SAM Allardyce hailed his great entertainers after West Ham kept their promotion bid on track with a thrilling 3-2 win over Leicester.

Two goals from Sam Baldock and a rare Julien Faubert strike saw the Hammers home, although they had to hold off a late Leicester fightback which saw Andy King score twice and Steven Howard hit the crossbar.

It was all a far cry from last Monday’s dour 1-0 win at Brighton, a victory which had all the hallmarks of an Allardyce team but little of the flair craved by West Ham fans.

But there was plenty of excitement against the managerless Foxes and with his side second in the npower Championship, Allardyce is beginning to win round the Upton Park cynics.

“It was a great, entertaining football match,” said the Hammers boss.

“It looked like we would be comfortable on the first-half performance, we got ourselves two goals in front.

“But then a change of system and Leicester playing more direct caused us some problems.

“But Robert Green made some good saves and Sam got his two goals.

“The quality of all our three goals was very pleasing. All the goals were earned rather than gifted.

“The whole team are giving everything they've got. It’s back-to-back wins, great entertainment and the right result.”

Baldock scored either side of Faubert’s second goal in four years, but his strike partner John Carew did not fare so well.

Allardyce revealed he had to take off the Norway international in the first half before picky referee James Linington sent him off.

“The referee said he booked him for persistent fouling,” added Allardyce.

“It would have been irresponsible of me to keep him on so the referee spoiled our rhythm.”