Dean Hammond's early header has Brighton ahead against Ipswich Town heading into the break at Portman Road.

Nigel Reo-Coker had the game's first strike on goal in the early stages, blazing over from the edge of the area on his return to the Ipswich starting XI.

Brighton grew in confidence and took the lead after 15 minutes when Hammond made a dart to the near post and glanced home Andrea Orlandi's corner for his second of the season.

Craig Mackail-Smith doubled the visitors' advantage 10 minutes before the break with a measured finish off the post from the edge of the penalty area.

Ipswich tried to respond but trail at the break to a Brighton side who are in complete control.