FRANK STUBBS

Frank Stubbs

Two points given away...

Tuesday 27th October 2009

Sometimes a draw can be highly satisfactory, be that away in a two legged European affair, a point taken from a difficult league game or a replay gained from a tough cup tie away from home. On occasion however, it can feel as disappointing as a defeat. Walking away from Upton Park on Sunday evening, that is exactly how it felt.

Trying hard not to sound pompous and derogatory, teams will always raise their game when playing against one of the 'big' clubs and in our case, even more so when it is one of our London rivals. On the basis alone, we all knew our trip to West Ham was not going to be easy.

Saying that however, I always feel if we can match the battling aspect of our opponent, our football will see us go on and take the points. On top of that we also need that little bit of luck.

Of course we should gave killed off our hosts in the first half hour of the second half when we dominated so much and that alone is extremely frustrating. In the latter stages when the points were ours to lose however, nothing seemed to go our way.

I thought it at the time and having watched the tv replay since I am even more convinced, the moment that gave West Ham the all important impetus came as a result of a quite dreadful refereeing decision. I defy anyone to watch the incident leading to the free-kick and agree with the official.
It was so bad that if anything the free-kick should have been given the other way.

I accept that some 50-50 situations can go your way and as a result, although extremely soft and what is commonly known as a 'home' decision, the penalty was one of those that can happen across the season. Indeed our hosts could have been awarded one in a different incident a few moments earlier emphasising my point. If the referee hadn't made such a blatant error with the ultimately crucial free-kick decision however, that would have been irrelevant.

Of course by highlighting this situation it does take away the emphasis on our own shortcomings as twice in a week and crucially for the third time this season we have let a lead slip, a habit we must get out of as soon as possible.

West Ham never gave up but we were so superior on the day we should have come away with the three points, it's as simple as that.

How on earth RVP's header did not go in right at the end to grab us the victory we ultimately deserved is totally beyond me and only added intensity to the considerable frustration we were all feeling.

Overall, I enjoyed the annual trip to the pie and mash shop on Sunday but as only football can, a few minutes late in the game totally ruined my weekend.

Different competition and to a huge extent, a different team next as we take on Liverpool in the Carling Cup.

For me the whole unpredictability of such a night is a perfect way to take my mind of Sunday's frustration.

Come on you reds!

Frank

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