Zola singles hitman out for praise

Striker Carlton Cole was singled out for special praise after his second goal in successive games helped West Ham defeat Stoke 2-1.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola had revealed that he was keeping the former Chelsea hitman back for shooting practice in training last week after eight games without a goal. And it appears to have paid off after he followed up a Boxing Day goal in the 4-1 win at Portsmouth with a crucial effort in Sunday's win against the Potters at Upton Park.

The win against Stoke moved the Hammers five points clear of the relegation places and Zola was pleased with both Cole and the team performance.

He said: "This is not down to me, Carlton has done well. I am not presumptuous to say it is down to me or anyone. It is down to him.

"He kept working, he kept having faith in himself and is getting the rewards that he deserves.

"I hadn't thought about leaving him out. He is a player that I know even if he doesn't score, he gives something to the team.

"He has always been like that. I just wanted him to keep working and scoring and I am pleased for him."

Zola added: "I think it tells you a lot about the attitude of the players and the willingness to succeed. It was a well-deserved victory.

"It was very difficult because confidence here at our ground was low and we went down after a few minutes against a team notoriously difficult to break down.

"This is a big, big turning point for us. I am pleased for the players, for everybody. We are very committed to the cause of West Ham."