Fine diving save from O’Neil in first-half but on the end of two pile-drivers. Will be disappointed that Nolan headed in first from two yards out. 6
Kevin McNaughton
Back after hamstring problem and tried to add zip and zest going forward. But little chance to make impact, though remained defensively solid. 6
Mark Hudson (capt)
Managed to keep tighter hold on Cole than in first leg but failed to clear corner for first goal. Never stopped urging team on though in face of losing cause. 6
Ben Turner
Used his physicality to try and combat Cole threat and made some useful last-ditch challenges. But central defenders were picked off again in final moments. 6
Andrew Taylor
Will not recall play-offs with fondness. Culpable in first leg and allowed Hammers far too much space down his flank, though vulnerable without the presence of the covering Cowie. 5
Stephen McPhail
Provided composure on the ball and allowed Whittingham to play further forward but never able to tip balance Cardiff’s way. Couldn’t contain Vaz Te for second goal. 6
Aron Gunnarsson
Battled valiantly to stop Hammers’ midfield tide and set up one chance but outgunned. Says it all that his biggest mark on the contest was occasional long throw. 5
Liam Lawrence
At fault for first goal when ‘his man’ Nolan nodded ball into empty net. Energetic and competitive but wasteful too and moaning at officials won him few friends. 5
Peter Whittingham
Operated further forward with McPhail included but shadow of player who has often shone this season. Failed to sparkle in final third where City really needed him. 6
Joe Mason
Broke into the channels when he could but starved of decent service. The one time he did get a decent ball from Gunnarsson he failed to find a white shirt in the area. 6
Kenny Miller
Demanded a penalty after being bundled over by Reid but that summed up his fortunes. Confidence in front of goal has dried up and way off target with second-half effort. 5
Subs: Filip Kiss (for Miller 76), Don Cowie (for McPhail 76), Darcy Blake (for McNaughton 81).
Not used: Tom Heaton (gk), Robert Earnshaw.
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West Ham: R Green, G Demel, W Reid, J Tomkins, M Taylor, J Collison (H Lansbury 48), M Noble, G O’Neil, K Nolan (capt, G McCartney 79), C Cole (N Maynard 86), R Vaz Te, Subs not used: S Henderson (gk), J Faubert.
