Dublin Hammers Meetings - Season 2015-2016

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 15th May, 2016

Dublin Hammers AGM and STOKE CITY 2 vs WEST HAM 1.

A Sunday afternoon double header… the AGM followed by the last game of the season, away to Stoke City and a win needed to guarantee European football next season. Special guests for the afternoon were Hayley, Steve and friends, over from the UK.

First on the agenda was the election of the committee for the coming season 2016-2017… only one change to the position of treasurer… out went Jimmy Conway and in came Brian Madden. Thankfully Tom agreed to carry on as Travel Sec.

Then the meeting went to the floor and a variety of subjects were discussed. In past years this has become quite heated, but thankfully this year it was all very cordial and before long the AGM was called to a close and we were back to the serious business of watching West Ham United!

Well to cut a long story short… how the feck did we lose that game? The first half was one way traffic, Antonio opened the scoring with a sharp turn and shot from inside the area… then Carroll somehow missed a sitter for the second game in a row. We were so dominant, it was worrying that we were not converting the chances we were making.

Ex treasurer Jimmy was walking around like a man who had just had the world lifted from his shoulders, meanwhile, sat at the table under the TV, The new treasurer was hunched over his paperwork. Just after half-time he got up and announced that the bank was closed as he wanted to watch the football!

Stoke were a little better in the second half, but not much, then with their second meaningful attack of the game they equalised… WTF… Sakho then missed a sitter? Then it was cleared off the line, then we had 2 goalmouth scrambles in which the ball somehow managed to stay out of the Stoke goal.

Yes, you guessed it, with 5 minutes to go they ran down the other end and scored… the final whistle went. We should have been out of sight by half-time… first thing on Slav’s list for next season… a new striker!

So we need ManUre to win the FA cup next week to ensure we get european football next season. Members were not overly enthusiastic when this fact was revealed, the thought of having to cheer on the mancs making several members pale visibly!

With the football over, it was time to get on with “seeing the season out in style”, we all gathered downstairs and the drinking and banter went on well into the evening (I left at 8.30pm and it was still going strong!). We all agreed it had been a great season and a real pleasure to watch West Ham... Long may it continue!

Report by Paul Smith.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 20th April, 2016

WEST HAM 3 vs WATFORD 1.

Our usual upstairs haunt at Brannigans was otherwise engaged so members gathered in the bar downstairs to watch our “must win” game against Watford. 2 TVs showing us and one showing the Liverpool derby kept everyone happy.

The Hammers had a full strength line-up with Sakho back from injury and he and Carroll started up front. Watford made a number of changes, resting players for the coming weekends FA Cup Semi Final against Palace.

West Ham started strongly and before long had taken the lead after Carroll got on the end of a through ball from Payet to volley it past Gomes in the Watford goal. We were playing some lovely football and making a number of good chances, Payet had an effort just curl over the top of the bar, and Lanzini missed an absolute sitter! Then Antonio broke into the box only to be pulled back… Jasper Carrot (or was it Mike Dean, we were not too sure?) awarded the penalty! Noble made no mistake.

So 2-0 at half-time then. The sandwiches appeared and it was noticed that the ratio of sandwiches made with brown bread to white had changed in recent weeks, we wondered if the chef in Brannigans was making a point?

The second half started and before long we were awarded another penalty… 3 penalties awarded in 2 games?… the conspiracy peddlers will have a field day… Noble stepped up… 3-0!

Instead of really going for them we sat back and tried to hit them on the break, it would have been a good plan if we had finished the chances we made… instead they made a couple of changes and got a goal back and came close a couple of times. Thankfully they didn’t get a second to make us sweat. With seconds to go Amrabet was sent off for a second bookable offence, not sure how many games we have a had an opposition player sent off against us this season, but it’s been quite a few!

The final whistle went and it was 3 much needed points in the bag. And so ended a good, well behaved (due to us being downstairs) meeting, now a 10 day break until our next game… only 4 games left this season.

Report by Paul Smith.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 17th April, 2016

LEICESTER CITY 2 vs WEST HAM 2.

I arrived into Brannigans with the game 2 minutes old and Kouyate's header was pushed onto the post by Schmeichel and the ball shot across the goal and hit off the far post and it was cleared by Leicester. I made it upstairs to a sparse;y attended meeting, took my seat and watched what all I can describe as a rough and tumble game. Morgan and Huth the main protagonists for Leicester and Ogbonna trying to match them for the Hammers.

The game was only 18 minutes old when that man Vardy was at it again when he hits the ball past Adrian to make it one nil. Leicester were soaking up any pressure West Ham where giving them and hitting us on the break, we needed to step it up if we didn't want the game to end up like the one vs Man U on Wednesday night.

Half time refreshments and sambos, Roy and Len who attended the West Ham vs Palace meeting, presented me with a signed 1980 FA shirt with names like Phil Parkes, David Cross etc. the lads have photos of the shirt being signed and it will be added to the raffle for our 25th Anniversary.

The second half was a bit of a ding dong affair, the first big thing to happen was Vardy got his second yellow for diving in the box looking for a peno and was sent off. The Hammers made three changes... Obiang, Noble & Moses off... Carroll, Lanzini & Valencia on. The next big decison was a peno for the Hammers... away from home? when was the last time that happened? Morgan and Reid tussled and Reid hit the ground... peno given! Up stepped Carroll and made it 1-1.

Leicester are now under the cosh and on 86 minutes, only a couple of minutes after Carroll's peno, Cresswell hits a beautiful shot into the top corner to send the Dublin Hammers wild! Leicester are deflated but we cant see the game out. Valencia's attempted clearance is deflected back into the path of Jeff Schlupp who goes down in the box after Carroll merest brush off him... he was down like a sack of potato's. We all felt Referee Jonathan Moss had evened things up after earlier decisions he made wrongly or rightly, depending on your veiw point. Ulloa didn't give a shit as he slotted home the peno to earn Leicester a 2-2 draw.

