The Hammers were looking to bounce back from their inability to convert their chances against Bristol City on Tuesday night but they had to wait until the second half before breaking down a strong Hull City line up.
Hull had the better of the first half, dominating possession and creating a number of chances to take the lead.
A set piece early in the second half was the fillip for the Hammers to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Mark Noble swung over a corner for Carlton Cole to knock into the path of Sam Baldock, to hammer the ball home from close range.
Less than 10 minutes later the Hammers secured all three points with an excellent piece of team play. Noble found Carlton Cole, who beat a defender before setting up Jack Collison to stroke it past Gulacsi in the Tigers’ goal.
Some resolute defending and some fine saves from Rob Green in the dying minutes meant the Hammers held out for the win that strengthens their position in second place in the Championship.