体坛英语新闻：West Ham sink Liverpool 3-1

LONDON, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- East Londoners West Ham smashed Liverpool 3-1 at Upton Park on Sunday, lifting themselves up from the bottom of the Premier League table.

West Ham only managed to win five Premier League matches ahead of the match, but played an upper hand after a slow start under the lead of Scott Parker and Thomas Hitzlsperger in the midfield.

Parker opened the goal for the hosts in the 22nd minute after playing a one-two with German Hitzlsperger. The Reds fought hard to respond but Dirk Kuyt shot the side net and Luis Suarez couldn' t convince the refree to award Liverpool a penalty after he was tackled down by James Tomkins.

Liverpool then suffered a blow in the 43rd minute when defender Martin Kelly was forced off with a hamstring problem and the Hammers extended their lead two minutes later thanks to Demba Ba's header.

Liverpool's late rally resulted in Glen Johnson chasing one back for the visitors after 84 minutes, but Carlton Cole drove home to seal a 3-1 victory for the home side.

West Ham climbed to the 18th place in the table, but still in the relegation zone while Liverpool were six points behind fifth- placed Chelsea as the Blues have two games in hand.

At Eastlands, manager Mark Hughes led Fulham to grab one point away from his former club as Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by the Londoners.

Mario Balotelli put the hosts ahead with a right-foot shot outside the area in the 26th minute, but the Italian striker's effort was offset by Damien Duff after 48 minutes.

The draw leaves City 10 points behind leaders Manchester United and the Red Devils have one game in hand.