A dipping shot from 24 yards out from West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has put visiting Hammers up 1-0 on Birmingham City just past the 30 minute mark of the second leg of their Carling Cup semifinal. More importantly, West Ham increases their aggregate edge to two goal, up 3-1 on a Birmingham City side whose midfield confusion on a throw-in enabled Cole's goal.
Birmingham City FC Vs. West Ham United, Carling Cup Semifinal: Carlton Cole Goal Capitalizes On Blues Confusion, Puts Hammers Up Two
Wayne Bridge was taking a throw-in along West Ham's left flank, roughly 35 yards from touch. With no options to get the ball in to, Bridge launched the ball toward the center of the pitch, where Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer converged on the ball. Each hesitated as they caught site of the other, allowing the ball to bounce between them an on to Cole.
The Hammers striker took only two touches before launching the ball toward Ben Foster. Bringing his foot up and through the middle of the ball, Cole was able to put a huge dip on is shot, a dip that seemed to start the moment the ball went beyond Foster's reach, allowing the ball to dive inside the far post for a surprising, sudden goal.
West Ham now finds themselves on the edge of Wembley, holding a two goal lead after 32 minutes. With rival Arsenal having already qualified for the final, Avram Grant's side is threatening to make the Carling Cup's final an all-London affair.
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