West Ham scored twice in quick succession to beat Hartlepool United 2-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Valon Behrami and Mark Noble both scored at the end of the first half to knock the League One side out of the competition.

Behrami opened the scoring when he made the most of an opportunity created by Jack Collison's quick feet on the left wing.

And seconds later West Ham were given a penalty when Michael Nelson handled a flick-on from Carlton Cole.

Noble converted the spot-kick and West Ham controlled the game from then on.

Cole narrowly avoided a red card in the second half when his raised boot caught Hartlepool goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett in the face.

Cole had already been booked and he was given a lecture by referee Lee Mason.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola immediately substituted Cole, who was booed by the home fans as he took his seat on the bench.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.