I think the ref had a mare of a game and I felt deflated after the final whistle. Our next game is this Wednesday vs Watford, lets hope things improve COYIs. Thanks again to Len & Roy for the signed shirt!

Report by Brian Madden.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 13th April, 2016

WEST HAM 1 vs MANCHESTER UTD 2. FA Cup 6th Round Replay.

Turned up for this cup replay with high hopes, last cup game under the lights at Upton Park, robbed in the first game, surely justice would be dealt by the footballing gods? The early kick-off coupled with the game being shown live by BBC meant the meeting wasn’t as busy as I thought it would be, but come kick-off the room was full with all the main faces in attendance!

The Hammers started the game brightly and in the first 10 minutes Valencia had a couple of reasonable half chances which he contrived to pass straight to DeGea, but that was it from us for the first half. The Mancs then came into the game and although it pains me to say, they bossed us in midfield and forced fa cup stand-in keeper Radolph into making a couple of good saves. We looked strangley lack-lustre, Payet and Lanzini hardly in the game and the team formation really not working. That twat with a poodle on his head was waltzing through our midfield at will… worrying.

Half-time arrived, After an abundance of sandwiches we settled down for the second half. Surely Slav would be changing things around?

No… the same thing again, then Antonio (playing at right-back) made a poor clearance, the ball fell to Rashford who went between 2 defenders and curled a lovely shot into the top corner, great finish… bollocks… but we hoped it would spur us on to up our performance… but no, and before long they were two nil up, the goal scored by the poodle!

At that stage, with three quarters of the game over, we woke up… Valencia went off… Moses came on… and we finally started to have a go at them! Sure enough after a few attacks, the corner came in, Carroll headed back across goal and Tomkins braved the poodles swinging leg and headed the ball in… the noise levels in the room grew... Come on West Ham!

We built up a head of steam… DeGea made two point blank saves before the ball was headed in only to ruled out for off-side. Then we were awarded a free-kick… up stepped Payet… “surely this is in the script”… WTF? He did some kind of side-spin kick to Noble… who ballooned the ball over… couldn’t quite believe that? All season he’s been scoring for fun from free-kicks? Strange decision?

Carroll came close with a flying header in injury time, but it was too little too late for the Hammers and our dreams of a trip to Wembley disappeared on the final whistle.

I thought for once Slav got the formation wrong, we should have started as we have all season (bar Arsenal) with Carroll on the bench. At the very least Obiang should have come on in the second half to stop them running through the midfield.

After having 24 hours to let it sink in, the truth is… for me anyway… it wasn’t the fact that we lost the game, it was the manner in which we lost it… the last ever cup game at the Boleyn… a rocking atmosphere… the season we have had so far… I thought we would really go at them, give it a real go… but for three quarters of the game we let them run around Upton Park like they owned it… embarrassing!

As for the footballing gods… should have known when that equalising goal at Old Trafford wasn’t disallowed that Manchester United's name was on the cup, not ours!

Report by Paul Smith.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 2nd April, 2016

WEST HAM 2 vs CRYSTAL PALACE 2.

Two bad defensive errors and a sending off saw West Ham come away with a draw form this match with Palace. A good turn out for this meeting with a big hello to Len and his brother Roy, also to James O'Dricoll, his wife Catherine and friends.

West Ham where one nil down within 15 minutes after Adrian's error from Bakary Sako's free-kick presented Palace defender Damien Delaney with the opening goal. West Ham hit back almost immediately, Manuel Lanzini scoring with a neat finish after Palace had failed to clear Michail Antonio's cross into the box.

The Dublin Hammers where all off their seats when we got a free kick on 25 minutes... only for Payet to sky it over the bar. West Ham were playing well and on 40 minutes we win another free kick outside the box and up steps Dimitri Payet to put West Ham in front by, whipping a sensational free-kick beyond Wayne Hennessey for his ninth league goal of the season.

Half time sambo's, free trip draw, spot the ball, and thanks to Fran for bringing in the Julian Dicks shirt and photo which well be raffled for the 25th anniversary.

The second half saw Palace come out all guns blazing and West Ham could not hold on after Kouyate was dismissed for a lunge on Gayle. It was Gayle who leveled it after another feck up in defence we didn't do well in the second half at all and with Arsenal our next game we will have to do a lot better.

Report by Brian Madden.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 19th March, 2016

CHELSEA 2 vs WEST HAM 2.

Another good crowd in and another good performance. We controlled the first half and it was no surprise when Lanzini scored a cracker to put us one up. Then in 1st half injury time Reid gave away a free kick and that horrible man Fabregas scored to level things up. Why the ref made the wall stay 12 yards back no one knows?

The usual half time announcements and sambo scoffing and we're ready for the 2nd half. Chelski upped their game but we were still creating chances Cresswell hit the bar and then 1 minute after coming on Carroll put us back in front... Brannigans was hopping!

Chelski pressed but we were dangerous on the counter. Carroll had a header cleared off the line. Just when it looked like another famous away win Chelsea got a peno which Fabregas scored. In real time it looked like a peno but replays showed Loftus Cheek (what a stupid name) tripped himself. A right sickener!

We have a 2 week break until Palace on April 2nd. Who would have thought it... our beloved West Ham chasing a Champions League spot!

Thanks to Djermund, our Norwegian visitor and Andrew Kerr and the Melbourne Hammers for joining us. You boys do like a pint! Hope you enjoyed your time in Brannigans

Report by Paul Smith.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 13th March, 2016

MANCHESTER UTD 1 vs WEST HAM 1. FA Cup 6th Round.

Yet another high-profile fixture for the Hammers saw Brannigans packed to the rafters! Once the meeting regarding the clubs decision to make the tickets for the Arsenal game available only through ballot was over we settled down for this much anticipated FA Cup quarter final.

My main worry concerned our slow starts to some matches this season, surely ManUre would come at us hard and fast from the first whistle, if we were slow to start I feared for us… I needn’t have worried, Slav had them ready to go and in fact it was the Hammers who had the better of the first 20 minutes with Eminike and Carroll missing good chances! The game ebbed to and fro and it was a surprise when the half time whistle went, seemed like the game had only just kicked off.

