Half-time: West Ham 0 Fulham 0 – woodwork saves Whites at Upton Park

Fulham were saved by the woodwork in a lively first half at Upton Park.

With both teams’ under-pressure managers needing a victory, West Ham dominated the early stages and almost went ahead when Mark Noble’s right-wing free-kick was headed against the post by Modibo Maiga.

Martin Jol’s Fulham, who have lost four matches in a row, were also relieved to see James Collins’ header from Stewart Downing’s corner drift wide.

Adel Taarabt started for the Whites in place of the absent Dimitar Berbatov and the visitors are again without Brede Hangeland.

Taarabt looked dangerous at times as Fulham threatened on the counter-attack, but Sam Allardyce’s side continued to have the upper hand and Downing brought a save from Maarten Stekelenburg with a fierce 25-yard strike.

Mohamed Diame and Kevin Nolan then missed decent chances to put the Hammers in front.

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Stekelenburg; Zverotic, Hughes, Amorebieta, Richardson; Duff, Sidwell, Parker, Kasami; Taarabt; Bent.
Subs: Stockdale, Senderos, Ruiz, Kacaniklic, Karagounis, Boateng, Dembele.

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