The smiles were well and truly restored to the faces of the Ipswich Town players and staff on their departure from Upton Park.

Joe Royle's charges returned to the scene of their play-off semi-final heartache of just four months ago to gain slight revenge over the East London giants.

Ipswich were overawed and outplayed by their Coca-Cola Championship rivals back in May, but on Saturday they sent out a warning to the rest of the division by taking a point off their promotion challengers.

While Ipswich can feel justifiably proud of their endeavour and hard work throughout the second half, a slice of good fortune was also on their side.

West Ham were in the driving seat having taken the lead after just 11 minutes through Malky Mackay.

Then England and Manchester United old boy Teddy Sheringham missed from the penalty spot later in the half.

Ipswich got on level terms on 57 minutes. A short corner from Jim Magilton saw Miller centre for Richard Naylor who saw his initial header blocked.

However, Counago was on hand to shield the ball, swivel, and fire it home from four yards.