Disallowed goal has Grant riled

AVRAM GRANT is still fuming over West Ham’s disallowed winner at Wolves as the sides prepare for today’s relegation six-pointer at Upton Park.

The Hammers were denied all three points in October’s 1-1 draw at Molineux when referee Mark Clattenburg penalised Frederic Piquionne for handball after the striker netted in the dying seconds.

Television replays suggest the goal should have been allowed and Grant has not forgotten the incident, which has cost his side dear. Rock-bottom West Ham are a point behind Wolves having played a game more than their relegation rivals.

The Hammers boss said: “I think they owe us something because we scored against them, a goal that was disallowed in the last moment.

“Wolves would be behind us but for the decision of the referee. It was one of our best games, at Wolves.”

Defeat today is unthinkable for West Ham who could find themselves four points adrift if they lose and other results go against them.

Co-owner David Gold has insisted that being beaten by Wolves would not spell the end of Grant’s reign but it would certainly crank up the pressure which has eased during the Hammers’ current three-match unbeaten run.

Grant, however, is refusing to contemplate the consequences of defeat as he tries to become only the second manager to mastermind the survival of a Premier League club that has been bottom at Christmas.

Asked if the game was one of the biggest of his career, he said: “All the games are big games. You remember three months ago, you said to me: ‘This is the biggest game.

“As long as we’re in this place, we can say it will be a big game. Any result against Wolves, the game against Newcastle will again be a big game.”