Jewell hails hard-working Town

Allardyce naturally disappointed by Hammers thumping

Last Updated: February 1, 2012 12:49am

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Manager Paul Jewell has branded Ipswich's 5-1 demolition of Championship leaders West Ham a 'victory for hard work and determination'.

The Blues put their recent troubles behind them to complete a double over the Hammers and notch an emphatic first win of 2012.

Seven matches had elapsed since their last victory but they were always in command at Portman Road.

Michael Chopra gave them a dream start and then Daryl Murphy's goal and a penalty from Lee Martin - either side of a consolation from Jack Collison - made it 3-1.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas smashed a fourth just after the hour and then added a fifth in stoppage time.

Sweeter

"It was a great result but even sweeter to get a performance too," said Jewell. "West Ham are a very good team and I've got no doubts they'll get promoted.

"We started well and then rode our luck from one or two set-plays. But overall it was a victory for hard work and determination.

"We worked exceptionally hard, hunted in packs and didn't want to give them any time on the ball. We hassled them all over the pitch and played some good stuff of our own.

"It was a great tonic for everyone but we've had false dawns before this season. One swallow doesn't make a summer and we've got another tough game at Coventry on Saturday. We'll go into it with a bit more confidence now, though."

Shocked Hammers boss Sam Allardyce said: "I was bitterly disappointed. I didn't expect us to put on such a poor performance defensively.

"That's been our ultimate strength this season, especially away from home, but as a defensive unit we just disintegrated.

"Ipswich came out of the blocks quicker than us and exposed the gaping holes we left in our back four. When you do that you get punished.

"We were very, very poor in that department and that's why we lost the game.

Poor

"Even when we clawed our way back we didn't have the organisation or communication to make sure we got through to half-time, so I could sort one or two things out.

"Ipswich were great and took full advantage of us not being on song.

"They stuck their chances away when they came their way, so from a football point of view it's been a shock and a really bad day."