Played at Venue: Turf Moor Date: Saturday, 6 February 2010
Burnley manager Brian Laws tasted victory for the first time since his appointment but it was a close run thing as West Ham will feel that their efforts deserved at least a point, instead of a 2-1 defeat.Burnley vs West Ham Match Report
Burnley started brightly and were rewarded for their early endeavours when a long ball from debutant Danny Fox found its way through to striker David Nugent, who calmly lobbed Robert Green.
West Ham strikers Carlton Cole and Benni McCarthy linked up well but the shots from debutant striker McCarthy were wide of the target.
McCarthy did however go desperately close to an equaliser when he was played in by Scott Parker and was unfortunate to see his shot cleared off the line by Leon Cort.
McCarthy failed to re-appear after the interval and was replaced by fellow debutant Mido, but it was the Clarets who extended their lead in spectacular fashion as left-back Fox struck a free-kick into the top corner, after Tyrone Mears had been brought down on the edge of the box by Jack Collison.
The Hammers almost pulled a goal back immediately as Parker's shot was somehow pushed behind for a corner by home goalkeeper Brian Jensen.
United striker Cole did have the goal in the back of the Burnley net, but it was rightly disallowed for off side.
Hammers substitute Junior Stanislas curled a free-kick from wide on the left on to the top of the Burnley crossbar and it came as no surprise when, with nine minutes remaining, West Ham pulled a goal back through Brazilian debutant Ilan.
That goal only served to add more tension to this six-point encounter and Gianfranco Zola's side almost grabbed a share of the spoils when Mido struck the post.
The win was Burnley's first in 13 Premier League games and has seen the Clarets leapfrog the Hammers in the table.
Burnley vs West Ham Highlights Video
13:10 GOAL - David Nugent:Burnley 1 - 0 West Ham
Matthew Upson is caught off guard and DAVID NUGENT steers the ball past a stranded Rob Green.
54:36 GOAL - Daniel Fox:Burnley 2 - 0 West Ham
FOX swings a free-kick from the right side of the box into the top left corner with Green helpless.
80:02 GOAL - Araujo Ilan:Burnley 2 - 1 West Ham
ILAN puts the visitors back in the game with his first touch of the ball, stabbing it home from close range.
Cole feels Hammers should be far higher
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"Today has been a little step back but we will come back stronger, I'm sure of that.
"But we have to be quick because time is running out and the table requires it.
"I'm not worried, I'm just disappointed because we had enough to do better.
"We have to make sure we cut out our mistakes because it has been the story of our season, we've played some good football at times and lost games because of mistakes."
Burnley manager Brian Laws:
"It was a huge three points and when you talk about games you have to win this was one of them.
"There was so much pressure, but the players were magnificent.
"David Nugent scored a fantastic goal and it set the tone of the game. It gave us great belief because we haven't been in this position for such a long time.
"Danny Fox had a fantastic debut and you couldn't ask for more. He's a smart acquisition and there's no doubt he'll help give this team a different dimension."
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