Big Sam believes five more points will safeguard West Ham'sPremiership future (From Thurrock Gazette)

Beating Stoke was tonic for nervous Hammers fans

9:11am Monday 4th March 2013 in Sport

Stoke City 0,

West Hm United 1

PREMIER LEAGUE: WEST Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes five more points will be enough to ensure his team — promoted from the Championship last year — avoid relegation this season.

The Hammers, now nine points clear of the drop zone, started the season fairly well before hitting a slump, and Allardyce feels the Irons’ efforts overall this term have been commendable.

His comments came after Jack Collison netted in first half stoppage time on Saturday to earn his side a 1-0 win against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

“We have finally broken the away form scenario in terms of results, and that is our third away win,” said Allardyce.

“We have not got enough draws away from home when we should have got them and ended up losing them.

“So we put ourselves under enormous pressure, but with the great start we had to the season, our lowest position in the table in the entire season was before this match (14th).

“So when you look at it over 27, 28 games, for your first season (back in the Premier League), even though you are feeling the pressure because you are slipping down, it is not bad is it?”

For the full story see today's Echo newspaper