Sam Allardyce wants former colleague Zat Knight to join him at West Ham
West HAM boss Sam Allardyce is ready to raid his old club Bolton Wanderers for giant centre-half Zat Knight.
Allardyce would like Knight to join his club’s promotion push but could wait until the 31-year-old is a free agent this summer. Knight has been a regular for Bolton but is one of many at the club coming to the end of their current deals.
Allardyce can offer the 6ft 7in beanpole a long-term contract if Bolton are willing to sell – or put a package together to bring the player in at the end of the season.
the people
Allardyce set to recruit striker Edgar Costa to boost West Ham promotion bid
SAM ALLARDYCE is to give West Ham’s promotion hopes a boost by signing - an unknown Portuguese striker.
Edgar Costa, 24, has spent the past week training with the club and has caught the eye of the club’s coaching staff.
Now Allardyce is prepared to take a gamble on the Nacional da Madeira forward, in his hunt to increase the firepower at Upton Park.
Any deal would not affect Allardyce’s search for a proven striker as the Hammers look to maintain their push for promotion to the Barclays Premier League.
Scotland hitman Jordan Rhodes, who has scored 27 goals for Huddersfield in League One, is still the No1 target.
the people
West Ham starlet James Tomkins signs new deal
NEWCASTLE target James Tomkins has signed a four-year contract extension at West Ham.
Tomkins attracted a £4million bid from Newcastle earlier this month but the Hammers have moved to end any interest in their defender by tying him down until the summer of 2016.
The centre-half is a product of the West Ham academy having joined the club at the age of seven.
Tomkins, 22, said: “It’s nice to end all the speculation about what people have been saying and commit my future to the club and concentrate on my football.
“By signing this deal I’m showing my commitment to the club.
“They have been brilliant to me this year.”
the people
West Ham 2-0 Nott. Forest: Noble converts from the penalty spot twice for Hammers
STEVE COTTERILL must feel that if it wasn’t for bad luck he wouldn’t have any luck at all.
Hoping to end a dreadful run of form, Cotterill watched Forest lose to two dodgy Mark Noble penalties.
Noble took advantage of a pair of dubious calls from referee Tony Bates to notch his fifth and sixth spot-kicks of the campaign – and take Hammers top of the Championship table for the first time this season.
Both decisions – one just before the break and another just past the hour – were highly debatable and could prove costly for troubled Forest.
Sam Allardyce wasn’t complaining although the Hammers boss did admit: “The first was probably quite a fortunate penalty... we got two when I look at it.
“When you can dig a result out, when you are not on your best form, then it shows the resilience and the commitment of the players. So, while we are disappointed in our performance, we are delighted that we have won another valuable three points.”
Lewis McGugan fired a spectacular consolation in injury time but it will have proved cold comfort for Forest boss Cotterill.
He watched replays of the penalties and fumed: “I like to think I am honest most of the time on things in my opinion.
“The first one isn’t... the second must have hit the hairs of his arm because the ball didn’t deviate.
“The linesman has done well to see that one, for sure.
“But that probably sums up how it’s been a little bit since I have been here – and we haven’t stuck away our chances.
“We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up by the time of the alleged penalty.”
While the Hammers headed into the clash still more or less meeting Big Sam’s target of two points per game, Forest are in deep trouble.
In midweek they were thumped 4-0 in the FA Cup by rivals Leicester, with the manager reportedly having a stand-up row with several of his players at half-time.
And to add insult to injury, former chairman Nigel Doughty sent a letter to supporters on Thursday absolving himself of much of the blame for the mess the club is in.
The lengthy letter effectively said ‘sorry the club is in this state, but I’m outta here – deal with the hand you have been dealt.’
And that hand is a threadbare squad, no cash and a manager who increasingly seems out of his depth.
Yet Forest started well and had three decent chances in the opening exchanges to put Hammers fans on edge.
First an unmarked Marcus Tudgay fired over the bar on 18 minutes before Marlon Harewood saw two shots saved by Robert Green.
Then in first-half injury time West Ham’s persistence paid off – harshly for Forest – as Julian Faubert’s cross hit Guy Moussi on the hand and Mr Bates pointed at the spot.
Noble stroked the penalty home – his second in as many weeks – as Cotterill barked his protests at the fourth official.
The lead seemed to make the Hammers complacent and 10 minutes after the break Green had to palm clear Chris Gunter’s shot.
Knife
Forest stopper Lee Camp made two superb saves to keep out Jack Collison and Henri Lansbury, before Gunter was ruled to have handled in the box – and Noble powered home his second spot-kick of the afternoon.
That was the knife to the heart for Forest, who spent the rest of the game clearing balls from their own box.
It was tough to take for Cotterill, who faces a massive task to lift them away from the drop zone.
the mirror
Tottenham are mulling over an offer from Luis Enrique’s team as well as interest from West Ham for their out of favour defender.
Corluka needs games to ensure he lands a spot in Croatia’s squad for this summer Euros but is behind Kyle Walker in Harry Redknapp’s plans.
the mirror
Rangers boss reveals Jelavic talks with West Ham
Ally McCoist confirmed talks have taken place between Rangers chairman Craig Whyte and his West Ham counterpart David Sullivan over top scorer Nikica Jelavic.
But the Light Blues boss insists he is unaware of interest from any other clubs at this stage after the Croatian was also linked with Liverpool, Fulham and QPR.
Jelavic featured in the Rangers side who fought back from behind to draw 1-1 with Aberdeen in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Ibrox today.
McCoist said: "I spoke to Craig today and I believe Craig had a conversation with David Sullivan.
"But Craig was very keen to point out that absolutely no offers had been made at all. I think it was just a pretty informal chat they had."
