We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
After a long, hard slog through the week, we've got another terrific Premiership weekend ahead of us. We get started in a few minutes with West Ham trying to get their season started against Stoke. After the regularly scheduled fixtures at 10 am, we round off the day with an intriguing Arsenal visit to Sunderland. Join me for all the usual LOB fun.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:13 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
440 Comments:
The big news coming out of the UK this morning is about a supposed bust-up between Hammers boss Avram Grant and star Kieran Dyer, which apparently means that Avram will not be on the bench today at Stoke. WTF?
The scary hunting show is over and the coverage on ESPN2 has started with a streamlined panel of Bretos and Mustoe facing us.
Stoke pulled off a huge win against Villa last week in dramatic fashion on the day that Tony Pulis lost his mum. First points of the season.
The teams are coming out of the tunnel now at the Britannia.
Good morning BD. Were you pleased with the result yesterday. Avram Grant might be absent because Yom Kippur occurs today.
The teams:
Stoke: Sorensen; Huth, Shawcross, Faye, Collins; Pennant, Delap, Whitehead, Etherington; Walters, Jones. Subs: Begovic, Higginbotham, Whelan, Gudjohnsen, Fuller, Wilson, Wilkinson.
West Ham: Green; Jacobsen, Da Costa, Upson, Gabbidon; Behrami,
Parker, Noble; Obinna, Piquionne, Cole. Subs: Stech, Tomkins, Barrera, Boa Morte, Kovac, McCarthy, Faubert.
Will West Ham finally get at least a point today.
How will sticky fingers Green deal with Stoke's long throws?
Morning, MUR! You are absolutely right, my friend. My apologies to the Children of Abraham - it is Yom Kippur today, which explains Avram's absence. As a non-religious person, I often forget when religious holidays pop up.
The teams kick off.
I was happy with the away draw at Doncaster Rovers yesterday. Another valuable point for us in the Championship. 39 to go.
I don't fancy it for the Hammers today. Stoke are very strong at home and on a high after their win at Villa Park last weekend. I don't think the Hammers backfour and Calamity Green can handle the long-throw and long-ball attack toward Kenwynne Jones.
Surging run from Jones there but Mark Noble did well to track back.
I agree . I think the Hammers are in for a long afternoon. They will need to get points against the likes of Wigan,Wolves,and Blackpool.
The announcer just referred to the bust up between Grant and Keiran Dyer.
West Ham are playing a front three today of Carlton Cole, Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna. I think that's a mistake. A point would be a victory for them today.
Dyer's career has really fallen off. For a while I thought he might play the kind of role that Theo, Lennon and Milner are doing for England these days, but he's a long way away from that now. He must be a difficult sort in the dressing room.
That is an interesting formation. Piquionne must be making his first start for West Ham.
Any thoughts about the United v. Rangers Champions League match? Did you get a chance to watch it on Tuesday?
Dyer's career has been riddled with injuries, but he seems to have some mental issues.
The Hammers win their first corner of the match. The corner is cleared.DaCosta crosses straight to Sorensen.
Sorenson's another very solid Scandinavian goalkeeper that the big clubs should be angling to pick up.
Kenwynne Jones crosses, but there was nobody to get on the end of the pass.
I did not have a chance to watch the match. I did record the match,so I will try to watch it this weekend.
Pennant wins a corner for Stoke off of Gabbidon.
I'm not sure that you'll want to watch the match, David. Definitely turn you head away from the screen for the Broadfoot leg-breaking tackle on Valencia. It's nasty - really sorry for Valencia. That will be a long convalescence.
The Hammers finally clear the corner off of former Hammer, Etherington. I noticed that Green did not come out for any crosses.
Can you imagine trying to mark up a guy like Robert Huth? Crikey!
This corner for Pennant does not create any problems.The long throw does not create any problems.
That was a sweet through from Etherington but Jones wasn't on the same wavelength.
Behrami had some difficulty.Robert Green's clearance leads to a West Ham corner.
Obinna's long range effort is deflected straight to Sorensen.
I can't imagine being a season ticket holder at the Britannia and watching this tripe week in, week out. Throw...head...throw...head....throw...head. Sophisticated stuff.
Piquionne is an extra forward,but has been playing as an extra defender. This is a sign of Stoke's dominance.
It's my first look at Obinna, who apparently is on loan at West Ham from an Italian club. Interesting looking player.
I think the Stoke fans are happy to see their team in the top flight after such a lengthy absence. I do agree with you about their tactics.
Whitehead should have been booked for that late challenge on Obinna. Ref didn't see it.
Are Pennant and Walters making their debuts today?
I agree. What a cheap shot.
