Curbs: First goal crucial

Hammers boss felt opener was the turning point

By James Pearson   Last updated: 10th November 2007

Alan Curbishley

Curbishley: Delighted

It was an important game today.

Curbishley
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Alan Curbishley felt there was only going to be one winner once West Ham forged ahead at Derby County.

Lee Bowyer broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time before the floodgates opened in the second half as The Hammers cruised to a 5-0 success.

After dropping two points late on against Bolton last weekend, Curbishley wanted a response from his troops and was delighted with the Pride Park result.

"It was an important game," Curbishley told Sky Sports.

"The first goal was vital and we got that. It settled us down and put Derby under pressure."

Injury relief

Although West Ham lost George McCartney to an ankle injury against Derby and Lee Bowyer now faces a hernia operation, Curbishley is pleased the likes of Dean Ashton and Freddie Ljungberg have returned to full training.

"Hopefully the injuries will ease up, once they do the competition for places will be there," he continued.

"Hopefully one or two will start coming back to us. Ashton's in full training. Ljungberg was back on the bench."