A game that ends 4-3 should really be a classic. Although tense and exciting, this game was more of an exposition of the shortcomings of two good teams who are desperately short of confidence. Thankfully Leeds had the bottle and the firepower to come out on top. The prevailing mood at the final whistle was one of relief and resolve. Three points in London's east end is never to be sniffed at so let's hope this proves to be a turning point.

Quick start.

With about five minutes to go before half time (there being no clock in the stadium that we paid for - cheers Rio), a couple came and sat next to us behind the goal. Having expected a three o'clock kick-off they were somewhat surprised to learn that the score was already 2-1 to Leeds. Even more surprisingly, by the time I had finished describing the first three goals we had witnessed two more. It is fair to say that defences were not on top.

From the start we looked to have a bit more going for us than in previous weeks. With Jason Wilcox offering a natural outlet on the left and Nick Barmby looking more at home in the outside right birth, we had a natural balance that had been sorely missing. Wilcox in particular played well - although he tired - and Barmby had one of his more useful hours, being involved in everything good that we did before fading in the last thirty minutes.

The only downside to this frantic start was a somewhat harsh booking for Eirik Bakke. Whilst England's most overrated player Joe Cole was kicking everything that moved under the benign eyes of the ref, Bakke committed one foul and found himself on a yellow card. Strange…

1-0

Paul Robinson is a very modern goalkeeper. As befits a man who once displayed promise as a Rugby League player he is big and strong and he loves to give the ball a good wack. After the frenetic opening, it was Robbo's huge hoof, flicked on by Viduka, that fell kindly for Harry Kewell running through on goal. David 'Calamity' James did his usual headless chicken routine - rushing out of his area to allow Harry to lift the ball over him. Barmby nipped in to finish things off. Kewell was having one of his more effective games. He was lively and strong and looked hungry for the action. I can only assume his missus has clinched a part in EastEnders. Either that or he has been hanging out with international teamate Mark Bosnich, he was certainly more alert than in recent weeks.

1-1

If the bright start wasn't entirely expected, the way we conceded was. A hopeful ball lumped towards the far post was met without any semblance of certainty by a nervous Ian Harte. Michael Carrick - impressive throughout - killed the ball in one movement and drilled in a low shot with the next. Robinson was unsighted but should still have done better than spill the ball at the feet of that constant irritant Paolo Di Canio. The most Italian man in the world didn't miss.

Robinson made amends for his semi-blunder moments later. Steve Lomas outstripped Harte - his confidence visibly draining - and squared the ball for Di Canio. From six yards out his shot was true, but Robbo was equal to it. It would prove crucial.

2-1

Harte displayed the other side of his abilities as we took the lead once more. Good work by Barmy led to a corner on the left. Harte's kick was a beauty and Kewell, unmarked at the near post - glided his header inside the far stick. No-one was blowing bubbles anymore.

3-1

Our best period followed. With confidence flowing through the team they started to carve through the West Ham rearguard - by now a defence only in name. Viduka was outfighting Repka - a ludicrously angry man - at the cost of a booking and Bowyer was taking a firm grip on the middle of the park. Harry managed to miss an open goal after more good work by busy Barmby but made amends soon after.

The third goal was the best finish. Barmby won the ball on the right and although his cross was cut out, Kewell struck a firm right foot volley into James' bottom right hand corner.

4-1

We were flying. Comfortable at the back and muscular up front West Ham were being battered into submission. Shell-shocked, James held onto the ball too long and was tackled by Viduka who had to contain his laughter as he slotted the ball into the empty net.

Half time - 4-2

It is a measure of our recent form that even when 4-1 up at half time no-one was counting any chickens. The muted chants were more of the 'what the f*ck is going on' variety, there was no triumph. If we'd been good, West Ham were awful and - we all agreed - it they pulled a goal back the game would be up for grabs. So it proved.

From the outset we lacked confidence in the second half. When defending a lead - even a three goal lead - Venables' team slips deeper and deeper until they are treading on Robinson's toes. The Hammers had already had one or two half chances before Kelly - still failing to display any maturity despite his 28 years - needlessly hacked Di Canio down. From the resultant penalty the Italian sent our keeper the wrong way and the game was back on.

4-3

Most of the second half followed a similar pattern. We defended far too deeply, inviting a good attacking team to put us under pressure. When we did manage to clear the ball, Viduka was immobile in the middle of the pitch and Kewell seemed worried about the prospect of damaging his good looks. Despite our two goal lead, we appeared ripe for the taking. That we managed to hold on was a result of West Ham's profligacy and fine individual performances from Lucic - his best game so far - and Radebe.

The final goal was a poor one to concede. The be-masked Trevor Sinclair scored with a less than firm header at the near post, somehow managing to squeeze the ball between Robinson and Kelly. Thereafter it was all hands to the pump as we tried - desperately at times - to keep our slender advantage. Both Pearce and Defoe missed with good headed opportunities and the Hammers crept nearer an equaliser.

Michael Bridges came on for the last ten minutes, replacing the tiring Viduka and 16-year-old Jamie Milner made his debut on the right as Venables attempted to wind down the clock. As the final whistle blew, our players seemed exhausted but relieved at a first league win in eight games. As the saying goes, it is not how but how many…

What happens next?

If we can take any consolation from our poor second half performance, perhaps the players should be happy that they have kept Glenn Roeder in a job - for a while. The speculation in Friday's Evening Standard suggested that a heavy defeat for either team could see the losing manager signing on. For Leeds, things begin to look a little brighter. With a lead to protect in the upcoming European game and an eminently winnable game against Bolton next week, things could be looking almost rosy in seven days time. Fingers crossed.