Okocha stuns West Ham with strike

Bolton 1, West Ham 0 (half-time)

Jay Jay Okocha stunned West Ham by giving Bolton the lead after 39 minutes at the Reebok Stadium today.

The Nigerian midfielder carved a path through the defence before an unleashing an unstoppable shot to make the breakthrough in this relegation battle.

Djorkaeff had the home supporters on their feet in the 31st minute after a searing run into the area, only for David James to make a clean catch.

Defoe was then released by Steve Lomas but captain Gudni Bergsson made a timely block before Bolton made the breakthrough with a marvellous goal from Okocha.

The Nigerian midfielder somehow carved a path through the Hammers defence, despite appearing to stumble and fall, before unleashing an unstoppable shot beyond James from 20 yards in the 39th minute.

Okocha almost added a second two minutes later only for James to race out and smother the ball.

Then the England goalkeeper did well to tip over a fierce shot from Mendy as Bolton gained the upper hand going into the break.