Stoke v West Ham Utd: half time report

Matthew Upson's first goal since the opening day of the season ensured West Ham go into the half time break on level terms.

England centre half Upson - who endured a torrid time against Fulham in his last outing - popped up at the far post to convert a Mark Noble corner ten minutes ahead of the break to restore parity after Stoke had taken an early lead through James Beattie.

That lead was no more than the Potters deserved for a lively opening ten minutes and came from the penalty spot after Julien Faubert was adjudged to have sent Matthew Etherington tumbling inside the box. Rob Green, despite diving the right way, had no chance with Beattie's well-struck effort.

The home side briefly threatened to put the game beyond Gianfranco Zola's shellshocked side but failed to make the most of the possession they enjoyed - something for which they were made to pay when an unmarked Upson was given the freedom of the Stoke penalty box before steering his header beyond a flailing Sorensen.

We'll have more for you at the final whistle.

West Ham Utd: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Kovac, Noble, Collison, Cole, Diamanti.

Subs: Kurucz, Spector, Da Costa, Stanislas, Jimenez, Hines, Franco.

Stoke City: Sorensen, Huth, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Collins, Delap, Diao, Whitehead, Etherington, Fuller, Beattie.

Subs: Simonsen, Higginbotham, Whe*an, Lawrence, Kitson, Sanli, Wilkinson.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)