Newton's Home Target

JUST moments after the final whistle had blown in Hammers 2-1 win at Watford, midfielder Shaun Newton's thoughts were already looking forward to Saturday's Play-off semi-final first leg against Ipswich.

The 29-year-old player, who's arrival has conincided with West Ham United's best form of the season, insists that Hammers go into the two leg clash with Ipswich confident after their impressive displays over the run-in.

"Since I came here we've only lost twice," he explained, "and that's a pretty good record we'll be taking into the Play-offs. Of those games we've had some good wins as well, and out of the four Play-off teams we've probably been the most in form side over the last ten games.

"We're going into the semi-final off the back of an important performance against Watford. It wasn't our most impressive display of recent weeks, but in terms of our mental focus and application I think the game went well.

"We did a good, professional job and secured our place in the Play-offs. Now we'll go into the first leg looking to do the business at home and hopefully take a lead to Portman Road.

"Ipswich are a strong side and it's going to be tough, but we know what we've got to do now and it's just a case of preparing well both physically and mentally this week."

Shaun is a veteran of three successful promotion campaigns and knows what it takes to reach the Premiership. And now that Hammers have secured their Play-off berth he believes it is just a case of which team can handle themselves best in the cauldron of pressure that is the Championship Play-offs.

"The Play-offs are a lottery," he explained. "It doesn't matter where you finished in the League, all that counts is how well you prepare and how you play on the day.

"The four teams look pretty even and when West Ham have got a reasonable record against Ipswich over the last couple of years. I don't know if last season's Play-off semi-final defeat will play on the minds of Joe Royle and Ipswich, but I'm sure that just missing ut on automatic promotion will be tough for them to overcome.

"If anything, we're the team that's on a high now having come so far over the last few weeks of the season to make sure of a Play-off place. And now we're there anything can happen."

Shaun is looking forward to another bumper Upton Park atmosphere on Saturday and after witnessing another spectacular display of claret and blue passion at Vicarage Road, the midfielder believes the home leg will be all important for the Club's chances of progressing.

"I think having the home game first could work in our favour," he said. "Our fans are fantastic and they're sure to make it a huge atmosphere on Saturday.

"That will be difficult for Ipswich to deal with. There will be loads of hunger and determination inside the stadium, we're the team coming off a positive result last weekend, so it will be important for us to make the most of the home leg.

"All the lads are positive going into the game. We've got a lot of experience in the team, and most of the players were around last season, so we know what's its all about.

"Belief is high amongst the squad and we're going into the game with everything to play for."