Sam Allardyce has asked West Ham United fans to remain patient after their push for automatic promotion hit a minor speed bump after a goalless draw with Crystal Palace earlier this afternoon.

Some of the Upton Park crowd booed the Hammers off after the final whistle and Allardyce said that some of his players were disappointed to hear the fans' jeers.

"As a manager you have to take it but one or two of the players in the dressing room were a little disappointed to get booed because we are at the top of the league," Allardyce said afterwards.

"You build up the expectation as we have done recently having done so well, and we didn't deliver. But the fans have to stay with us and have to be patient, and then we'll all benefit in the end."

Southampton went on to comfortably win their game this afternoon at Watford and reclaim top spot in the Championship.

The Saints, who are a point clear of the East London side, have however played a game more.