Due to the chef in Branigans (rather inconsiderately) injuring himself the half-time food was sandwiches only… not a chip or a “goujon a la liamo” in sight!… however the drink was flowing nicely!

The second period began, they were desperately appealing (somewhat pathetically I must say) for a penalty at every opportunity… then from a breakaway Payet got free and ran towards the goal, the defender slid in and Payet was felled… in real time it looked a definite penalty… the room was in uproar… but then we watched the slo-mo replay, I have to admit, somewhat embarrassingly… it was a dive and the ref was correct in waving away our penalty claims. In fact it should have been a booking for simulation. Bearing in mind Payet had already been booked he could well have gone!

This was all forgotten with 17 minutes to go when we were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out. Up stepped “you know how” and proceeded to put the ball into the top corner past the despairing DeGea… it was a stunning free-kick and sent the room into wild raptures! We’ve got Payet was sang with gusto and we all checked the clock.

They really came at us for the last 10 minutes and we struggled to keep the ball… the cross came in… the german tank commander took out Randolph on the line and Martial put the ball into the net for the equaliser… the room deflated. For me I saw a foul on the keeper, the ref (who did not have the best of games) didn't... the final whistle went.

In previous years we would have been very happy with a draw up there, get them back to Upton Park, it shows how far we have come under Bilic that we were disappointed not to get a result first time around. Still a draw is a draw and we can look forward to one last cup game under the lights at Upton Park.

The meeting continued into the evening with after match drinks downstairs. Overall I about the right result I think.

Report by Paul Smith.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 5th March, 2016

EVERTON 2 vs WEST HAM 3.

A very good crowd assembled for our 3 o clock ko against one of our bogey teams. Reece Oxford started in place of the Ginger Pele. Before KO most of the talk was how long it would take for Lukaku to get his obligatory goal against us. He did not dissapoint us. Less than 15 minutes before the louser obliged. It was not a good idea to leave Oxford isolated against Lukaku! Here we go again we all thought.

We were playing poorly when we got a lifeline with Mirralas getting red carded after 35 minutes. So over an hour to turn things around.

Half time came sambos and chips scoffed and ready for the 2nd half. Carroll on for Oxford seemed the right decision, but the ten men of Everton were still the better team. Then disaster struck with Lennon putting them 2 up... not long after Adrian saved a peno from Lukaku to keep us in it. He denied lukaku again when he was through one on one... so up to this point we were being thumped.

Then Antonio, on 78 minutes pulled one back from Nobles cross and suddenly you could sense there was something there for us. Payet who had been awful all match then put in a great cross for Sahko to equalize. Then Carroll and Sahko combined to set up Payet for a 90th minute winner... queue mayhem in Brannigans.

Such a sweet victory. Quick mention to Brian O'Reilly a dub living in New York, the girls in from Dagenham and the 3 lads in from Crumlin, hope you all enjoyed the hospitality in Brannigans. Man Utd next up, I know the game is on the BBC but lets all make the effort to get in next Sunday!

Yours in Sport, Liam McDonagh COYIs!

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 2nd March, 2016

WEST HAM 1 vs TOTTENHAM 0.

Last game against Spurs at Upton Park… Spurs would go top of the league if they won… surely not… the pressure was on… with five minutes to go before kick-off the room was packed with members plus a few visitors... and off we went...

Seven minutes into the game we get a corner, the ball is met by Antonio whose header was too powerful for Lloris to stop and we were one up! Antonios latest celebration dance has since gone viral on the internet, however at the time we didn’t notice as we were too busy jumping up and down!

Have to say, first half we bossed them, pressurising from front to back… Noble had a stinging shot parried away was probably the best chance, but we always looked dangerous. They played a few passes, pounced about abit and looked the gay-lords that they are.

One nil up at half time then, the sandwiches arrived. Such were the good spirits of those assembled that BrianM had great difficulty maintaining order as he tried desperately to explain the venue changes for the 25th celebrations.

The second half saw the Totts try and get back into the game and Hammers spent most of the half defending and hitting back on the break. Players worth a mention were Noble, Ogbonna, Collins (before he had to retire injured) and Kouyate, but in truth the whole team were on it from the start to the final whistle and were a credit to the occasion and the shirt!

As the game drew to a close tensions were on the edge, but lots of shouting at the telly and rounds of bubbles got us through and when the final whistle went we celebrated in style!

Great meeting and an even greater result!

Report by Paul Smith.

A View from the Bobby Moore Lower - 2nd March, 2016

WEST HAM 1 vs TOTTENHAM 0.

When I purchased my season ticket the first fixture I looked out for was the game v the yids. Lo and behold it was down as a midweek fixture. Nothing was going too stop me from going to this game so I took 2 days off work and headed over with my daughter Emma.

As usual the day started with some pre-flight pints in the airport bar where we met fellow dublin hammer Dave Reid. Before you know it we are in Stratford, we we split up with Dave as he was staying in Romford and we were staying in Barking. Checked into the hotel and headed out for some grub. Then it was on to the Barking Dog to meet my mate Dennis from Essen, Germany. A few nice cheap pints and on to Upton Park.

What a night it turned out to be. The ground was hopping. Within 7 mins Antonio had us 1 up... queue mayhem. The game itself was actually a scrappy affair we had the better of the first half and they bossed the 2nd half but we held on for a famous win. I thought Chelsea was good, but this topped it by a long way.

Game over and we went into the Denmark Arms for a few celebratory pints to round off one of the best trips I have ever done. Hope to see you all in Brannigans for the Everton game.

Yours in Sport, Liam McDonagh, owner... sorry... secretary, Dublin Hammers COYIs!

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 21st February, 2016

BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 vs WEST HAM 5. FA Cup 5th Round.

