THE Hammers finally returned to winning ways with a 2-1 home win over relegated Derby County.

Bobby Zamora put the Irons in front on 20 minutes with a header.

But Tyrone Mears blasted an equaliser past keeper Robert Green on 65 minutes.

And the Rams looked like they might press for a winner to pile more misery on the injury-plagued Hammers.

But substitute Carlton Cole saved the day for Alan Curbishley's men with a 10-yard volley after 77 minutes.