<p> German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, playing his first match since joining from Lazio in June 2010, gave the hosts an early advantage and two neat finishes by Cole, a header from Winston Reid and a late strike from Freddie Sears sent the Hammers through to a last-eight clash at Stoke City. <br /><br />West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green pulled off early saves from Burnley’s Chris Eagles and Jay Rodriguez as the visitors started well but Hitzlsperger’s fierce long-range strike in the 23rd minute settled the home side down. Cole beat the offside trap twice in the opening minutes of the second half, scoring first with a left-foot poke after a poor touch and then with a curling effort from the edge of the box. <br /><br />New Zealand defender Reid headed home Hitzlsperger’s corner in the 59th minute before Rodriguez claimed a consolation for the Championship (second division) side. <br /><br />Striker Sears smashed home a last-minute effort to complete a satisfying evening for the Upton Park faithful. <br /><br />West Ham languish 19th in the Premier League standings but have enjoyed success in cup competitions this season with manager Avram Grant also leading them to the League Cup semifinals.</p>
<p> German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, playing his first match since joining from Lazio in June 2010, gave the hosts an early advantage and two neat finishes by Cole, a header from Winston Reid and a late strike from Freddie Sears sent the Hammers through to a last-eight clash at Stoke City. <br /><br />West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green pulled off early saves from Burnley’s Chris Eagles and Jay Rodriguez as the visitors started well but Hitzlsperger’s fierce long-range strike in the 23rd minute settled the home side down. Cole beat the offside trap twice in the opening minutes of the second half, scoring first with a left-foot poke after a poor touch and then with a curling effort from the edge of the box. <br /><br />New Zealand defender Reid headed home Hitzlsperger’s corner in the 59th minute before Rodriguez claimed a consolation for the Championship (second division) side. <br /><br />Striker Sears smashed home a last-minute effort to complete a satisfying evening for the Upton Park faithful. <br /><br />West Ham languish 19th in the Premier League standings but have enjoyed success in cup competitions this season with manager Avram Grant also leading them to the League Cup semifinals.</p>