Huddersfield Town manager Chris Powell felt his side's first-half performance in the impressive 2-1 win over Ipswich Town ranks as one of the best of the 2014/2015 season after sealing a much-needed three points.

Just two days after securing a late point at Sheffield Wednesday, Town were irresistible in the opening half and deservedly took a two-goal lead in at the interval thanks to goals from frontline duo Nahki Wells and James Vaughan.

Luke Varney pulled one back after the break but there was no grandstand finish from the disappointing visitors as Town held out with relative ease to record a first win in eight, much to Powell's satisfaction.

“That showed what we are capable of, but we know we haven’t done it enough. When we do things right it shows, as you saw today,” he said.

“The first-half performance was as good as we have been all season; it was outstanding.

“Nahki and Vaughany terrorised them, but it was a great all-round performance with Reece James making his home debut and Oscar (Gobern) coming in. We had a good balance.

“We only played 48 hours ago but the energy levels, passion and desire were superb.

“The turning point for us was Ishmael [Miller] equalising on Saturday. We could have come into this game on a bit of a downer otherwise. I’ve told the players afterwards that result has been coming.

In pictures: Huddersfield Town 2-1 Ipswich Town

“It wouldn’t be us without a little scare and that put us through it once again.

“We had to dig in during the second-half, but we did it well as they never really had a shot against Alex. We did very well against a side that is gunning for promotion.”

Powell was particularly pleased with the manner in which his charges managed to hold onto their lead despite Ipswich's attempts to stage a fightback, with the whole team as a collective working tirelessly from a defensive perspective.

“I have to say that Joel Lynch and Mark Hudson were outstanding; not only today, but also on Saturday at Sheffield Wednesday,” he added.

“We’ve spoken about our defensive work a lot and how to manage games at the end to see them out, as we have conceded too many goals late on.

“Our concentration levels have to be better and they were today. We managed the situation well by bringing on David Edgar and then Murray [Wallace].

“Young Reece [James] did really well today too. He’s a good user of the ball and I like the way he defended; he was diligent.

“There was more bite from Conor Coady today, which I wanted from him and he delivered.”