West ham held by newcastle
WEST Ham squandered a two goal lead but produced their best performance for weeks against Kevin Keegan's resurgent Newcastle side.
In bright sunshine at Upton Park on Saturday goals from Mark Noble and Dean Ashton were just reward for the Hammers' early dominance and they should really have been out of sight well before half-time.
But two defensive lapses enabled Obafemi Martins and then Geremi to pull the Magpies level just before the break, and Irons' fans must have feared the worst.
The second period failed to produce any more goals and both sides settled for a point apiece. It meant the Hammers stay five points clear of Tottenham as they look to secure 10th place - and those all-important bonuses.
Manager Alan Curbishley was generally pleased with his side's performance.
He said: "We played ever so well for 40 minutes and perhaps could have been a couple more in the lead but just had a crazy couple of minutes.
"I'm delighted with the way we played for the whole game really but obviously two wasn't enough."
One disappointment was the injury sustained by Freddie Ljungberg. His cracked rib will sideline him for several weeks and could cause him to miss Sweden's Euro2008 campaign.
simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk
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