Allardyce thrilled with win, but not ref

02 October 2012 07:17

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was delighted by his side's performance at QPR on Monday night but rather less enamoured by referee Mark Clattenburg.

The Hammers secured their first away league win of the season thanks to a fine 2-1 victory in west London, with record signing Matt Jarvis netting after three minutes. Ricardo Vaz Te acrobatically doubled the visitors' advantage and, while substitute Adel Taarabt pulled one back in style, West Ham held on for a victory that propels them to seventh.

"We've achieved our first Barclays Premier League (away) win, which is no mean feat for a newly-promoted team," Allardyce said. "I think the outstanding qualities we showed today both in our ability to take the game to the opposition away from home and our ability to score goals was fantastic to see."

He added: "As the underdogs, having just been promoted, to come to QPR and take the game to them and dominate that first half was great for me to see. If I had to say anything, I was a little bit disappointed we didn't get more than two."

The only blot on a fine evening for the Hammers were the enforced first-half substitutions of Winston Reid through concussion and Joey O'Brien due to a hamstring injury. It could have been a whole lot worse, though, as referee Clattenburg handed out eight yellow cards to West Ham players.

"He hasn't spoilt our result but if you look at the spectacle as a game I think there were an awful lot of fouls and decisions he gave that he didn't need to do," Allardyce said.

QPR manager Mark Hughes was also frustrated with Clattenburg, who sent off substitute Samba Diakite after handing him two yellow cards in a 20-minute period.

"He has made two similar challenges," the Welshman said. "I wouldn't say they were reckless.

"The first one was a genuine attempt to get the ball but the lad has just nicked it away from him. It doesn't warrant a yellow card in my view. Some referees give them, some don't."

Asked if he was confident he would get time to see the job through, the QPR boss said: "I would think so. We have had a big investment and we're looking to improve this year and we will."

Source: PA