Maybe it's enough for Stoke fans to be able to watch some quality sides at the Britannia, even if they're beating their home favorites.
I think you're right - first matches for Pennant and Walters. Jermaine has always struck me as a luxury player. He was with Leeds during one of our relegation seasons and never really dug in.
Green looked really wobbly on that free kick. Very jittery from the ex-England man.
The referee is letting the Stoke defenders get away with a lot against the West Ham forwards. And they're incensed as Behrami picks up a yellow for a clip of the heels on Pennant.
Oh - Jones should have scored after a lucky ricochet left him alone with an easy shot from the free kick.
I think Pennant was on a season long loan from the Gunners, keeping Lennon out of the side.That was a really wise decision. That was almost in by Jones.
If Behrami gets booked then Whitehead should as well. Lee Mason must be consistent.
By the way, a draw today lifts Stoke out of the relegation zone, at least temporarily. A draw for the Hammers keeps them rooted to the bottom, but at least gets them a first point.
Rory Delap gets a yellow card somewhat cheaply there.
Three out of six sides that have lost their first four EPL games have been relegated.History states that West Ham have a 50% chance of surviving.
You're right - Dennis Wise wasn't the "wisest" manager for us in the end. I think when he was paired up with Gus Poyet as coach, we did alright. I rate Gus highly but then he buggered off to Spurs, Dennis went to Newcastle and the rest is history.
I just saw a teenager watching the match from the top of a tree. That is really creative.
In previous relegation seasons, pundits have always said that West Ham are "too good" to go down; I don't think anyone's saying that now. With Avram, Piquionne and co, there's the stink of relegation around the place.
I think Wise came in after that. I thought Eddie Gray was in charge that year. He tried,but I am not sure that he was meant for management.
I agree. The problems may have started last year. The Hammers have not won on the road since the opening day of last season.
The Hammers maintain possession despite the poor free kick.
You may be right about that time-line. I know what you mean. We've always had a soft spot for the ex-pros. We had a string of disastrous Revie era heroes as bosses at Elland Road in the 80s - Johnny Giles, Billy Bremner, even Alan Clarke!
I am surprised that it is still 0-0 as Stoke have dominated the match.
Yes - to their credit, West Ham have kept it reasonably tight, although Stoke should definitely be one or two up.
I remember Alan Clarke. He was in charge when Leeds were relegated in 1982.I do not remember Giles or Bremner as managers because I had already moved back to the U.S. That was before Internet and televised footie matches in the U.S.
Decent free kick chance for West Ham....
GOAL! Scottie Parker turns it in after a mad scramble from the free kick and the traveling fans are hopping up and down with glee behind the goal!
0-1!
GOAL!!! I can't believe it as West Ham have taken the lead through Scott Parker. He has scored three out of four of the Hammers' goals.
Giles was the guy who Revie had tipped to replace him when he left for the England job. The board disagree and hired Brian Clough. Another disaster well documented in "That Damned United."
Oh - that could have been 0-2! Piquionne with a tremendous strike off the bar!
WOW!!! That was nearly a second as Piquionne's long range blast bounces off the bar.
And with that goal, Stoke are back down in the dropzone and level on points with West Ham. That's how much this match means to both sides.
The Hammers fans are now blowing bubbles.
More nastiness from Shawcross, a clothesline on Carlton Cole there.
The free kick by Obinna was excellent, but that was shocking defending by Stoke that led to the goal. The Hammers look more confident now that they have the lead.
Another huge throw from Delap and Green was in no man's land. Jones heads over. I have a feeling that the big man will find the target eventually.
Delap's long throw is headed over by Jones as Green was clueless. This was after the famous towel treatment.
Nice knock down there from Obinna and Noble tried a curler.
Carlton Cole with a striker's challenge - a rash nip at the ankles on Etherington that brings out the yellow card.
Mark Noble shoots straight at Sorensen. The Hammers look like a different team.If the Hammers win then it will be difficult for Dyer to make the starting lineup. I would stick with this side.
Green finally catches one to the ironic cheers of Potters fans behind the goal. Honestly, we're surprised when he makes a regulation catch.
I agree with you - if this side can gut out a result at Stoke, keep them going. No need to throw a trouble-maker back into the side.
The pass from Noble to Obinna nearly came off.
Ironic cheers from the Stoke fans as Upson is called for a foul on Jones.
Another catch from Green - more ironic cheers and whistles from the Stoke faithful.
Green made another catch. AMAZING!!!
Was Walters being held back in the box there? I thought so.
Green struggle,but Lee Mason blows for a push on Jones. Green was lucky.
Another yellow and it's for Whitehead. He had that one coming. Nasty.
Dean Whitehead is finally booked.
Late free kick chance for Stoke then.
