did not feel like doing this this morning bue here we go
the sun
COL OF DUTY ... hero Dan celebrates
Leeds 1 West Ham 1
The Wales defender arrived at Upton Park only nine days ago.
But already he has kept the Hammers dream of automatic promotion back to the Premier League very much alive and kicking with a 90th-minute leveller.
Collins is on loan from Stoke for the rest of what is a crucial campaign for the East End outfit.
For football and financial reasons, it is vital they make an immediate return to the top flight following the bitter disappointment of relegation 10 months ago.
The experienced Collins is doing his best to make sure the Hammers clinch the prize they desperately crave.
In his first start for boss Sam Allardyce's side yesterday, he was a real rock at the heart of a defence that had a big job to contain a resurgent Leeds.
Not only that, Collins then conjured up a dramatic last-gasp equaliser to keep Big Sam's boys firmly in the hunt for a top-two finish.
Allardyce's side looked to be heading for a first defeat in eight league games when Luciano Becchio powered in an 83rd-minute header to put the home side in front.
The Argentinian striker's ninth goal of the season was sealed after Robert Snodgrass crossed for Paul Connolly to head against the bar.
But Collins buried a far post header from Mark Noble's well-flighted corner for a goal that a furious Neil Warnock believed should never have been allowed.
Leeds have won just one of their five games since Warnock succeeded the sacked Simon Grayson in the Elland Road hot seat.
But he rapped: "Their striker Carlton Cole fouled my defender Darren O'Dea in the box.
"It was a blatant push and referee Peter Walton has got to see something like that, surely.
"I spoke to him about it afterwards but he said to me that he was concentrating on what was happening on the goal line.
"It was a shame for the ref, really, because that was the only mistake he made all match. Other than that, Peter had a great game."
The same can be said of Collins, who came in for rich praise from his manager afterwards.
Allardyce said: "Danny is just what we need at this stage of the season.
"He has won promotion before from this league with Sunderland and Stoke so he knows exactly what it takes.His experience is going to be vital for us in the run-in and having him here can only help us.
"He has stepped into a new environment, but he has already slotted in nicely.
"He is looking comfortable with us already and his contribution today was superb."
Nicky Maynard had the first-half's best chance but a heavy touch allowed Leeds keeper Andy Lonergan to smother.
Cole headed a Noble cross over after the break before Hammers keeper Rob Green saved superbly from Connolly's 70th-minute header.
Allardyce added: "Some people might look at this and see it as a slip up but I certainly don't.
"This was a good point as far as I'm concerned and automatic promotion is still down to us, what we do.
"We are going to have to get to 90 points or more to go up automatically but we are all confident here that we can take the final step."
the mirror
Leeds 1-1 West Ham
These days Sam Allardyce can’t wait to escape his Hammers House of Horrors and take his side on the road.
You cannot blame him one bit. Stuttering results and performances at their Upton Park stronghold are threatening to seriously damage West Ham’s push for automatic promotion. Allardyce’s men have been booed off their own pitch in each of four successive home draws.
No wonder, then, that they are doing better away, where their travelling legion of fans are far more supportive and forgiving than they are on their own East End turf.
But a draw at Leeds – earned by a last-gasp goal from Danny Collins – still meant they lost further ground in the promotion race as Southampton and Reading tightened their grip on the top spots.
West Ham have now gone three league games without a win – their worst run of the season – and with just seven points from the last 15, they are losing momentum as their rivals turn up the heat.
But Allardyce remained defiant, saying: “This wasn’t a slip-up as far as I’m concerned – we’ve had those at home by drawing too many games just lately.
“That’s disappointing. And it’s true that too many draws have made us a bit edgy. But we are still confident we can take that final step and win promotion. It’s still in our hands.”
New Leeds boss Neil Warnock said: “Their equaliser should not have been given because there was a blatant push by Carlton Cole on my defender Darren O’Dea.
“The referee has got to see that but, when I asked Peter Walton about it afterwards, he said he was concentrating on what was happening on the goal line.
“It’s frustrating because I thought we deserved to win. But I can’t ask for any more from the lads. They are giving me everything in every game.”
West Ham have now gone eight games unbeaten, but never had it easy at Elland Road. It threatened to turn very sour, too, when Luciano Becchio powered in an 83rd-minute header to put Leeds in front.
But then defender Collins, on loan from Stoke, headed home Mark Noble’s 90th-minute corner.
Leeds had looked the more enterprising early on through the surging runs of skipper Robert Snodgrass and Aidy White down the flanks.
But it was centre-back Tom Lees who handed the Hammers their first scare with a fierce 20-yard drive which was deflected behind for a corner.
