Boss Joe Royle was had no complaints after his side's 2-0 home defeat to West Ham. The Town manager confirmed that he will rest one or two players for the game at Plymouth on Monday.

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 teacups 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."

Striker Dean Bowditch was a sub against West Ham and may be one of the players recalled at Home Park, especially as Royle says he has an injury concern in his frontline: "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."

Hammers' boss Alan Pardew admitted his team's first goal was a belated Christmas present: "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."

The former Reading manager said that the flu bug which has affected his squad since earlier in the week reduced the numbers he had available: "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."

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