AVRAM GRANT declared himself 'delighted' at overseeing West Ham's first away league win for a season and a half against Fulham on Boxing Day.

Carlton Cole bagged a brace and Freddie Piquionne got the other as West Ham came from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage.

Grant was thrilled to see his team clamber off the foot of the table with the three points.

"I am delighted," he said. "We came close to the first away win so many times, especially last week at Blackburn. I am really impressed with the attitude and the fighting spirit we have seen in the last few games.

"We hadn't won an away game since the first day of last season and this was an important victory. At West Ham there is a tradition of playing good football. We spoke before the game about playing good football but also being aware that we need to get points.

"The players are very happy, they know the feeling and they want to taste it again. We have a huge belief. We have been playing good football in most of the games and we have been creating chances - we never gave up. Now we have been creating chances - we never gave up. Now it is just about closing the gap and getting the wins."