Harewood Hits The Target

MARLON Harewood was on target for the Hammers in the 1-1 draw against TSV 1860 Munich, the 25-year-old striker's third goal of this pre-season campaign.

And, with the Premiership season looming, Marlon is confident that Hammers preparations are going to give Alan Pardew's men every chance of getting off to a strong start against Blackburn Rovers on August 13th.

"A good start to the season is going to be really important," he said. "We have to be ready by the time the first game comes around, and that's why the build up during pre-season is so important.

"The game in Munich was pretty tough. It was very hot inside the stadium and they knocked the ball around well and put us through a good work out.

"It was difficult getting to the stadium late, but we still gave a good, hard working performance and probably should have won the game.

"Of course, I was pleased to get on the scoresheet, because if you get goals during pre-season it always gives you a boost going into the season.

"Matty put in a great cross and I was able to get my head to it and turn it in. I don't score a lot with my head and it's something I've been working on, so it was good to see that pay off.

"We created plenty of chances, which was encouraging, and we might have had a couple of goals in the second-half before they equalised.

"They were probably the strongest side we've played so far in pre-season and it was a tough test for us."

Hammers are now past the half-way point in their pre-season campaign and have just three games remainaing - Crystal Palace on Saturday, Den Haag in Holland next Tuesday and then a final warm up game at home to Osasuna before the season begins.

Marlon can hardly believe the new campaign is so close, but the former Nottingham Forest front-man can't wait to get going in his first top-flight season.

"There's a buzz around the place," he said, "and the spirit is fantastic. The lads have been great in training, everyone is looking forward to the start of the season and you can feel the excitment around the Club.

"We feel that we've got a squad capable of doing well in the Premier League. Our first aim is survival, but the manager has made it clear that he wants more than that and there is plenty of belief in the squad that we can achieve a good finish.

"It won't be easy, it's a long season playing against some of the world's best players. But when you look at last season we always really enjoyed ourselves on the big occasions and put in some great performances against the top sides.

"This season every game will be a huge occasion and I think that will bring the best out of this squad."