The Other Iron(s) - West Ham United vs. Burnley

Again, obviously not a non league side but an interesting topic and great ground. We decided to take advantage of reduced ticket prices to watch West Ham's home cup tie with Burnley. West Ham have recently decided to move to the Olympic stadium and the keystone to their bid was to keep the running track. A lot of fans are unhappy with this, a fact highlighted several times in the fanzine Over Land And Sea (OLAS). One particularly good cartoon shows that official club binoculars will be available in the club shop from summer 2012. I digress, with West Ham near the bottom of the league there is the potential for a cup shock.   

Kick off at The Boleyn Ground

It's often said at cup ties like this, but you really wouldn't have guessed that West Ham were the Premier League side. Burnley stroke the ball around confidently and force a few half chances. As the half wears on, the home fans begin to turn on their team. That is until Thomas Hitzlsperger marks his début for the Hammers with a thunderous strike from 25 yards that flies through the goalkeeper's dive. Even after this Burnley continue to play the better football and will be disappointed to be behind at half time.

The West Stand at the Boleyn Ground.

Burnley continue to play the better football but are stunned by two Carlton Cole goals in five minutes. For the first one he is put clear through but this is saved by the keeper but the ball ricochets back to him and he rolls the ball home while still on the ground. The second goal is a lot more pleasing on the eye as he smashes the ball past the keeper when put through again. This knocks the stuffing out of Burnley and the home side add a third when Reid powers home from a corner. Burnley get their deserved goal but again it is a fortunate goal. Rob Green hits the ball in to the advancing striker and the ball falls to Rodriguez how nods the ball home. West Ham complete the scoring when ex-Scunthorpe loanee Sears gets on the score sheet. 

The West Stand. Note how narrow the pitch is.

Before the game we avoided the crowds and went to The Wentworth Arms which is round the corner from Mile End Station. It has a fantastic atmosphere although is quite small. The ground is a ten minute walk from Upton Park station on the District Line and this is a ten minute ride from central London. For the first time in a long time I was able to get a fanzine outside the ground. Over Land And Sea is a good read and well worth the cash.