West Ham’s travelling army of more than 6,300 fans got the result they wanted as the Hammers came from behind to win 2-1 at Coventry City and open up a three-point gap over the play-off places.

Sam Allardyce’s men struggled to create chances in the opening period and fell behind in the 33rd minute when Clive Platt was allowed the space in the area to turn and fire a left-footed shot past the helpless Robert Green.

Although he didn’t score in the 2-0 victory at Hull City a fortnight ago, the introduction of Carlton Cole at half-time was key to the victory – and that was again the case at the Ricoh Arena.

The England striker, who replaced John Carew, levelled after 69 minutes, although much of the credit went to his keeper.

Having collected a cross, Green quickly saw Coventry were short of numbers at the back and his long pass was latched onto by Cole, who held off his man as he made his way into the area before firing home.

And six minutes later, West Ham were in front – although there was an element of good fortune about what turned out to be the winner.

Julien Faubert collected the ball on the right and struck a diagonal ball beyond the Sky Blues’ rearguard and Frederic Piquionne attacked the ball, but stumbled, but it seemed to strike him on the knee and went in.