Zamora sets up West Ham win

West Ham scored three goals in the first half to condemn Gillingham to a seventh successive Championship defeat.

Substitute Darren Byfield grabbed a consolation goal but Andy Hessenthaler's team were beaten 3-1 at Upton Park.

The Gills spurned a fine chance to open the scoring when the unmarked Ian Cox headed a Nicky Southall cross wide and within minutes, West Ham led.

Bobby Zamora, who had earlier had a 15-yard shot was saved by Jason Brown, beat the keeper when sent clear by strike partner Marlon Harewood.

Zamora reciprocated by providing Harewood with the second goal on 25 minutes, the former Forest forward finishing from close range.

And when Matthew Etherington found Zamora on 40 minutes, his volleyed cross was turned in by Hayden Mullins.

After Byfield gave Gillingham hope with a goal just before the interval, Carl Fletcher and Sergei Rebrov almost added a fourth for West Ham.

Gillingham's Danny Spiller rattled the post in the second half but the visitors finished with 10 men when Byfield was injured.