Chapter 66: The Final Gamble
Second Half:
The second half started at 8:30 p.m. with Upton Park as loud as ever. The 30,000 West Ham supporters sang "Bubbles," while the 2,000 Crawley fans answered from the away end with "We are Crawley!"
West Ham started strongly. In the 48th minute, Julien Faubert sent a dangerous cross into the box, but Carlton Cole's header went over the bar.
"My ball!" Fletcher shouted as he moved to collect it.
"Fletch-er!" the Crawley fans responded.
Niels clapped from the touchline.
"Stay focused, lads. No gaps!"
Two minutes later, Jamal made an important tackle to stop another West Ham attack. He quickly played the ball to Luka, who started a counter. Luka found Nate, but Nate's shot was blocked by a West Ham defender.
"Keep pushing, Nate!" a Crawley supporter shouted.
Thiago then caused problems down the right. His quick footwork forced a foul in the 55th minute, giving Baxter a free-kick. Baxter's delivery curled just past the post.
