Pardew afraid he won't get lucky break

Alan Pardew has started to doubt he will get the break he desperately needs at West Ham.

The manager believes injuries, misfortune in the transfer market and his mistakes have damaged the club's fading play-off hopes.

A number of missed chances, a twisted knee for Matthew Etherington and a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Crewe at Upton Park last night confirmed that things are going from bad to worse.

Pardew should find out the situation on Friday when West Ham play Leicester at home. Defeat would probably spell the end to their promotion chances.

Pardew said: "It will be a pressure game and being on television will add to that. We have had a lot of setbacks this year. We don't seem to be able to get a clear run with injuries and it feels a little bit like the luck is not going to go our way.

"There are a lot of things I would have liked to have done differently since I took over. I have learned some harsh lessons."

Marlon Harewood added to Pardew's difficulties by missing an open goal in the 10th minute and wasting a handful of chances before and after Teddy Sheringham put West Ham ahead in the 76th minute. Crewe substitute Steve Jones headed in unmarked at the far post in the 90th minute for the equaliser.

Ray Lewington refused to be too critical of his Watford players after they squandered a twogoal lead to draw 2-2 with Leicester.