Nolberto Solano made his Hammers debut as a substitute after playing twice for his country last week, and when his shot hit a post it rebounded off £9million goalkeeper Craig Gordon and dribbled into the net.

West Ham had led with Carlton Cole’s header after just nine minutes and commanded the first half, but the dangerous Kenwyne Jones headed a 52nd-minute equaliser.

The home side survived when Grant Leadbitter’s shot was brilliantly pushed onto a post by Robert Green and Craig Bellamy put a gloss on the scoreline with a third in injury time.