Our work rate was tremendous...

Alan Pardew praised his team after they ran out comfortable winners in this afternoon's FA Cup Third Round clash against Norwich at Carrow Road this afternoon.

Goals from Hayden Mullins and Bobby Zamora ensured the Hammers will be in Monday's Fourth Round draw; it was a result that pleased the Hammers boss.

"Norwich were a bit short today but we still had to do a job," he said. "And I thought we did that well.

"Although our quality was not as great as it could have been, our work rate was tremendous today and we made it difficult for Norwich.

"After the second goal, it looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon - but we don't do things comfortably at West Ham! We gifted them a goal and then there was a spell of about 10 minutes which we had to see out.

"But having a good cup run, and getting back up there in the league is a realistic target for us."

Meanwhile City boss Nigel Worthington denied reports that striker Dean Ashton - a possible Hammers transfer window target - had been withdrawn from the game in order to avoid being cup-tied.

"Dean has got a groin strain," he said, "and for those who think I am telling porky-pies I have got a scan which proves it!

"The transfer window makes for a crazy situation, and it unsettles players, supporters and football clubs.

"Dean is on a long-term contract - and unless there is a crazy offer, he is staying at this football club.

"There will be a right time for him to move on - but at the moment that is not right for him, or Norwich City."