Ipswich blow a bonus, says Hammers boss

WEST HAM manager Alan Pardew believes Ipswich’s failure to secure automatic promotion will help the Hammers when the sides meet in the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

West Ham rubber-stamped their play-off place with a 2-1 victory at Watford as Reading's defeat at Wigan made the win at Vicarage Road unimportant.

The Hammers looked to be heading for a comfortable victory following goals from Anton Ferdinand and Marlon Harewood's second-half penalty, but they ultimately had goalkeeper Jimmy Walker to thank for earning the three points after Heidar Helguson scored a late penalty three minutes from time.