Wolves 0 West Ham 2 By Ken Gaunt, Press Association Sport

Mick McCarthy saw his Wolves side pay the price for poor defending on their return to the Premier League after a six-year absence.

Mark Noble and Matthew Upson both took advantage to secure the three points for West Ham with goals either side of half time.

It was just the start manager Gianfranco Zola was looking for against the newly-promoted side.

In contrast Wolves boss McCarthy knows they will have to learn their lessons sooner than later if they are not to face an uphill struggle this season.

The home side made a bright start, however, and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake headed over the bar from a good position in the 14th minute following a cross from Stephen Ward.

Wolves were looking busy in front of their raucous supporters, clearly enjoying life back in the top flight.

Andy Keogh then tried to curl a shot beyond goalkeeper Robert Green, only for his effort to drift wide.

West Ham made the breakthrough after 22 minutes with Wolves caught napping.

Carlton Cole played the ball across the face of the area and Noble was given time and space to clip a shot over Wayne Hennessey.

Wolves were stunned but hit back in the 29th minute when Andy Keogh released Matt Jarvis but he could not get enough power or direction on his shot.

It was West Ham, though, who looked dangerous every time they went on the counter attack. Hennessey then did well to parry Cole's effort and the ball broke to Kieron Dyer.

He rattled in a shot, only for Craddock to clear off the line and concede a corner. Noble picked out Herita Ilunga with his delivery but he headed over the bar from a good position.

McCarthy's side were being exposed at the back and Jack Collison headed on Julien Faubert's long ball with ease in the 41st minute.

Collison, though, failed to pick out a team-mate and the home side were able to clear.

Wolves made a rousing start to the second half and Green did well to turn away Nenad Milijas's shot in the 47th minute after seeing it late.

However West Ham almost added a second six minutes later following a mistake by skipper Jody Craddock.

He played in Collison, who homed in on goal. He look certain to score from inside the six-yard area but tried to place it and Kevin Foley cleared off the line.

Collison was left shaking his head in frustration and little wonder after squandering a marvellous chance.

Milijas then picked out Ebanks-Blake with a neat through ball, only for the alert Green to block his effort.

Wolves continued to battle away with Milijas their best creative option but West Ham were looking comfortable.

He was given a rousing reception in the 90th minute when he was replaced by David Edwards.

West Ham could have added a third in the 82nd minute but Jimenez's shot came back off Hennessey's chest.

Wolves almost got a consolation goal a minute from time but Green blocked Stearman's effort following a cross from Halford.

Teams:

Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Foley (Vokes 75), Mancienne (Stearman 66), Craddock, Stephen Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake.

Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Surman, David Jones.

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga (Spector 65), Noble, Parker, Collison, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Cole (Nouble 90), Jimenez.

Subs Not Used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Payne, Hines.

Goals: Noble 22, Upson 69.

Att: 28,674

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).