West Ham responded by carving open their hosts. Matt Taylor’s pass put Nicky Maynard in the clear, but Andy Lonergan dashed from his goal to save bravely at his feet.
Leeds were inches away from taking the lead on 37 minutes after Taylor was adjudged to have handled just outside his own box.
Snodgrass whipped in a curling free-kick which flew just wide, with Rob Green scrambling frantically across his goal.
Warnock’s men were out of luck again when Adam Clayton’s low shot on the turn from just inside the area scraped the paint off the outside of a post.
Snodgrass thought he had put the hosts in front on the stroke of half-time when he flicked home a long throw from Paul Connolly... but it was ruled out for a push by Becchio.
Gary O’Neil replaced the injured James Tomkins at the start of the second half, and went close for the Hammers with only his second touch, sending a low drive just wide.
Green pulled off a fabulous save to keep out Connolly’s 70th-minute header but could do nothing about Becchio’s strike – his ninth of the season – after Connolly had rattled the bar from Snodgrass’s cross.
But Collins saved Hammers’ bacon by rising to meet Noble’s corner and powering his header past Lonergan.
the star
LEEDS 1 - WEST HAM 1: LAST-GASP DANNY COLLINS FIRES EXPLOSIVE FINISH
THE Championship’s two biggest clubs, its two biggest managerial names and a fixture that was Premier League in everything but name.
And it all added up to one big bore.
That was until the last seven minutes, which began with striker Luciano Becchio believing he had sealed a Leeds victory – only for West Ham defender Danny Collins to level right at the end.
Leeds boss Neil Warnock and West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce lift the profile of English football’s second tier.
However, for all their experience, they could do little to raise the standard here until Argentinian Becchio headed in from close range after right-back Paul Connolly had nodded against the bar.
Collins replied when he rose to meet Mark Noble’s left-wing corner and plant home a header that extended West Ham’s unbeaten run to eight games with a third straight 1-1 draw.
The Hammers will be happy with that. They rarely get much change out of Leeds, who are now undefeated in the last nine meetings between the clubs.
Nicky Maynard was operating as a lone attacker for the visitors and he gave Leeds a scare in the 12th minute when he almost scored after blocking keeper Andy Lonergan’s attempted clearance.
Adam Clayton came close to breaking the deadlock for Leeds on 40 minutes but pulled his effort wide of the post.
Robert Snodgrass then turned the ball in from Connolly’s throw-in just before half-time – but Becchio was penalised for pushing and the home celebrations were cut short.
Allardyce brought on Carlton Cole in place of Maynard and the England striker headed Noble’s free-kick just over the bar.
After a double strike for the Hammers’ reserves this week, former Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison was handed his first-team debut as a substitute.
But within a minute of his 81st-minute introduction Becchio struck for Leeds, before Collins’ late header salvaged a point for Allardyce’s Hammers.
An unhappy Warnock said: “When you watch Carlton Cole at the corner for their goal, blatantly pushing Darren O’Dea, the referee has to see that.
“If he can see Becchio’s push in the first half, when he has four bodies in the way, he has to see Cole’s.”
Allardyce said: “This result isn’t a slip-up. It’s a slip-up drawing at home to Palace and Doncaster.
“We deserved the point. It still boils down to us for promotion.’’
the mail
Noble cause: Mark Noble and Leeds United's Aidan White (left) clash
Heads up: Leeds United's Luciano Becchio (right) and Danny Collins on the up at Elland Road
Leeds lead: Becchio heads home but the advantage would last only seven minutes
Leeds 1 West Ham 1: Desperate Danny's last-gasp leveller floors hosts
Sam Allardyce's decision to strengthen his West Ham squad with Wales defender Danny Collins paid dividends on his first start for the club.
He rescued an invaluable point for their promotion push just as Leeds looked set to lift their own hopes of reaching the play-offs.
Collins, secured for the rest of the season on loan from Stoke, rose to head home a last-minute equaliser seven minutes after Luciano Becchio had given Leeds the lead and put them on course for a famous victory in front of a 33,366 crowd — the highest Elland Road attendance in nearly two years.
MATCH FACTS
LEEDS: Lonergan, Connolly, Lees, O'Dea, Robinson, Snodgrass, Brown, Clayton, White (Forssell 76), McCormack (Webber 76), Becchio. Unused subs: Pugh, Nunez, Thompson.
Goal: Becchio 83.
Booked: Robinson, Brown.
WEST HAM: Green, O'Brien, Collins, Faye, McCartney, Noble, Nolan, Collinson (Morrison 81), Tomkins (O'Neil 46), Taylor, Maynard (Cole 56). Unused subs: Henderson, Baldock.
Goal: Collins 90.
Booked: Noble.
Referee: Peter Walton.
