25th January 2004

West Ham United knocked Wolves out of the FA Cup on a freezing cold Molineux Afternoon today. Goals from Deane, Harewood and Connolly secured the win for the visitors. Vio Ganea scored the only Wolves goal. 

An Impressive performance from West Ham United, deservedly earned them a place in the 5th round of the FA Cup. Jones rested Alex Rae and Jody Craddock and Steffen Iversen whilsy Shaun Newton was injured.

 Wolves have found it difficult to "be up" for the Cup Games this season and this was clear again today as West Ham scored three goals to create one of the biggest upsets of round.

 Wolves got off to the worst possible start. Brian Deane found space on the edge of the area to chest the ball down and volley the ball past Michael Oakes in the Wolves goal.

 It was nothing short of what the visitors deserved, and the double that lead after 22 minutes. A well-worked Free Kick saw Connolly cross the ball from the by-line and Marlon Harewood scored from close range to put daylight between the two sides.

 However, the impressive Silas played a huge part in working Wolves back into the game. The Portuguese International blocked a Hammers clearance and squared the ball to Romanian International Vio Ganea, who turned and smashed the ball into the top corner past Stephen Bywater.

  Wolves then pushed on for an equalizer, but West Ham killed the game of a few minutes before the interval.

 Oleg Luzhny was caught in possession and ex-Molineux striker David Connolly hit the ball into the top corner from 15 yrds.

 The second half could have seen Wolves draw level, but when Leon Clarke missed an open goal, followed by Colin Cameron missing with only the keeper to beat, it was clear it was not going to be Wolves` day.

  One positive to come out of the game would be the impressive form from Winger Silas, who had to come off injured for Joey Gudjonsson.

 WOLVES 1 WEST HAM 3

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