Match Review – Peterborough 0 – 2 West Ham

Another impressive performance saw West Ham United come out the victores in the pre season fixture away to Peterborough.

Prior to the game it was expected that West Ham would name a half strength team, but in the end, boss Alan Curbishley ended up playing an almost full strength starting 11.  Valon Behrami made his debut for West Ham, Anton Ferdinand and Matt Upson partnered each other in the centre back positions, Craig Bellamy was back up front, and the fiesty centre midfield pairing of Scott Parker and Mark Noble was re-ignited. Peterborough also put out a close to full strength team, with just new signing, Sergio Torres missing out.

The game began brightly with West Ham showing that they were not going to take it easy on Peterborough, Mark Noble and Valon Behrami seemed to be going for every 50-50 ball. The early pressure from West Ham took it’s tole on Peterborough, as Scott Parker played a lovely through ball for Craig Bellamy, who used his pace to sprint clear of the back line, round the keeper and slot home into an empty net. West Ham went one up after just three minutes.

Newly promoted League 1 side, Peterborough, didn’t let that put them down, as they went looking for an equaliser. Exciting striker Aaron Mclean went agonisingly close with an over head kick, but his superb effort was tipped wide magnificantly by Robert Green.  The game turned into a midfield battle with both teams cancelling eachother out, but West Ham seemed to be comfortable. Valon Behrami, who was starting at right back, seemed to have a fantastic understanding with right midfielder Julien Faubert, as they both linked up fantasticaly on the right side.

As half time drew to a close, Craig Bellamy raced clear of the Peterborough defence again, he seemed to have come from nowhere, but he remained calmed and lobbed the ball over Joe Lewis. The goal came just moments before half time, so West Ham went into the break with a two nil lead.

The second half never really got going as both teams made changes throughout the half, which meant that it was stop start occassion.

They were moments of excitement, mostly coming from West Ham. Valon Behrami made a storming run from right back, all the way into the penalty area, but screwing his shot wide. Teen striker Freddie Sears also went close, but he seemed to be caught in two minds, whether to shoot, or cross. Valon Behrami come off just after the hour mark, and he recieved a fantastic reception from the travelling West Ham fans, and also from his team mates. Behrami, truly, put on a remarkable performance.

Up and coming goalkeeper, Marek Stech came on for West Ham in the second half, and he made a fantastic save low down to his near post. The game fizzled out in the end, and West Ham came out as deserved winner, in a 2-0 victory.

Goalscorers – Bellamy x2