The Hammers were gifted a goal in the first minute when Marlon Harewood scored and dominated play before adding their second through Matthew Etherington in the last minute.

It was Ipswich's first home defeat of the season and o­nly the second time they have failed to score in a league match - their other blank came in the 2-0 defeat at Sunderland o­n November 21.

It was a disastrous opening for Ipswich when Richard Naylor and goalkeeper Kelvin Davis hesitated over who should deal with a back pass from Matt Richards.

Davis tried to control the ball but lost possession to Harewood, who steered it into an empty net.

West Ham had an effort controversially disallowed in the 16th minute when Nigel Reo-Coker fired into the net from a free-kick - but Malky Mackay was flagged offside.

The second goal came after Harewood cut in from the right. Sergei Rebrov had a shot blocked but Etherington fired in the rebound.

Hammers' boss Alan Pardew said: "They gifted us an early goal but we were excellent from the kick-off and gave an outstanding display.

"We have shown we can beat the top teams. Consistency and concentration level have been problems for us.

"We've had a tricky run with injuries and suspensions but now we must try to become the best team in the division for the second half of the season.

"Ipswich were the best team in the first half. They were a great side, and still are. They will take come catching."

Pardew had special praise for Gavin Williams, the recent signing from Yeovil.

He continued: "He showed great quality and had a splendid game.

"If he can maintain the same level he can become a big player for us."

Pardew revealed that three or four of his players had been suffering from flu overnight.

The Hammers boss explained: "We had a roll call before the match. I told the players I wanted no excuses.

"Matthew Etherington was o­ne of those who were suffering but he did really well and deserved his goal. Luke Chadwick was the o­nly o­ne to miss out.

"We have great expectations but I must not get too carried away. If we can steer clear of injuries we have a great chance of promotion, as good as anybody.

"We broke well today and could have three or four more goals."

Ipswich manager Joe Royle said: "Our start killed us and it took us half an hour to settle down.

"Give West Ham credit, they were o­ne to 11 better than us o­n the day. The early goal gave them such a boost.

"We never threatened to score and they could have had more.

"We have had no post mortem and no tea cups were thrown.

"Our lads have done tremendously well so far this season to reach the top of the table. We'll have a right go to stay there.

"I will be making changes at Plymouth but not because I am blaming anybody - it will be just to give people a rest.

"It just wasn't us today. We can do better than that. I didn't make changes at half-time because I wanted to give the players who started a chance to get better.

"Shefki Kuqi took a heavy knock o­n his calf. Darren Bent is not at his best at the moment and when Dean Bowditch came o­n I thought he did better."