Just in from watching our beloved West Ham destroy Blackburn Rovers and ease into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Still on a high after a great performance and so, so different from last years’ appalling 4-0 loss to WBA in the same round!

A healthy turn-out of Dublin Hammers not to mention a few visitors from London ensured the room was full as the game kicked-off. Not much between the teams in the first 20 minutes, then Blackburn scored… WTF… not to worry... a few minutes later Moses ran through the Blackburn defence and stuck the ball into the net through the keepers flapping arms! Then we get a free kick 30 yards out… guess who steps up and sends the ball arcing the ball over the Rovers wall and into the top corner. “We’ve got Payet” is sung loud and clear by all present as we watch Payet go over and hug Bilic!

Half-time comes and we tuck into chicken nuggets, chips and sandwiches… a posh accent from the back asks if we will be watching the Rugby again… er, no not this week mate, the owner is away!

The second half began with Rovers playing at a high tempo, but once Taylor was sent off for a second bookable offence they were totally outclassed as the Hammers ran riot! Kouyate thought he had scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside, but then 60 seconds later he crossed for Emineke who scored from close range… his first goal for the Hammers.

Lanzini and Song came on and we just kept going at them. We played some lovely football, we hit the post, the ball was cleared from the line and by now the meeting had a real air of celebration about it. Choruses of Wembley, Wembley and Bubbles were sung… plus a new one from Mr Purdy… We’ve got Emenike… He’s better than Benteke! Little Mattie looked on and smiled.

Speaking of Emenike, the game was all over when he added his second of the game in the 85 minute. Payet then completed the rout when he made it five with a superb run and finish from the edge of the box in injury time.

The game ended with more singing and then the BFS and Harry masks appeared and a good natured photo session began!

A great meeting, great result, what a joy it is to see us playing like we did today… long may it continue! The only downside was Kouyate getting sent off as he appeared to have clipped a Blackburn player on the edge of the box? Looked dodgy to me and with any luck we will appeal the decision.

A few of us are heading over for the return of BFS next week, I would love to see us carry on playing like we did today and put a few into the Sunderland net. Unfortunately I have an uneasy feeling...

Report by Paul Smith.

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Dublin Hammers Meeting - 9th February, 2016

WEST HAM 2 vs LIVERPOOL 1. AET. FA Cup 4th Round Replay.

A great crowd gathered in Brannigans for the replay of our FA Cup game against Liverpool and were treated to a roller coaster of a night!

Yet again we appeared to be a bit sluggish at the start as Liverpool took the game to us. Randolph in goal proved to be a tremendous keeper as he repelled a number of back post headers from Benteke. In fact Reid seemed to lose Benteke too easily on every corner. Any time we got the ball out to the wings, our players took too many touches on it and ran into a crowd of white shirts where quicker play would have been the best option.

We won a free kick about 25 yards from goal that Gary believed was perfect range for Joey O’Brien, but instead up stepped Payet who rattled the upright. Mind you, a little earlier, our Joey also hit the upright with a tremendous shot from just outside the area. The President told me he had a bet on Joey scoring the first goal – I asked him did the bet cover for which team he’d score it!

Liverpool meanwhile had also rattled our upright and forced Randolph into a number of very good saves so I was hoping that we could hold out until half time and let Slaven have a word with the team. How wrong I was, with just a minute left to play in the first half Antonio met a great cross from Valencia and volleyed the ball into the net – we went nuts!!

The half time talk from Club owner and secretary, our Liamo concerned the Arsenal trip arrangements and the next match on the TV. Paul IT had the new Polo Shirts with him for distribution and Dessie sold the Spot the Balls while we all discussed the first half and scoffed the sambos.

BT Sports really are the worst - not only did they have that master of the obvious Michael Owen as co-commentator (he was obviously wearing his Liverpool kit as he barely mentioned that there was another team on the pitch), they also showed James Collins on the bench with the nametag of Andy Carroll. Then some other clown they had commentating thought he was in White Hart Lane?

The second half started and within three minutes the scousers were level with a clever free kick. From then on it became a game of pure cup football as both teams produced a classic cup game filled with incidents.

We were denied a blatant penalty as Valencia was dragged to the ground in the box. On came Sturridge for Liverpool and Carroll for us and the ambulance crews manned their posts immediately! Reid, Joey and Kouyate all went off injured for us so we’re hoping they won’t be out for long, but Collins and Moses joined Carroll in the line-up as replacements. Interestingly, according to the match report on the West Ham official website, Carroll was an unused sub!

Full time and the game was 1-1 so we settled in for extra time and another Spot the Ball (well done Dessie). The President did ask if there would be more sambos or even some chicken goujons.

The next 30 minutes saw both teams go for the win and yet again Randolph saved us when he denied Benteke when he was one on one. It was looking like penalties and we were all asking the question “who will take them” when we won a free kick about 30 yards out with just a minute left to play. Up steps Payet, who had a quiet night by his standards, and delivers a perfect ball that Ogbonna heads pass Mignolet to put us 2-1 ahead and into the next round.

I would say you could hear the roars from us in the Boleyn itself as we leapt out of our seats. The ref blows it up and we start the singsong. “Little Mattie” looked on from our table with pride at a great cup victory. We retired to the bar downstairs and the celebrations got underway.

This could be our year as we managed to win this game with a below par performance! Come on you Irons!!!!

Report by Gerry Murtagh.

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Dublin Hammers Meetings - 30th January & 2nd February, 2016

DOUBLE TROUBLE!

With the games coming thick and fast I decided to do a double report to cover our FA Cup game against Liverpool and our league game against Villa.

LIVERPOOL 0 vs WEST HAM 0.

It was the second week in a row that we are on the box at 5.30pm – this time I remembered “Little Mattie” - here we were in Anfield again wondering if we could really rub salt in the wound and beat them a second time in the same season on their home turf.

I didn't see the starting eleven so was surprised when the commentator mentioned 'Moses' (mind you it was at the beginning of the second half!). I didn't realise he was on the pitch such was his effect! Overall I thought we were the better team in the first half after soaking up the initial onslaught. Losing Tomkins to a head injury late in the first half allowed Ireland's forgotten defender, Joey O'Brien to get in on the action.

