West Ham duo Stephen Bywater and Tomas Repka gifted Preston a crucial victory over their play-off rivals at Upton Park.

Goalkeeper Bywater's comical mistake allowed David Nugent to score the first goal of the game, and Repka compromised his side's chances by being sent off for a needless clash with Brian O'Neil shortly before half-time.

And the visitors completed a fully-deserved win when substitute Patrick Agyemang - seconds after replacing Nugent - struck the second 10 minutes from time.

Bobby Zamora - another substitute - gave West Ham hope with a well-taken late volley, but the east Londoners deserved nothing from this game.

Even without the contributions of Bywater and Repka, West Ham were very poor.

Alan Pardew's team did not threaten in attack until the closing minutes, and they were embarrassed in midfield by the classy Paul McKenna, who controlled the game in midfield for Preston.

The closest West Ham came to scoring early in the match was when Chris Sedgwick almost turned Gavin Williams' excellent right-wing cross past on-loan QPR goalkeeper Chris Day.

Then Bywater gifted Preston the lead in the 17th minute.

The England Under-21 player, who had already mis-kicked three times, tried to control a through-ball, but his touch was dreadful and Nugent was able to rob him and slot into the unguarded goal.

Bywater redeemed himself partially nine minutes later, saving well from Sedgwick's powerful 18-yard drive.

In the 44th minute, Repka was dismissed by referee Steve Tanner following his clash with O'Neil, when the Czech appeared to butt the Scottish midfielder after they had squared up to each other.

With an extra man, Preston took control straight after the interval, but could not find the second goal.

Nugent had a goal disallowed, his tap-in ruled out for offside after Bywater had spilled an effort from McKenna.

And he should have doubled his and Preston's tally in the 55th minute. Played in by McKenna after Hayden Mullins had mis-kicked, Nugent rounded Bywater but aimed his shot too close to the recovering 'keeper, who palmed wide.

Just before that, Mawene headed Eddie Lewis' corner just over, and shortly afterwards Graham Alexander's 20-yard effort flew slightly too high.

Ten minutes from time, Agyemang replaced Nugent and, with his first contribution, ran at the West Ham defence, created space for himself inside the area and fired a low, right-foot shot past Bywater.

Preston were ensured a nervy finish when the unmarked Zamora volleyed Marlon Harewood's excellent left-wing cross past Day from 10 yards.

Teams:

West Ham Bywater, Repka, Mackay (Reo-Coker 70), Powell, Mullins, Fletcher, Lomas, Williams, Etherington, Sheringham (Zamora 46), Harewood.

Subs Not Used: Walker, Cohen, Ephraim.

Sent Off: Repka (44).

Booked: Harewood, Williams, Mullins.

Goals: Zamora 87.

Preston Day, Alexander, O'Neil (Etuhu 90), Sedgwick, Mawene, Lewis (Davis 74), Hill, McKenna, Lucketti, Cresswell, Nugent (Agyemang 79).

Subs Not Used: Ward, Broomes.

Booked: Sedgwick, Alexander.

Goals: Nugent 17, Agyemang 81.

Att: 26,442

Ref: S Tanner (S Gloucestershire).