Carroll Bags the Baggies

West Ham welcomed West Brom to a bitterly cold Upton Park for this vital must win match.
Having suffered five defeats in their previous seven league matches, Sam Allardyce's men were in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.
Kevin Nolan returned to the starting XI, George McCartney who was also returning from injury was named amongst the substitutes.
Andy Carroll was looking to answer Sam Allardyce’s criticisms about his lack of goals this season, as before today he had only scored three goals in 20 apperances.
Carroll duly obliged on the 16th minute with a trademark leap and thumping header connecting with the influential Gary O'Neil's corner giving the Hammers a well deserved 1-0 lead.
West Brom had early chances, as Gareth McAuley’s scrappy finish was ruled out for his foul on Jussi Jaaskelainen, then Romelu Lukaku’s deflected free-kick was pushed on to a post.
West Ham were attacking well though and doubled their lead on the 28th minute via Gary O'Neil's cheeky chip over the stranded Ben Foster in West Brom's goal.
West Brom were looking for some inspiration to get back into the match in the second half and nearly found it through Romelu Lukaku, who fired a blistering drive narrowly over the bar, before full-back Billy Jones was thwarted by the excellent Jussi Jaaskelainen.
West Ham sealed all three points on the 80th minute through Andy Carroll, who allowed James Collins' free-kick to drop over his shoulder before despatching a stunning volley into the bottom corner.
Graham Dorrans grabbed a consolation for West Brom from the penalty spot with three minutes remaining, after Romelu Lukaku was fouled in the box by Matt Taylor.
Before the final whistle, there was still time for Youssouf Mulumbu to be sent off when the Congolese midfielder picked the ball up after being fouled and kicked it against O'Neil.
West Ham's comfortable victory means they are now on 36 points, six clear of the bottom three, with eight games of the season remaining.

Damo (@FATTYHAMMER)