Two goals in the final 20 minutes from Julien Faubert and Carlton Cole were enough to earn West Ham an away victory at League One MK Dons.

In a goalless first half, MK Dons ensured that they held their own, but West Ham’s Premier League class shone through in the second half to earn them victory.

Returning to action after a World Cup to forget with England, Rob Green look assured in the first half, but it was Carlton Cole that proved to be the match winner.

After making seven substitutes on the hour mark, Avram Grant’s side started to show their true colours and were quickly ahead.

Cole sent in a good cross in the 70th minute and Faubert managed to get himself across his defender to flick the ball into the net, thanks in part to a deflection.

Cole then made the game safe himself with a superb individual effort with just five minutes remaining to ensure victory for the Premier League side.

West Ham United: Green (Wessels 46), Tomkins, Gabbidon (Spector 46), Upson (Da Costa 46), Daprela (Ilunga 64), Kovac (Hitzlsperger 64), Parker (Noble 64), Diamanti (Faubert 64), Ben-Hatira (McCarthy 64), Stanislas (Boa Morte 64), Caraglio (Cole 64)