Diego Tristan's free-kick was enough to claim a West Ham win over Stoke City that enhances their chances of securing a lucrative European spot.
Gianfranco Zola's men travelled to the Britannia Stadium to face a Stoke City side eager to ensure their Premier League survival, being one point away from that magic 40-point safety mark.
Tony Pulis's side had an effort disallowed when striker Ricardo Fuller was adjudged to have fouled Robert Green before firing home.
Minutes later David Di Michele netted at the other end, but it had already been disallowed due to a Tristan handball in the build-up.
However West Ham made sure of the opener just after the half-hour when a foul from Abdoulaye Faye resulted in a freekick around 25 yards out. Tristan stepped up to convert as he curled his effort superbly into the top corner.
Half-chances came and went for either side as late on Mark Noble headed Faye's looping effort off the line to ensure all three points stayed with the Hammers.
Few changes were made from either side for West Ham's trip north. Zola made one change from the side which lost to Chelsea as the Italian boss opted for Robert Kovac ahead of Kieron Dyer.
Tony Pulis welcomed back James Beattie with his first start since shaking off a thigh injury and Andy Wilkinson came in at the back.
0 comments:
Post a Comment