*Hammers deny Villa*

West Ham managed to avoid being punished for wasted opportunities after a last-gasp equaliser at Upton Park.

Jermain Defoe scored in injury time to secure Glenn Roeder’s side a valuable point in the Premiership, although they stay rooted in 16th place.

Aston Villa had looked on course to snatch all three points when Dion Dublin put them ahead after just 52 seconds.

West Ham huffed and puffed, but squandered the chances they had, most notably in the 64th minute when Paolo di Canio missed a penalty.

But moments before the final whistle, Defoe drilled a right-footed shot from right side of penalty area to grab a draw.

West Ham went behind in the first minute after James’ clearance fell to Steve Stone whose cross was headed home by Dublin.

James was almost beaten 20 minutes later directly from a Steve Staunton corner, but the ball rebounded off the former Aston Villa keeper’s chest.

Dublin almost claimed his second from a corner, but James did well to claw the ball out from under the crossbar.

The hosts were booed off at half-time but emerged after the break with a spring in their step.

Di Canio went close after 61 minutes and should have done better three minutes later, but was denied by the outstretched leg of Peter Enckelman.

Chances to Joe Cole, Christian Dailly and Trevor Sinclair came and went before Defoe’s equaliser from 15 yards out ensure a share of the points.