On speculation linking the player with other clubs south of the border, he added: "That's news to me, I've certainly not been told. The only team where there has been an indication of interest is West Ham."
the mirror
West Ham
Mark Noble ((45 + 3 mins) mins)
Mark Noble (63 mins)
2-1
Nottm Forest
Lewis McGugan ((90 + 3 mins) mins)
Noble cuts down Forest Two Mark Noble penalties fired West Ham to the top of the npower Championship for the first time this season after a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder's double from the spot was enough to ensure the pre-season promotion favourites leapfrogged Southampton, who do not play until Monday.
But despite their lofty position, the Hammers rarely hit the heights against a struggling Nottingham Forest side.
In fact, Sam Allardyce's men could, and probably should, have been two or three goals down before they benefited from some generous refereeing, allowing Noble to make it three successful spot-kicks in his last two outings.
Referee Tony Bates twice took centre stage, penalising Guy Moussi and Chris Gunter for handball in each half to gift the hosts victory, despite a last-gasp consolation from Lewis McGugan.
Forest had by far the better chances in the first half, with Marcus Tudgay twice blazing over and McGugan also wayward in front of goal.
Their best opportunity came 15 minutes before the break when former West Ham striker Marlon Harewood and McGugan combined well to tee up Paul Anderson with the goal gaping.
But Hammers defender Julien Faubert just did enough to put Anderson off the shot and Rob Green was able to collect his weak effort.
The home side, by contrast, had created only half-chances, with skipper Kevin Nolan inches away from getting a touch on a dangerous cross from George McCartney and Jack Collison shooting too close to Lee Camp.
But they were handed the lead in first-half stoppage time when referee Bates awarded a penalty after harshly adjudging Moussi had blocked Sam Baldock's cross with his hand.
Noble, whose penalty was all that separated the sides when West Ham beat Portsmouth last week, repeated the trick despite Camp getting a hand to his shot.
The West Ham goal continued to lead a charmed life after the break, with Green making a fine save to deny Chris Gunter.
And from the resulting corner, McGugan's cross deceived everyone in the goalmouth and cannoned off the far post before it was hacked off the line by Noble.
At the other end Collison should have doubled the hosts' lead after a mazy run into the area but his shot was deflected over the top, and Camp pulled off a fine diving save to deny Henri Lansbury.
But the second goal did arrive in the 63rd minute when Bates pointed to the spot again, Gunter this time the guilty party, and Noble did the honours once more.
McGugan pulled one back deep into stoppage time but there was barely time to restart and the Hammers celebrated hitting top spot.
the star
WEST HAM 2 - NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1: MAGIC MARK NOBLE SPOT ON AGAIN
MARK NOBLE made it six of the best as Forest paid the penalty for two close calls at Upton Park.
The midfielder scored from the spot in each half after debatable handball incidents.
Noble’s record this season is six penalties taken and six scored.
These two sent Sam Allardyce’s team top of the table and left Forest in the mire.
Steve Cotterill’s men began the day in the bottom three but they started well, with Lewis McGugan and Marcus Tudgay going close.
West Ham were ahead though in first-half stoppage time when Guy Moussi handled in the box and Noble stepped up to slam home another penalty.
Cotterill was furious with the decision given by referee Tony Bates on the advice of his linesman.
The visitors improved after the break and Rob Green pulled off a fine save to block Chris Gunter’s shot with his legs.
Collison fired over from eight yards at the other end and Camp did well to tip over a snapshot from Hammers sub Henri Lansbury shortly after.
Then disaster struck for the visitors when Gunter was adjudged to have handled and Noble scored from the spot again.
Baldock, Collison and Cole all wasted chances before McGugan scored deep in stoppage time.
Allardyce: said: “When you dig a result out when you are not at your best it shows the resilience of the players. I’m delighted with three valuable points.”
Cotterill fumed: “I have just watched the pair of penalties. I like to think I am honest most of the time.
“The first one isn’t and the second must have hit the hairs of his arm.”
Meanwhile, the Forest boss denied reports punches were thrown after Forest’s 4-0 at Leicester last Tuesday.
He said: “There were no punches. If any those players aren’t doing it for this club, I will tell them.”
the mail
Flying to the top: Mark Noble celebrates his penalty double
On our way: Noble puts West ham in front from the spot
Top spot: Noble kept West Ham in the race for a place in the Premier League
On the volley: Jack Collison under pressure from Forest's Johathan Greening
Jack in the box: Collison and Paul Anderson (right) viw for the ball at Upton Park
West Ham 2 Nottingham Forest 1: Noble penalty double puts Hammers top
Sam Allardyce could only thank good fortune for the victory that has taken West Ham to the top of the table.
But if the Hammers boss expressed his thanks to the gods, it left Forest manager Steve Cotterill upset by a defeat that centred on two hotly-disputed penalties.
MATCH FACTS
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Reid, Tomkins, McCartney, Collison, Diop (Lansbury 45), Noble, Nolan, Cole, Baldock. Unused Subs: Carew, Faye, Piquionne, Hall.
Booked: Cole.
Goals: Noble 45 (pen), 63 (pen). Nottingham Forest: Camp, Gunter, Morgan, Lynch, Cunningham (Anderson 23), Greening (Blackstock 56), McGugan, Moussi, McCleary (Harewood (Miller 73), Tudgay. Unused Subs: Darlow, Reid.
Goal: McGugan 90.
Referee: Tony Bates
Both of them, one in each half, were converted by West Ham's spot-kick master Mark Noble. And both were controversially awarded by referee Tony Bates and his assistants.
Cotterill said: 'It just about sums us up. I am gutted on two counts - the alleged penalties and our failure to score when we were on top.
'The first penalty was blatantly not one. I can see why the referee gave the second as our player had his arm up. Having said that, the ball did not deviate. The linesman did well to see anything in it.'
