Hayden Rues Harsh Decisions

HAMMERS captain Hayden Mullins could not hide his disappointment after the 3-2 defeat at Blackburn Rovers, particularly as he felt aggrieved at the second-half penalty awarded against Tomas Repka.

He said: "Their penalty was a very soft decision, but a big one in terms of the match because it got them back into a game they went on to win.

"We were disappointed because it was the turning point and up to that point we had looked comfortable. At the other end we had a shout when the ball hit one of their players, yet the referee dismissed it.

"If you give one in one area then I'd like to think that the one in the other area has to be given as well.

"We don't want to be bitter, but there were a lot of decisions that went against us. Blackburn is a tough place to go and when you play away you do expect the home side to get the lion's share.

"But there were a few that we were disappointed with. It's one of those things though and you just have to get on with it.

"We'll have a couple of good days preparation now ahead of the next game, which will be another tough one up at Everton.

"If we can take something from Goodison Park I think that will have been a good return from a difficult run of away matches. It won't be easy though.

"Everton got a very good draw with Manchester United on Sunday and are starting to show the kind of form that made them so hard to beat last season.

"But if we can stay positive, play at a good tempo and take the game to them hopefully we can come away with a result.

"Having started this season so well we really want to keep things moving forward over this period. The games come thick and fast, but it's the same for everyone and you have to deal with it.

"If we can keep putting points on the board over Christmas it will set ourselves up nicely going into the second half of the season."