Monday marked 16 years to the day in which West Ham United made it to the 2004 Championship play-off final and a lot of the fanbase are enjoying reminiscing over an unbelievable night at Upton Park.
West Ham News posted highlights of the second leg of the play-off semi-final on Twitter in which the East London side played Ipswich Town. They were 1-0 down after the first leg, via West Ham, so had it all to do in front of their home support. The Championship campaign under Alan Pardew had been a highly successful one, and although they would have wanted a top two finish, to still be in with a chance for promotion was a very good position to be in.
The tie remained tense as the scores remained 0-0 on the night after the first half, however a great strike from Matthew Etherington which was quickly followed by a goal from Christian Dailly gave the Hammers the lead for the first time, and it was one they were able to keep as they advanced to the Millennium Stadium.
It was made an even better campaign after they managed to beat Preston North End in the final and secure a return to England’s top flight, per BBC Sport.
Here is what fans had to say following the tweet, with one describing the scenes at that game as “crazy”:
#OnThisDay in 2004: West Ham beat Ipswich 2-0 to book their place in the Championship play-off final. An unbelievable night under the lights at Upton Park ⚒ pic.twitter.com/JWTr7mAIn2
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) May 18, 2020
The atmosphere that night was electric. You just sensed before kick off with whole crowd behind team we would see it through. Was a great night ⚒
— Gary Bischoff (@gazbishbosh) May 18, 2020
Wicked night….I always felt sorry for Ipswich they were up in those play off spots all season for several seasons. But never quiet seemed to manage to get that winning final, always the bridesmaid.
— Mark Warren (@MarkWarr2508) May 18, 2020
I was behind the goal for that Etherington screamer @K1PPAX
— Matt (@BadgerMcCann) May 18, 2020
What a night
— Michael Ryan (@michaelcryan65) May 18, 2020
The best atmosphere at any football ever. First time I’ve ever felt a whole stadium shake. Crazy scenes. #whufc https://t.co/wIplmbyitv
— DB (@DarrenBell23) May 18, 2020
My claim to fame moment as a West Ham fan. I screamed at Carrick that Matty was on! He looked directly at me then at Matt passed to him and ‘boom’ the rest is history. I got totally mobbed by those around me.
— Anyold1ron (@joejimbobsdad) May 18, 2020
West Ham fans, how good was that Etherington goal? Comment below!
