ALAN Pardew admitted that missed chances cost his side against
Crewe, as a last minute equaliser from the Railwaymen denied
Hammers what would have been a precious three points.
But Hammers will get the chance to hit back in just two days time
when they take on Leicester City at Upton Park in a live Sky TV
game, and Pards insists his players will be ready.
"Losing a goal in the last minute was a big body blow for the
team," confessed Alan. "I felt for the players because
they put everything into the game and just a lack of confidence in
front of goal cost us three points.
"But we've suffered set-backs this season and if we've
shown one thing its that we know how to come back from them.
It's a quick turn around for Friday's game against
Leicester and we've got to dig in and make sure we're ready
to go."
Having taken the lead through a sublimely executed Teddy Sheringham
free-kick, Hammers squandered several chances to wrap up the three
points. Alan admitted that the wayward finishing undermined what
was a good strong performance.
"It was a shame because we played some good stuff and looked
more calm and composed on the ball," he said.
"The amount of effort we put in, from players and especially
the fans, I think we deserved a win. At 1-0 we had a few great
chances to seal the game, but when you don't take them it's
always going to leave you exposed.
"We could have had four when you look at our chances, but we
made some poor decisions in front of goal and didn't show
enough composure.
"They had six attackers on at the end and were throwing the
ball into the box. Unfortunately, we conceded at a bad time in the
game and we had no time to make up for it."
Pards praised the fledgling centre-back pairing of fit-again Anton
Ferdinand and full-League debutant Elliott Ward, who had an
exemplary game.
"I thought Elliott did terrific on his full debut," said
Alan, "and alongside Anton, who played the full 90 minutes in
his first game back from a hamstring, looked very solid and
assured. They both had a very good game and it was a shame that it
ended the way it did."
The repercussions will certainly be felt in the treatment room
today after Matty Etherington limped off with a twisted knee just
before half-time and Gavin Williams succumbed to an ankle injury
late on. Both are doubtful for Friday, while Anton Ferdinand will
be feeling the strain of his first appearance in three games.
"We lost one or two bodies against Crewe and that's
definitely a concern with another game coming up so quickly,"
admitted Pards.
"Matty twisted his knee and will have a scan to assess the
damage, while Gavin has taken a knock on his ankle.
"Anton played a hard game for someone who's been out with
a hamstring for three weeks and we'll have to keep an eye on
him as well. Add that to the injuries we've already got and we
are lacking cover.
"But Tomas and hopefully Christian Dailly will be back after
Friday, so we'll need to assess the situation over the next
couple of days."
Now the Hammers boss must lift his players for the televised clash
with Leicester City on Friday, and insists the three points are
crucial to their season.
"The table didn't move a great deal after the Crewe
result," he explained, "but it's another home game
gone and now we face a tough test at Upton Park against Leicester.
"It's live on Sky TV, which brings a bit of added
pressure, and the opposition will be highly motivated because of
the tough week they've had.
"But for us taking the three points is going to be crucial and
we've really got to show our mettle."
Missed Chance
16th March 2005