Carling Cup
West Ham United 1-0 Oxford United 

Tuesday, 24th August 2010
by Staff Writer No.2

An injury time goal for Scott Parker sees United through to the third round of the League Cup against Oxford United.

In keeping with the modern trend Hammers gave starts to a number of squad players, including Marek Stech, Jonathan Spector, Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears whilst Tal Ben Haim came in for his first start in an Irons shirt.

As against Bolton a string of chances went begging whilst the side struggled to break down a well-organised Oxford side. Frederic Piquionne in particular missed a sitter, putting a header off target from six yards with only the keeper to beat.

Indeed, the visitors created a number of chances of their own with Constable, Hall and Potter all forcing Stech into good saves, whilst Heslop and Worley both went close.

In the second half, substitute Carlton Cole had an effort ruled out after fellow sub Benni Mccarthy was adjudged to have been offside during the build up.

Parker brought a superb save out of Oxford 'keeper Clarke following good work on the right by Piquionne but the 'keeper had no chance when the same pair combined in the third minute of stoppage time and Parker's first time effort from Piquionne's near-post cross was enough to send United through to the next round.

The draw for the third round will take place at 12.15pm this Saturday (28th August).

*Player ratings courtesy of MikeNewell'sOldBoys


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Player Ratings

Marek Stech
A few nervy moments communicating with Ben Haim and terrible first touch/distribution. One very good (maybe it was just my angle actually?) save.


Julien Faubert
So so, nothing spectacular. He actually won one or two headers at the far post from crosses which is usually his weakness (still lost a few as well).


Jonathan Spector
Completely lacking confidence. Looked scared to go in for the tackle and backed off way too much. Also didn't offer much going forward.


Tal Ben Haim
Seemed decent in the tackle but not in possession. Put a few passes out for throw-ins.


James Tomkins
Nervy start but got much better. Ended well with some good surges into the opposition's half.


Scott Parker
Very erratic. Good passes, bad passes. Good surges forward, didn't always release in time.


Mark Noble
Bad first half, a much better second.


Pablo Barrera
Needs to adjust to the physicality of English football but looked quick and could cross with both left and right foot.


Junior Stanislas
Not involved as much due to him drifting out of position too often (meaning Spector had to stay back).


Fred Sears
Should have played on the shoulder of the last defender. always tried to drop too deep.


Frederic Piquionne
Had two or three chances he should have scored. Looks like he could be good after a goal or two gives him some confidence.



Substitutes

Carlton Cole
(Replaced Stanislas, 62 mins) The best attacking player in the game by far.


Benni McCarthy
(Replaced Sears, 78 mins) Actually did ok, I thought. Won a free kick just outside the box; good link up play.


Robert Green
Did not play.


Herita Ilunga
Did not play.


Manuel Da Costa
Did not play.


Radoslav Kovac
Did not play.


Luis Boa Morte
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Marek Stech, Julien Faubert, Jonathan Spector, Tal Ben Haim, James Tomkins, Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Pablo Barrera, Junior Stanislas, Fred Sears, Frederic Piquionne.

Goals: None.

Booked: None.

Sent off: None.

Oxford United: Clarke, Purkiss, Wright, Worley, Tonkin, Bulman, Heslop, Potter, Hall, Cole, Constable.

Subs not used: Eastwood, Creighton, Deering, Midson.

Goals: None.

Booked: Heslop.

Sent off: None.

Referee: James Linington.

Attendance: 20,902.

Man of the Match: Mark Noble.