West Ham boosted their survival hopes - and dragged Aston Villa back into the relegation mire - with a deserved victory at Villa Park.

John Moncur was the hammers hero netting the opening goal and setting up the second for Don Hutchinson but they were aided by a dreadful performance from Villa easily the most inept since manager Brian little took charge in late November.

They lacked ideas in midfield, created little upfront and the hammers always troubled a wobbly Villa defence on the break with Alan Wright having an easy debut at left back.

Villa have now picked up only two points out of 15 offering after appearing to be safe and they now find themselves uneasily perched in the pack just above the bottom four.

A mistake by Villa debutant Alan Wright let in Hutchinson and Bosnich was forced to beat away a fierce effort.

Villa created their only worthwhile opening of the first half in the 37th minute. Shaun Teale’s centre was flicked on by Tommy Johnson and the onrushing Gary Charles had his shot blocked by Miklosko.

Ray Houghton replaced Johnson at half-time but within four minutes the hammers increased their lead.