Hammers return to winning ways
West Ham keep consecutive clean sheets for the first time since September 2007
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Sunday, 23, Nov 2008 10:06
West Ham United have ended their miserable run with a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Hammers, who were without a win in their last seven games, clinched victory thanks to Valon Behrami's deflected shot in the first half.
Gianfranco Zola's men are now in 13th position while the Black Cats slip to 15th spot.
The first half was a tame affair with both sides carving out half chances with Djibril Cisse heading over from close range while Carlton Cole's goal-bound effort for the visitors was blocked.
But Zola's men grabbed the lead on 20 minutes when Behrami's strike hit Kenwyne Jones' foot and went into the net.
Roy Keane's side wasted two glorious chances for an immediate equaliser with an unmarked Cisse heading wide while Andy Reid's curling effort shaved the crossbar.
The home side felt they should have been awarded a penalty when the Cisse was barged by James Collins but referee Mike Dean waved play on.
And West Ham should have capitalised on that piece of luck by going 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time but Behrami failed to tap in from close range from Craig Bellamy's pull back.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Cisse continuing to waste chances to score, after the Frenchman headed wide on 49 minutes.
Despite the introduction of Daryl Murphy and Carlos Edwards, Sunderland continued to look toothless in attack. Their best chance fell to Dean Whitehead in the closing minutes but his flick towards goal was collected by goalkeeper Rob Green.
Right-back Phil Bardsley flashed an effort across goal in the dying seconds as the Hammers held on to ease the pressure on Zola.