead... you can thank your bus buddy for that one Fran.
So back to the match, in the second half City came out and started to put the pressure on and after 60 minutes Jovetic was on for Dzeko, Pellergrini was going to make sure he was going to get something out of this game with Chelsea five points ahead of them. Aguero hit the under side of the crossbar and Toure smashed the ball off the crossbar with a curling effort.
West Ham made City pay for those misses when on 75 minutes Cresswell picked out the Hammers man of the moment Sakho who headed home his 7th goal in seven starts... Oh Happy Days. City got back into it almost immediately thanks to a wonderful individual goal from David Silva.The Spanish midfielder jinked his way through several tackles and curled a sublime effort past Adrian to give the visitors hope.
It ensured the final 10 minutes were nervy for the Dublin Hammers faithful, but some last ditch defending kept the champions at bay and ensured the Hammers’ impressive start to the season continues. A big "HI" to all the visitors from England who came to watch the game with us. We headed downstairs for more pints or in my case around the corner to the ice-cream bar with my daughter Kellie. So its onto Stoke for our next match, Saturday at 3pm. Dont forget to be in early, as there will be an Anti Water Meter march on in town at 2pm heading to O'Connell St.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 18th October, 2014
BURNLEY 1 vs WEST HAM UTD 3.
It was back to Premiership football after the International break and West Ham had a trip to Turfmore to play Burnley. The game kicked off at 3pm on Saturday, this usually means a small turnout in Brannigans, but today we saw alot more supporters than usual. Mark Noble made a return from injury to play his 200th Premier League game for West Ham.
The game started with West Ham again keeping the ball on the deck and playing the passing game. But it was Burnley who were dominating and with 2mins gone, Boyd hit a volley which beat Adrian but came back off the underside of the bar. Was this a warning of things to come? Burnley had most of the chances in the first 20mins with both Boyd and Ings playing some very nice football. Burnley's enterprise and energy kept West Ham pinned in their own half for long periods, But it was West Ham's Downing who got the Dublin Hammers on their feet when he popped up on the wing and stepped inside Shackell before trying his luck from a tight angle with a curling effort that clipped the far post.
I was honoured to be sitting at the Presidents table, not alone had Fran Ryan made it on a Saturday, but he had also brought the family with him. Half time came with the score nil all. We tucked into the sandwiches and were told by Liam to have any remaining money for the Aston Villa trip must be paid up as soon as possible.
I headed down for a pint and was looking at the match downstairs when a voice shouted out "West Ham are 1 - 0 up ", there was a group of lads watching Sky Sports News as the goals were being banged in and with a time delay of about a minute I knew who had scored before the ball even hit the back of the net and it was Sakho, his 6th in as many games, a headed goal from a Cresswell's cross in the 49th minute. What a bargain he is turning out to be, less than 5 million paid for him.
Not long after that goal, West Ham were 2 up, it was another headed goal, this time Carl Jenkinson crossed the ball and picked out Valencia who rose above the defender to head home a powerful goal. It looked like West Ham were cruising but Burnley came back. They had won a corner. Kightly's delivery was not held by Adrian, who was under pressure from Ings, allowing Boyd to fire home in the scramble that followed.
It was time for a change and Big Sam brought on Carlton Cole for Valencia. Already having one attempt cleared off the line, Cole made sure of the 3 points with a 3rd headed goal in the 70th minute. It was at this time I noticed Gerry Nolan pick up a stool, raise it in the air and smack a light and the roar went up "Calm down Gerry" who had earlier been cheering for Burnley to Fran Ryan's amusement as Burnley been the home team were wearing the Claret and Blue, maybe Gerry should go to SpecSavers!
The game ended with another victory to West Ham, who are up to 4th in the Premier League, "Oh happy days", Roll on Man City, hope to see you all next week for this one.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 4th October, 2014
WEST HAM UTD 2 vs QPR 0.
Well after a couple of crap weeks, it was time for "a dip in lake me!", I left the house and strolled down to the seafront in Bray and settled in for a couple of leisurely pints in the Porterhouse. Then I caught the Dart and got to Brannigans with time to spare. Would this be the classic old West Ham slip up? 3 good performances in a row, we were expected to win against a QPR team struggling for any form… surely?
Another strong attacking line-up from the fat one had members in an optimistic mood and the game kicked off. We applied pressure from the start and within 5 minutes went one up after a cross went into the area and went in off a Rangers defender. Good start.
It has to be said, I thought we were by far the better team in the first half and with a bit of luck could have gone in two nil up, they only made one reasonable chance that I can remember. Possession stats were 70% to 30% in our favor… unheard of last season.
This meeting took a little time to warm up, but by half time the room was full, could it have been anything to do with the fact that the sandwiches were due to be served?
