West Ham United FC

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Striker Cole earns Zola praise

29 Dec 2008 - 08:50:49

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West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola praised Carlton Cole after the striker found the net in a crucial 2-1 victory at home to fellow strugglers Stoke City.

The Hammers moved five points clear of the drop zone on the back of a second successive victory, with Cole scoring his second goal in two games, having failed to find the net in his previous eight outings.

Zola said after the win: "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."

Of the overall display by the Irons, the diminutive Italian 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."