‘This lad has stepped into a strange environment and looked very comfortable,’ enthused West Ham boss Allardyce.
‘The experience that Danny’s got is invaluable at this stage of the season. He’s seen two teams he’s been with get promoted — Sunderland and Stoke — and it didn’t look like Leeds were going to score today.’
The late equaliser was particularly timely for West Ham, who have drawn their last two home matches to drop out of the top two places and with Reading and Southampton winning, Collins’s intervention stopped them slipping further away from automatic promotion.
‘It’s not a slip-up today for me — we slipped up at home drawing against Palace, Watford and Doncaster,’ said Allardyce. ‘It still boils down to us knowing that the sort of points total we need to get to is 90 if you want automatic promotion.’
The match between the Championship’s two biggest clubs was played in a ferocious atmosphere after Leeds manager Neil Warnock had called for the fans to ‘come out and make some noise’, but for long spells, the two sides cancelled themselves out.
West Ham striker Nicky Maynard went closest to breaking the first-half deadlock when he burst on to Matt Taylor’s pass, only for goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan to race off his line and smother the shot, whereas Leeds were restricted to a Robert Snodgrass free-kick floating wide of the far post.
But the game exploded into life in the latter stages of the second half, with full-back Paul Connolly prompting West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green into a superb diving save after meeting Snodgrass’s left-wing free-kick with a powerful header.
Connolly’s ability in the air also proved crucial to the Leeds goal.
Snodgrass chipped the ball into the box after his corner was only half cleared and the Leeds defender’s diving header hit the bar with Becchio claiming his ninth Championship goal of the season from virtually on the goal-line.
Instead of accepting their fate, the Hammers powered forward and after winning a corner, Collins climbed highest to meet Noble’s centre then ran the length of the pitch to celebrate a dream start for his new club.
Disappointed Leeds boss Warnock was concerned by what he regarded as a push by substitute Carlton Cole inside the penalty area after referee Peter Walton disallowed a ‘goal’ by Becchio in first-half injury-time for a similar offence.
‘When you watch Carlton Cole at the corner where they score, he’s blatantly pushed Darren O’Dea over and he would have headed the ball clear,’ said Warnock.
‘If he can see Becchio when there are four bodies in front of him — and I’m not saying that wasn’t a foul — he’s got to see that when he’s got no one in front of him.
‘They’ve headed the goal from where the foul has occurred and that’s the only mistake made by Peter who, I thought, had a fabulous game.’
the express
West Ham's Danny Collins rises highest in a crowded penalty area to snatch a point
LEEDS 1 - WEST HAM 1: DANNY BOY SAVES DAY FOR BIG SAM
THE Championship’s two biggest clubs. The Championship’s two biggest managerial names. And one big bore.
That was until the last magnificent seven minutes, which began with striker Luciano Becchio believing he had sealed a Leeds victory – only for defender Danny Collins to level at the end.
Argentinian Becchio headed in from close range after right-back Paul Connolly had nodded a header against the bar.
But Collins replied when he rose to meet Mark Noble’s left-wing corner and plant home a header that extended West Ham’s unbeaten run to eight games with a third straight 1-1 draw.
The Hammers will be happy with that. They rarely get much change out of Leeds, who are now undefeated in the last nine meetings between the clubs.
Leeds boss Neil Warnock and West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce lift the profile of English football’s second tier. However, for all their experience, they could do little to raise the standard here in a fixture that, on the face of it, was Premier League in everything but name.
ì
We should’ve had four wins out of five since I’ve been here, so it’s frustrating
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Leeds boss Neil Warnock
Warnock was, predictably, unhappy with referee Peter Walton.
“I’m disappointed,” he rapped. “When you watch Carlton Cole at the corner for their goal, blatantly pushing over Darren O’Dea, the referee has to see that.
“If he can see Becchio’s push in the first half, when he has four bodies in the way, he has to see Cole’s.
“We should have had four wins out of five since I’ve been here, so it’s frustrating. I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed like I am – but I must have been.’’
West Ham now trail second-placed Reading by three points, but Allardyce added: “This result isn’t a slip-up.
“It’s a slip-up drawing at home to Palace and Doncaster. I thought we deserved the point. We came back brilliantly in the end. It still boils down to us – it’s 90 points-plus for promotion.’’
Ravel Morrison’s West Ham career looked like it had begun to unravel before he had kicked a ball.
The midfielder, 19, moved from Manchester United in a January deal worth around £1m, but was last month fined £7,000 after admitting an FA charge over a homophobic comment on Twitter.
Despite a double strike for the reserves this week, and being tipped to start yesterday, Morrison had to wait until the closing minutes for his debut as a substitute. But within a minute of coming on, Becchio struck.