In fact when Joey (or Quentin Tarantino to his friends) was coming on, Jelavic also took to the pitch. We thought it was some agreement whereby if you bring on Joey O'Brien you're allowed an additional player. But it was Kouyate who went off with Tomkins. He had been involved in an iffy tackle earlier that looked like he got hurt but he continued to play on.

Half time its 0-0 and the sambos arrive. Liamo is back leading 'his' club from the front as he makes a number of announcements regarding upcoming fixtures etc. He also welcomed (and made sure they were seated beside their wives) a number of visitors who joined us for the day.

The second half saw us lose not only a bit of bite in the game but also the TV as Graham pulled out the wrong plug instead of his phone charger – cue pandemonium. The Pool looked the more likely team to break the deadlock as they created a number of chances. Randolph pulled off a stunning triple save that kept us in the game. We were denied a blatant penalty when Caulker thought he was lining out for the Dubs and handled the ball... twice!!

Liamo leapt to attention when his queen arrived in and he was only short of chucking someone off their seat to make sure she was comfortable... ah that hard man image was finally shattered!!

We nearly grabbed the winner in injury time as Antonio rattled the post but it was not to be and a replay beckons. Afterward a large contingent went to Confession where there remained until the wee hours and I believe our Omar Sharif left the place in a 'tired and emotional' state.

The following Tuesday night saw us add another three points towards our safety net of 40 points!

WEST HAM 2 vs ASTON VILLA 0.

Aston Villa were the visitors to the Boleyn which also saw a good crowd gather in Brannigans.  Alan Corr was home and promptly won both spot the balls! The Free Trip draw took place at half time. There were five free trips up for grabs and following an explanation from treasurer, Jimmy Conway we all held our breath. The winners were Jimmy Conway, Dessie Doyle, Martin Brennan, Charlie O’Reilly and me (yippie!!!!). David McDonagh won the season ticket to go see the last home game against Swansea.

The less said about the game the better. It was awful. Villa were all over us in the first 15 minutes then they had Ayew sent off for a very stupid elbow on Cresswell. We started to play a bit of ball but failed to really create any scoring chances and we looked very sluggish throughout. The commentary team on BT are outstandingly awful – who lets Robbie Savage, the greatest player never to receive the Ballon D'Or, into the ground never mind the studio; Glen 'that boy should be playing for England' Hoddle and the greatest blundering referee ever, Howard Webb give their thoughts (vacant as they are) on proceedings!

Half time was 0-0 and none of us were looking forward to the second half.

In the end we won 2-0, with a header from Antonio on 60 minutes after a great cross field ball from Noble, then on 85 minutes Kouyate scored after a break away from a Villa corner. Two bright spots which eased the pain of watching a very drab performance from both sides.

We retired to the bar downstairs afterwards and enjoyed a few celebratory (trip winners and the result) refreshments.

Report by Gerry Murtagh.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 23rd January, 2016

WEST HAM 2 vs MANCHESTER CITY 2.

OK, I will admit I am partly to blame for us only getting the draw – I forgot to bring “Little Mattie Taylor” in with me to the game. Since I received “Little Mattie” as a Christmas present we have won any of the games he has attended – which is saying a lot more that what normally happened when the real Mattie Taylor was on the pitch for us!!!

Anyway, a good gang were barely in their seats when Kouyate (who should be African Player of the Year) brushed past the sulking Yaya (who should be 30th choice African Player of the Year) to set up Valencia to score. Gary had him at 9-1 for first goal which doubles up or something or other – anyway a team of accountants in Paddy Powers are currently working out what he won. City were rocked and we were rocking!

Dessie spotted it first that “Little Mattie” was missing and offered me his bus ticket to go and collect him – I should have gone. Ten minutes in and Jenkinson makes a silly tackle in the box and Aguero hits the deck, takes the peno and equalises. Jenkinson hobbles off for treatment and while he’s receiving it Bilic decides to substitute him. So Jenkinson is waving to come back on and his number comes up on the board. On comes new boy, Sam Byram – a baptism of fire. In fairness he did very well, looking composed on the ball and he made a number of important tackles.

The first half ended up like the score, a very even contest and we were happy enough at the break that we were well in the game but we all agreed that Demichelis should have received a red for his cynical foul on Antonio – the resultant free kick by Payet brought a top class save from Hart.

Brian Madden did Liamo duties at the break and welcomed our visitors, informed all about the €100 deposit required for the Arsenal game, that you must be a UK member as you’ll need your card to get a ticket for the game and finally that there is a committee formed for our 25th (I was wondering where the President was, obviously on the phone to his ex-player friends). Dessie sold the Spot the Balls and I still didn’t win.

The second half kicks off and we are playing really well, Payet is just wonderful to watch – he really is a throwback to some of the great footballers that West Ham have witnessed over the years rather than the trolls that BFS put out weekly! As Otamendi fixed his hair, Antonio took a quick long throw and bang Valencia bags his second. We are out of our seats as Joe Hart wonders how his back four ever got through an Academy!!! City bring on Sterling and he injects a bit more desire in their team but we defend well and with Noble and Song in the middle of the park we keep City on the back foot.

But it was that man again, Aguero who broke our hearts as he grabbed an equaliser with less than 10 minutes to play – he really is a top class striker – the sod!!!!! In injury time Kouyate’s header rattles the crossbar and City leave the pitch relieved with the draw. I can totally understand the WHU players feeling robbed. We were superb and it is great to watch the team play such inventive football while maintaining a solid defence. This could be the best of seasons in a long, long time.

Keep it up Slav – you’re the man!!!!

Report by Gerry Murtagh.

A View from the Bobby Moore Lower - 23rd January, 2016

WEST HAM 2 vs MANCHESTER CITY 2.

