Sam Allardyce got his first home win as Hammers boss in a thrilling game at Upton Park that saw seven goals, two red cards and a penalty to each side. Goals from Matt Taylor, Henri Lansbury, Carlton Cole and Mark Noble ensured a crucial victory for the East Enders but they did not have it all their own way again at home.
Portsmouth took the lead after just eight minutes after a training ground corner kick was not dealt with by the hosts defence, Luke Varney’s deflected shot wrong-footed keeper Rob Green and found its way into the bottom corner. An instant response a minute later from West Ham saw ex Pompey player Taylor curl a free kick into the far corner of Jamie Ashdown’s goal via a slight deflection from the wall to bring the game all-square.
Debutant Lansbury came into this game after scoring three goals in two games for England Under21’s and he put the Hammers in front just after the break with a heavily deflected shot wrong footing the keeper Ashdown again.
It was not long before scores were level after a counter attack from the visitors resulted in summer signing David Norris’ back post header beating Green and the officials decided the ball had crossed the line before Winston Reid managed to get it away, however Benjani was there to knock it home if there was any doubt and that made it 2-2.
The game changing moments in a very physical game happened mid-way through the second half after Liam Lawrence was sent off for a second yellow card for a bad tackle on David Bentley quickly followed by a penalty for West Ham after Pearce handled in the area. Noble confidently powered the spot kick home and put the Hammers back in front with under 20 minutes to go.
The game was put beyond much doubt after a magnificent fourth goal from the hosts when a pinpoint cross from Taylor found the head of in-form Cole who made if four goals in four games with a wonderful finish. Cole was soon replaced by Freddie Piquionne who was not on the field for long after pushing a Portsmouth defender in the face, the referee decided that was sufficient for a straight red card for the striker.
With the game petering out the visitors made the result more respectable after former Hammer Tal Ben-Haim was brought down in the area, Greg Halford scored from the spot right on the final whistle.
Not a complete performance but another three points in the promotion push and with Millwall up next the expectation may be rising even further at Upton Park.
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