Roberts reigns over West Brom advance

West Ham 0,West Brom 1

The scene was set for Italian forward Di Canio to lift West Ham off the bottom of the table, returning from injury to play his first match of the season.

It was Roberts, however, that made the telling impact as he rolled in a first-half winner just 24 hours after agreeing a new four-year deal with the Premier League newcomers. West Ham wentclose on numerous occasions before striker Robertsslotted in a 28th-minute opener.

The midlanders showed plenty of urgency in the opening exchanges and Hughes got in the first shot of the night as early as the third minute, but his effort lacked power and David James gathered comfortably.

West Brom’s tactic of shovelling balls down the channels allowed a regular outlet for Hughes, who was up against former Coventry team-mate Gary Breen, making his full debut for the Hammers. It was more intricate approach work, though, that could have led to an opener for the home side 10 minutes in.

Di Canio’s fleetness of foot on the left-hand touchline preceded a flick to Trevor Sinclair on the edge of the area only for the unmarked Joe Cole to mis-kick his chip to the far post.

Within seconds, however, Roberts created a better chance at the other end but the striker’s cross was missed by the onrushing Andy Johnson, six yards out, with the goal exposed.

West Ham sprang to life midway through the half and after Cole ushered Sebastian Schemmel down the right, Di Canio lifted his cross just too high at the near post.

Di Canio turned creator moments later when he guided a ball into the area and Freddie Kanoute lifted it from the by-line to Cole, 10 yards in front of goal, who volleyed powerfully and Russell Hoult made a spectacular save to his right.

From the resulting corner England midfielder Cole was foiled again as he found space on the edge of the area but Hoult held his curling effort low to his left. Albion then shocked Roeder’s team by taking a 28th-minute lead.

David James’s punt down-field was won in an aerial challenge by Darren Moore; Johnson fed Ronnie Wallwork and his through-ball sent Roberts racing clear of Breen. As James advanced from his line to close the striker down, Robertsrolled calmly to the goalkeeper’s right.