Leeds midfielder Adam Clayton was close to breaking the deadlock on 40 minutes, pulling his finish wide.
Robert Snodgrass then turned the ball in from Connolly’s throw-in, but Becchio was penalised for pushing and the crowd’s celebrations were cut short.
Allardyce brought on Carlton Cole in place of Nicky Maynard, and the England striker made a swift impact, heading over Noble’s free-kick.
But Rob Green had to be at his best on 70 minutes to keep out Connolly’s header.
the guardian
#Leeds's Robert Snodgrass is dejected after his goal is disallowed against West Ham.
Leeds denied victory in last minute by West Ham's Danny Collins
Leeds United 1
Becchio 83
West Ham United 1
Collins 90+0
leeds west ham championship
Leeds's Robert Snodgrass is dejected after his goal is disallowed against West Ham. Photograph: John Clifton/Action Images
Loan defender Danny Collins scored a vital last-minute equaliser to earn West Ham what could prove to be a vital point at Leeds , as they extended their unbeaten run to eight games.
When Luciano Becchio nodded Leeds ahead with seven minutes to go, the ever-changing Championship promotion picture was not looking too favourable for the Hammers, with top two rivals Southampton and Reading both winning.
But, right on cue, Collins rose the highest to head in a Mark Noble corner and peg Leeds back in an act of damage limitation for Sam Allardyce's men, who are now five points off the lead and three points shy of second.
It was just the second goal Leeds have conceded under new manager Neil Warnock and perhaps one of their most costly of the season. Since the veteran replaced Simon Grayson a month ago, a renewed play-off push had seemed a possibility. A win was needed, though, and until Collins struck, it seemed they had got it.
Warnock had succeeded in his wish to see Elland Road sold out for the game, but those inside had little to cheer about in a chanceless opening 10 minutes. Things livened up after that, with Leeds defender Tom Lees' scuffed effort scraping just wide and Robert Snodgrass jinking his way into a shooting position, only to be crowded out.
West Ham's players were then angered by Paul Connolly's tackle on Kevin Nolan –deemed legal by referee Peter Walton –but had more to be concerned about moments later when Nicky Maynard missed the game's first genuine chance.
The striker nipped in ahead of Darren O'Dea to find himself through on Andy Lonergan's goal with 22 minutes gone, but his first touch was heavy and the goalkeeper was able to get out and smother the ball at his feet.
More clever play from Snodgrass then saw him create an angle to set Ross McCormack free but Matt Taylor nicked possession from him, before Snodgrass flashed a free-kick from the corner of the box just wide of the post.
Maynard's chance remained the best going into the break, though, but both sides had cause for complaint when the whistle was blown, with West Ham claiming a handball in the box against Michael Brown and Leeds confused as to why Snodgrass' touch beyond Robert Green was ruled out for apparent pushing by Becchio.
The Hammers had to replace James Tomkins, so effective in the sweeper position, at half-time, and his replacement, Gary O'Neil, skimmed an effort just wide within 60 seconds of his introduction.
With Maynard isolated and getting little change out of Lees and O'Dea, Allardyce opted to replace him with the more physical Carlton Cole and the former England striker nearly made an immediate impact, putting a ball across the six yard box that evaded everyone.
A couple of thundering tackles from loan defender Paul Robinson then helped whip up the home crowd, but it was West Ham who continued to probe with greater intent – Abdoulaye Faye nodding wide from a corner and Lonergan denying O'Neil after Jack Collison's shot flew loose.
Cole then arched a header over the bar from a Noble free-kick, before Green was forced to make his first save in the 70th minute when he showed terrific reactions to turn away a Connolly header.
Connolly rarely ventures into opposition territory but, when he did again with 83 minutes on the clock, it created the opening goal.
Snodgrass' cross got to the back post, Connolly headed against the bar and the ball fell to Becchio who did the rest.
The lead would only last seven minutes for the home side, though, as West Ham secured a deserved point when Collins connected with Noble's well-taken corner.
the telegraph
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce defiant despite dropped points away to Leeds United at Elland Road
Sam Allardyce, the West Ham manager, insisted that his side’s 1-1 draw at Leeds was not a slip-up.
With leaders Southampton and Reading both winning, West Ham are three points off the automatic promotion places.
“It’s not a slip-up for me,” said Allardyce after West Ham’s Danny Collins cancelled out Luciano Becchio’s goal for Leeds.
“It’s a slip-up in the home games against Palace, Watford and Doncaster. That’s been the crux of our slip-up. We are eight undefeated, but there have been too many draws.
