Enner Valencia's header has given West Ham United a 1-0 lead at half time against Astra Giurgiu in their Europa League qualifier at Upton Park.

Ecuador international Valencia gave the Hammers the advantage on 23 minutes when he rose highest from Dimitri Payet's cross to head home.

Payet then went close when he fired over from 25 yards after collecting a pass from Mark Noble before the half-hour mark.

Valencia's half turned sour 10 minutes before the break though, and the energetic forward was stretchered off after he got his leg caught in the turf, with Modibo Maiga replacing his teammate.

Payet curled in another teasing delivery with six minutes of the first half remaining, but James Collins was unable to convert as Slaven Bilic's side went in search of their second.