A goal from Crystal Palace skipper Neil Shipperley denied West Ham United Preimership football next season.
The goal in the 61st minute was enough to settle the tie at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater was able to block Andy Johnson's shot but was powerless to prevent Shipperley slotting home from close range.
West Ham were not without their chances and Nico Vassen had to be in fine form to prevent Bobby Zamora scoring for the Hammers on 19 minutes after he was sent clear with a pass from Michael Carrick.
Steve Lomas also tested the Palace keeper on 57 minutes and Hammers had the ball in the net twice through David Connolly and Zamora but both were ruled out.
Hammers manager Alan Pardew switched things around replacing Zamora and Marlon Harewood, but subs Brian Deane and Nigel Reo-Coker were unable to bring West Ham back on level terms.
Published Monday May 31, 2004
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