“When Leeds scored we were in our best spell of attacking. It was unfortunate that we slipped up, but we came back, got the draw and have to accept that it’s a good point.”
sky sports
Big Sam takes positives
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists Saturday's 1-1 draw at Leeds was not a 'slip-up' in the race for Championship promotion.
With the top two of Southampton and Reading both winning, the ever-changing promotion picture was not looking kind for the Hammers when Luciano Becchio gave in-form Leeds an 83rd-minute advantage.
But with just seconds remaining on the clock, loan defender Danny Collins nodded in a Mark Noble corner to earn West Ham a damage-limiting point that extended their unbeaten run to eight games.
No slip-up
Five of those games have been draws, though, with United's home form particularly questionable and, with that in mind, Allardyce was not too disappointed to escape with another one-pointer on the road.
"It's not a slip-up for me," he said.
"It's a slip-up in the home games against Palace, Watford and Doncaster. That's been the crux of our slip-up. We are eight undefeated, but there have been too many draws.
"Today, when Leeds scored we were in our best spell of attacking. It was unfortunate that we slipped up, but we came back, got the draw and have to accept that it's a good point."
The Upton Park side are now five points behind leaders Southampton and three shy of second-placed Reading, but automatic promotion is still very much an option, according to Allardyce.
"We're all a little bit edgy because of what we've allowed to happen, but we're confident we can take the final step and start winning more games than we draw," he added.
"It boils down to us knowing the sort of total we need, and that's 90-plus to get automatic (promotion)."
Collins' goal was just the second Leeds have conceded in Neil Warnock's five games in charge, but it could perhaps be one of their most costly of the season.
A win would have put them right in the thick of the play-off picture and, although they remain peripheral contenders, with a five-point deficit to claw back over nine games, their odds are long.
Warnock, though, was more concerned about the way in which his side conceded, believing there to be a foul in the build-up.
"I can't ask any more, they've given me everything," he said.
"I said to the referee: 'When you watch Carlton Cole blatantly push Darren O'Dea over, you've got to see that'. O'Dea was going to head the ball and then you're left with Collins against Paul Robinson and Robert Snodgrass.
Foul
"He said he was concentrating on the line, but he's got to see that. He's headed the ball from where the foul was.
"But West Ham wouldn't have conceded a goal like that. They would have grabbed each other by the shirt and made sure they didn't.
"Since I've been here we should have won four out of five. We dominated Southampton and should have won today. We've dominated two of the best sides in the league and got one point.
"You've got to win games like that, I can't remember ever being this disappointed. I probably have, but I can't remember."
sporting life
ALLARDYCE TAKES POSITIVE FROM DRAW
Sam Allardyce was reluctant to view his West Ham side's 1-1 draw at Leeds as two points dropped.
With the npower Championship's top two of Southampton and Reading both winning today, the ever-changing promotion picture was not looking kind for the Hammers when Luciano Becchio gave in-form Leeds an 83rd-minute advantage.
But with just seconds remaining on the clock, loan defender Danny Collins nodded in a Mark Noble corner to earn West Ham a damage-limiting point that extended their unbeaten run to eight games.
Five of those games have been draws, though, with United's home form particularly questionable and, with that in mind, Allardyce was not too disappointed to escape with another one-pointer on the road today.
"It's not a slip-up for me," he said.
"It's a slip-up in the home games against Palace, Watford and Doncaster. That's been the crux of our slip-up. We are eight undefeated, but there have been too many draws.
"Today, when Leeds scored we were in our best spell of attacking. It was unfortunate that we slipped up, but we came back, got the draw and have to accept that it's a good point."
The Upton Park side are now five points behind leaders Southampton and three shy of second-placed Reading, but automatic promotion is still very much an option, according to Allardyce.
"We're all a little bit edgy because of what we've allowed to happen, but we're confident we can take the final step and start winning more games than we draw," he added.
"It boils down to us knowing the sort of total we need, and that's 90-plus to get automatic (promotion)."
Collins' goal was just the second Leeds have conceded in Neil Warnock's five games in charge, but it could perhaps be one of their most costly of the season.
A win today would have put them right in the thick of the play-off picture and, although they remain peripheral contenders, with a five-point deficit to claw back over nine games, their odds are long.
Warnock, though, was more concerned about the way in which his side conceded, believing their to be a foul in the build-up.
"I can't ask any more, they've given me everything," he said.
"I said to the referee: 'When you watch Carlton Cole blatantly push Darren O'Dea over, you've got to see that'. O'Dea was going to head the ball and then you're left with Collins against Paul Robinson and Robert Snodgrass.
"He said he was concentrating on the line, but he's got to see that. He's headed the ball from where the foul was.
"But West Ham wouldn't have conceded a goal like that. They would have grabbed each other by the shirt and made sure they didn't.
