West Ham United reserves 0-0 Chelsea reserves
West Ham United made it five games unbeaten with a hard-fought goalless draw at home against Chelsea on Monday.
On a freezing evening at Bishop's Stortford, there was little to separate the two teams with the visitors perhaps having the best of the chances while the hosts showed defensive resilience - encapsulated by a man of the match display from Bondz 'Gala. The towering centre-back was the star performer against a Chelsea side full of attacking talent.
Having not lost since a 1-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on 9 October, much was expected of Kevin Keen's side. But, in a cagey opening, chances were at a premium - a pattern that would persist throughout the contest. Junior Stanislas, who has made rapid progress this season, had the first real opportunity, firing in a low shot that tested Stuart Searle in the Chelsea goal on nine minutes.
Within five minutes, the visitors had found their rhythm. First Miroslav Stoch - who was to pull the strings all night for Chelsea - found space to deliver in a testing cross before Jimmy Walker in goal raced off his line to smother a through-ball destined for striker Morten Nielsen. Then, Sergio Tejera Rodriguez found room to shoot on goal - but Walker was again equal to the challenge.
West Ham United did not manage to make many in-roads themselves until the half-hour mark came and went - with Stanislas always looking the most likely. It was not for the want of effort though with Christian Dailly as committed as ever in a defensive midfield role. On 34 minutes, captain Collison was able to shoot at goal after a rare opening but in truth it never troubled Searle.
Chelsea could have taken the lead just before half-time when Michael Woods leapt well to head for goal but, once more, Walker was able to save. It was a similar story early in the second half as Woods again seemed destined to score before 'Gala's exquisite challenge saved the day. The West Ham United No4 repeated the trick to deny Nielsen soon afterwards.
It was still a stop-start affair and Collison was cautioned on 50 minutes for a foul. His commitment was unquestioned and he was taking his cue from Dailly, who did not shirk a challenge all evening. The veteran showed his willingness for the cause soon after when hit by a fierce free-kick. The force would have downed most players but Dailly quickly composed himself, shook his head once and carried on the fight.
Barely two minutes later he had produced a stunning tackle to disposses the lively Chelsea captain Liam Bridcutt and West Ham United were on the up again. Just before the hour, the best move of the match for the hosts finished with Ashley Miller finding room to the right of goal and his stinging drive was well saved by Searle.
The game then reverted to type with chances at a premium. The next moment to rouse the crowd came in the 72nd minute when Stoch sent in a dipping, swerving shot that deceived Walker and rattled against the crossbar. It was the closest either side had come to a goal. 'Gala then came to the rescue twice to deny Stoch and Rodriguez as the match entered the final ten minutes with Miller also cautioned for a late challenge.
For all Chelsea's superior attacking potential, they were unable to win the midfield battle with Dailly and Collison working overtime. The latter nearly snatched victory for the hosts in the 86th minute when the former flicked on. The Wales Under-21 international met the ball well but could not direct his effort on target. There was still time for 'Gala to make another timely interception or two but both sides ultimately had to settle for a point.
West Ham United: Walker, Miller, Tomkins, 'Gala, Widdowson, Dailly, Collison (c), Stanislas, Hunt (Harvey 73), Hines, Fitzgerald (Edgar 75)
Subs not used: Stech, Spence
Chelsea: Searle, Cummings, Pettigrew, Magnay, Van Aanholt (Gordon 46), Bridcutt (c), Stoch, Woods (Melis 60), Nielsen (Phillip 70), Rodriguez, Simmonds
Sub not used: Taylor