Allardyce had sympathy for Cotterill, saying: 'The first certainly was fortunate. It was our job to dispose of chances like that when they present themselves.
'We dug this one out and that shows our resilience and the commitment of the players. We are disappointed at the performance but happy with the result.'
This was the Hammers third successive win - a victory which took them to top spot above Southampton.
And even if that only lasts until the Saints take on Leicester at St Mary's on Monday, it is a morale booster for a side who have failed to overtake the men from the South Coast on a number of occasions.
It also answers those who were beginning to doubt the West Ham players had the discipline, attitude or mental strength needed for promotion.
Noble was equal to the challenge, withstanding the pressure by dispatching both penalties. He has scored six goals this season and every one has been from the spot.
Forest can justifiably feel they did enough to earn a draw and they earned a consolation when Lewis McGugan struck from outside the area in stoppage time.
So to say the Hammers rode their luck is no understatement. They could have been three goals down before their first penalty and looked more like a team at the foot of the table, rather than the top.
Forest created a series of chances before the interval.
It left the door open for the East Enders, who snatched the lead after Guy Moussi was judged to have handled Jack Collison's cross.
It looked a poor decision but Noble drove the ball past Lee Camp.
West Ham found a higher gear after the interval and it was another penalty which clinched the points.
Again the award left Forest fuming. Referee Bates decided that Chris Gunter had handled and Noble sent Camp the wrong way with a low shot.
Relegation-threatened Forest badly need some of the luck that West Ham enjoyed.
the mail
McCoist confirms Hammers interest in striker Jelavic but Rangers insist no offers received
Ally McCoist confirmed talks have taken place between Rangers chairman Craig Whyte and his West Ham counterpart David Sullivan over top scorer Nikica Jelavic.
But the Light Blues boss insists he is unaware of interest from any other clubs at this stage after the Croatian was also linked with Liverpool, Fulham and QPR.
Jelavic featured in the Rangers side who fought back from behind to draw 1-1 with Aberdeen in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Ibrox on Saturday.
McCoist said: 'I spoke to Craig today and I believe Craig had a conversation with David Sullivan.
'But Craig was very keen to point out that absolutely no offers had been made at all. I think it was just a pretty informal chat they had.'
On speculation linking the player with other clubs south of the border, he added: 'That's news to me, I've certainly not been told. The only team where there has been an indication of interest is West Ham.'
the sunday express
Mark Noble converts his spot kick
WEST HAM 2 - NOTTM FOREST 1: MARK NOBLE’S PENALTY DOUBLE DESTROYS STRUGGLING FOREST
MARK NOBLE made it six of the best as Nottingham Forest paid the penalty for two close calls at Upton Park.
The West Ham midfielder scored from the spot in each half after debatable handball incidents involving Guy Moussi and Chris Gunter.
Noble’s record is an impressive six penalties taken, six penalties scored this season and all his goals have come from the spot.
These two sent West Ham top of the table – at least until Southampton face Leicester tomorrow – and left Forest in the mire.
Boss Steve Cotterill rang the changes after Tuesday night’s humiliating 4-0 FA Cup exit to Leicester and his side started well, with Lewis McGugan, Marcus Tudgay and substitute Paul Anderson all going close.
West Ham did not respond until the 37th minute, when Jack Collison’s volley forced a smart save from Lee Camp.
But they were ahead in stoppage time when Moussi handled Sam Baldock’s cross in the box and Noble stepped up to slam home the penalty.
But that probably sums up how it has been since I’ve been here
Steve Cotterill
Forest improved after the break and Green pulled off a fine save to block Gunter’s shot but disaster struck for the visitors when Gunter was judged to have handled soon afterwards, and Noble scored from the spot.
Baldock, Collison and Carlton Cole all wasted chances to add to the home side’s lead – before McGugan scored a consolation goal deep into stoppage time.
Cotterill fumed: “I have just watched the pair of penalties. The first one isn’t, the second must have hit the hairs of his arm because the ball didn’t deviate. But that probably sums up how it has been since I’ve been here
the guardian
West Ham United's Mark Noble celebrates scoring their first goal against Nottingham Forest with James Tomkins.
West Ham United 2
Noble (pen) 45+3,
Noble (pen) 63
Nottingham Forest 1
McGugan 90+3
West Ham maintained their 100% record for 2012 and elevated themselves to the top of the Championship, at least until Monday, and condemned their rudderless visitors to an 18th league defeat of the season.
Two Mark Noble penalties, both awarded for handball, were enough to dispatch Nottingham Forest who once again showed that they could float like a butterfly but were swatted away by the industrial force of West Ham. Lewis McGugan conjured a rare goal for Forest – they had scored only once in nine games – with a stunning strike from deep, but it came too late to make West Ham fret.
"It wasn't our best of days but when you can dig one out when you aren't on form shows the resilience and the commitment of the players," said Sam Allardyce. "We're top of the league and while we didn't do it the way we wanted to do it, we did it all the same."
Forest remain on a downward curve, their plight exacerbated by results elsewhere, and have garnered only 16 points out of a possible 51 under Steve Cotterill. The former Portsmouth manager described Forest's performance against Southampton as "disgraceful" and against Leeds "appalling". In the 4-0 FA Cup defeat by Leicester City the players were "going through the motions", but Cotterill detected an upturn in form in this defeat, where wasted chances cost his side dearly.
"We've been poor but this was much better. We could have been two or 3-0 up before they gave the penalties. The first wasn't a penalty and the second didn't deviate. The ball must have hit the hairs on [Chris Gunter's] arm," he said.
"You need to take your chances but you can't just tap a player on the shoulder and make them a 20-goal a season striker. We've just got to get through this year."
