Kevin Nolan and Sam Allardyce came back to haunt Newcastle at St James’ Park after the perfect away performance from West Ham this afternoon.

Fellow Geordie Andy Carroll had a quiet game up front for the Hammers who had to face a Newcastle onslaught in the second half to earn their vital away win.

West Ham took the lead mid-way through the first half when Joey O’Brien’s shot was turned home by Nolan who was judged to be onside and the former Toon midfielder didn’t celebrate right in front of his former supporters.

Newcastle stepped it up a gear after the goal and West Ham began sitting back in their own penalty area but were saved by the half time whistle.

Shola Ameobi came on at half time for the hosts, in place of a poor Papiss Cisse but it was the former Hammer Demba Ba who went close to equalising with a powerful header, but Jussi Jaaskelainen pulled off a stunning save to keep it at 0-1.

Newcastle couldn’t turn their possession into chances however and a few stoppages in play disrupted any momentum the Toon could build up.

West Ham’s midfield of Mo Diame, Mark Noble and Nolan were particularly impressive with their work rate and closing down that frustrated the home side and Alan Pardew.

Allardyce will have been delighted with the result after receiving plenty of stick in his time in the North East and it’s a second away win of the season for the Hammers.

West Ham have hit the lofty heights of sixth place in the Premier League after their good start to the season and Newcastle remain in tenth after adapting to life in the Europa League.