Allardyce urges caution after Collison’s brace gives West Ham vital play-off advantage
CHAMPIONSHIP
CARDIFF CITY 0
WEST HAM UNITED 2
WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce praised his side’s efforts after they earned a crucial advantage before Monday’s Championship play-off semi-final decider at Upton Park, though he remains adamant that they are not yet safe.
Two goals from Welshman Jack Collison were enough to secure the win as the Hammers’ impressive away record continued, but Allardyce maintained that they cannot afford to relax.
“We were excellent,” said Allardyce. “We asked the lads to control their emotions and I thought they handled the pressure excellently. It has been a great night for us and it is only 90 minutes of a two-legged affair.
“Anything could still happen and the onus is on us to see it through, and there is no pressure on Cardiff. But we are really pleased and not getting too carried away.
“The clean sheet and two goals is everything we have been looking for and it is a great contribution from all the players. But the bottom line is to make sure we are through into the final after 90 minutes.”
When Ricardo Vaz Te refused to give up in his pursuit of a seemingly-doomed loose ball and crossed from the left wing, Collison pounced to head West Ham in front in the ninth minute after his initial shot was superbly saved by David Marshall.
Cardiff’s subsequent attacking intent proved to be futile with West Ham, particularly James Tomkins, defending so resiliently before scoring another goal that would suitably serve as a microcosm of their style.
Carlton Cole played for a corner, and though Mark Hudson headed clear, the confident Collison’s impressively-struck shot, from just outside the penalty area, took a substantial deflection off of Ben Turner and travelled beyond Marshall into the back of the net.
The home side pressured West Ham intensely as the game progressed, knowing a solitary goal would be enough to change the dynamic of Monday’s second leg, but West Ham’s stubborn resistance held for a crucial two-goal lead.