West Ham United made it three straight league wins in convincing fashion with a 3-1 success against Derby County on Saturday.
The Hammers went behind for the second week running but as at Coventry seven days before, they roared back to take the points. Carlton Cole restored parity with a firm first-half header before Kevin Nolan struck his first Upton Park goal to put the hosts in front.
Tremendous play by man of the match Julien Faubert and Jack Collison helped set Frederic Piquionne away and the substitute, on for hamstring victim Sam Baldock, was fouled in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Mark Noble to convert with aplomb.
In front 27,864 fans at the Boleyn, the Hammers were in cruise control after that and there was the welcome sight of a return for Matt Taylor off the bench. West Ham have closed the gap on leaders Southampton to just two points and head to Middlesbrough on Tuesday in high spirits.
Then it is back to the Boleyn next Saturday for the 3pm visit of Burnley. Get your tickets now at www.whufcboxoffice.com
DERBY IN PICTURES
