Leeds midfielder Shaun Derry smashed in a dramatic late winner against West Ham to maintain hopes of an unlikely play-off place.

Rob Hulse had given the hosts a deserved lead just after the break but Gavin Williams volleyed in against the run of play midway through the second period.

With the spoils looking likely to be shared, Derry stormed into the penalty area with six minutes left and finished confidently past Stephen Bywater.

Leeds, who still harbour hopes of a top-six finish, controlled possession and should have had the points wrapped up before Derry struck.

Chances proved difficult to create in the opening half, despite the efforts of Leeds' lively strike duo of Hulse and David Healy.

The pair combined in the seventh minute when Hulse, on loan from West Brom, volleyed over after his partner's intelligent header.

Both strikers were fed by the service of Gary Kelly, the veteran full-back who marauds forward like a young winger. The Republic of Ireland defender crossed for Simon Walton to head over in the 10th minute.

Kelly crossed again dangerously in the 20th minute, although Healy did not attack the ball and it drifted to safety. Hulse was the next to miss a chance, heading tamely from a Kelly corner on the left.

Set pieces from the full-back were curled in with terrific pace, one in particular from the right after 27 minutes causing panic in the penalty area. Leeds players appealed for a penalty when the ball struck Anton Ferdinand but referee Andy Hall waved play on.

The blustery conditions did not help attractive football and players became increasingly frustrated, Hulse getting booked for a clumsy late challenge on Tomas Repka.

The Hammers had their first shot on goal five minutes before the break but Williams' long-range effort was a few yards over the bar. Worse was to follow for the visitors as Ferdinand limped off clutching his leg in what appeared to be a muscle strain.

With Hayden Mullins brought on, Leeds sensed a lack of confidence in the Hammers' defence and dominated the early part of the second period.

Their success again came down the right flank, with youngster Aaron Lennon taking over from Kelly and using every opportunity to attack Hammers full-back Chris Powell.

After 50 minutes the 17-year-old forced Bywater into a save at his near post after a curling shot from 25 yards. A minute later he crossed for Hulse to deftly volley home from six yards for his third goal since joining from the Baggies.

The opener was fair reward for the home side, but it did serve to stir Pardew's men into attacking. Williams tried his luck again, this time with a fierce volley that clipped the post before going wide.

Tension among the players was increasing, a mass confrontation involving most players was sparked by a challenge from Derry on Marlon Harewood.

The incident seemed to inspire the visitors, however, and they were level midway through the second half. Teddy Sheringham chested down Steve Lomas' long ball and Williams volleyed in with the help of a deflection.

Williams was playing with confidence and stormed into the penalty area five minutes later after a skilful Harewood back-heel. Only a last-ditch tackle from Walton prevented the Wales midfielder having another shot on goal.

Sheringham had the next chance, lashing wide from the edge of the area as Harewood flicked again. Etherington hit the post with a free-kick with 10 minutes but it was Derry who had the last word.

Latching on to Healy's flick, the former Crystal Palace man surged into the area and finished effectively.

Teams

Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Gray, Walton (Pugh 76), Gregan, Derry, Lennon (Carlisle 90), Hulse, Healy.

Subs Not Used: Wright, Richardson, Johnson.

Booked: Hulse, Gregan.

Goals: Hulse 51, Derry 86.

West Ham: Bywater, Repka, Ferdinand (Mullins 45), Mackay, Powell (Zamora 89), Williams, Lomas, Fletcher, Etherington (Cohen 83), Sheringham, Harewood.

Subs Not Used: Reo-Coker, Walker.

Goals: Williams 68.

Att: 34,115

Ref: A Hall (W Midlands).