HAYDEN Mullins has defended West Ham's safety-first tactics at Bolton, despite the Irons failure to score against the relegation-threatened Trotters.

Mullins was one of five men strung across the midfield by manager Alan Curbishley in a bid to stifle a Wanderers wide who had scored just seven times in their previous 12 matches.

Despite that record, the Irons boss chose to employ striker Bobby Zamora, who is left-footed, on the right wing instead of up front alongside lone forward Dean Ashton.

The formation failed to trouble Bolton for long periods of the first half, with the Hammers only coming close to breaching the home defence following the introduction of Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears.

But Mullins defender the tactic, pointing out that it had helped the Hammers secure memorable home wins over Manchester United and Liverpool and away victories at Blackburn Rovers and Fulham.

"We were trying to get the ball to Bobby (Zamora) and Luis (Boa Morte) out wide and trying to work off Deano," said the midfielder.

"We've done it for most of the season, and it has worked well for us. It was no different today, but they were really desperate for the win and three points was massive for them.

"We knew they would hit us with everything, and as I said one lapse on the corner let us down."

West Ham will hope to end a run of six defeats and only one victory in their last eight Premier League matches when already-relegated Derby County, who the Irons thrashed 5-0 at Pride Park in November, visit Upton Park.