The Hammers started Saturday's game at Upton Park knowing that victory would see them climb out of the relegation zone for the first time this season. An early opener for Carlton Cole gave the long-suffering home fans hope before Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll both scored to inflict a 2-1 defeat - West Ham's first loss since September 11. Avram Grant's side are now three points adrift of safety and face tough matches at Arsenal and Birmingham, but Hammers skipper Upson is confident they will start grinding out the victories which will guide them to safety. "We're not hitting the panic button," Upson said. "People can get carried away with our performances and our position but before this game we went on a five-match unbeaten run. We weren't on a drastically bad run. We just need to turn a few draws into wins." The Hammers dominated the opening exchanges but failed to maintain their grip on the game after Cole tapped in Frederic Piquionne's cross to open the scoring after 12 minutes. The defeat - West Ham's fifth of the season - was greeted with vociferous boos by the home fans, some of whom were calling for the manager's head at the final whistle. Upson admitted he was disappointed not to deliver the victory which the home support craved so much. "We massively wanted to win," said the England centre-half. "We want to give our supporters something that is worth turning up for and maybe in the second half we didn't achieve that. "We looked dangerous in the first half but we just fell away. We have to analyse that and find out why." Grant's position as Hammers boss has been under question despite the club's good form prior to yesterday's defeat. Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have both given Grant their backing and the Israeli is confident that he will be able to get his side back to winning ways soon - and is even confident of getting something from next week's game at the Emirates Stadium. "There are no easy games in football and away games are tough but anything can happen," Grant said. "Maybe Arsenal away will be the toughest game of the season but we will try to do our best there." One of the few plus points to come from Saturday's game was Cole's first goal of the season which came after he was handed his first start in a month. The Hammers currently have the worst goal difference in the league having found the net only five times this term. They have failed to score more than one goal in any match but Upson believes Cole could play an important part in improving the team's goal tally. "When Carlton's fit and playing he's a great asset for us," said Upson. "With him back playing and fit it gives a good selection of strikers, that's important for us because I don't think we've scored more than one goal in a game in the league. We need to increase that ratio." Former Arsenal defender Upson headed straight down the tunnel after coming off worst in an aerial tussle with Carroll. The 31-year-old hopes that he will be back to face his former club in the London derby next weekend though. "I have a small tightness in the hamstring," Upson explained. "I know my body now and it was one of those that if I need to burst or sprint quickly I'm going to tear the muscle. It's not going to keep me out for any sustained period. Hopefully I'll be fit within a week or so."
