Sam Baldock ensured West Ham earned two hard fought victories over promotion rivals in the space of five days to keep on the tails of Southampton at the summit of the Championship.
Two goals from Baldock and a first of the season for Julian Faubert was just enough for the Hammers to beat manager-less Leicester City at Upton Park, moving the East London club three points clear of the play offs.
The former MK Dons striker Baldock, headed home a John Carew cross in the 21st minute just seconds before Joey O’Brien set up Faubert to slot home a second. A comfortable first half for the Hammers was not mirrored in the second half as the Foxes came out fighting.
Goal-scoring midfielder Andy King grabbed a goal back from a Paul Konchesky cross and then the same man was denied a penalty for what looked a certain foul in the box. West Ham’s poor defending continued but it was a long ball down the other end that eventually won the game for the home side.
Green launched the ball long too substitute Freddie Piquionne to flick on for Baldock to volley home a beautiful second for him, against the run of play.
Leicester did not give up though and showed good spirit to pin West Ham back into their own half for the remainder of the game and King managed to grab his second with a fine strike from 25 yards out leaving Rob Green with no chance.
Nerves visible around Upton Park for the remaining few minutes, James Tomkins unbelievably deflected Steve Howards header onto the crossbar in the dying minutes to earn the Hammers a vital three points at home.
After a tough run of form in the league, West Ham will be pleased to have some very winnable games coming up to put pressure on the Saints at the top of the table and look to bounce straight back to the Premier League.
Sam Baldock ensured West Ham earned two hard fought victories over promotion rivals in the space of five days to keep on the tails of Southampton at the summit of the Championship.
Two goals from Baldock and a first of the season for Julian Faubert was just enough for the Hammers to beat manager-less Leicester City at Upton Park, moving the East London club three points clear of the play offs.
The former MK Dons striker Baldock, headed home a John Carew cross in the 21st minute just seconds before Joey O’Brien set up Faubert to slot home a second. A comfortable first half for the Hammers was not mirrored in the second half as the Foxes came out fighting.
Goal-scoring midfielder Andy King grabbed a goal back from a Paul Konchesky cross and then the same man was denied a penalty for what looked a certain foul in the box. West Ham’s poor defending continued but it was a long ball down the other end that eventually won the game for the home side.
Green launched the ball long too substitute Freddie Piquionne to flick on for Baldock to volley home a beautiful second for him, against the run of play.
Leicester did not give up though and showed good spirit to pin West Ham back into their own half for the remainder of the game and King managed to grab his second with a fine strike from 25 yards out leaving Rob Green with no chance.
Nerves visible around Upton Park for the remaining few minutes, James Tomkins unbelievably deflected Steve Howards header onto the crossbar in the dying minutes to earn the Hammers a vital three points at home.
After a tough run of form in the league, West Ham will be pleased to have some very winnable games coming up to put pressure on the Saints at the top of the table and look to bounce straight back to the Premier League.
