SCOTT Parker has admitted that Bolton "beat up" his West Ham side before securing a vital 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Kevin Davies, a thorn in the Irons' defensive sides all afternoon, scored a 46th minute goal to keep the Trotters in touch with fourth-from-bottom Birmingham City.

The goal came as a result of a mix-up caused by Matthew Taylor's corner - one of dozens of high balls pumped into the Hammers penalty area.

And midfielder Parker admitted the East Enders had failed to deal with Wanderers' relentless aerial bombardment.

"It was obviously a tough game and disappointing," said the England international.

"We came and knew that they were fighting for their lives and, especially in the first half, I think we struggled to adapt to that.

"In the second half they got a goal early on and we got back into it but it was never really enough so it was just a disappointing day.

"They beat us up a bit really.

"In the first half they put a lot of balls in in the air and went from back to front really quickly and we struggled at times.

"I think the defenders did really well but at times we didn't really have enough going forward and ran out of ideas.

"They are a big side and our main chances came from long distance. It was one of those games where it was about the second balls and at times we were second best."

Parker and his team-mates will attempt to secure just their second win in nine Premier League matches when Derby County arrive at Upton Park on Saturday.

And the former Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Newcastle United man is adamant that Alan Curbishley's men can put things right this weekend.

"Obviously we are struggling at present. Results have not been good, albeit at times the performances have been okay, but the results have not been there and we are as eager as anyone to change that," added the 27-year-old.

"I can assure everyone involved in and around the club that we're trying our hardest and our best to try and turn things around.

"It's come at a bad time for us. We're having a bit of a blip but we've got to just rally around and pick up a result from the next game."