WEST HAM defender Paul Konchesky was sent off as Fulham missed a glut of chances in a lively London derby at Craven Cottage.

Konchesky was given his marching orders with six minutes of normal time left after bringing down Wayne Routledge just outside the area. The Hammers defender was the last line of defence and referee Chris Foy immediately sent him off. Hammers striker Marlon Harewood hit the post from just six yards out to squander the best opportunity of the afternoon, although he was not the only player guilty of wasteful finishing.

Mathew Etherington saw a shot strike the crossbar before being cleared off the line by Liam Rosenior, who also kept out another Harewood effort. Nigel Reo-Coker, Hayden Mullins and Yossi Benayoun could also have given new West Ham boss Alan Curbishley his second win since taking charge.

Goalkeepers Antti Niemi and Robert Green played a major role in the outcome with a string of fine saves, while up front Fulham should also have made more of their openings. USA striker Brian McBride direct a guilt-edged chance straight at Robert Green while Tomasz Radzinski, Heidar Helguson and Moritz Volz could have broken the deadlock.

West Ham should have taken the lead in the 17th minute when Lee Bowyer's corner found Matthew Etherington whose looping header touched the underside of the crossbar, connected with Rosenior and bounced clear.

The ball fell to Mullins who blasted wide and shortly after Reo-Coker skied a Harewood pass over the crossbar.

Robert Green was then forced to make a fine save with McBride curling a freekick to the top right corner.

Harewood squandered a magnificent chance to put West Ham ahead in the 38th minute, collecting Bowyer's cross only to smash his shot at the post from six yards.

In the seond half the chances continued to flow.

Fulham's defence was at panic stations in the 65th minute when a huge hole opened up for Reo-Coker who was denied by Niemi. Rosenior cleared Harewood's follow-up just in front of the line.

A sweet pass from Harewood released substitute Yossi Benayoun but Niemi saved superbly. Despite Konchesky's dismissal, Fulham could not take advantage of their numerical advantage in the short time left.