Gaardsoe nodded home an early corner and Rob Hulse continued his excellent form by grabbing a second moments later as the First Division leaders continued to show their promotion credentials.

Royle named new signing Chris Bart-Williams in his starting line-up after securing the midfielder on a one-month loan from Charlton, but the struggling visitors were under pressure throughout the first half.

Sean Gregan's seventh-minute shot flew straight at Kelvin Davis, who did well to hold the ball, before Lee Hughes fired high over the crossbar from a promising position.

But with 11 minutes gone, Royle's backline displayed the problems which have left the club near the bottom of the table as the Baggies grabbed the lead.

Bernt Haas' cross into the box was scrambled behind but Koumas delivered a dangerous corner which the unmarked Gaardsoe nodded into the net.

Koumas then drove a 30-yard strike narrowly wide and the intense pressure told again when Hulse claimed his fifth goal of the season after 16 minutes.

Davis could only parry a free-kick from Welsh international Koumas and more suspect defending left Hulse alone to steer the rebound over the line.

Ipswich were nearly finished on 25 minutes when a shot from Gaardsoe crashed back off the woodwork, again the result of a perfect delivery from Koumas, but Town's defenders quickly tightened up to prevent a greater deficit at the interval.

Two goals from summer signing Rob Hulse, one from Thomas Gaardsoe and an own goal by Town defender Drissa Diallo sent Joe Royle's side - who have managed only two points in their six league games so far - plummeting to the bottom of the table.

There was scant consolation for the Tractor Boys with a 63rd-minute goal from Richard Naylor.

icBirmingham