"The Magnificent Seven" asembled for the 8.20am Ryanair flight to London Standed. Yours truely, Craig, John and Brian Thompson, Billy, Alan and Jessie Corr. The usual pre-flight scoops and away on time. National Express had us in Stratford before 11am. Breakfast in Stratfords best cafe and on to our new watering hole the Golden Grove.

These 5.30pm KOs give you plenty of time for pre-match scoops. We were joined in the boozer by our ex-member Rene from Duisberg and two other great german hammers Dennis and Christopher from Essen. Well nourished, off to upton pk. Breakfast in Stratfords best cafe and on to our new watering hole the Golden Grove.

What a cracker of a game, we really put it up to City from start to finish. Aguero the only reason we did not win the game. Thought the whole midfield played well and what a promising debut from Sam Byram. Despite not winning, I was well pleased with our performance.

Anyway, because of the late KO the pressure was on to make the flight home. Not a problem, Alpine Cabs outside the ground had the six of us returning there in plenty of time. Alan Corr stayed in the West Ham hotel feeling very nostalgic about the move from Upton Park. We had time for a couple more scoops to round off a great day out. Roll on the next one vs Sunderland and the return of BFS!

Yours in Sport, Liam McDonagh, owner Dublin Hammers COYIs!

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 2nd January, 2016

WEST HAM 2 vs LIVERPOOL 0.

I was reasonably optimistic about this game as I drove into town for the early Saturday kick-off. The news was good concerning our lengthy injury list… Payet was back a month earlier than expected and on the bench, Lanzini and Caroll were both starting and Reid and Moses are only a week away from being fit. Wasn’t sure what the turn-out would be for this meeting, I needn’t of worried, by kick-off the room was full of members who all seemed to be in good form!

The game sprung into life in the 10th minute, Antonio won a tackle in our area before running the length of the pitch to powerfully head in Valancia’s cross! Antonio seems to be improving with each game and Moses will have to up his game to get back into the team.

Lanzini’s shot hit the post with a serving shot, then he had to go off with a re-occurance of the thigh problem that kept him out recently. Obiang replaced him. West Ham struggled to come to terms with Lanzini’s absence and Liverpool came more into the game, but with Collins in outstanding form at the back the real chances they made were few and far between.

The half-time grub was “inhaled” and the second half began and proceeded in the same manner as the first half ended with Liverpool pressing… and then against the run of play the ball came to Noble on the left and he hung up his cross for Carroll to rise and plant his header into the back of the net in front of the Bobby Moore Stand!

Then on the 65th minute Valcenia was replaced by Payet… within minutes of coming on, the frenchman produced a trick which freed Cresswell, his cross was headed goalwards by Carroll only for Mignolet to save, the ball fell for Antonio whose bundled effort was again saved by the Liverpool stopper. It was one of those classic double ‘nearly’ celebrations… “yeeeeaaa…. oohhhhhh… yeeeeaaa…. oohhhhhh…” We were up and down off the chairs in scenes rememincent of the “stand against Sam” campaign from last season!

Noble cleared off the line in a late spell of Liverpool pressure, but the game ended to a loud cheer from members… that’s the double over the red mickey mousers, first time since 1963! Someone asked Gary if he had a bet on the 2-0 scoreline? “Yes” he said “and 1-0 and 2-1 and 3-0 and 3-1 and… a partridge in a pear tree” he sang! Needless to say we were a band of happy hammers as we headed home!

Recorded Match of the Day and was looking forward to seeing Payet taking the piss with 2 drag-backs, outfoxing 4 Liverpool players in the process… but for some reason the BBC didn’t show it? Fuck them, it’s great to have Payet back!

Onwards and upwards… the FA Cup next week… “She wore, she wore, she wore a claret ribbon, she wore a claret ribbon in the merry month of May” The last time we did the double over Liverpool we went on to win the Cup… if only!

Report by Paul Smith.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 20th December, 2015

SWANSEA 0 vs WEST HAM 0.

Super Sunday on Sky Sports? you're having a laugh... the Sunday before Christmas? I don't think many neutral football fans who went Christmas shopping missed anything. The turn out by The Dublin Hammers for this game was great given the time of year.

The news on the team front was that Andy Carroll was missing... as he was injured... or off Christmas Shopping (for an elf suit), with his absence Jelavic started up front. Liam made an announcement before kick-off that because of the amount of children attending the meeting, he asked everyone to please keep the language in check as this was a family meeting.

West Ham’s winless run in the Premier League extended to seven games, so a win would have been very welcome. With Swansea still searching for a successor to sacked manager Garry Monk, caretaker boss Alan Curtis was in charge for a second time. Swansea seemed to have recaptured their passing mastery of old but with Ki's low drive blocked by Adrian and Ayew firing wide, they were guilty of a familiar failure to make their dominance count. The Hammers were limited to two long-range attempts at goal from Mauro Zarate, both saved by Lukasz Fabianski.

Half time and Barnigans laid on sambos, fries, onion rings, chicken wings, sausages and goujons... we all tucked in hoping for a better second half.

Although West Ham lacked inspiration in attack, they defended stoutly. Adrian made a fine save to push away Cork's whistling 20-yard volley, while 'man of the match' Collins made a brave block to deny Ki. Swansea had a good call for a peno with Collins at the heart of it, the Swansea players claiming the ball hit his hand while Collins lay on the ground holding his head.

I wasn't the only Dublin Hammer wondering what Jelavic was doing on the pitch, he has nothing to offer... and I mean nothing... bring back Carlton Cole was a cry from one member! Valencia made it on in the second half and had one great chance, he cuts inside Naughton and stings the palms of Fabianksi with a dipping effort.

It was then the meeting descended into a dark and nasty place for a whole 2 minutes as Gerry (I'll do it if nobody else will) Nolan, after seeing Valencia's effort saved, jumped up and down and F and Blinded at Fabianksi... OMG Gerry what about the Children? it seems Liam's announcement didn't hold much water with Gerry (even though he owns the club?).