Gerry "Lucky" Murtagh won the spot-the-ball and we settled down for the second half. QPR made three changes, on came Zamora, he added more of a threat for them, but our defence seemed have things in hand. Mid-way through the second half Sakho scored our second and his 5th goal in five consecutive matches, a West Ham record according to Robbie from Bray!
Jimmy arrived with Grainne and her teddy, "what's his name"… "hasn't got one" she said… the "teddy with no name"… images of Clint Eastward and the odd whistle ensued. At one stage ted was sitting neglected on a stool when one wag, disgruntled at West Hams medicore second half performance shouted "well at least teddy's enjoying himself". "That's because he's stoned" came the reply!
After the second goal it was all over, and the game was played out without too much further incident.
So, no slip-up then. A handy home win which took us up to 7th in the table! I feel I have to say that although our performance was at best OK, it was still so much better than the shite we had to endure last season. We now have a serious threat up front, and in Sakho and Valencia I think we have players who know how to stick the ball into the back of the net. My only worry would be that if Sakho keeps going the way he is, he won't be around past the end of the season. We'll see.
Bit of luck on the way home when I managed to get the fast train and was back in the Porterhouse in no time at all! After a couple for the road it was an interesting walk home in the horizontal rain and howling wind.
Q.P.R… Q.P.R… Q.P.Rrrr Ha Ha Haaaaaaa! COYIs.
Report by Paul Smith.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 20th September, 2014
WEST HAM UTD 3 vs LIVERPOOL 1.
As I sit down to write this report it must be the first time in a long time it wont be negative. I don't think we have turned the corner, more like the managers hand has been forced, but for the better it has to be said. The meeting resumed back upstairs after Mondays night game vs Hull which was held downstairs and it was packed to the rafters, standing room only. We had Pat from M&Ms on the Barking Road and his family, John McCann down from Donegal for the Donegal Vs Kerry game, Tommy Noctors Mother and Father and loads more who have not been seen since last season.
The match kicked off at 5.30, and 1 minute 16 seconds into the game we go one up, Stewart Downing wins a free kick on the right wing. The ball is played into the box and James Tomkins heads the ball back across the box for Winston Reed to head it into the net, Que the bedlam as the Dublin Hammers go wild.
West Ham are now keeping the ball on the deck and passing it about, no hit and hope as per last season. We had all settled down some, thinking this is going to be a long game maybe back to the wall stuff, with 7 minutes on the clock, Sakho on the right, lifted the ball over Mignolet who was well off his line... did he pass or go for goal ? Post match he said he meant to chip the keeper, who cares we were 2 up! WTF everybody was loving it. 2-0 to the cockney boys.
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West Ham are now playing some good football with Downing playing in the middle of the park. Balotelli and Adrian where yellowed carded for a coming together in the box, it was at this stage that Gary asked Liam to turn on the Rovers match and Liam being diplomatic as ever declined. The arrival of Gerry Murtagh brought crys of joana (not me Gerry) and then on 26 minute, Sterling smashes home a block shot from Balotelli, Oh Gerry not again!!
Half time and sambos and talk of how the Hammers are playing. The second half and Liverpool came more into the game, but with Song and Kouyaté the Hammers are holding their own. Liverpool are edging it but are not making much inroads. The game is at a bit of a stale mate but still on a knife edge when a through ball from Downing finds Morgan Amalfitano who toes the ball past Mignolet.
Now what happens next is up for debate Gerry (I'll do it if nobody else will) Nolan claims he got loafed in the noggin, with me being the nearest person to him I got the blame, but I know what happened... in all the excitement he raised his glass and hit himself in the eye. The Ref blows it up and we give it loads every song we can think of is been sung as we head downstairs for one or two more... what a night roll on Man U.
Report by Brian Madden.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 15th September, 2014
HULL CITY 2 vs WEST HAM UTD 2.
With our usual upstairs haunt being overrun with tourists (like most of Dublin at the moment) members, of which their were a healthy turn-out, were forced to join the punters downstairs to watch tonights away game against Hull City. The pre-match conversation had a positive note to it as the West Ham team flashed up on the screen. Out went Carlton and VazTe, with new signings Zurate, Sakho and Valencia all starting in an attacking 1-3-2-4-1 formation!
Down went the lights and the game kicked-off… What would we get? Palace away or Southampton at home? Well what we got was a highly entertaining game, with both teams sharing periods of possession. In fact, I thought the Hammers were the better team in the first half, playing some nice football (yes, it’s true), putting in some great crosses, but just lacking a finish.
The first goal when it came fell to Hull… against the run of play I might add. We wobbled slightly and they found the net again, but this time it was rightly ruled out for off-side. So 1 nil down at the break, but our upbeat mood remained as the 2 plates of sandwiches were devoured in record time!
