A rare goal from ‘the Wardrobe’ Papa Bouba Diop after only six minutes was enough to give Sam Allardyce’s side a much needed victory after their shaky home form of late. Diop, excellently converted from Mark Noble’s corner to score his first goal for the Hammers.
Such a start was welcome for the Hammers as they suffered the loss of defender Abdoulaye Faye in the pre-match warm up meaning a debut for 17-year-old Dan Potts, son of Hammers legend Steve.
Potts acquitted himself well throughout the game and strong performances from Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole provided a much needed boost for Sam Allardyce as the Hammers move into the business end of the season.