Ipswich 1-0 West Ham United - Managers Reaction

Ipswich Town boss Joe Royle admitted that he was about to take goalscorer Darren Bent off just before he scored the winner: "He was only just on the pitch. I was taking him off because he hadn't had a good game. But he's a real 'Johnny-on-the-spot' and I was glad he was there in the right place at the right time.

"We didn't have too many scares and it was nice to say we defended well. It was probably the crowd's best game of the season as well. Ten out of 10."

Meanwhile Town Captain Jim Magilton insisted that Town were good value for the victory, but they were only at half time: "We carried a threat today and deserved a goal but we're cautious and we know what will come at us on Tuesday night. We're only halfway there."

Meanwhile West Ham boss Alan Pardew felt although Town are now favourites for a Play Off Final spot, the tie was far from over: "You have to make them favourites. The Ipswich fans created a fantastic environment and made it tough for us. But if you think that was a good atmosphere wait until you see Tuesday night.

"The place will be jumping and it will be a different type of game. The fans will be absolutely essential at Upton Park. We'll see how they cope in what will be a hostile stadium."