Half-Time Report: Carlton Cole gives West Ham United the lead against Cardiff City

West Ham United have a 1-0 half-time lead in their Premier League match with Cardiff City this afternoon.

Stewart Downing came close to opening the scoring early on, but his free kick came back off the post. The rebound then came to James Tomkins, who saw his close-range effort saved by David Marshall.

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West Ham were then dealt a blow, as Guy Demel was forced off the pitch with a back injury following a long stoppage in play as he received medical treatment.

Kim Bo-Kyung came within inches of scoring for the hosts when his attempt from long range came back off the bar.

Carlton Cole gave the visitors into the lead in the 42nd minute when he latched onto a cross from Matt Jarvis and fired the ball into the top corner of the net.