Downing looks for quick response

Stewart Downing is determined to help the Hammers bounce back from the disappointment of defeat at Stoke City when they return to action at home to Manchester United this Saturday.

Following four straight wins in February, Sam Allardyce's men have suffered the blip of successive defeats in March, although a result looked there for the taking at the Britannia Stadium when Andy Carroll headed the visitors into a fifth minute lead.

West Ham could not build on that good start however, and Downing was bitterly disappointed with the final result.

He explained: "We started off really well, so we were disappointed to concede from a set piece [for the equaliser]. At 1-1 I thought if anyone was going to win it, it would be us. We had the chances - Nobby had one offside - and then they've counter-attacked us for two goals. I didn't see it coming to be honest.

"At half-time we said if we came out quickly we could get a goal, because we were pressing them quite well in the first half and they were giving us the ball back.

"It's disappointing because you want to take at least a draw out of the game if you're not going to win it, and the way we conceded the goals was frustrating.

"We're confident we can get out of it,. The four wins in a row during February proves we can get results, but we've lost our last two and we have to correct that. We've got Manchester United next which will be a big test for us and we need to get points on the board."

On the positive side, Carroll notched his first goal of the season and Downing expects the Big Geordie to deliver more goals before the end of the campaign.

He added: "Andy did really well. His hold-up play was really good because he was getting kicked about a bit from the centre halves, but he got his goal.

"That will be good for the confidence with nine games to go, so for him he just needs to carry on and play like he did on Saturday. He's a real asset for us."