LACK OF FIRE AND RICE PUT SAM ON BRINK

Hammering leaves Allardyce facing final-day emergency

- MIKE WALTERS

FIREMAN SAM'S rescue act is not mathematically doomed yet, but Leeds must go into the last match against Tottenham without a safety blanket.

And manager Allardyce, parachuted in recently in a bid to save their Premier League status, could only watch as his team squandered a dream start.

This latest surrender came against a West Ham side entitled to be giddy with excitement after reaching their first European final in 47 years.

While David Moyes' men signed off at home for the season with commendable professionalism, Leeds were given the bird by their travelling fans.

And there will be few tears shed in bubble-blowing heartlands if Allardyce's latest Red Adair mission falls short.

Although he guided West Ham back into the top flight in a Wembley heist against Blackpool 11 years ago, Eastenders never took Big Sam to their hearts.