Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho fired a late header to guide West Ham United to a 1-0 win over a resilient Bristol City and book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The League One side dominated the opening exchanges at their home stadium, Ashton Gate, where striker Matt Smith twice had headers cleared off the line. However, West Ham kept their composure and Sakho headed in Andy Carroll's tempting cross nine minutes from the end to provide the tourists the winner.
Bristol City went into the contest in dominating form, on the back of four straight wins and with just one defeat in their last 12 outings, with much of their success in League One this season built on a strong defence, the BBC reported.
Bristol City, who have conceded just 22 goals in 25 league games and sit joint-top alongside Swindon in League One, began the game in a confident manner, with the pace of Luke Freeman and the height and physical presence of forward Smith causing West Ham problems.
Twice Smith had headers cleared off the line, first by Mark Noble before Andy Carroll came to West Ham's rescue with a superb clearance after keeper Adrian was again beaten by Smith.
West Ham, who are seventh in the Premier League and unbeaten since the turn of the year, improved markedly after the break, especially after the introduction of Sakho and fellow substitute Morgan Amalfitano.
Sakho's goal came courtesy of good work on the right by Carroll, who delivered an inviting cross, which Sakho headed past Frank Fielding to grab the winner.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said that he knew it was going to be tough and it was exactly that, adding that Bristol City showed why they are where they are in their league.
Allardyce also said that they found it difficult to get their passing game going but thankfully Carroll's cross and Sakho's header was all that his side needed to get a very important win.
Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill said that his side has played like that for most of the season but they had to score in that first half hour because their tempo was so good.otterill said that he was surprised at how many times his side got a look at West Ham's goal, but added that overall he is very proud of the lads.
