Zamora Aiming High

Bobby Zamora admits he will be more than happy if Hammers continue their impressive trend of coming from behind to win games.

Saturday's 2-1 win at Aston Villa was the fourth time this season that Alan Pardew's men have fought back from a goal down to claim all three points, while Bobby's 51st minute equaliser at Villa Park was his fifth goal in the last seven away games.

The roller-coaster performances may not be the best help for Pards' stress levels, but the Hammers boss will certainly be happy if his talented striker carries on scoring the goals that lead to victorious comebacks on our travels.

"For some reason we've been shooting ourselves in the foot in the first half recently," says Bobby, "but we showed great character again in the second half to turn things around against Villa, and in the end we deserved the win.

"There is a tremendous spirit and will to win among the squad, and that has been clear to see in the way we have come from behind to win so many times.

"Obviously we want to address the situation with our first half performances and hopefully keep a few more clean sheets, but if we keep showing the same determination and quality, then we'll all be happy."

His expertly-taken headed goal against Villa was Bobby's eighth strike of the season - all of which have been scored away from home - but the striker, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Monday, insists he is more concerned with results than personal achievements.

"To be honest, I'm delighted just to be playing," he says. "The goals are a bonus, but the most important thing is that the team win and, if I can score along the way, then even better.

"It was nice to get one from a set-piece against Villa. I could say we practice that every day in training but, in truth, it was just a great ball in from Konch and I managed to get in front of the keeper to nod it in.

"It was a great result against a decent side and, after a bit of a tough run over Christmas, it means we can start looking up again. It's only other people who have said we're slipping, though - the players have kept believing in ourselves.

"We're confident about what we can do, and confident that we'll be in the Premiership next season. If we play like we did in the second half at Villa, I'm sure we can finish the campaign on a high."