Under normal circumstances Cotterill would have been sacked, but due to the club's £76m debts they would have to have accepted a £500,000 bid for the defender Wes Morgan, tabled by Leicester this week, to pay their manager off.
Forest's plight can be put into perspective by a glance at West Ham's squad – where Carlton Cole, Frédéric Piquionne, John Carew and the promising Sam Baldock often vie for one striking berth.
A lack of punch at home has encouraged the club to consider a bid for Rangers' Croatia forward Nikica Jelavic. The Ibrox club's manager, Ally McCoist denied that West Ham had offered £6m for the 26-year-old, who is also believed to have been tracked by Fulham and Liverpool. "They've not made an official bid. £6m is not nearly enough," said McCoist. Jelavic is believed to have been offered to West Ham, who according to Allardyce, have "made an enquiry and there has been talks but I don't know if there has been a bid. That's not my department."
All the same West Ham should be encouraged by the news that James Tomkins, the coveted 22-year-old defender, signed an improved contract that will keep him at the club until 2016.
Forest started this game in a surprisingly confident fashion, although Marcus Tudgay undid one crisp passage of play by firing wildly over when unmarked and well set while the gifted but flighty McGugan wasted another decent chance.West Ham looked strangely discordant, rarely clicking into gear in a disjointed first half. One chance went begging when Jack Collison left Julien Faubert's cross for Mark Noble and the midfielder fired wide. Collison then forced a good save from the Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp after an excellent headed pass from Papa Bouba Diop, who minutes later limped off with a hamstring injury.
If that setback ratcheted up the tension around Upton Park it was soon dispelled, when the referee Steve Bates awarded a penalty after a handball from Guy Moussi and Noble thumped home from the spot. "Quite a fortunate penalty to be awarded," said Allardyce.
Forest were at least easy on the eye, and they twice came close to equalising in the 56th minute, when Gunter completed a one-two before firing straight at Robert Green and then the substitute Dexter Blackstock had his first touch swept off the line.
Their fragility was soon exposed, however, when Collison careered through the defence to shoot over for West Ham, Lansbury forced another save from Camp and then, as chaos spread, Gunter misjudged a loose ball and handled in his own area. Noble, more delicate this time, sent Camp the wrong way.
the telegraph
Top boys: Mark Noble (left) celebrates with James Tomkinson as West Ham United climbed to the summit of the Championship
West Ham United 2 Nottingham Forest 1:
West Ham United are top of the Championship for the first time this season, but this was not the most convincing way to achieve it. Two controversial penalties for handball allowed Mark Noble to strike twice, but that masked a disjointed display in which free-falling Nottingham Forest wasted a plethora of chances.
But West Ham’s ability to force these wins, without being fluent, bodes well for their automatic promotion hopes, as does James Tomkins’s decision to sign a new contract until summer 2016.
The 22-year-old centre-back has been interesting Newcastle, who had two bids for him rejected, and Tottenham. Tomkins said: “It’s nice to end the speculation about what people have been saying in the papers and commit my future to the club and concentrate on my football.”
He showed that concentration with some crucial defending as Forest had the better of the first hour but the game’s pivotal moments arrived when referee Tony Bates awarded the penalties. Guy Moussi and Chris Gunter were the men to be punished.
Forest manager Steve Cotterill, under pressure already after eight defeats in 10 league games, said: “We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up before the alleged penalty. It’s blatantly not a penalty. I can see why he’s given the second one as Gunter’s arm is up but the ball doesn’t deviate.”
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: “I think it was probably quite a fortunate penalty. But that first goal settled us down. We’re disappointed with our performance but delighted we won.”
Kriss Akabusi, a West Ham fan, showed admirable energy for a 53 year-old as he read out the teams before kick-off, but his team looked lethargic initially. Thankfully, the visitors’ finishing showed why their recent scoring record is so dismal.
Marcus Tudgay missed two early chances, shooting high and then wide, and Lewis McGugan also struck over from a clear opening.
West Ham improved at the end of the first half with Jack Collison’s angled strike being parried clear by Lee Camp. Then came their contentious penalty for handball, given against Moussi after a Collison cross, and Noble powered it in.
There was more Forest frustration early in the second half as Gunter’s strike was smothered by Rob Green and McGugan’s resultant corner evaded everybody before striking the far post.
Camp tipped clear Henri Lansbury’s half-volley, before the hosts doubled their lead from Noble’s second spot kick.
Forest looked a beaten team after that, with West Ham in control, although McGugan did lash in a typically ferocious30-yard strike deep into injury time.
the independent
Noble efforts lift Hammers to top spot
West Ham United 2 Nottingham Forest 1
.
West Ham reached the top of the Championship last night despite a performance which was conspicuously average. They beat Nottingham Forest2-1 thanks to two Mark Noble penalties, the first of which was a mystifying award at the end of an underwhelming first half.
The first 45 minutes were a perfect example of why, despite their top spot, the West Ham United fans are not yet fully enthused about the season. "It wasn't our best of days," said their manager, Sam Allardyce, "but when you can dig one out when you're not on your best form it shows the players' resilience and commitment."
West Ham's approach largely consisted of long diagonal balls to Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole. Nolan nearly forced in George McCartney's near-post cross after 12 minutes, but there was lack of imagination about West Ham's attacking play. In his programme notes Allardyce bemoaned the fact that West Ham had scored just six goals in their previous eight games, and it was not difficult to see why.
Forest had their own goalscoring woes – they had failed to score in 10 of their previous 11 games – but their attacking play in the first half was surprisingly skilful. Finishing, not creating, was their problem. Marcus Tudgay missed his first chance after 10 minutes, shooting over from a corner. Three minutes later Lewis McGugan arrived on to Chris Gunter's cross but shot over. Soon after, Tudgay had a shot from a similar position deflected over. "We could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up," their manager, Steve Cotterill, claimed.
