A late Lee Bowyer goal sent West Ham crashing to a 1-0 home defeat to Ipswich Town this evening.

The uninspired Hammers never got out of second gear but appeared to be heading for a goalless draw. But Bowyer stunned the hosts in the 89th minute to end West Ham's seven-match unbeaten league run.

United handed a debut to striker Sam Baldock who partnered Carlton Cole in their attack. David Bentley was also given his first start for the Hammers as he replaced Matt Taylor while Baldock was brought into the side in place of Julien Faubert.

The only other change for the Irons was the return to the side of James Tomkins in place of Winston Reid.

Ipswich created the first chance and they arguably should have taken the lead after just four minutes. Carlos Edwards’ cross fell perfectly for Chopra but the striker’s effort was well saved by Green.

The visitors were on the attack again and forced a corner when Jimmy Bullard’s strike was deflected out. Paul Jewell’s side had made a lively start and certainly settled the better of the two teams.

West Ham had made a very slow start to the match and were again fortunate not to concede the opener after 20 minutes. Bowyer’s first shot was blocked but the ball fell to the midfielder and his curling strike cannoned off the cross bar.

The Hammers finally worked the ball into the Ipswich half and almost gave the supporters something to shout about when Henri Lansbury’s long-range shot flew just past David Stockdale’s post.

West Ham threatened from a corner kick midway through the half but Abdoulaye Faye’s header just cleared the top of Stockdale’s goal.

The home fans were getting increasingly disgruntled and another groan echoed around Upton Park after possession was lost and Ipswich skipper Grant Leadbitter rifled in a low shot which stung the fingers of Green.

David Bentley’s free-kick at the end of the half floated straight into Stockdale’s arms and the Hammers had work to do after an uninspired first 45 minutes.

The Hammers had the first shot on target in the second half when Cole cut inside and struck an effort which was comfortably saved by Stockdale.

West Ham worked themselves into another decent position after 53 minutes but Joey O’Brien’s finish lacked composure as it rose well over the bar.

Ipswich were still very much in the game and they had another sight of goal when Leadbitter’s half-volley landed in the arms of Green.

Sam Allardyce made changes 19 minutes into the second half to try and inject more life into his side. John Carew replaced Cole while Jack Collison was introduced for Lansbury.

Edwards let fly from 30 yards and his powerful strike was not too far away from the post. It was another warning sign that the Tractor Boys were not settling for a point.

Ipswich again went close in the final ten minutes when Aaron Cresswell’s 30-yard strike was tipped over by Green.

But the visitors claimed all three points when they struck in the 89th minute. Ipswich's corner was deflected onto the woodwork and fell invitingly for Bowyer to smash the ball home.

West Ham: Green; Faye, O’Brien, McCartney, Tomkins; Nolan, Noble (Faubert, 88), Bentley, Lansbury (Collison, 64), Cole (Carew, 64), Baldock

Ipswich Town: Stockdale; Cresswell, Collins, Sonko, Leadbitter; Edwards, Bowyer, Andrews, Bullard, Scotland (Ellington, 85), Chopra

Referee: Keith Stroud

Attendance: 27,709