Da Costa is called for a foul on Walters.
Spectacular overhead kick clearance there that caught Robert Huth.
Huth is down after the Hammers clear the Stoke free kick.
What is the referee doing now - drop ball? What on earth?
The referee blow for the half and boos are ringing out around the Britannia. Stoke fans not happy at the ref or their team. This was not in the script today.
West 0-1 up!
Mark Noble clears the drop ball so that Stoke are pinned in to their own end to the disgust of the Stoke fans. The fans jeer their team as Stoke are down 0-1 at halftime.
We're set for the second half then. West Ham to get us underway.
The second half is underway.
The long throw is easily cleared by the Hammers. The lucky towel did not work on this occasion.
Huth with a nasty, clumsy challenge on Behrami. He's close to a card surely.
GOAL! It had to be! Kenwynne Jones scores from Jermaine Pennant's excellent cross.
1-1!
GOAL !!! 1-1 AS JONES SCORES FOR STOKE. A GREAT PASS BY PENNANT AND A GREAT IDEA BY WALTERS.
Behrami's down again but Stoke play on. That was exactly the response that Pulis would have demanded in the dressing room.
I'm not sure that Behrami will be able to continue now. He looks to be in agony.
I agree . Pulis' halftime talk has made an immediate impact.Behrami is down holding his shin.
Pennant's corner is too high and Shwcross cannot control.
Walters and Pennant have improved as they were nearly invisible during the first half.
Czech midfielder Kovac replaces Behrami.
Mark Noble did well against Pennant. Robert Green clears into the crowd to the delight of the Stoke fans.
You'd have to put your money on Stoke going on to win this one, but the Hammers did surprise me in the first half. Maybe they've got another trick up their sleeve?
I did not see that substitution,but Behrami was struggling.
I am not sure.The Hammers have been affected by this goal. Stoke did come from behind against Villa.
Another great ball in from Pennant but Walters just couldn't get to it. Was he nudged off the ball?
As you'd expect Stoke are all over West Ham now, the visitors unable to hold on to the ball for more than a few passes. The caretaker on the WHU bench must now consider sticking on another covering player to help weather the onslaught.
This would be a good time for a change.
Oh - Jones off the post! Can West Ham hold out?
Kenwynne Jones sees his shot come off the post as he easily won possession off a Hammers defender. It's all Stoke at this time.
Green got something on that Jones shot onto the post. And unfortunately for Stoke fans, Jones was feeling his groin after the shot. Not a good sign. Jones has been their only threat.
Mark Noble is called for offside after what would have been a promising move off the throw. The Hammers were using the towel.
Perhaps West Ham paid for special towel privileges at the Britannia?
Etherington shows some trickery against his former employers. Is he out to prove a point?
It is interesting that Stoke have three former Sunderland players starting that were all signed last season.How did they all end up transferring to the same team?
Four if you count Sorensen, but he arrived a year earlier.
Green isn't the only West Ham player who's bringing his World Cup form into the equation. Matthew Upson's defending has been putrid here.
Ricardo Fuller coming on for Jon Walters. That's a canny move. Fuller can be a real handful up front.
I agree. Upson was not that spectacular last season. I am not sure how he made the World Cup squad.
Ricardo Fuller is on for Jon Walters, who made a decent debut in his first top flight match.
Half way through the second half. West Ham have another 24 minutes to weather to pick up a valuable away point.
Pennant with a great run but he betrayed his one-footedness when he had a chance to strike it with his left foot. Tried a right-footed dink to Jones who was offside.
Green actually made a decent punch from the throw. Jones' header comes off the bar after a great cross from Pennant, but the play is called offside.
I did not realize that the Hammers have not won on the road in twenty away matches. They are about to match their worst run since 1976.
Oh - Sorenson is forced to shovel Obinna's shot wide for a corner.
Sorensen does well to tip Obinna's long range volley around the post.Sorensen makes another great save from Da Costa.
Etherington tears away on the break but runs into trouble when he had a chance to play Jones in.
Stoke Broke to the other end. The Hammers are back in possession.We are set for a fantastic finish.
New boy Eidur Gudjohnsson is coming on for Jones. I'm surprised. I would have left Jones on and taken one of the defensive mids on a card off.
It should be a lively last fifteen minutes now. Well poised to go either way.
Eidur Gudjohnsen is on for Kenwynne Jones. He must be injured. What a shame as he was Stoke's main and only threat.
Oh - that makes sense. Jones has sustained a slight groin strain.
The towels are getting more a workout than some of the players today.
West Ham break quickly but Obinna is too selfish there when he could have played Parker in there.
The Hammers break off of Stoke's corner,but Obinna gets it all wrong with his shot.
