Parker full of plaudits

Scott Parker has paid tribute to the outstanding efforts of the whole West Ham United side in achieving victory at Wigan Athletic in such fine style.

The 28-year-old midfielder was left purring after a sublime strike by Carlton Cole paved the way for "a fantastic win". He added: "We knew it was going to be a tough game. We deservedly went 1-0 up. Obviously it became a bit more difficult when we had to go down to ten men [after Cole's dismissal], but we fully deserved the result, it was very pleasing.

"It was a very, very good goal. One which involved a few passes and one-touch playing leading up to it and it was a great finish by Coley. The build-up play was fantastic. Over the last few weeks - well, especially since the manager has come in - we seem to be playing some good stuff.

"This was pleasing because all the stuff we do on the training ground resulted in us playing the way the manager wants us to play and got the reward of a good goal." The No8, who has just signed a new contract at West Ham United until 2013, also had plenty of individual praise for his team-mate Cole, who is also tied long-term to the club.

"Coley has been different class this year. The goal was fully deserved, a great finish along with all the other lads' contributions in the match, it was a pleasing result for us. One certainly we can push on forward again from."

Cole was to be dismissed soon after the goal with Parker believing the decision was a "harsh" one while he was on the receiving end of the "late" Lee Cattermole challenge that saw the Wigan man dismissed and left him requiring extensive treatment. The England midfielder was able to continue though and played a full part in what proved a tremendous triumph come the final whistle.