Rotherham United 2 West Ham United 2

Ex-England star Teddy Sheringham and Marlon Harewood snapped up a penalty apiece in a four-minute spell that brought back a slice of Christmas cheer to West Ham.

Saw their team ripped off

The Londoners were crashing headlong towards a dismal defeat at the hands of bottom club Rotherham.

But they were handed a lifeline when referee Iain Williamson awarded two quick penalties to help them claim a precious point.

It sent the 2,000 travelling fans wild as they changed their tune from furious half-time choruses of "What a load of rubbish" as their side trailed 2-0.

It sparked fears of last season's nightmare when West Ham's defeat at Millmoor led to the sacking of Glenn Roeder.

Rotherham, fresh from a shock Boxing Day win at Leicester, showed no fear and deservedly went in front after 12 minutes.

A clearance dropped into the path of Andy Monkhouse who floated a cross and Martin Butler slipped in behind the defence, controlled with his chest and drove his first goal of his injury-ridden season.

The Hammers should have been level after 35 minutes, but for a top-drawer save from Mike Pollitt when he turned away Tomas Repka's point-blank header on to the post.

Top Scorer

A minute later Rotherham scored again. A corner was half cleared and Paul McLaren flighted a deep cross to the far post that was headed back by Chris Swailes and Martin McIntosh powered a header past Stephen Bywater for his fourth goal in the last four home games.

West Ham struggled to get back into the game after the break until the penalty double.

Pollitt brought down Harewood and Sheringham scored from the spot, then four minutes later Sheringham crashed down under a challenge from McIntosh and this time Harewood converted.

The visitors had the better chances in a hectic finish, but the Millers held on for a point.