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West Ham United 0-0 Blackburn Rovers
Match Reports, 17:24, January 30, 2010 ,
West Ham and Blackburn shared the points following a goalless draw at Upton Park.
The game may have ended in a stalemate but chances were not amiss at the Boleyn Ground. The first half did not create much to talk about however, with neither side managing to create any clear-cut chances. Morten Gamst Pedersen did come close to breaking the deadlock but could only look in despair as his 20-yard free-kick cannoned back off the crossbar.
Changes were made shortly after the break as Gianfranco Zola introduced Carlton Cole. The substitution sparked a lift in the Hammers and they could have had a penalty moments later as Ryan Nelsen tugged on the shirt of an honest Frank Nouble. The 18-year-old stayed on his feet inside the box where others may have gone down.
Alessandro Diamanti tried his luck all afternoon but did not have the beating of Paul Robinson who pulled off a top-drawer save to turn the Italian's set-piece over the bar.
Rob Green, defending his place in the England team with Robinson at the other end, did not disappoint and arguably kept the hosts in the game. Substitute Jason Roberts was left frustrated by the keeper as he denied a one-on-one opportunity from the striker. Jonas Olsson could not find a way around England's number one either as his left footed effort was superbly turned around the post.
New owners David Sullivan and David Gold watched their first home game in charge from the stands and will be impatient to sign a forward before the end of the transfer window with the Hammers lacking options up-front. Benni McCarthy, who is expected to join the sast Londoners, was left out of the Rovers side who will be left with a happy boss in Sam Allardyce this evening.