Half-Time Report: Marouane Chamakh heads Crystal Palace in front

Crystal Palace have taken the lead against West Ham United late in the first half at Selhurst Park.

The first big chance of the game came in the 31st minute and it fell to Kevin Nolan, who could only scuff his shot into Julian Speroni's hands from Stewart Downing's ball into the box.

The former Liverpool winger nearly got on the end of Carlton Cole's cutback four minutes later, before supplying once again - this time for Mohamed Diame - only for the midfielder to head over.

As the Hammers continued to search for an opener, they fell prey to a defensive lapse from a set-piece situation three minutes before the break.

Barry Bannan's initial corner was a poor one, but the Scottish international made up for that by putting the ball on the head of Marouane Chamakh after being given a second chance.

The first goal of the Tony Pulis era is all that separates the teams at the break.