With so many chances missed it seemed unlikely to be Forest's day, an impression reinforced in first-half stoppage time. Guy Moussi blocked Jack Collison's right-wing cross from close range, and, to the surprise of the whole stadium, a penalty kick was awarded.
"It's blatantly not a penalty," Cotterill said afterwards. Even Allardyce described it as "quite fortunate". Mark Noble, characteristically reliable, gave West Ham a lead their play had not deserved.
Forest's confidence was as fragile as could be expected: once behind, they offered little in the second half. West Ham, who announced that James Tomkins has signed a new long-term contract, started to improve: Jack Collison could not reward a delightful run with a finish to match, and Henri Lansbury forced a springing save from Lee Camp.
Two minutes later another ball into Forest's box bemused Gunter, who could only stop it with a hand. This time the award was in keeping with the run of play, and Noble's conversion was again precise.
With a two-goal lead, there was little question of West Ham failing to complete the victory which would send them top, even after Forest scored a late consolation. Having missed easier chances when it mattered, McGugan contrived a brilliant but meaningless goal, hammering the ball in left-footed from 25 yards in stoppage time.
West Ham United (4-3-1-2) Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Noble, Bouba Diop (Lansbury, h-t), Collison; Nolan; Baldock (Hall, 78), Cole (Piquionne, 85).
Nottingham Forest (4-3-1-2) Camp; Gunter, Morgan, Lynch, Cunningham (Anderson, 23); Moussi, McGugan, Greening (Blackstock, 56); McCleary; Harewood (Miller, 73), Tudgay.
Referee: Anthony Bates
Man of the match: Tomkins (West Ham)
Match rating: 3/10
the sporting life
Mark Noble scores his first penalty.
ALLARDYCE ADMITS TO A LITTLE LUCK
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham got lucky on their way to the top of the npower Championship.
Two controversial Mark Noble penalties were enough to sink Nottingham Forest 2-1 and send the Hammers above Southampton, who do not play until Monday.
The pre-season promotion favourites are now at the summit for the first time this term but they got a helping hand from referee Tony Bates and his eagle-eyed assistants.
Bates harshly adjudged Guy Moussi to have handled a Jack Collison cross from point-blank range in first-half stoppage time, and then penalised Chris Gunter for handball after an hour.
Upton Park boss Allardyce said: "We went ahead through probably quite a fortunate penalty, but you have to be professional and dispose of it when you get the opportunity.
"It was not the best of days but when you can dig a win out it shows the resilience of the players.
"As much as we are disappointed with our performance we are delighted with three points. It brings us to three wins on the trot and keeps up our winning streak.
"We can look at the table and see we are three points ahead of Southampton, which is where we want to be."
Forest manager Steve Cotterill was, predictably, unimpressed with the penalty decisions which enabled Noble to take his tally for the season to six.
It was all the more frustrating for Cotterill as his side had looked by far the more likely to open the scoring against a strangely subdued West Ham.
Paul Anderson missed their best chance when he failed to connect with Lewis McGugan's cross with the goal gaping.
"It probably sums up how it's been since I've been here, we could have been two or three up before the alleged penalty was given," he said.
"It's blatantly not a penalty.
"I can see why he has given the second one, Gunter's arm is up, but it must have hit the hairs on his arm because the ball doesn't deviate.
"The linesman has done well to see that one, for sure."
Forest's endeavour was eventually rewarded by a superb 30-yard consolation from McGugan, which came deep into stoppage time.
But it is Allardyce who still needs a goalscorer urgently, with Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic his latest target.
"We have enquired in terms of his availability as far as I am concerned, but in terms of a bid that's not my department," he added.
itv sport
Hammers go clear at the top
West Ham took advantage of Southampton's inactivity to move three points clear at the top of the npower Championship with a 2-1 win at home to Nottingham Forest.
Mark Noble's penalty double (45 and 63) proved enough for the Hammers, who recorded their third straight league win and will remain top unless Saints beat Leicester on Monday night. Forest scored an injury-time consolation through Lewis McGugan and remain in the bottom three.
officlal site
big sam happy with tree points
http://www.whufc.com/articles/20120121/ ... 84_2584541
sky sports
Noble spot on as Hammers go top
Two Mark Noble penalties fired West Ham to a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest and to the top of the Championship for the first time this season.
The midfielder's double from the spot was enough to ensure the pre-season promotion favourites leapfrogged Southampton, who do not play until Monday.
But despite their lofty position, the Hammers rarely hit the heights against a struggling Nottingham Forest side.
In fact, Sam Allardyce's men could, and probably should, have been two or three goals down before they benefited from some generous refereeing, allowing Noble to make it three successful spot-kicks in his last two outings.
Referee Tony Bates twice took centre stage, penalising Guy Moussi and Chris Gunter for handball in each half to gift the hosts victory, despite a last-gasp consolation from Lewis McGugan.
Forest had by far the better chances in the first half, with Marcus Tudgay twice blazing over and McGugan also wayward in front of goal.
Their best opportunity came 15 minutes before the break when former West Ham striker Marlon Harewood and McGugan combined well to tee up Paul Anderson with the goal gaping.
But Hammers defender Julien Faubert just did enough to put Anderson off the shot and Rob Green was able to collect his weak effort.
The home side, by contrast, had created only half-chances, with skipper Kevin Nolan inches away from getting a touch on a dangerous cross from George McCartney and Jack Collison shooting too close to Lee Camp.
But they were handed the lead in first-half stoppage time when referee Bates awarded a penalty after harshly adjudging Moussi had blocked Sam Baldock's cross with his hand.
Noble, whose penalty was all that separated the sides when West Ham beat Portsmouth last week, repeated the trick despite Camp getting a hand to his shot.
