Another good away win for the Hammers against a team who, rather like West Ham, have rather flown in under the radar this season. This was Stoke's first home defeat of 2009 and only their fourth at home all season and rather negates the 'well, whaddya expect?' opinion I got from Blagg Jnr when I told him the result.

Stoke City are a tricky mob at the best of times but when, as they did in the second half in this game, they give their all to the cause backed by a vociferous home crowd, they become even more difficult to handle.

It says much then that the Hammers rearguard action in the second half brought only frustration to the home side; the men in Claret and Blue becoming rather adept at defending solidly and in numbers. Captain Lucas Neill was to the fore here, marshalling the defence and keeping former Hammer and ace gambler Matthew Etherington quiet throughout.

West Ham's winner came courtesy of a dazzling free kick from Diego Tristan, who's looked a little more at home in recent games and who did his reputation no harm at all with this dead ball sizzler. His 32nd minute winner came after a fiery opening in which both Stoke and West Ham were denied a goal by the referee; the home supporters in particular feeling incensed by the foul given on keeper Rob Green after the inevitable Delap long-throw.

The niggles continued till half-time when Delap and Boa Morte became embroiled and both players could probably consider themselves lucky to stay on and it was probably a relief to get to stoppage time when Lawrence claimed a penalty only to be booked - quite rightly - for diving.

Despite some determined attacking play, Stoke floundered on an equally determined defence although the Potter's probably came closest when Noble was forced to clear off the line from a header by Faye, the Hammers had good chances themselves particularly late on when Tristan shot wide from a good position.

Liverpool up next in a televised game that could be a cracker.