Hammers record first home win

Last updated : 16 September 2011 By Plymouth_hammer

Sam Allardyce gave a debut to young Henri Lansbury as the Hammers, without the departed Scott Parker, kick started the home league campaign.

A see-saw game saw the Hammers fall behind very earlier through a Carlton Cole own-goal, but hit back immediately with an excellent free-kick from Matty Taylor.

With the game sat at 1-1 at half-time, Lansbury scored his first goal for the club on his debut to give the Hammers a much deserved lead. 

Portsmouth then equalised again through David Norris before Mark Noble put the Hammers ahead once again.  Another goal from Carlton Cole, his fourth in four appearances this year, made the game safe before some typical West Ham late drama meant the Hammers were hanging on at the end.

Freddie Piquionne was sent off with seconds left of injury time for raising his hands and the subsequent penalty was converted.