It's an early start for the 8.30pm train from Euston for this, followed by the local train from Preston to a rainswept Burnley. Nigel's Burnley-supporting pal David has secured us places in the 1862 lounge within the Bob Lord Stand.
Matt and Lisa, up on a romantic mini-break, are sampling the Bene and Hot (Benedictine being introduced to Burnley by WW1 soldiers and it's now the club's official drink). We're joined by fellow Irons Big Joe, who has driven down from Shropshire, plus Nigel and CQ also enjoying a mini-break on the moors outside Colne.
After our pre-match curry and a pint of Wainwright Jeff the MC/compere takes the mic to read out the teams. Struggling on Konstantinos Mavropanos he hands the mic over to Nigel who reads out "number 15 Greek Bloke", raising a laugh and ensuring a contract offer from Big Joe. The only problem is we then have to watch the football. It's better than expected.
Nuno has surprised everyone by dropping Areola for Hermansen. It's a little unfair on the Fonz, though as a former goalkeeper perhaps Nuno is concerned by Areola's fallibility with crosses. Or maybe with the most goals conceded in the division he just thinks he has to try something different. Axel Disasi starts and Wilson replaces Pablo up front.
It's certainly a shock to be so close to the pitch and we get to see close-hand Jarrod Bowen's incredible work-rate. West Ham start with some determination as Bowen surges forward and Summerville appeals for a penalty. We look up for it and take the lead when Fernandes nicks the ball and surges from his own half. He plays in Summerville who does well to lift the ball over Dubravka to score his fifth goal in five games.
Axel Disasi looks composed at the back considering he hasn't played since last season. He's a big unit and looks intimidating to play against, which is what we need. Meanwhile the West Ham fans have a new song to the tune of Lip Up Fatty by Bad Manners, "We've got Taty, we've got Taty, Castellanos!" Though perhaps our Argentine striker isn't that familiar with the works of Buster Bloodvessel. The fans' other new song is best not repeated.
Edwards shoots narrowly wide and Burnley miss a good chance at the back post but at the interval it's 2-0. What could possibly go right? After the break Burnley come at us for ten minutes. It's encouraging to see Disasi, Dinos and Wan-Bissaka celebrating some crunching tackles and blocks. Hermansen, after a slightly nervy start, makes a good save from Flemming and starts to gather crosses with confidence.
Nuno makes the change he should have done at Chelsea, replacing Wilson with Potts, who steadies the midfield. The home fans chant "You're not fit to wear the shirt!" at sub Bruun Larsen which can't help anyone at Turf Moor, though Hannibal gives it a good go in midfield. West Ham threaten on the break as Summerville nicks the ball past Walker and plays the ball just too far in front of Taty. Bowen should make it three when he breaks only to try and cross to Jimmy when he should shoot.
Pablo comes on and inspires a chant of "If Pablo scores we're on the pitch!", while Scarles does well after replacing Diouf. Amazingly we keep a clean sheet and see the game out without too much trouble. Burnley have been poor, but we still had to beat then and that's now four wins out of five, counting the FA Cup.
I celebrate with Bene and Hot in the 1862 Lounge before racing across Burnley to get the tiny train to Preston. Even a tree on the line and a 70-minute delay to Euston isn't that bad after an away win as a group of rather drunk West Ham fans sing the Taty and Christian Dailly songs long into the night. Man United will be a much more difficult game but we're starting to find some form. Irons!
PLAYER RATINGS: Hermansen 7; Wan-Bissaka 7, Disasi 7, Mavropanos 7, Diouf 7 (Scarles 7); Soucek 7, Fernandes 8; Bowen 8 (Walker-Peters n/a), Wilson 7 (Potts 7), Castellanos 7 (Pablo 6), Summerville 9 (Traore n/a).
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