More thuggishness from Whitehead who should really be off at this point.
I thought that was a fair tackle by Whitehead on Kovac.
Good morning gentlemen. I watched the first half in bed. I know, I am a lazy bum
I did read the first comment of the day about Grant not being there. MUR is right, it is a Jewish holiday today
Scott Parker seems to be West Ham's one-man rescue squad. If they were to lose him in the transfer window, it would be all over.
Parker shoots well over and appeals for a corner after great passing by the Hammers.
Already found a Soccer Saturday link through Justin
Morning, Mr. Lazybones. Welcome!
Good morning UWS.How have you been?
I have had a good start to the school year. Absolutely no problems until Period 9 yesterday. Two big boys were about to go at it. I was able to get one out in the hallway
Now Pennant seems to be struggling after a clash with Kovac.
Oh - somehow West Ham have escaped as Fuller met the Delap throw and nodded onto the bar. Wow!
ooh, Stoke go very close there
Red cards for both students, eh UWS?
Fuller heads on to the post off of Delap's throw. Whelan is on for Pennant.
I agree. Both students should see red and at least ISS.
Collins is going to pick up a yellow for catching Parker there.
Stoke can consider themselves unfortunate as they have hit the post or bar three times in the second half.
Parker shoots well wide after the Hammers free kick.
I have to say that I don't miss having to break up fights. I have my fair share of student drama but not of that variety, thank goodness.
Green caught Delap's throw. I cannot believe it.
Nice kick by Green... right in the noggin
Nice one - Green knocks Ryan Shawcross out with a line drive kick out. Shawcross deserved that.
I agree. another interesting moment that ruins a catch from the throw.
Hammers fans blowing bubbles again. They can sense a valuable away point in the offing if they can survive another couple of minutes.
The Hammers are minutes away from their first point of the season,but also going twenty one away matches without a win. Their worst run since 1976.
Oh - Green tips over a speculative Etherington shot there.
Green tips over form Etherington after Delap's long throw was cleared. Three minutes of stoppage time.
The Hammers really need this point!
That is an appalling run, but the reality is that if they can win six or eight points on the road against the lesser teams and then win ten matches at home, they can survive. That's got to be their goal.
West Ham making a time wasting change.... Doesn't that just add another 30 seconds to the match
Boa Morte is about to come on for Obinna .
Obinna's done well today but Luis Boa Morte is brought on at the death.
That's it
West Ham FINALLY get off their duck!
The Hammers need to stop knocking it out to touch. And it is all over now. A priceless point for them. Still rock bottom but they can build on that.
That is full time as the Hammers get their first point of the season . The match ends at 1-1.
I'm off for a shower before the 10 am kickoffs.
First time West Ham haven't conceded 3 goals in a match all season... still bottom
UWS is correct. Thirty seconds should have been added to the match. BD is correct too. Ten home wins and a few away points should be enough for the Hammers to survive. The result was better for West Ham than Stoke.
I am off for a shower too.
Beckford is out of the Everton side through injury. Not a good start to his Prem team
I'm back and my Live VSS stream has switched to Soccer Saturday. Lovely! After a pause, VSS is back in action in the best way. It's my default channel once again.
I'm unhappy for JB - it's been a rocky start for him.
Away we go with the 10 o'clockers.... both of our United's don't play so WHO CARES!
Enjoying my SS link
Billy Gallas has got to be the most hated footballer in London now. First Chelski, then the Arse and now he's starting his first match for Spurs at Shite Fart Lane.
Spurs are trying to score their first Premier League goal at home this season
Spurs and Wolves have kicked off at White Hart Lane.
Send us your link just in case my packs it in.
Boro have taken an early lead against Reading through Robson.
Boro take a very early lead against Reading
A 26 second goal!
I think Wolves won 0-1 at the Lane last season.
http://www.justin.tv/road_wars#/w/397064528/2
Cheers, mate!
no troubs
Have I told you that I still haven't recovered from the Goodison disaster!
We're back down to 9th as the Championship fixtures kick off.
Yeah - but a tasty win tomorrow would put a smile back on your face, eh?
Spurs are dominating early on.
Kabboul has gone down clutching his face there and the replay shows that there was no contact at all. What a shocker!
I agree. we can make up for that by beating Liverpool tomorrow. A win against them is always pleasing.
A nice win tomorrow with a Blackpool point would be lovely jubbley.... I am a little nervous about tomorrow. Liverpool have been pants so far this season but they are bound to turn it around!
Charlton take the lead at Tranmere
A Leicester win against league topping QPR at the Walker Stadium today would have me munching on some crisps, I'll tell you.
I agree. Liverpool always raise their game win they play us.
My link keeps rebuffering
What is your link?
lost it completely!
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