The West Ham goal continued to lead a charmed life after the break, with Green making a fine save to deny Chris Gunter.
And from the resulting corner, McGugan's cross deceived everyone in the goalmouth and cannoned off the far post before it was hacked off the line by Noble.
At the other end Collison should have doubled the hosts' lead after a mazy run into the area but his shot was deflected over the top, and Camp pulled off a fine diving save to deny Henri Lansbury.
But the second goal did arrive in the 63rd minute when Bates pointed to the spot again, Gunter this time the guilty party, and Noble did the honours once more.
McGugan pulled one back deep into stoppage time but there was barely time to restart and the Hammers celebrated hitting top spot.
Tottenham have placed a £150m price tag on Wales international Gareth Bale, 22.
Sunday Mirror
Spurs midfielder Luka Modric, 26, is Manchester United's top summer transfer target with the Red Devils eyeing up a £50m move.
Mail on Sunday
Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen, 24, has alerted Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United that Ajax may be planning to sell him in the summer transfer window.
Metro
Liverpool are set to make an £8m bid for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero, 24.
Caught Offside
Roma have lined up a loan move for Tottenham defender Verdan Corluka, 25.
Sunday Mirror
Catania striker Maxi Lopez, 27, is reported to have agreed terms for a transfer to Fulham, but AC Milan are hoping to hijack the deal.
Metro
Lazio have joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the chase for Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel, 22.
Sunday Mirror
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has told striker Kenwyne Jones, 27, to forget about a £5m move to Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Sunday Express
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has conceded that the club are taking a calculated gamble in allowing goalkeeper Craig Gordon's contract to run down. The Scotland international, 29, who joined from Hearts in 2007 for £9m but has suffered numerous injuries, could be dispatched on loan to a Championship club to build fitness.
the Times (subscription required)
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has blocked QPR's move for Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar, 27.
the Sun
Newcastle's hopes of landing James Tomkins, 22, for £4m are over after the defender signed a four-year contract extension at West Ham.
the People
Manchester United are in talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne, 20, for £3m.
Manchester Evening News
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Manchester City counterpart Roberto Mancini must deliver results or face the sack.
Sunday Mirror
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has hailed Robbie Keane's stunning two-goal display at Wolves and admitted he wants to sign the striker, 31, who is on loan from LA Galaxy, on a long-term deal.
Sunday Express
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has threatened to get rid of his underperforming stars after they suffered a humiliating defeat at Bolton.
Mail on Sunday
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew wants Danny Guthrie, 24, and Fabricio Coloccini, 29, to sign contract extensions.
Sunday Mirror
Former Bolton manager Sammy Lee, 52, is ready to make a surprise return to Wanderers as youth-team coach in what will be his fourth job at the club.
the People
Stoke trio Peter Crouch, Matthew Etherington and Matthew Upson have been sounded out over the possibility of representing Great Britain at this summer's Olympic Games.
Stoke Sentinel
The early kick-off between Norwich and Chelsea on Saturday was a unique Premier League game, after the entire first half passed without a single foul.
EXCLUSIVE: Spurs slap world-record £150m price tag on Bale
EXCLUSIVE: Roma line up loan for unwanted Spurs defender
EXCLUSIVE: Tevez will test City's resolve to get Milan move
Juventus favourites to land United's wantaway starlet
Ferguson insists Berbatov is staying at United
Lazio join United and Liverpool in chase for Dutch striker
Liverpool determined to beat Chelsea to Krasic loan
Arsenal and Liverpool target M'Vila staying at Rennes, says agent - watch his skills and goals
Pardew targets two new signings INSIDE Toon dressing room
EXCLUSIVE: Rovers won't let Samba leave for relegation rivals
SUNDAY MIRROR:
Manchester City must pay a world-record £150million fee to lure Gareth Bale from Tottenham.
Nigel Reo-Coker blasted Craig Bellamy last night after they clashed at the Reebok.
MAIL ON SUNDAY:
Luka Modric, the brilliant Croatia midfielder who has masterminded Tottenham's emergence as title contenders, is now Manchester United's No 1 transfer target for the summer.
SUNDAY EXPRESS:
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is determined that nothing will stop his club's quest for their first title since 1968 and insists he will keep on upsetting his "jealous" rivals.
Fulham boss Martin Jol last night issued a hands-off warning to clubs tracking his hat-trick hero Clint Dempsey.
THE PEOPLE:
John Terry will not duck Saturday's powderkeg FA Cup clash just four days before he is in court accused of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand.
THE OBSERVER:
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Robin van Persie is now as important to Arsenal as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona.
Portsmouth have been issued with a petition to be wound up by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
DAILY STAR SUNDAY:
Chris Samba aims to double his money at his next club.
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH:
Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, threatened to get rid of disrespectful players after his side's surprisingly emphatic defeat at Bolton.
SUNDAY TIMES:
Kenny Dalglish has threatened a clear-out of Liverpool's under-performing players.
Rangers boss reveals Jelavic talks with West Ham
Inter Milan and Real Madrid plot summer swoop for Suarez
Real Madrid waiting in the wings for Welbeck
Chelsea step up pursuit of in-demand Hazard
Tottenham line up Swansea playmaker
City hand trial to Chilean defender
Moyes fears another summer sale
Rovers eye gay row Brazilian
Stories from other papers and websites
Manchester United will bid £50m for Tottenham's Luka Modric in summer (Mail On Sunday)
Sir Alex Ferguson is in talks with Crystal Palace over a £3m move for defender Nathaniel Clyne (Manchester Evening News)
Liverpool are "in pole position" to sign Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic (BBC)
Spurs are readying a £7million bid for Celtic winger James Forrest (Sunday Mail)
United, Spurs and Arsenal are on alert after Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen hinted the Dutch giants were open to a January move (Metro)
Liverpool are lining up an £8m bid for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero (CaughtOffside)
Fulham have agreed terms with Catania striker Max Lopez, but AC Milan could gazump them (Metro)
Martin O'Neill has revealed he has knocked back several loan approaches for Ji-Dong Won, and says the South Korean will not be leaving (Sunderland Echo)
Stoke have told Kenwyne Jones he will not be joining Saudi side Al-Hilal (Express)
Wolves are weighing up loan moves for Stoke's Cameron Jerome and Hamburg's Michael Mancienne (Sunday Mercury)
O'NEILL KEEN TO KEEP GARDNER
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has reiterated his desire to keep hold of Craig Gardner.
