Pardew 'so proud' of Hammers

Manager Alan Pardew declared himself “so proud” after Marlon Harewood fired West Ham into the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Harewood struck in the 95th minute as the Hammers beat Bolton at the fifth time of asking this season.

Bolton had won both league meetings, including a 2-1 victory at Upton Park in August, and knocked West Ham out of the Carling Cup.

Victory was sweet for the home side at Upton Park although Pardew said on Sky Sports News: “I think we have just fallen a little off our standards in passing and quality. I didn’t think we were at our best tonight.”

However he added: “I’m so proud of the players. They’ve been a credit to this football club. They’ve shown they’ve got a real strong spirit among them.

“With the quality we’ve got, we’ve got a real chance of going all the way to Cardiff and winning.”

The Hammers now face a quarter-final at Manchester City on Monday night.

An own goal from goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen – after Nicky Hunt’s attempted clearance crashed into his chest – had gifted West Ham a 10th-minute lead.

Kevin Davies then hauled Bolton level after half an hour with a excellent strike from outside the West Ham box, before Harewood’s heroics after the teams had finished 90 minutes locked level at 1-1.

Beaten Bolton boss Sam Allardyce said: “We didn’t find the finishing touch we found on Saturday at home against West Ham. That ultimately has cost us this tie.”