"Since I've been here we should have won four out of five. We dominated Southampton and should have won today. We've dominated two of the best sides in the league and got one point.
"You've got to win games like that, I can't remember ever being this disappointed. I probably have, but I can't remember."
yorkshire evening post
Match report: Leeds United v West Ham United
Loan defender Danny Collins scored a last-minute equaliser to earn West Ham a point against Leeds United.
When Luciano Becchio nodded the Whites ahead with seven minutes to go, the ever-changing npower Championship promotion picture was not looking too favourable for the Hammers, with top two rivals Southampton and Reading both winning.
But, right on cue, Collins rose the highest to head in a Mark Noble corner and peg Leeds back in an act of damage limitation for Sam Allardyce’s men, who are now five points off the lead and three points shy of second.
It was just the second goal Leeds have conceded under new manager Neil Warnock and perhaps one of their most costly of the season.
Since the veteran replaced Simon Grayson a month ago, a renewed play-off push had seemed a possibility.
A win was needed today, though, and until Collins struck, it seemed they had got it.
Warnock had succeeded in his wish to see Elland Road sold out for the game, but those inside had little to cheer about in a chanceless opening 10 minutes.
Things livened up after that, with Leeds defender Tom Lees’ scuffed effort scraping just wide and Robert Snodgrass jinking his way into a shooting position, only to be crowded out.
West Ham’s players were then angered by Paul Connolly’s tackle on Kevin Nolan - deemed legal by referee Peter Walton - but had more to be concerned about moments later when Nicky Maynard missed the game’s first genuine chance.
The striker nipped in ahead of Darren O’Dea to find himself through on Andy Lonergan’s goal with 22 minutes gone, but his first touch was heavy and the goalkeeper was able to get out and smother the ball at his feet.
More clever play from Snodgrass then saw him create an angle to set Ross McCormack free but Matt Taylor nicked possession from him, before Snodgrass flashed a free-kick from the corner of the box just wide of the post.
Maynard’s chance remained the best going into the break, though, but both sides had cause for complaint when the whistle was blown, with West Ham claiming a handball in the box against Michael Brown and Leeds confused as to why Snodgrass’ touch beyond Robert Green was ruled out for apparent pushing by Becchio.
The Hammers had to replace James Tomkins, so effective in the sweeper position, at half-time, and his replacement, Gary O’Neil, skimmed an effort just wide within 60 seconds of his introduction.
With Maynard isolated and getting little change out of Lees and O’Dea, Allardyce opted to replace him with the more physical Carlton Cole and the former England striker nearly made an immediate impact, putting a ball across the six yard box that evaded everyone.
A couple of thundering tackles from loan defender Paul Robinson then helped whip up the home crowd, but it was West Ham who continued to probe with greater intent - Abdoulaye Faye nodding wide from a corner and Lonergan denying O’Neil after Jack Collison’s shot flew loose.
Cole then arched a header over the bar from a Noble free-kick, before Green was forced to make his first save in the 70th minute when he showed terrific reactions to turn away a Connolly header.
Connolly rarely ventures into opposition territory but, when he did again with 83 minutes on the clock, it created the opening goal.
Snodgrass’ cross got to the back post, Connolly headed against the bar and the ball fell to Becchio who did the rest.
The lead would only last seven minutes for the home side, though, as West Ham secured a deserved point when Collins connected with Noble’s well-taken corner.
official site
danny delighted with debut
http://www.whufc.com/articles/20120318/ ... 84_2663880
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GREGG WYLDE JOINS BOLTON
Former Rangers winger Gregg Wylde has joined Bolton on a three-year contract.
JIM McINTYRE SACKED BY DUNFERMLINE
Dunfermline have confirmed that manager Jim McIntyre has been sacked.
DI MATTEO RELAXED ABOUT PLAYER POWER
Roberto Di Matteo has no problem with John Terry or any other Chelsea player giving orders.
HODGSON HOPES TO SECURE OLSSON FUTURE
Roy Hodgson wants to resolve Jonas Olsson's West Brom future sooner rather than later.
RODGERS EYEING SUMMER SIGNINGS
Brendan Rodgers has revealed Swansea want to bring in "three or four" new signings in the summer.
FREI AT HOME WITH COTTAGERS
Fulham teenager Kerim Frei has penned an extended deal that will keep him at the club until 2015.
WARNOCK WANTS CONTRACT TALKS
Neil Warnock wants to find out which players will commit to Leeds before the end of the season.
CARR DRIVING TOON RESURGENCE
Peter Beardsley says chief scout Graham Carr is "one of the most important people" at Newcastle.
HAMMERS LAND HENDERSON ON LOAN
West Ham have completed the loan signing of goalkeeper Stephen Henderson from Portsmouth.
