West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has heaped praise upon his players following their 2-0 win against Cardiff in the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final.

Two goals from Jack Collison gave the Hammers a comfortable lead to take into the second leg at Upton Park next week, and Allardyce believes that the win was fully deserved.

"We were excellent, we asked the lads to control their emotions on a big night like this, not to cause a problem for ourselves and I thought they handled the pressure excellently and played very well indeed," he told Sky Sports News.

"Tactically we did everything right and nullified Cardiff to minimal chances on their own ground and getting forward was outstanding and chances were created, scored and a lot missed.

"It has been a great night for us and it is only 90 minutes of a two-legged affair and anything could still happen, the onus is on us to see it through and there is no pressure on Cardiff and mentally we have to be right for it."

The winners of this semi-final will face either Birmingham City or Blackpool in the playoff final at Wembley on May 19.