West Ham Utd v Watford: half time report

It was a frustrating first half for Sam Allardyce's side as they once again failed to convert their superiority into goals.

Despite controlling the opening 45 minutes West Ham go into the break at 0-0 having failed to show the necessary clinical touch where it counts.

Matt Taylor, back in the side after suspension couldn't have gone much closer however when his 30-yard drive cannoned back off Tomasz Kuszczak's crossbar with less than a minute on the clock.

And Julien Faubert really should have scored after 12 minutes when a Taylor cross found the French winger at the far post; unfortunately his effort was completely mishit and comfortably gathered by Watford's on-loan 'keeper.

The visitors enjoyed their first effort on goal with 18 played but even though Rob Green was scrambling to reach it Alex Kacaniklic's shot was always going wide.

After Mark Noble was booked midway through the half for what appeared to be a perfectly legitimate challenge Kevin Nolan began to take control of the game fom midfield.

West Ham's captain looked like converting another Taylor cross before a deflection resulted in a corner for the Hammers. Mark Noble then forced a great save from Kuszczak after Carlton Cole's clever reverse pass left the midfielder through on goal.

Sadly that was the closest West Ham came to scoring in a one-sided first half but at least there was plenty of reason for optimism in the forthcoming second half.

As always, we'll have a full report for you at the final whistle.