West Ham United 0-0 Crystal Palace

West Ham United failed to take maximum points from their home encounter with Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Visiting Palace had the better of the opening 45 minutes, but they were unable to breach Rob Green's net.

Palace front two Jermaine Easter and Chris Martin both tested the England international in quick succession in the 20th minute, but the duo were thwarted with low saves.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce introduced Carlton Cole from the bench at the break to give his side a greater attacking threat.

Cole had the Hammers' first chance of the half in the 52nd minute, but he curled his effort just wide of Julian Speroni's upright.

Up the other end, Easter lost his footing in the action of shooting when well placed from close range with 62 minutes on the clock.

As the match drew to a close, James Tomkins rose highest to meet a Gary O'Neill cross but he couldn't keep his header on target.

West Ham are now two points clear of Southampton at the top of the Championship table.