Ashton gives Boro supporters food for thought with cracking finish

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By halting Boro's threematch revival with their fifth away victory of the season, Alan Curbishley's side recorded their first triumph in the Premier League at the Riverside.

Late show: Parker celebrates after securing West Ham's fifth away win of the season

It was thanks to Scott Parker, returning to the North-East for the first time since his summer transfer from Newcastle, whose winner was his first goal for the club.

"I can't speak highly enough of my players," said Curbishley. "We had a couple of lads taking fitness tests this morning, had to reshuffle, but responded magnificently. Jonathan Spector who came in was outstanding."

West Ham had to come from behind after local boy David Wheater scrambled in his second senior goal to give Boro the lead.

But, responding perfectly to taunts about his expanding waistline, Dean Ashton lashed home a 20-yard shot that never rose an inch from the ground to leave Mark Schwarzer motionless.

"That goal came at a perfect time for them and changed the face of the game," admitted dejected Boro boss Gareth Southgate. "We never hit the heights of the last couple of weeks. We were never fluid, we were second in too many things, and the quality was not there as it was against Arsenal.Neither were the grit and determination."

To add to Southgate's woes, England defender Jonathan Woodgate walked slowly from the pitch with cramp.

Southgate said: "We have to investigate why he has this recurring problem and we must get to the bottom of it quickly. He is doubtful for the Birmingham game on Boxing Day but may be OK for Portsmouth."

Southgate admitted his side defended naively, never more so than in the last minute when John Pantsil and Lucas Neill traded short passes to allow Parker to nimbly pick his way past three red shirts for the decisive goal.