The game ended as a goaless draw, this was no classic but on a good note Andy Carroll got what he needed while shopping so he will be back for the Villa game on St Stephens day!

Report by Brian Madden.

A View from the Bobby Moore Lower - 29th November, 2015

WEST HAM 1 vs WEST BROMICH ALBION 1.

My first time as a season ticket holder. l am seated in the Bobby Moore lower where the views are not the best in the ground but it's definitely the place to be. In over 30 years travelling to Upton Park I have never been in the Bobby Moore lower. Best thing about being there is everyone stands... the proper way to watch football!

Anyway, the day started out with the usual few pints in the airport bar. Brendan Shiels was my companion for the day, he was using John Thompsons season ticket. We had the pleasure of the Drogheda Hammers for our pre flight pints, great to hook up with Brian Keeley and the lads. The flight took off near enough on time and before you know it we're in Stratfords best cafe where the grub is top notch.

Next stop the Golden Grove pub, where we hooked up with Dennis from Essen and Dieter from Cologne, two top lads and massive Hammers fans. Then onto Upton Park and the game.

Firstly the wind did not help, but I thought we were ok 1st half and should have been more than 1 up. 2nd half we were awful, they scored a scabbie own goal off Reid, we still had 40 minutes to get a winner but never looked like we would. The atmosphere was crap and a draw was all we deserved.

Back to Standsted we headed and had a few beers in Witherspoons with the Drogheda Hammers. All in all a dissapointing result, but a good day out! Keep the faith! COYIs

Report by Liam McDonagh, owner... sorry, secretary of the Dublin Hammers.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 22nd November, 2015

TOTTENHAM 4 vs WEST HAM 1.

A great turnout for this much anticipated game as we faced our old rivals, Spurs. That anticipation was dampened however, as we fell apart and allowed the Spuds to make a complete show of us. All over the pitch we were left wanting, not making tackles and standing off players too often. It was clear after about 20 minutes that the Spuds wanted this game more and since they have been on such a terrific run of form of late it soon turned into a one sided game.

They opened their account after 25 minutes through Kane who was a constant menace. Their centre half scored from a corner on the half hour to see us troop off 2-0 down at the break. Even the sambos couldn’t raise our spirits and we all gave our own opinion on what Bilic should do.

The second half saw the same 11 take to the pitch and for a few minutes we looked like we might stem the tide but then we gifted Kane a second goal and from then on it was all one way traffic. They added a fourth in the last ten minutes and Lanzini grabbed us a consolation goal to see the game end 4-1 but by then there was little to cheer.

Overall a performance to forget and we have had one or two of these performances of late so now is the time for Bilic to get his team playing as they did early in the campaign. In true DH fashion I was reminded by one long standing member that another 19 points will see us safe!!

As I said at the beginning there was a great turnout for this game, particularly from our younger WHU fans. It is terrific to see families turn up to watch the game.

Unfortunately, I have noticed of late that this can prove embarrassing, not because of West Ham's performances, but due to the histrionics from one or two members. The ridiculous carry on of people slamming counters or kicking chairs when watching a game on television in a different country defies belief. This sort of behaviour tarnishes all members of the Dublin Hammers and should not be allowed at any time and more especially when young children are present.

I am well aware that football is a passionate game (I have thrown the odd wobbler myself at some of our displays!) but we must look to exert some self-control. The other issue we need to examine is the amount of coarse language that is used by members attending some of the televised games. I can remember a time when we had our famous threshold – no bad language prior to 8.00pm kick offs – we need to revert to this practice in order to encourage our younger folk to continue to attend!

Report by Gerry Murtagh.

fran

The Presidents View... Gerrys report fully endorsed!

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 19th September, 2015

MANCHESTER CITY 1 vs WEST HAM 2.

At the end of the last report I said that I thought that under Bilic we would be up for this game, and for once I wasn’t talking shite! We were “well up-for-it” and got our reward with another away win against one of the so called big clubs. Who’d have thought it in those dark days at the end of last season!

Another good turn out of Dublin Hammers as well as some visitors (Martin from Ealing!) gathered for this late Saturday kick-off, by the time I arrived I suspect a fair few drinks had already been dispatched as the noise levels were way above normal.

The game kicked off, I was alittle worried that Kouyaté was injured, thought that we would need him when the going got tough, but Obiang came in and played his part. “Best squad we have had in a long time” remarked one member.

So there we were, money bags city paraded the latest ‘four hundred trillion billion’ pound signing Kevin De Bruyne, but the game was only 6 minutes old when it was one of our new signings, Victor Moses who opened the scoring, drilling a 20-yard shot which crept inside Joe Hart’s left-hand post! And I thought the noise level was high before!

City pressed, but with some clinical counter attacking we went 2 up on the half hour when Sakho hooked the ball in from 6 yards! 2-0… it was all getting alittle surreal! COYIs!

City fans were fully wake at this stage and began to urge their team on, they stepped up a gear and right on half time De Bruyne got one back. The sandwiches were devoured and we steadied ourselves for the second half onslaught.

Well they tried, an outstanding defensive display from the Hammers, especially ‘man of the match’ Reid and a couple of great saves from Adrian ensured we registered our third away win in a row! It was nervy stuff, at one stage the clock seemed to have stopped as we endured wave after wave of City pressure but it wasn’t to be and at the final whistle we celebrated with gusto.

Renditions of “Bubbles” and “Super Slaven Bilic” were sung, closely followed by “Show us the table”, a loud cheer went up as the table duly appeared on the screen showing us up to second! WTF! Good meeting.

Report by Paul Smith.

dublin hammers man city meeting 2015 dublin hammers man city meeting 2015

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 14th September, 2015

WEST HAM 2 vs NEWCASTLE UTD 0.

2 away wins… 2 home defeats… were Newcastle Utd going to make it 3 home defeats? With West Ham’s squad being bolstered by the addition of Moses, Antonio, Jelavic and Song on the last day of the transfer window, it was time to see if we could put in a home performance without the poor first half display and silly individual mistakes made against Leicester and Bournemouth.

