A return to the bad old days of calamitous defending ultimately cost Hammers two vital points in their relegation struggle.

And after a string of fine performances had converted the back line into one of the meanest in the league, it was disappointing to see Tomas Repka slip back into his costly habits once again.

Until his clumsy interventions -- scything down Darius Vassell to earn a booking, then needlessly shoving Marcus Allback to the floor for the penalty -- West Ham were comfortably the better side.

A ninth-minute corner was headed off the underside of the bar by Steve Lomas, who then saw the ball clip the inside of the post.

And a poor Peter Enckelman clearance was almost returned with interest as Jermain Defoe raced through, only to drag a shot wide.

So it was no surprise when Trevor Sinclair put the hosts in front after 15 minutes, his low shot from Fredi Kanoute's deflected cross going through Enckelman's legs.

Villa offered nothing in the first half-hour, but once a hopeful run down the left touchline from Vassell was crudely halted by Repka, the mood changed.

David James found himself confronted by an angry Allback as he claimed the resultant free kick, and with the defence's concentration fading the Swedish striker won a penalty within five minutes as Repka pushed him over as he shielded the ball.

Vassell calmly levelled before referee Mike Dean further upset the home fans by booking Lomas after he sarcastically applauded a free-kick awarded to him.

Villa made the brighter start to the second half, and even the disruption of Moustapha Hadji's injury didn't affect them.

Indeed substitute Oyvind Leonhardsen scored with his first touch, volleying home from the angle of the six-yard box after Gareth Barry found him unmarked.

Vassell almost created a mirror-image moments later, but this time the Norwegian screwed his shot over.

The lethargic Lee Bowyer was replaced with Les Ferdinand, and with three up front the Irons produced some exhilarating football.

The first reward came within three minutes as Joe Cole's high ball into the box was expertly controlled by Kanoute before his finish brought Enckelman to his knees.

The sparked the Frenchman into life and he spearheaded a display which so nearly secured a vital win.

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

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