West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Zola praises match-winner Parker

25 Apr 2010 - 10:49:03

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West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has heaped praise on his players after they scraped a 3-2 Premier League win against Wigan Athletic to all but guarantee their status in the top-flight for another season.

His side fell behind early on as Jonathan Spector put through his own goal but Ilan and Radoslav Kovac efforts before the interval put the hosts in front.

Hugo Rodallega brought the scores level but a fantastic strike by Scott Parker secured the valuable win to keep the Hammers six points ahead of Hull City with just two games to go and Zola paid special attention for his match-winner.

Speaking after the Upton Park clash, he said: "It was a difficult game because there was a lot of pressure and the boys gave everything and got the three points and it shows everybody how much they care about this team.

"I think Scott Parker deserved to score the winner. He is an inspirational player for us and he makes a difference when he is on the pitch.

"He is committed to this club and his attitude is excellent. I am impressed with his performance, but I was happy with everybody."