Sunday, May 14, 2006

 

So many emotions...

I honestly don't know where to start. An incredible, unforgettable night, one of the great finals in history, and I'm bursting with pride of the boys in claret & blue... But at the same time absolutely gutted to lose on penalties.

We were heading for a glorious victory as the clock ticked down. We (in the pub) had just finished a song - honestly, I can't recall what it was for certain but I think it was "Bubbles" - a moment of silence followed, and then Gerrard scored his cracking equaliser. You can't buy that sort of thing. Gerrard is the model professional and a true club player, few of whom any club can boast, but West Ham and Liverpool both can point out a number of greats in their illustrious history. If anyone was going to score in the 90th minute to deny West Ham their glory, then I'm glad it was Steven Gerrard.

To see so many players (on both sides) go down with cramp or injury, and especially to see Marlon Harewood attempt to shoot at goal with his injured foot, was gut-wrenching.

That save by Reina is indelibly etched into my memory as the moment when West Ham United came within a hair's breadth of lifting the FA Cup at the finale of a fantastic season.

Our goals may be partially attributed to luck, but West Ham showed the sort of guts and honour worthy of the scoreline. A proud day, indeed.

As for our little gathering at midnight in Brisbane, the atmosphere was incredible. The Liverpool fans showed up in droves and I think outnumbered the Hammers, but not by much. They sang well, and we matched them. There were moments when the hair stood up on the back of my neck as the fans sang "Come on you Irons" - the determination and love for the club that the fans showed was second to none. And the mood between both opposing sets of fans was that of friendly rivalry and good sportsmanship. Both sets of fans were superb. It was a fabulous, unforgettable night, despite the result.

I still don't really know what to think of it - gutted, but proud, I guess to sum it up.

Congratulations to Liverpool and their amazing fans.

Thank you so much to Alan Pardew, all the players, and all the West Ham United fans who have made this season such a great one.

Let's do it again.



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