Parker secures vital Hammers win

Scott Parker fired West Ham a giant step towards Barclays Premier League safety with a blistering match-winner in a 3-2 victory against Wigan.

West Ham were a goal down after four minutes when Jonathan Spector turned Ben Watson's corner into his own net - but they hit back with strikes from Ilan and Radoslav Kovac.

Hugo Rodallega drew Wigan level but Parker, West Ham's player of the season who returned to the side after a two-match ban, settled the nerves with a long-range strike.

If Burnley fail to beat Liverpool on Sunday, West Ham will effectively be safe because their goal difference is far superior to both Hull and Burnley.

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