Soccer: Reid trumps Nelsen in EPL clash

Ryan Nelsen (pictured) and QPR fell to Winston Reid's West Ham. Photo / Richard Robinson

Two New Zealanders have squared off against each other in the English Premier League for the first time.

All Whites captain and Queens Park Rangers defender Ryan Nelsen and West Ham's Winston Reid both started for their respective teams in the Hammers' 2-1 win at QPR's Loftus Road this morning.

However Reid was subbed off after only 23 minutes, after collecting an elbow to the head from his own keeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen, during a QPR free kick. Reid was out cold following the clash, but fortunately was able to leave the field without the aid of the stretcher.

Sky reported soon after that Reid was talking in the changing rooms and was fine despite the head knock.

West Ham got away to a perfect start with a third minute goal to Matt Jarvis, who capitalised on some woeful defending from QPR to head the ball in from close range.

The Hammers doubled their lead just before half time, with Ricardo Vaz Te scoring at the back post following another defensive lapse by QPR.

Substitute Adel Taarabt made an immediate impact for QPR in the second half, scoring only 84 seconds after coming onto the pitch, but the QPR comeback was dealt a severe blow when Samba Diakite received his second yellow card with 16 minutes remaining.

Jaaskelianen made a number of key saves in the second half to deny QPR and ensure West Ham claimed the three points.

The win moves newly-promoted West Ham up to seventh on the table after six games, while QPR are yet to claim a win and sit at the bottom of the 20 team league.

- nzherald.co.nz