McCOIST REVEALS JELAVIC TALKS
Ally McCoist confirmed Rangers had held "informal" talks with West Ham over Nikica Jelavic.
REDKNAPP: KRANJCAR IS STAYING
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says there is "no chance" he will sell Niko Kranjcar.
NASRI: MAN CITY MOVE NOT ABOUT MONEY
Samir Nasri says the Premier League table shows why he left for Arsenal for Man City.
McLEISH WANTS TO KEEP IRELAND
Alex McLeish has no intention of letting midfielder Stephen Ireland leave Aston Villa.
TOMKINS PENS NEW WEST HAM DEAL
West Ham defender James Tomkins has signed a new deal to keep him at Upton Park until 2016.
GRAYSON HOPES TO KEEP DELPH
Leeds manager Simon Grayson is aiming to keep Fabian Delph for the rest of the season.
SAINTS MOVE ON FROM GARY HOOPER
Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has ended his interest in signing Celtic striker Gary Hooper.
NO MORE SALES AT LEEDS
Simon Grayson insists Leeds have "no intention" of selling any other players.
FOXES FAIL IN MORGAN BID
Nottingham Forest have turned down a bid from Leicester for defender Wes Morgan.
ROYALS AGREE INVESTMENT DEAL
Reading chairman Sir John Madejski has revealed the club have initially agreed a deal with investors.
CARLOS TEVEZ FUTURE REMAINS UNCERTAIN
The prospect of Carlos Tevez joining Paris Saint-Germain appears to be receding.
WEST HAM DISCUSS JELAVIC MOVE
Rangers have reportedly held informal talks with West Ham over Nikica Jelavic.
DROGBA NOT EYEING CHELSEA EXIT YET
Didier Drogba has hinted he won't leave Chelsea for Shanghai Shenhua this month.
NEYMAR PLANS TO STAY AT SANTOS
Neymar plans to stay at Santos until 2014 after rejecting the chance to move to Europe.
RANGERS SEAL MERVAN CELIK DEAL
Rangers have confirmed the signing of Swedish midfielder Mervan Celik.
HODGSON - ODEMWINGIE GOING NOWHERE
Roy Hodgson has rubbished reports linking West Brom's Peter Odemwingie with Fulham.
ERIC BLACK HANDED BLACKBURN ROLE
Blackburn have confirmed the appointment of Eric Black as assistant manager.
FOXES SNAP UP DRINKWATER
Leicester have signed Danny Drinkwater from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.
CANARIES CLOSE TO HOWSON CAPTURE
Norwich manager Paul Lambert still expects Jonny Howson to sign for the club.
REDKNAPP NOT EXPECTING REMY DEAL
Harry Redknapp is pessimistic about his chances of signing Marseille's Loic Remy this month.
DAVIES UNSURE ABOUT BOLTON FUTURE
Bolton skipper Kevin Davies does not know whether he has a future at the Reebok Stadium.
JOL: FULHAM HAVE CASH TO SPEND
Fulham manager Martin Jol insists money is available to bring in new faces this month.
MANCINI - ADE MIGHT HAVE BEEN HANDY
Roberto Mancini admits he may have used Emmanuel Adebayor at Man City in recent weeks.
SANDAZA NOT HEADING TO RANGERS
Rangers have cooled their interest in Francisco Sandaza but they want to sign Enar Jaager.
LA GALAXY CONFIRM LAMPARD LIKING
Los Angeles Galaxy chief Tim Leiweke has confirmed his admiration for Frank Lampard.
DELPH RE-JOINS LEEDS ON LOAN
Fabian Delph has returned to Leeds United on loan from Aston Villa.
NO SUNDERLAND BID FOR CISSE - O'NEILL
Martin O'Neill denies Newcastle snatched Papiss Demba Cisse from under Sunderland's noses.
WENGER AGAINST FEEDER TEAM IDEA
Arsene Wenger feels top-flight clubs having feeder teams in lower leagues would be too radical.
IMRIE CLINCHES BUDDIES MOVE
Dougie Imrie has finalised his move to St Mirren from First Division Hamilton.
KERR JOINS PARS
Dunfermline have announced the signing of midfielder Mark Kerr until the end of the season.
HUTTON OPEN TO ANOTHER LOAN MOVE
Rangers' Kyle Hutton has refused to rule out another loan spell in the second half of the season.
DAVID BECKHAM REJECTED PL OFFERS
David Beckham says "one or two" clubs tried to bring him back to the Premier League.
TORRES SUPPORTED BY VILLAS-BOAS
Andre Villas-Boas says Fernando Torres is not showing "mental weakness" at Chelsea.
AVB REJECTS ANCELOTTI'S ADVICE
Andre Villas-Boas doesn't think Chelsea need to sell Didier Drogba to help Fernando Torres.
BLACKBURN SWOOP FOR MODESTE
Blackburn have completed the signing of Bordeaux striker Anthony Modeste on loan.
McCARTHY EXPECTS TO KEEP FLETCHER
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy expects striker Steven Fletcher to remain at the club.
