With manager Alan Pardew expected to deliver promotion at Upton Park he must have felt the pressure when in-form Watford surged into an early two-goal lead.

But goals from England Under-21 star Nigel Reo-Coker, Darren Powell and Sergei Rebrov completely turned the game in West Ham’s favour.

"We knew we just had to win, it was all that mattered," said Pardew.

Ipswich Town also deserve a mention after going top of the Championship with yet another victory.

The Tractor Boys beat Brighton 1-0 at Portman Road with a goal from Shefki Kuqi and England Under-21 star Darren Bent a key member of the team

In the Premiership, Liverpool’s stunning victory over Arsenal, inspired by Steven Gerrard, was a highlight of the weekend, as was Chelsea’s demolition of Charlton - inspired by another England star, John Terry.

In League One, Sheffield Wednesday scored a hugely impressive 4-1 victory away at Bristol City, with Adam Proudlock scoring twice.

And in League Two, Bury proved they will be promotion contenders by winning 3-1 away to high-flying Swansea, despite going 1-0 down after only two minutes.

Barnet continue to be the team to beat in the Conference, posting an exciting 3-2 victory away to Aldershot.

And there were some FA Cup heroes in action in The FA Trophy Second Round, with Histon scoring an impressive 2-0 away victory over East Thurrock and Slough winning 1-0 away to Chelmsford.

But Willenhall Town showed Hinckley United what it is like to be on the wrong end of cup disappointment when they beat the FA Cup giantkillers 2-1 away from home. Perhaps Hinckley had Sunday’s FA Cup Second Round televised clash with Brentford on their minds!