West Ham United have opened up a two-goal lead over West Bromwich Albion as the teams head in for half time at Upton Park.

© PA Photos

The visitors had the ball in the net early on, but the goal was ruled out as Gareth McAuley was penalised for a shove on Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The Finnish keeper then prevented Romelu Lukaku's deflected free kick from hitting the back of the net in the 14th minute.

The deadlock was broken just two minutes later, as Andy Carroll towered above Jonas Olsson to power a header past Ben Foster.

It was nearly made 2-0 by Mohamed Diame, but his drive from distance whistled just over the crossbar.

However, Gary O'Neil did double the lead in the 28th minute with a finish from Ricardo Vaz Te's supply.

The Baggies are behind at the break but have had enough of the play to suggest that the points are not yet decided.