QPR SET TO SIGN TAYE TAIWO
AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo is "very close" to signing for QPR.
CHRIS COLEMAN IS NEW WALES BOSS
Chris Coleman has been appointed the new manager of the Wales national side.
NEIL WARNOCK HITS OUT
Former QPR boss Neil Warnock feels critics turned club owner Tony Fernandes against him.
LARISSA WANT COLEMAN COMPENSATION
Larissa intend to take legal action after Chris Coleman took the Wales job.
QPR AGREE FEE FOR NEDUM ONUOHA
QPR have reportedly had an offer accepted for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.
KEAN HOLDS CHRIS SAMBA TALKS
Blackburn boss Steve Kean has told unsettled defender Christopher Samba he will not be sold.
TEVEZ'S AGENT IN PSG TALKS - REPORT
Carlos Tevez's adviser is reportedly to hold talks with PSG about a prospective move.
RODGERS OPTIMISTIC ON NEW CONTRACT
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers could agree fresh terms by the end of this month.
BAYER DISMISS BERBATOV TALK
Bayer Leverkusen dismissed speculation linking them with a move for Dimitar Berbatov.
AGENT: CELIK AGREES GERS DEAL
Rangers have confirmed that Swedish midfielder Mervan Celik will have a medical on Friday.
CHAMAKH RULES OUT GUNNERS EXIT
Marouane Chamakh insists he will not be leaving Arsenal in this month's transfer window.
SAUNDERS: NO NEW BIDS FOR SHARP
Doncaster have received no new bids for star striker Billy Sharp, according to manager Dean Saunders.
LAZIO RULE OUT ARSHAVIN MOVE
Lazio have no plans to move for Andrey Arshavin during the January transfer window.
KAMENI COMPLETES MALAGA MOVE
Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni will be presented by Malaga on Thursday after completing his move.
FLECK JOINS BLACKPOOL LOAN
Rangers forward John Fleck has secured a loan move to Championship side Blackpool.
DAVID BECKHAM SIGNS NEW GALAXY DEAL
David Beckham has signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
DALGLISH CONFIRMS TEIXEIRA INTEREST
Kenny Dalglish has confirmed Liverpool's interest in signing Joao Carlos Teixeira.
SHANGHAI CONFIDENT OVER DROGBA
Shanghai Shenhua are hopeful they will sign Chelsea star Didier Drogba before next Monday.
STOKE NOT PLOTTING JONES SALE
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has dismissed rumours that striker Kenwyne Jones could be sold this month.
McINTYRE: I HAVE BOARD BACKING
Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre insists he has the club's full backing.
MURRAY MAKES ROBINS SWITCH
Ronan Murray will stay at Swindon until the end of the season after penning a new Ipswich contract.
YOUNGSTERS AGREE FOXES DEALS
Leicester teenagers Liam Moore and Shane Byrne have agreed new contracts with the club.
HILL PLAYS DOWN VAZ TE TALK
Barnsley manager Keith Hill has dismissed rumours Ricardo Vaz Te is about to leave the club.
HARRIS: KEEPER ERROR COST US
Dagenham coach Terry Harris says Chris Lewington's goalkeeping error cost his side dearly as Crewe walked away with a 4-1 win.
CHELSEA CONCERNED BY RACISM CLAIMS
Chelsea have vowed to act after reports that fans made racist comments on a train from Norwich.
Senegal 1 Zambia 2
Africa Cup of Nations Group A in Bata.
SEVILLE DERBY ENDS ALL SQUARE
Real Betis and 10-man Sevilla drew 1-1 in their derby clash on Saturday night.
TWENTE RUN RIOT
FC Twente thrashed RKC Waalwijk 5-0 despite not being at their best.
LEADERS JUVE WIN AGAIN
Juventus will lead Serie A at the halfway stage of the season after a 2-0 win at Atalanta.
FALCAO HAT-TRICK STUNS SOCIEDAD
Radamel Falcao's hat-trick saw Atletico Madrid win 4-0 at Real Sociedad - their first away victory of 2011/12.
NINE-MAN NAC WELL BEATEN
Excelsior beat nine-man NAC Breda 3-0 on Saturday evening.
COLEMAN: MONEY BEHIND LARISSA DEPARTURE
New Wales boss Chris Coleman says he left Larissa because of the Greek club's financial problems.
SENEGAL BEATEN IN OPENER
A review of Saturday's action at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Equatorial Guinea 1 Libya 0
Africa Cup of Nations Group A in Bata.
SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT - DALGLISH
Kenny Dalglish has threatened to boot some of his under-performing stars out of the club.
DOST DOUBLES UP FOR HEERENVEEN
Bas Dost struck twice as 10-man Heerenveen beat De Graafschap 2-0 on Saturday.
DI CANIO OFF BUT ROBINS WIN
Paolo Di Canio was sent to the stands as his Swindon side maintained their promotion hopes with a 1-0 win over 10-man Macclesfield.
TEN-MAN SHREWS DEFEAT SHRIMPERS
Jermaine Grandison headed a late winner as Shrewsbury toppled Southend 2-1 despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour.
MIKU GRABS THE POINTS FOR GETAFE
Miku scored a late winner as Getafe came from behind to beat Racing Santander 2-1.
HOWE SEEKS ANSWER TO SCORING PROBLEMS
Post-match reaction to the 0-0 draw between Burnley and Derby.
RICHARDS GOAL DEFLATES MILLERS
Rotherham slumped to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat as Port Vale, which dealt their promotion hopes another crushing blow.
SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT - DALGLISH
Post-match reaction to Bolton's 3-1 victory over Liverpool.
WIESE DEFIES KAISERSLAUTERN
Werder Bremen keeper Tim Wiese was on top form to earn his side a 0-0 draw with Kaiserslautern.
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