Dempsey beats Green again but Hammers rescue draw

Fulham forward Clint Dempsey caused more heartache for West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Upton Park.

It was United States star Dempsey who struck the weak shot that England international Green allowed to squirm into the net during a 1-1 draw at the World Cup in South Africa.

Green’s howler cost him his place in Fabio Capello’s squad and has made him a figure of derision since his return to England.

At least the Hammers stopper could say there was nothing he could do to stop Dempsey this time as the Fulham player volleyed home in the first half.

But that will have been of little consolation to Green and his team-mates, who sank to the bottom of the Premier League table despite Frederic Piquionne’s second half equaliser, which denied Fulham a first away league win in 13 months.

Fulham, now unbeaten in seven matches, made a bright start and Dempsey wasted little time trying to test Green with a long-range effort which curled wide.

Piquionne then drew a goal-line clearance from Cottagers defender Carlos Salcido with a powerful header before Fulham responded with a Damien Duff strike that flashed wide.

Fulham appealed for a penalty when Eddie Johson was bundled over by Lars Jacobsen but referee Andre Marriner waved play on.

There was no need for Fulham to dwell on that decision as Dempsey was played in by Simon Davies in the 33rd minute and smashed his strike past Green to open the scoring.

Dempsey was close to doubling Fulham’s advantage soon after the break when his curling shot bounced off the crossbar.

But West Ham drew level in the 51st minute when Brede Hangeland’s misplaced pass was picked up by Luis Boa Morte, who laid the ball down the right flank to Victor Obinna.

The Nigerian’s cross was at the perfect height for the unmarked Piquionne, who made no mistake from six yards for his third goal in three games.

At times it seemed as though Dempsey was on a mission to ruin Green’s day. The West Ham goalkeeper finally won one of their duels as he raced out to stop the forward getting in a shot.

Dempsey then glanced a header just wide of a post from Zoltan Gera’s cross before Green saved well from Davies and then denied Dickson Etuhu.