Southampton 1-0 West HamA headed goal from Jos Hooiveld sent Southampton five points clear at the top of the Championship table.
Hooiveld's goal came just before half time, and West Ham's 'Route One' style was unable to beat Kelvin Davis in the second half.
The Hammers made the brighter start and Matt Taylor forced an early good save from Davis. Saints dominated possession and territorially in a gritty first half, but produced very little to test Manuel Almunia.
Baldock forced another good save from Davis, and the defensive scare seemed to rally Saints. Rickie Lambert and David Connolly found it hard to make an impact - with Richard Chaplow pulling the strings in the absence of Adam Lallana.
Saints' persistence paid off when Hooiveld leapt to meet a corner and his thumping header was too strong for the visitors to stop. It was a big blow for West Ham, coming just before the break.
Sam Allardyce didn't give up on his preferred direct method of play. The Hammers were reliant on John Carew winning arial balls, but with little support and a strong centre-back pairing of Hooiveld and Jose Fonte - West Ham were short on ideas.
Southampton created several chances to increase their lead as they grew in confidence. Guly do Prado wasted several good opportunities, and Connolly shot wide from a tight angle.
A slip by Fonte allowed Baldock to race though on the Southampton goal, but his shot crept agonisingly wide. A good ball in by Mark Noble, deflected onto the post and away to safety, and despite a few nervy minutes late on - Saints hung on to record their 8th win of the season. Southampton have won all six home league games so far this season.
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