STELIOS GIANNAKOPOULOS' fortuitous double helped Bolton Wanderers towards an exciting 4-1 win against West Ham United at the Reebok Stadium.

Bolton's Kevin Nolan was presented with his player of the month award before kickoff, and the home side led 30 at the break, after the Greece midfielder had tapped in with 12 minutes gone when the ball cannoned off the post after Hammers' goalkeeper Shaka Hislop had missed a cross. After 33 minutes the lead was doubled when Kevin Nolan's shot was deflected in off Giannakopoulos, with Gary Speed adding a third with an overhead kick.

The Hammers began to step up the pace in the second half, if only to salvage some pride . . . the teams meet again next Wednesday in an FA Cup replay. Teddy Sheringham pulled one back after 79 minutes, but it was only two minutes before Henrik Pedersen increased the lead to 4-1 on 81 minutes.