I’ve listened to some games over the years but this one has to be right up there.

From before the first whistle, Allardyce had seized the initiative. The selection of Maynard and Vaz Te, supported by Noble, Collison, Faubert and Tomkins in midfield was reward for their endeavours against Southampton and no doubt entirely contrary to the selection Holloway would have been anticipating, which presumably would have featured Cole up top as a lone front man. The first 45 minutes went entirely to plan. Wave after wave of West Ham attacks, fluid football, almost complete dominance, a debut goal for Maynard – for the first time this season our side was really dominating, absolutely superior and gaining the plaudits of the radio commentary team most of us were forced to listen to, with video streams being notable by their absence. The first half was quite outstanding, save for the inevitable goal from Phillips which came totally and utterly against the run of play. Coming as it did just 30 seconds before the end of first half stoppage time it threatened the mood in the dressing room at the break.

At the start of the second half Blackpool were noticeably buoyed, encouraged by their goal against the run of play and the vociferous home support, almost unheard during the first period. The Irons still looked threatening on the break but, once again, the self destruct button was well and truly depressed when Rob Green rushed out of his goal and clattered Bentnar just outside the box. With no ‘keeper on the bench Lansbury was the nominated lamb to the slaughter and had to face around 40 minutes as a non-specialist, an outfield player. You waited for the onslaught to come. A hand ball from Faye just outside the box threatened a second straight red and the chips were well and truly down. Despite this, Maynard and Vaz Te remained a significant threat on the break and you wondered, just wondered…..
Things began to calm down somewhat, the Hammers faithful in the stands once again became clearly audible now that Blackpool had failed to immediately capitalise on their numerical and territorial advantage. Then, the almost inconceivable happened; from a West Ham corner the ball was only partially cleared and O’Neill slammed the ball beyond the Blackpool ‘keeper’s reach and the two goal advantage was restored with under 20 minutes to play. “We only need 10 men…” roared the away support. You had to concede, they had a point. Surely the Hammers couldn’t take all 3?
For the third game in a row we were witnessing an unbelievable display of resilience and determination. Even at 3:1 and with 10 minutes left, Maynard almost made it 4, Lansbury remained untroubled, Phillips hit the inside of the post for the seasiders and the anticipation grew. Maynard off, a fresh Cole on. Worryingly, the commentators began to indicate that Blackpool weren’t going to do it! You wondered if this was a Keegan moment in terms of commentary. The minutes ticked by and we awaited the injury time indication from the 4th official.
With seconds to go the unthinkable became the incomprehensible – Vaz Te rifled in a 4th. I listened agog. With 9 outfield players and another in goal we had scored 2 goals to Blackpool’s 0. Our creative players, with Vaz Te and Maynard irresistible made the difference, our defenders deserve the plaudits too for their heroics at times but at last, at bloody last, our class was there for all to see.
COYI!