Gardner strike sinks Hammers; sends Blues to Wembley.
Team Lineups.
Birmingham. West Ham.
GK-Foster GK-Green
RB-Carr RB-Faubert
CB-Johnson CB-Tomkins
CB-Jiranek CB-Upson
LB-Ridgewell LB-Bridge
RM-Larsson RM-Spector
CM-Ferguson CM-Parker
CM-Gardner CM-Noble
LM-Bowyer LM-Boa Morte
ST-Derbyshire ST-Hines
ST-Jerome ST-C.Cole
Birmingham City pulled off a stunning second half comeback to shove West Ham out of the Carling Cup and book themselves a ticket to Wembley on February 27th, where they’ll face Arsenal. West Ham came into the 2nd leg 2-1 up following a late strike from Carlton Cole at Upton Park, and he was in the scoring books again in this match, netting a superb effort from 25 yards and putting the Londoners 3-1 up on aggregate and surely a place in the Final. But all the damage would be done in the second half where Birmingham piled on the pressure and scored two fine goals, later to seal the victory in extra time thanks to a fine effort from inspirational midfielder Craig Gardner.
An earlier strike from Lee Bowyer and a fine header from Johnson saw the Blues square the game at two a piece having dominated the second half completely. Manager Alex Mcliesh certainly made his players know his feelings at half time when they were 45 minutes from exiting the cup, leaving a mighty chance for some silverware in 2011.
You certainly wouldn’t have betted against West Ham until half time, with Grant’s changed 4-4-1-1 formation proving to inspire Carlton Cole upfront with much needed support just behind him from youngster Hines. The Hammers, who have been in the headlines all week regarding the Olympic Stadium bid, started stronger with early chances from Hines; his best a right footed curling shot well saved by Foster. They continued to press and the experienced duo of Noble and Parker in the middle seemed to bolster West Ham’s attack. In the tenth minute, Noble sprayed a great pass from his own half towards Hines on the edge of the area, before he tested Foster again with a powerful strike, but the former Man Utd goalkeeper stayed firm and parried away. However, Foster wasn’t to be kept at bay for much longer. After a series of attacks and corners, West Ham won a throw in on the left hand side. Mark Noble threw to Cole who cleverly dumbied towards the ball, resulting in Gardner and Ferguson missing their challenges, leaving Cole to turn and fire from 30 yards leaving Foster with no chance. It was a great strike and well deserved as West Ham built a two goal cushion in the tie.
This strike opened up the game as Birmingham were now in desperate need of a goal. Their search was fuelled by Matt Derbyshire, who had a strike well saved by Green on 34 followed by a Matt Larsson free kick unfortunately straight at the goalkeeper. The chances continued to be created but the half time whistle blew with Birmingham still needing at least two goals to stay in the tie.
The Blues had a job to do and came out all guns blazing in the second 45. If Avram’s men were hoping to defend for the next half, it would be unwise given Birmingham’s attacking attitude. Big Eck brought on Zigic, Derbyshire making way, and this instantly caused panic for Upson and co as balls were pumped forward for the big Serb to knock down to his oncoming goal prowlers. Hammers started to resist the forward play; Zigic headed down for Ferguson who volleyed his effort agonisingly onto the post and out of play.This is what Zigic was brought on for and after a fine save from Ridgewell’s header by Green, the following corner was not to be such a success for him and his back line. Larsson played the ball over and Faubert’s clearance fell only to Bowyer who struck a superb half volley rifling in to the top corner; game on.
Birmingham had now enjoyed 69% of the second half possession and with the crowd in loud spirits, Blues found the equaliser. Another string of corners saw Bowyer’s floated cross met by big man Johnson who pounced to head into the ground and back up into the roof of the net. West Ham were shell shocked and there had to be only one winner now.
As the Midlands side pushed for a late winner, West Ham took off Boa Morte and brought on new man Gary O’neil, recently signed from Middlesborough, and he was hoping for an immediate impact. Birmingham should have won the game after Gardner saw another one of his shots deflect off Greens hand and on to the post; this time the ball came back into play and it looked like Jerome would poke home, only for Green’s desperation to deny the striker. The whistle blew and Arsenal were still waiting to find out who their opponents for the final would be.
The extra period began and Birmingham were to strike after 4 minutes; Stephen Carr won the ball on the halfway line and carried it towards the West Ham box where he squared it to Gardner, who third time lucky powered a fine, low shot into the bottom corner, sending the home fans into uproar; although critics will say Green should have done better. Despite efforts from Cole and substitute Kieron Dyer, West Ham could not find an equaliser. Gardner’s strike proved to be the difference in this epic semi final, sending West Ham fans into more gloom and doom. After all, the Hammers came so close, and perhaps should of advanced, but it is Birmingham who will try their luck at denying Wenger’s men a first trophy in six years.
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