5 Feb 2012

Winston Reid the matchwinner as Hammers go clear at the top

11:15 am on 5 February 2012

New Zealand football international Winston Reid has scored the winner for his English Championship club West Ham in a local derby with London rivals Millwall at Upton Park.

The 2-1 victory's moved the Hammers four points clear at the top of the second division table and came despite the home side going down to 10 men inside the first 10 minutes when captain Kevin Nolan was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

West Ham went ahead through Carlton Cole's header before Liam Trotter equalised for Millwall with a stunning second half effort.

But that was eclipsed by Reid's matchwinner shortly afterwards - a 20-yard strike into an unguarded net following what the Lions alleged was a foul on Millwall goalkeeper David Forde.

Reid says the win meant a lot to the fans as it was against their local rivals, but while it's nice to score the winner, what really matters is the three points as instant promotion back to the Premiership is all-important this season.

But Hammers fans will take extra pleasure from noting Millwall's fifth defeat in six games has them on the precipice - fourth from bottom and just above the relegation zone in 21st place.