West Ham 3
Fulham 1
(Premier League)

WEST Ham once again proved that the off-field sagas engulfing the club are not affecting them on it as the team stretched their unbeaten run to five games with a resounding 3-1 win over Fulham on Sunday.

The result means the Hammers have taken ten points from a possible 12 in the Premier League, while it has also propelled them up to eighth in the table.

For the first time this season, the club can dare to dream of Europe rather than fearing a return to the second tier of English football, as a Carlton Cole-inspired side put Fulham to the sword.

The Irons forward went from team passenger in the first-half to their driving force in the second period, as he first earned a penalty – which Mark Noble converted – to put the hosts in front, before scoring his fifth goal in as many games to send them out of sight.

“I’m proud to say the difference today was Carlton Cole,” said an ecstatic Gianfranco Zola after the game.

“He’s made the difference for the last four or five games now, but he was brilliantly supported by ten other players today.”

David Di Michele, stepping in for the absent Craig Bellamy, scored his third goal for the club after capitalising on an error from former Hammer John Pantsil to put the home side ahead after just six minutes.

But there were no such favours from another ex-Iron, as Paul Konchesky conjured memories of his FA Cup final strike for West Ham three seasons ago, with a more deliberate effort against his former employers.

The left-back was allowed to gallop forward before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 30 yards that found the top corner to level the match.

Despite West Ham’s dominance, the Cottagers made it to half-time on level terms.

Cue Cole, whose excellent hold-up play and eye for goal proved too much for Fulham to handle. And he admitted that he is enjoying one of the best spells of his career.

He said: “I’m really happy with the way it is going, I want six in six!”