The Hammers were without Paulo Di Canio and Michael Carrick. Leeds United named an unchanged side.
It was the hosts who made the most positive of starts in the freezing yorkshire night, and took the lead in the fourth minute. A sweeping move from the right involving Danny Mills, Robbie Fowler and Alan Smith, ended with Smith's first time cross being volleyed in by Mark Viduka.
It was the Australian who doubled the Hammers misery two minutes later, powering in a header from five yards, following another cross from the right, this time from Danny Mills.
It was then the Hammers turn to attack, and Joe Cole went close from a cross from man of the moment Trevor Sinclair.
Cole again had a chance midway through the first half, his shot from 20 yards flying high over the bar, and had three corners, but were unable to get any efforts on target.
Eight minutes from the break, David James pulled off a great one handed save to prevent Mark Viduka from getting his hat-trick. James then repeated the feat two minutes from half time, this time from Alan Smith.
Half Time: Leeds United 2-0 West Ham United
The start to the second half was low key, but it was a Leeds who again had the first strike that sealed the game. Typically Lee Bowyer was involved. With the midfielder getting the ball stuck at his feet on the edge of the area, Robbie Fowler was on hand to see David James off his line, and beat him superbly with a quality lob.
Leeds took control from them on, and had a number of opportunities to increase their lead, but a combination of good David James saves, and poor Leeds finishing, meant there was no addition to the scoreline.
Glenn Roeder turned his attention to the upcoming FA Cup game with Macclesfield Town, and brought off Jermain Defoe and Frederic Kanoute, perhaps an indication that Paulo Di Canio may not be fit in time for that game.
Full Time: Leeds United 3-0 West Ham United