A healthy turn out of Dublin Hammers were not disappointed as the hammers went on to win comfortably. In fact we did not have to wait too long before we opened the scoring as Payet curled the ball past Tim Krul from the edge of the area after Mark Noble's low cross from the left wing. It was a sweet finish and got members up onto their feet in appreciation! After that we defended well, soaking up Newcastle’s possession and then counter attacking with pace… yes that’s right.. pace! Payet and Victor Moses (making his debut) were a constant threat with speed and direct running.

Half time came, we headed downstairs for the sandwiches and also to watch the second half as upstairs was needed for a meeting of some sort?

The second goal came soon after the restart, a Newcastle free kick near our penalty area ended 30 seconds later with the ball in their net! Moses used his strength and pace to run from inside our half before his shot from 18 yards hit the underside of the crossbar, with Payet in the right place to finish the rebound. So 2-0 up, Lanzini came off for the more defensive minded Obiang and we never really looked in any trouble.

We almost could have been accused of ‘show-boating’ as the game drew to a close, and with a bit more awareness we could well of had a couple more goals, still no complaints. The final whistle went and we headed off into the damp dublin night happy hammers! Great to see everyone, welcome to the new faces and an air of (cautious) optimism about the place!

Have to say it was a pleasure watching West Ham again, we defended as a unit, we played some nice attacking football, the sound of applause around Upton Park as players put in a good tackle or a nice pass, the roar of excitement at creative play… all sadly infrequent during the BFS years. And dare I say it… the future looks good, we now have a good squad, Payet is already a crowd favourite, Moses showed us what he can do and we still have to see what Antonio and Jelavic are all about. Andy Carroll returned from his latest long term injury to play in the final few minutes and we still have Valencia and Song to come back, all through the squad we have options and competition for places.

Next up is Manchester City away, City are flying high and it will be a tough one and probably our first away defeat, but then again I thought that for both the Arsenal and Liverpool games… you never know! But one thing is for sure... unlike the previous few years, I am looking forward to the game and I think under Bilic we will be up for it. COYIs!

Report by Paul Smith.

Dublin Hammers Meeting - 9th August, 2015

ARSENAL 0 vs WEST HAM 2.

The opening game of the season and we all thought “Oh Dear, it’s the Gooners away!!!” Anyway a good gang turned out to watch the game and were treated to a fantastic day out. We were a bit worried when we saw that Reece Oxford was the anchoring midfield player, as the lad is just 16 and playing against the Gooners on their home turf we thought might be a bit much for the boy... but how wrong we were. He was absolutely brilliant, making tackles, winning the ball and playing intelligent passes. I hope he can build on this performance and we’ll see a top quality home grown midfielder in the claret and blue again.

Another player that caught the eye was new signing Dimitri Payet who showed great hunger and strength as he chased balls and held off defenders well – so long as the pace and length of the season doesn’t sap his energy we will be a threat to everyone.

After years of watching dour negative football, it was refreshing to watch a Hammers team look to play the ball around and pick out passes. One of these seemed overly ambitious from the right hand side to the left but Payet did extremely well to make something out of it and his cross was nearly turned home by Sakho.

The Gooners as usual played lovely quick football but the Hammers worked work without the ball to stifle anything they tried to do and with a keeper of the quality of Adrian in goal they weren’t getting anything out of the game. With a few minutes to go to the break a free kick from just inside the Gooners half saw Kouyate beat Cech to the ball and his header nestled in the back of the net. I was downstairs ordering a pint and watching it on TV and the ceiling above the bar nearly collapsed such was the jumping for joy! A punter at the bar was wondering what was going on and the look on his face when he heard there was a West Ham Supporters Club upstairs was priceless. We go into the break 1-0 ahead and are all in great spirits!

The sambos arrive and are devoured. Spot the Balls are sold and trip monies are taken. One very important point to note is that you must have your UK Hammers membership to go on the Chelski trip and it’s vital that you get the membership number to Tom Jones ASAP. There are a limited number of tickets available for the Chelski game so details of your UK Membership numbers have to be in shortly to try and obtain the tickets – don’t come looking late in the day for tickets as they cannot be got!!

The second half starts and we wonder will Bilic look to do a BFS and hold out with everyone behind the ball... thankfully not. The team start as they finished looking to attack the game and defending well. Arsenal are frustrated as they try and walk the ball into the goal. They send everything down our right towards Tomkins but between Tomkins, Kouyate and Oxford we manage to stifle them and with Reid in commanding form and Adrian making a couple of superb saves we keep a clean sheet.

Zarate scores a second 15 minutes into the second half. The goal comes from great pressing by the Hammers and Arsenal get in a muddle clearing their lines. The ball comes to Zarate and he fires home from 25 yards out with Cech rooted to the spot. We go nuts!!!!! We’re 2-0 up at the Emirates and playing great football with a manager pacing the technical area rather than slumped in his chair chewing gum!

We do get worried when Bilic makes the big change of the day taking off Oxford (to a rousing applause in Brannigans) and bringing on Fat Boy with 10 minutes left – word was that Bilic felt it would take the Gooners longer to go around him! Before that our own Matt “£11 quid Danny Dyer lookalike” Jarvis came on to muted celebrations.

As Arsenal gained more possession and hunted for a goal the hammers defended deeply putting their bodies on the line and when they got the ball they looked to get the very sharp Payet away.

The game ends 2-0 to the Hammers – we are shocked and delirious! Gary won a fortune with his usual array of bets. I know it’s early days and the first few weeks of the season always throw up unexpected results, but looking at the way we played and the spirit of the team I think we could be in for a decent season with the team back to what West Ham United have always been famous for... the beautiful game.

On another matter it was reported that Andy “Sick Note” Carroll was back playing with the youth teams as part of his rehab. Rumours that all the training and games were taking place on a bouncy castle to avoid further injuries cannot be confirmed at this stage.

Report by Gerry Murtagh.

 

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