An Ian Wright header just after the hour last night added to the depression which has hung over The Dell. This was a committed, improved performance from the Premiership's basement side but it did not help Southampton's mood when a Ken Moncur "equaliser" eight minutes from time was controversially ruled out.

West Ham had John Hartson leading the attack, with Neil Ruddock and Julian Dicks, who had been out for 18 months with injury, returning in defence. With Mark Hughes marauding in midfield for Southampton, it was not an occasion for those of a nervous disposition.

West Ham introduced Stan Lazaridis and John Moncur at the start of the second half in an attempt to provide attacking width.

As the tempo increased a goal began to look likely, and it was West Ham who provided it after 61 minutes. Lazaridis' left-wing cross was aimed towards Ian Pearce at the far post. The big defender headed the ball across the penalty area, where the unmarked Wright swooped low to nod it into the net.

West Ham Utd: Hislop, Ruddock, Ferdinand, Dicks, Pearce, Sinclair, Lampard, Keller (Lazaridis 46), Berkovic (Moncur 46), Hartson, Wright (Potts 88). Subs Not Used: Forrest, Impey. Booked: Ruddock, Wright, Ferdinand. Goal: Wright 61.

Southampton: Jones, Warner, Monkou, Lun dek vam, Benali, Gibbens (Beattie 65), Hughes, Ostenstad, Palmer, Le Tissier, Bridge. Subs Not Used: Moss, Howells, Hiley, Basham. Booked: Monkou, Hughes, Le Tissier, Benali.

Referee: U Rennie (Sheffield).