The second half was an absolute cracker! The Hammers equalised when Valencia looked as if he had run out of ideas as he dribbled on the edge of the box, then he proceeded to send a rocket of a shot into the back of the Hull net. What a goal! Then arch-villan Diame (who else?) scored after being put through… did we wilt… hell no… we went straight back at them and equalised for the second time after an early shot from Sakho went in off a Hull defender in a crowded penalty area.
By now the drink was taking its toll and when a chap with a guitar on his back sang the first line of bubbles, we heartily joined in. God knows what the tourists upstairs made of it?
The final 15 minutes or so saw both teams going for the win, they had a chance, we had a chance… good stuff. We began to look a tired, Song came on for Zurate and looked quality. In the final minute Dawson somehow managed to deflect a header over the bar with his shoulder, saving a certain goal for the second time in the match.
So, a 2-2 draw, a good performance, good goals, players that looked like they wanted to wear the shirt, but most of all we played some nice football instead of that mind-numbing hit and hope shite… long may it continue! Needless to say we went home happy. COYIs.
Report by Paul Smith.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 30th August, 2014
WEST HAM UTD 1 vs SOUTHAMPTON 3.
My first meeting of the season and after last weeks good performance and 3 goals scored I was looking forward to seeing us carry that on while also getting a look at our new signings!
We didn’t see the first 10 minutes as the barman was having difficulties locating the correct tv channel, but find it he did and we settled down. It was pretty tame stuff, both sides sounding each other out. Then from the edge of the box Noble takes a shot, and the ball nettles into the corner of the net via a deflection that fooled the keeper.
That seemed to sting Southampton into action, they pressed us and equalised minutes before half time. So, 1-1 then and along came the sandwiches with side orders of chips!
I should have gone home there and then. What followed in the second half from the Hammers was a continuation of last year, conceding possession for long periods, when we did have the ball our passing was slow, backwards or sideways and then in desperation a long ball. BFS brought on Diame and Morrison for Zurate(?) and VazTe and then late on Valencia, but to no avail!
The cold hard truth was that they played us off the park in the second half and went on the score two further goals and well deserved the 3-1 win.
I have to confess, as the third went in I was thinking that a few more performances and results like that and the chances are we will finally see the back of BFS! Sad to think like that, but I know I wasn’t the only one thinking along those lines. As Fran wasn’t in, I even stood up as the camera showed BFS at the end! Disappointing.
However, it was good to see everyone again after the summer. Hull City away then Liverpool next, on that performance, god help us!
Report by Paul Smith.
Dublin Hammers Meeting - 16th August, 2014
WEST HAM UTD 0 vs TOTTENHAM 1.
The start of a new season saw a very good attendance upstairs in Brannigans for our opening fixture against the Spuds. There was a serious lack of committee members in attendance as Jimmy Conway had treated them all to a month away at his villa in Tenerife – which left Gerry “I’ll do it if nobody else will” Nolan in charge of proceedings. Gerry it has to be said did a good job as he asked us all what our names were!
Having done the treble over Spurs last year West Ham approached this game with a bit of confidence. We attacked the game with gusto in the first half and Downing decided to leave that bloke in row Z alone and instead put in a number of very good crosses. Unfortunately all we had to aim for was Carlton Cole and Vaz Te who was still in pre-season training mode. I did feel that Downing would have been better utilised on the left flank considering he only uses his right foot to stand up straight but BFS knows best!!
Anyway following a handball and harsh sending off for the Spurs defender, Mark Noble manages to miss a penalty – an exceptionally rare occurrence. We kept battling but the breakthrough just wouldn’t happen for us.
Half time arrives, sambos are devoured, Gerry takes the free trip draw monies and Tom “I didn’t get an invite to Tenerife from Jimmy” Jones makes the formal half time announcements – I have to say he’s not a patch on Liam as he was both polite, informative and open to discussion/debate.
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Second half kicks off and West Ham have reverted to type. We sit back and invite Spurs on which they duly do and they make changes to help their cause. We have lost the impetus we had in the first 45 minutes so BFS sends on a defender for a defender!!!
We huff and puff for the 45 minutes and nearly make a breakthrough with Downing and Noble but never look a real threat. Adrian makes two good saves from distance but other than that has little to do. Collins get a second yellow and is turfed off so its now 10 vs 10.
It has draw written all over it until deep into injury time and Spurs get a break and score. The crowd starts booing etc. while we just realise that it is going to be a very long season if we continue to fire blanks in front of goal. The stats for the match showed that we had 18 shots yet only 4 were on target – over to you Teddy Sheringham!!
Finally, it was great to see the younger blood in on Saturday cheering on the Irons – Graham’s two children, Linda’s son and buddy/cousin (Hang on a minute, isn't that Alan C on the right? Ed.), Timmy’s child that had to leave she was so upset at watching the game and Aaron (who is now Big Aaron!).
Report by Gerry Murtagh.