THORNE IN PORTSMOUTH'S SIDE
Portsmouth have extended George Thorne's loan deal from West Brom for an additional month.
HALL JOINS DONS ON LOAN
West Ham striker Robert Hall has completed a loan move to MK Dons until the end of the season.
LEE MAIR EXTENDS CONTRACT
St Mirren defender Lee Mair has extended his contract at the club by two years.
BANTAMS BRING IN DAGNALL
Bradford have secured the loan signing of Barnsley's Chris Dagnall until the end of the season.
SEARS STAYS WITH U'S
West Ham striker Freddie Sears has extended his loan spell at Colchester until the end of the season.
MOUSSA MAKES LOAN SWITCH
Leicester midfielder Franck Moussa has joined Chesterfield on loan until the end of the season.
DIDIER DROGBA KEEN TO STAY AT CHELSEA
Didier Drogba has repeated his desire to stay at Chelsea for "as long as possible".
EDDIE NEWTON WANTS TO STAY
Eddie Newton says it would be impossible to turn down an offer to remain on the Chelsea coaching staff.
WOLVES: NO TRUTH IN MEGSON TALKS
Wolves say there is "no truth" in reports Gary Megson is being lined up by the club.
GUTHRIE SET FOR SUMMER TALKS
Danny Guthrie won't hold talks on a contract extension at Newcastle until the end of the season.
BRUCE: WOLVES JOB TOUGH FOR CONNOR
Steve Bruce believes Terry Connor will have his work cut out trying to keep Wolves safe.
OLIC AGENT DENIES WOLFSBURG DEAL
The agent of Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic has denied that the striker has agreed to join Wolfsburg.
MASCHERANO HOPING GUARDIOLA STAYS
Javier Mascherano insists Barcelona's players are not ready to let Pep Guardiola leave.
MULLINS JOINS READING ON LOAN
Reading have signed Hayden Mullins on loan for the remainder of the season from Portsmouth.
EDWARDS AGREES IPSWICH DEAL
Carlos Edwards has agreed a new contract to stay at Ipswich next season.
ARNASON HOPES FOR ABERDEEN DEAL
Aberdeen midfielder Kari Arnason insists he has yet to rule out signing a new contract at Pittodrie.
BERBATOV SET FOR MAN UNITED EXIT
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Dimitar Berbatov is set to leave Man Utd in the summer.
REDKNAPP - OLDER IS WISER FOR ENGLAND
Harry Redknapp has claimed being England manager is "an older man's job".
ROSICKY - MONEY'S NOT EVERYTHING
Tomas Rosicky says he rejected mega-money offers from China and Russia to stay at Arsenal.
TERRY CONNOR: I WON'T QUIT
Wolves manager Terry Connor has dismissed reports that he is preparing to resign.
HILL-WOOD: VAN PERSIE IS HAPPY
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood believes Robin van Persie is settled at the club.
CANARIES DETERMINED TO KEEP LAMBERT
Norwich have vowed to do everything possible to keep Paul Lambert at the club.
NAPOLI WANT TO KEEP DUO
Napoli say it would take "crazy" money to buy Edinson Cavani or Ezequiel Lavezzi.
ABRAMOVICH RECORD CRITICISED BY LMA
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has come under attack from the head of the LMA.
CONNOR: JOHNSON IS STAYING
Terry Connor says captain Roger Johnson is not going to leave the club anytime soon.
LITTLE CONSIDERED QUITTING GERS
Andrew Little admits he thought about leaving Rangers amid the financial cutbacks.
PALACE WARN OFF ZAHA SUITORS
Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman has warned off clubs plotting a summer move for Wilfried Zaha.
POYET HOPES TO KEEP ASSULIN
Gus Poyet believes Brighton could keep Gai Assulin for the rest of the season.
MORATTI BACKS CLAUDIO RANIERI
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has handed a vote of confidence to Claudio Ranieri.
COLLINS SET FOR TYKES SWITCH
Barnsley are set to sign Port Vale's Lee Collins on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
SAM MOVES TO MAGPIES
Leeds winger Lloyd Sam has joined Notts County on loan until the end of the season.
McDERMOTT COY OVER MULLINS DEAL
Brian McDermott says "watch this space" after Hayden Mullins was linked with a move to Reading.
NEW DEAL FOR DIGBY
Barnsley teenager Paul Digby has been rewarded with a new two-year deal.
PLAYER POWER CLAIMS 'NONSENSE' - TERRY
John Terry has rubbished claims that Chelsea's senior players effectively run the club.
CAVANI SHRUGS OFF SPECULATION
Edinson Cavani says he's only focused on Napoli's clash with Chelsea rather than his future.
