ASHTON-ISHING

West Ham 2, Wigan 1

DEAN ASHTON burst out of the blocks in the manner of Usain Bolt as he sought to convince Fabio Capello he should be the spearhead of England’s 2010 World Cup campaign.

West Ham hitman Ashton struck twice in the opening 10 minutes and looked in irresistible form — as did the Hammers.

But Ashton, who seems to be cursed every time there is an international call-up around the corner, departed in the 73rd minute after pulling up following a wayward free-kick.

Boss Alan Curbishley said: “We’re hoping it’s no more than an attack of cramp and that Dean will be available for England’s friendly against the Czech Republic on Wednesday if called up.

“He is an important player for us and looks very sharp.”

It was not just Ashton who went lame, though. After half-time the Hammers completely lost their footing as Wigan — inspired by Wilson Palacios — made a storming comeback.

Weight

In truth, Steve Bruce’s side were unlucky not to have come away with the win, let alone getting a draw.

They certainly did not deserve to lose.

Bruce said: “We’ve come to their backyard and given them a right going over. After half-time, especially, we slaughtered them.”

It was a huge relief for Curbs, who needs to get off to a good start to ease some of the pressure that has started to surround him.

Maybe he deserved the break, although the truth was Ashton’s goal touch proved the difference between the two sides.

A full pre-season training has obviously got Ashton — who broke a leg when he first trained with England in 2006 — close to peak fitness.

He certainly looked a few pounds leaner.

Curbishley confirmed: “He has worked hard in the summer and lost some weight by changing his diet.”

It took just three minutes for him to emphasise the point. French midfielder Julien Faubert, who missed virtually all of last season, glided a cute ball into Ashton from the right flank.

Ashton swivelled, easily beat Paul Scharner then smashed his shot into the roof of the net — drawing a wide grin from Capello, who was sitting in the directors’ box.

Seven minutes later, Ashton was taking the high- fives again as the Hammers assumed full control.

Calum Davenport hooked on Faubert’s corner and Ashton pounced to flick home No 2.

After the break, it was all different as the Latics came back a completely reformed team. Where they had been lacklustre they were now full of running and so much stronger.

Within two minutes of the restart Wigan had pulled one back — and what a glorious goal it was.

Emile Heskey’s header across the box fell invitingly for Amr Zaki, on a year’s loan from Egypt, who lashed a glorious left-foot volley beyond Rob Green.

From then on it was virtually one-way traffic with Honduran midfielder Palacios a relentless force and Olivier Kapo not far behind.

This time last year, Palacios was on trial at Arsenal.

Moaned

Shown the door by the Gunners, he had to wait until January to be signed by Bruce at the JJB.

Bruce said: “Palacios was sensational. The window can’t close soon enough as far as I am concerned because, if he carries on playing like that, it won’t be long before a lot of clubs are after him.

“It was a stunning all-round midfield display.”

Zaki had plenty of chances but could not repeat that 47th-minute strike as West Ham somehow clung on.

Bruce moaned: “You can’t expect to give two early goals away and score three to win — but we could and should have done.”

Should Capello be looking to Aston to end his striker problems?

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