Stanislas saves Hammers against 10-man Fulham

West Ham resuced a 2-2 draw against 10-man Fulham on Sunday as Junior Stanislas came off the bench to hit a last-gasp equaliser at Upton Park.

Gianfranco Zola’s team had taken the lead through Carlton Cole’s first half goal and looked well in control when Fulham’s South African midfielder Kagoshi Dikgacoi, making his first start for the club, was sent off before the break.

But Danny Murphy’s penalty drew Fulham level early in the second half before Zoltan Gera put the Cottagers ahead.

Fulham were within moments of an impressive victory when young winger Stanislas popped up with just his second Premier League goal for the club two minutes into stoppage time.

Zola’s side, who remain in the relegation zone, had started brightly as Cole worked space on the edge of the Fulham box before volleying his shot on the turn over the bar.

The Hammers were soon in front after 15 minutes. Alessandro Diamanti whipped in a free-kick toward Cole, who rose highest to head past Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer at the near post.

James Tomkins then wasted a glorious chance to double West Ham’s advantage when he headed Diamanti’s corner wide of the far post.

Scott Parker drilled a low 30-yard shot which Schwarzer blocked after Fulham failed to deal with a Diamanti cross from the right.

Fulham were reduced to 10 men when Dikgacoi was dismissed for an off-the-ball clash with Parker.

Referee Phil Dowd booked Parker and then consulted his linesman and the fourth official before showing the South African international a straight red card, much to the frustration of Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson.

The Hammers tried to take advantage of their numerical superiority and Zavon Hines crashed a powerful drive just wide of the post.

Dikgacoi’s dismissal could have shattered Fulham’s morale but they regrouped at half-time and were level within two minutes of the restart.

Diomansy Kamara was hauled down in the area by Matthew Upson after muscling ahead of the West Ham defender and Murphy stepped up to beat Green from the penalty spot.

Suddenly West Ham looked vulnerable and Green had to react smartly to block Paul Konchesky’s low free-kick. From the resulting 57th minute corner, Gera, unmarked at the far post, put Fulham ahead with side-footed finish.

Just as West Ham seemed to have given up hope of an equaliser, Stanislas – on as a substitute – struck two minutes into stoppage time.

After a patient build-up, Stanislas slipped his marker and saw his shot deflected past Schwarzer to earn West Ham a share of the spoils.