FA Premiership - FULHAM 0 WEST HAM 1: Paolo Di Canio earned some much-needed breathing space for manager Glenn Roeder when his cooly-taken penalty in the 90th minute earned West Ham all three points at Loftus Road last night.
The penalty was awarded after Jermaine Defoe latched onto a long ball forward, which Pierre Wome and Andy Melville missed, burst into the area and was scythed down by Zat Knight, who was instantly shown the red card.
It topped off a bad night for Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, who was told firmly last night that Craven Cottage is the only place the supporters want to be. Amid rumours that Fulham want to abandon their soon to be redeveloped ground, Al Fayed faced a murmur of booing before the game while a banner said "Take us home, Fayed," leaving him in no doubt of tempers.
It is 35 years since Fulham last beat West Ham at home, although both sides last night were clearly missing the finishing power of Louis Saha and Frederic Kanoute.
West Ham thought they had taken the lead in the fifth minute when Defoe's impeccable finish was ruled out for offside. Defoe again went close when Melville misjudged a punt by David James and the striker's volley was blocked by Edwin Van Der Sar.
Fulham, lacking the assured presence of Alain Goma at the back and the defensive midfield shield provided by Sean Davis, could hardly get the ball out of their own half.
Di Canio missed the type of extravagant volley he is renowned for after Knight had carelessly headed Defoe's cross into his path. From another Di Canio free kick, Trevor Sinclair went close.
FULHAM: Van der Sar, Finnan, Knight, Melville, Wome, Legwinski, Malbranque, Inamoto (Djetou 45), Boa Morte (Stolcers 78), Marlet, Hayles. Subs Not Used: Collins, Taylor, Ouaddou. Sent Off: Knight (90). Booked: Boa Morte, Marlet.
WEST HAM: James, Dailly, Pearce, Repka, Minto, Sinclair, Cisse, Carrick, Cole, Di Canio, Defoe. Subs Not Used: Winterburn, Breen, Van Der Gouw, Garcia, Camara. Booked: Repka, Cisse, Dailly. Goals: Di Canio 90 pen.
Referee: R Styles (Hampshire)
