Roeder: We Were Worth A Replay

Roeder: The boys did well

After last weeks performance, the West Ham manager had no cause to praise any of his players, save keeper David James who kept Chelsea's score down much as he did in the latest match at Stamford Bridge. But today was different, and he was rewarded with the mid-week defensive work that had been done.

"I thought the boys perfomed well," said Roeder. "As we said at half time, the next goal's going to be critical. Fortunately it was us that got it, and got us back into the tie, and I thought on our second half performance that we well deserved a draw."

The draw has earned the Hammers a rematch at Upton Park, which will be played in the evening on Wednesday 6th February. It is highly likely that the BBC will show this match live, as they have the FA Cup rights this season.

"Over the 90 minutes I think we were worth a replay. It was a rip-roaring second-half but now we have got them back at Upton Park with home advantage we might be able to do it.

He was keen to justify the Hammers going in at half time with a goal already conceded, putting it down more to the skill of the scorer, as opposed to the weakness of the West Ham defence:

"This is not an easy place to come to as we found out last Sunday. We went behind to an excellent Hasselbaink goal. People say he has only got a right foot but he answered that today. His left-foot is more than useful too."