West Ham 4 Blackpool 0

Cole didn't even make the bench for this game, with Big Sam going for Baldock and Carew up front. Noble started on the bench with Diop slotting into midfield with Nolan, and Taylor and Collison on the wings.

West Ham opened the scoring in the 12th minute, with John Carew heading home a Faubert cross into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. In the 13th minute Baldock tried a long range effort, which was saved by Gilks in goal.

In the 23rd minute Collison and Carew played a nice one-two on the edge of the box that resulted in Collison getting in behind the defence, only for the referee to stop play for a foul on Carew.

In the 27th minute Carew created another great opportunity for himself but the shot was saved. In the 43rd minute a Carew shot was blocked by Gilks' legs, the ball fell to Baldock who blasted over from only a few yards out.

With a few minutes of the half remaining Blackpool managed to get their first shot on target, however Shelvey's shot was saved by Almunia. Over all it was a good half from West Ham with Carew and Baldock always looking threatening. The only disappointment was that they didn't manage to convert more of their many chances.


West Ham started the second half on the front foot. In the first minute after the restart Taylor shot over from just inside the area. West Ham however didn't have to wait long before extending their lead as a minute later Baldock got in behind the defence and beat Gilks to get his first for West Ham.

Four minutes after that and Baldock got his second. Carew managed to tap the ball past Gilks, Blackpool had two players on the goal-line but Baldock ran in to beat them both to the ball.

Four minutes after that and it was 4-0. Collison got his first goal of the season from about 12 yards out. After the fourth goal Big Sam had the opportunity to give Faye and Sears a good run-out and give Tomkins and Taylor a rest. Faye came on for Tomkins and Sears came on for Taylor.

In the 78th minute Baldock had a great chance to get his hat-track. Faubert crossed into the area, Baldock shot and Gilks just managed to get a hand on the ball. In the 79th minute Noble was brought on for Carew.


What a glorious day. The sun is shining on east London, West Ham are in the automatic promotion places and a win at Southampton on Tuesday will see West Ham go top.

It looks like Cole might have to fight to get his position back after this display from Carew and Baldock.