Mark Noble penalty enough for West Ham United against Burnley

A first-half penalty from Mark Noble gave West Ham United a 1-0 win over 10-man Burnley at Upton Park in the Premier League this afternoon.

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The home side were pressing early on, with Aaron Cresswell sending in a low cross for Enner Valencia, but the Ecuador international could not get enough on it to turn it past Tom Heaton.

West Ham did take the lead midway through the opening period as Michael Duff brought down Cheikhou Kouyate in the penalty box, resulting in a spot kick for the hosts, which Mark Noble converted, and a red card for the Burnley defender.

Sam Alladyce's side could have doubled their lead before the interval as Stewart Downing tried to set up Valencia, but Heaton made a save at full stretch to keep it out.

The visitors were pressing early in the second half as they tried to get back on level terms, despite being a man short, but Kieran Trippier's through ball for Danny Ings resulted in a wide finish from the striker.

The Hammers were soon back on the charge as they looked to put the win beyond doubt, but Noble could not add his second after being played in by Morgan Amalfitano.

Kevin Nolan also came close to adding a second for the hosts, but Heaton spilled his shot into the path of Valencia, who could only turn the rebound wide.

Carlton Cole came off the bench late to try to sure up the points for the home side, but he turned a Downing pass straight at Heaton, while James Collins fired over from a corner as the hosts had to settle for a single goal.

The result leaves West Ham ninth in the table, while Burnley stay bottom, seven points from safety.