ALAN Curbishley admitted a "crazy couple of minutes" had cost his West Ham side victory over Newcastle United.

The Irons dominated the opening 40 minutes against Kevin Keegan's men at Upton Park, taking a two-goal lead through Mark Noble and Dean Ashton.

But the Magpies flew back into the match, with Obafemi Martins and Geremi scoring twice in three minutes just before half-time to steal a decidedly fortunate share of the spoils.

Afterwards Curbishley, who also lost Freddie Ljungberg with a cracked rib, was delighted with his side's incisive attacking display but bemoaned the Hammers' inability to clinch the victory they clearly deserved.

"We played ever so well for 40 minutes and perhaps could have been a couple more in the lead," he said. "But we had a crazy couple of minutes, perhaps overplayed a little bit in the middle of the park, got caught with it and Barton played a terrific ball over the top and that is what Martins feeds on.

"Young James Tomkins just got caught under it, had to make a decision, but that's another learning curve for him.

"He's played ever so well again today, but he was playing against top class forwards there today, and that has turned the game back in their favour."

Just moments after Martins had outstripped Tomkins to clip home his side's first goal, Geremi flicked past Robert Green after the Nigerian's shot had bounced into the ground.

Being pegged back was harsh on the home side, who had completely controlled proceedings and the Irons boss insisted his side would have taken the three points if they had held their 2-0 lead until half-time.

"We just needed to get through that last couple of minutes," he added.

"I was delighted with the way we played, for the whole game really, but obviously two wasn't enough."

Despite the Hammers' inability to keep hold of their lead, Curbishley and his players received a seal of approval from the Boleyn Ground faithful, who just a week before had marked the 2-1 win over Derby County with widespread jeers.

"There was a different atmosphere today from the start," observed the Irons manager. "Going into the game against Derby, no disrespect to them but the expectation levels were high.

"I think everyone was disappointed by last week, the fans and ourselves, and the reaction, when you sit down and think about it, wasn't the best.

"We asked them to get behind us today and we responded. I was really pleased with the support we got today and it does make a difference."