HAMMERS defender Chris Powell is backing himself and his team-mates to get back to winning ways against Derby, but said halting their inconsistency must come now and not later, writes Laura Burkin.
West Ham face the Rams at Upton Park in a televised clash on Sunday.
It follows the defeat at Wolves which saw them drop one place below the play-off zone.
Powell said it was time for the team to produce the goods on a more consistent basis.
He said: "We all know we've a hell of a squad, but haven't been producing it, week in, week out.
"Our problem is a lack of consistency and if I could tell you what causes it, then we wouldn't have the problem.
"We always bounce back from defeat but then let ourselves down after that.
"We can't afford to keep doing that.
"Derby are doing well away from home and it will be tough."
Powell admitted: "When we were on top against Wolves, we didn't make it count and that's what we've got to do.
"It puts pressure on everyone and we're often scratching our heads as to why we're doing well one week and not the other, but we're capable of putting it right." The defender backed team-mate Bobby Zamora to carry on scoring after the striker netted twice on Saturday.
He said: "Bobby's remained confident and has continued to work hard in training.
"It was a shame that his goals didn't win us the game.
"He wants to stay and prove himself and if he can keep doing what he did on Saturday I think he will."
Looking to Sunday's match, Powell said: "Playing for West Ham, pressure comes with the territory.
"It's a big club and at times, when you don't produce, you have to accept criticism.
"But we've had set-backs before and overcome them, and I'm sure we can do it again."
Hammers boss Alan Pardew said: "There's a long way to go still and we must carry on.
"We're scoring goals okay but want to make sure we keep the balance by not conceding too many.
"We must take the positives from the Wolves game, which could've gone our way, and use them to build a good result at home on Sunday."
Pardew confirmed that the club had taken Greek U21 International striker Vaggelis Mantzios on a week's trial.