MAN UNITED 'EXCITE' EDEN HAZARD
Eden Hazard has hinted at a move to Man United after lavishing praise on Sir Alex Ferguson.
SWIFT CHANGES COST AVB - MATA
Juan Mata says Andre Villas-Boas may have been sacked for trying to change Chelsea too quickly.
VERTONGHEN OPEN TO ARSENAL MOVE
Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has revealed he is keen on a move to Arsenal.
MOURINHO DOES NOT FEAR THE AXE
Jose Mourinho does not fear he'll be sacked by Real Madrid if they get knocked out of Europe.
MULLINS SET FOR READING SWITCH
Hayden Mullins looks set to leave crisis-club Portsmouth and join Reading.
McLEISH A POGREBNYAK FAN
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is reportedly a planning a swoop for Fulham's Pavel Pogrebnyak.
RANGERS' GOIAN SNUBS CHINA OFFER
Rangers defender Dorin Goian has reportedly turned down a big-money move to China.
RANIERI BULLISH ON INTER MILAN FUTURE
Claudio Ranieri insists his future at Inter Milan does not rest on Tuesday night's clash with Marseille.
BROCCHI EYES LAZIO DEAL
Cristian Brocchi is keen to talk over a new one-year contract at Lazio, according to his agent.
ROMA DISMISS SWAP TALK
Roma have played down speculation suggesting they want to swap Simon Kjaer for Matias Silvestre.
BRETT HOLMAN AGREES VILLA SWITCH
Brett Holman has agreed to join Aston Villa at the end of his contract with AZ Alkmaar this summer.
REDKNAPP UNSURE OVER ENGLAND ROLE
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says he is "not sure" whether he wants to take the England job.
ROSICKY SIGNS NEW GUNNERS DEAL
Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has signed a new contract with the Gunners.
REDKNAPP INTERESTED IN HAZARD
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed he would like to sign Eden Hazard.
FABRICE MUAMBA FACES CRUCIAL 24 HOURS
Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba remains critically ill in intensive care this morning.
VALLECANO'S STOCK RISES
Rayo Vallecano continued their rise up the standings with a 3-0 home victory over Real Betis.
GOMIS HAUNTS FORMER CLUB
Bafetimbi Gomis came off the bench to give Lyon a 1-0 win at St Etienne.
JALLET EARNS POINT FOR PSG
A review of the weekend's action so far in France's Ligue 1.
FIVE-STAR JUVE KEEP PRESSURE ON
Juventus returned to within four points of leaders AC Milan thanks to a 5-0 win at 10-man Fiorentina.
NIJMEGEN BOOST SURVIVAL BID
NEC Nijmegen pulled further clear of relegation danger after a 2-0 victory at struggling VVV-Venlo.
DE GRAAFSCHAP SURVIVAL HOPES FADE
Krisztian Nemeth scored the only goal to give RKC Waalwijk a 1-0 win over De Graafschap.
LATE SHOW FROM EXCELSIOR
Struggling Excelsior earned a dramatic late 2-1 win over Roda JC.
BARCA KEEP PRESSURE ON REAL
Lionel Messi continued his incredible scoring form as Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-0.
MONTPELLIER SLIP FURTHER BEHIND
Montpellier slipped further behind PSG in the title race after going down to 1-0 defeat at Nancy.
DIJON CUT THE MUSTARD
Marseille's poor run in Ligue 1 continued as Dijon won 2-1 at the Stade Velodrome.
PSG GRAB A POINT AT THE LAST
Paris St Germain needed a last-minute equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw at struggling Caen.
LORIENT BACK ON WINNING TRAIL
Lorient came from behind to register their first Ligue 1 win since November with a 2-1 victory over Brest.
AJACCIO GRAB LATE EQUALISER
Yoann Poulard scored a dramatic late equaliser to earn Ajaccio a 1-1 draw at Bordeaux.
EVIAN WIN AT AUXERRE
Thomas Kahlenberg and Kevin Berigaud scored the goals as Evian won 2-0 at Auxerre.
OWN GOAL HANDS GETAFE THE POINTS
Inigo Martinez's own goal handed Getafe a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad.
APPLETON BEMOANS MISSED CHANCES
Post-match reaction to the 0-0 draw between Portsmouth and Bristol City.
ROBBEN HAT-TRICK IN BAYERN ROUT
Arjen Robben scored a hat-trick as Bayern Munich hammered Hertha Berlin 6-0.
GILLS SHOOT DOWN ROBINS
Gillingham earned a fifth win in six matches to strengthen their hold on a play-off berth with a 3-0 win at Cheltenham.
McDERMOTT FOCUS ON READING DISPLAY
Post-match reaction to Reading's 4-0 victory over Barnsley.
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