IT was left to visiting boss Lennie Lawrence to highlight the switch in West Ham's fortunes illustrated by yesterday's 1-0 win over Cardiff City.

Having seen his brave Bluebirds winged in the dying seconds, the experienced Lawrence would have been within his rights to bemoan his team's luck.

Instead he spoke out in support of his beleaguered fellow manager Alan Pardew and praised the improvement in Hammers' performance.

"As far as West Ham are concerned this is a massively significant victory," he insisted.

"That's the best performance they've had down here for a little while - especially in the second half."