DEAN Ashton has hit out at the West Ham fans who jeered Luis Boa Morte during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

Boa Morte, who has struggled to find his best form since joining the Irons from Fulham in January 2007, appeared as a 22nd minute replacement for the injured Freddie Ljungberg.

However, the boos rang around the Boleyn Ground as soon as some fans saw the Portuguese player removing his tracksuit top, leaving Ashton angry.

The striker said he was generally impressed with the matchday atmosphere, but that he and his team-mates were disappointed with the treatment meted out to Boa Morte.

"It seemed like a full house and obviously we are really pleased that we put in a better performance at last and probable should have won," said Ashton, alluding to some supporters' negative reaction to last week's 2-1 home win over relegated Derby County.

"But still Luis Boa Morte doesn't deserve to be booed before he's come on to the pitch because he gives his all out there and the lads all know that so we were disappointed about that."

While Boa Morte struggles to win the home fans over, 24-year-old Ashton is more than happy with his recent own upturn in form.

The former Crewe Alexandra and Norwich City man has scored three times in his last six appearances and finally appears to be over the ankle and knee injuries that have blighted his career over the past two seasons.

And Ashton is keen to hit the net again - taking his season's tally to 10 - in the final two Premier League fixtures of the season.

"I feel that if I can get a run of games I will score goals. I believe in myself like that," he added.

"I've played five-or-six of the last seven games and have got a few goals so I'm really pleased with that."