SIMON Charlton and Jussi Jaaskelainen were all smiles at the end but there was a point midway through the second half at Upton Park when the two Wanderers looked set to come to blows.

"It was a bit of 'handbags'," Charlton said, laughing off the 64th minute spat as the pair argued over who was responsible for allowing West Ham striker Frederic Kanoute three chances to score - all of which he missed.

"We were both furious with each other but it just goes to show we both still care, even though it was the end of the season and there was nothing at stake in the game.

"The two of us are pals and probably the most placid people around, yet we were ready to fight each other!"

Trevor Sinclair's quick free kick caused the initial problem. Kanoute stole in and when his first shot was saved at the near-post and rebounded off Charflton's shin, he managed to prod a second shot against the crossbar and with the defenders helpless, headed the rebound on top of the net.

"I should have probably cleared it," Charlton admitted, "but I saw Jussi jump up and and he was coming towards me. I thought he was going to stretch his hands out and take hold of the ball ... and in the end neither of us did anything."