WestHamFirm

Sam1 · Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:42 pm FA CUP

Fuckin' hell

A second-half header from Kayode Odejayi was enough to dump Chelsea out of the FA Cup and take Championship side Barnsley into the semi-finals.

Odejayi netted the winner from six yards out after connecting with Martin Devaney's superb right-wing cross.

The striker also had a shot saved by Carlo Cudicini, while Istvan Ferenczi struck the post with a half-volley.

Chelsea's best chance fell to Joe Cole who struck his angled shot wide from close range.

The last time Barnsley reached the semi-finals was in 1912 - they went on to win their one and only FA Cup that season.

And if they show the sort desire that has seen them overcome Premier League giants Liverpool and, now, Chelsea then few would bet against them picking up their second title.

The Tykes' good play started at the back with Chelsea lone marskman Nicolas Anelka often left redundant by Stephen Foster and Dennis Souza who gradually became adept at forcing the Frenchman out wide.

At the other end, Tykes big man Odejayi was a huge nuisance to Chelsea, using his bulk well while holding and releasing intellingently.

The only concern for the home support was that he had not scored since September, but he came close to ending that barren run during a minute spell that saw Simon Davey's side squander two good opportunities.

The first fell to forward Ferenczi, whose volley rattled the foot of Carlo Cudicini's left-hand upright.

And moments later, Odejayi forced his way into the area but his low angled shot was pushed away by the Chelsea shot-stopper.

Avram Grant's men were limited to half-chances, with Cole twice denied by the impressive Robert Kozluk who got his body in the way on both occasions to prevent the England international from netting.

Straight after the break, Cole was presented with arguably his best opportunity to hand the visitors the lead but once again his nemesis Kozluk did enough to force the midfielder to screw his shot wide from eight yards.

Chelsea cranked up the pressure in the second half, knowing that a replay would not benefit a team still fighting on two other fronts.

But try as hard as they did, the team lacked ideas and even with the introduction of attacking duo Salomon Kalou and Claudio Pizarro they failed to carve open the stubborn Barnsley defence.

And as they pressed forward, space was left at the back. That space was exploited by Devaney on the right wing who delivered a stunning ball to the far post for Odejayi to nod past the hapless Cudicini.

The Barnsley area resembled the Alamo in the final 15 minutes, but somehow the Tykes warriors held firm to book their passage into the last four of the FA Cup.

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BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Barnsley's Kayode Odejayi 8.27 (on 90 minutes).

BBC Sport

And portsmouth knocked out manure 1-0 what a freaky day but for now lets all laugh at chelsea,

Peter Parka · Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:46 pm

Fucking hell, great day, second major team Barnsley have knocked out in this years cup too! :lol:

Sam1 · Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:47 pm

I feel bad as we fell at the first hurdle, if we beat man city i think we could have gotten to the final again but at least its good to see none of the 'big 4' left in the competition

oldhammer1966 · Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:08 pm

What a great great day The big money boys both out and the bigger they are the harder they fall.

Come on Harry lets see you lift the cup!!!

Chigwell Hammer 4Life · Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:41 pm

Barnsley have got my vote ! knocked out liverpool and chelsea what more do you want !

Barnsley to win the F.A cup 2008 !

Gioseppe · Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:44 pm

What the fuck!?!?
No West Ham, Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City, Everton, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Aston Villa...
Who is gonna lift the Cup?

Gioseppe · Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:45 pm

Oh, yeah, Harry is still there (till tommorow at least).

Chigwell Hammer 4Life · Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:47 pm

Barnsley to lift it !

Peter Parka · Sun Mar 09, 2008 5:31 pm

That's Boro out now too! :lol: Pompey the only top flight side who can stop a non top flight side winning the cup for the first time since we did it 28 years ago! :shock:

Chigwell Hammer 4Life · Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:11 pm

What a season for the fa cup i want barnsley to win it !