A Daryl Murphy brace has helped Ipswich Town secure a narrow 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in Tuesday's Championship clash at Portman Road.
Within just two minutes of kickoff, the visitors found themselves in trouble when Murphy was released by David McGoldrick following a Matt Doherty slip.
The experienced Irishman went on to try a shot, but Carl Ikeme was able to save, play then being halted briefly for treatment on Doherty.
Murphy then struck a fierce effort from the angle of the Wolves area in the 12th minute, but his shot flew over the crossbar, and just a minute later, it was the visitors' turn to threaten when Bakary Sako narrowly fired wide.
The deadlock was subsequently broken with 10 minutes to play in the first half when Murphy, proving a handful all game, shrugged off his man before curling the ball beyond Ikeme and into the top corner.
Wolves did score an equaliser early on in the second period when James Henry's cross evaded everyone and ended up in the back of the net.
However, the Tractor Boys could rely on Murphy to get his side out of the mire, the 31-year-old latching on to McGoldrick's through-ball just before the hour before dinking the ball over Ikeme.
The game opened up thereafter, both sides eagerly pushing forward into the final third and registering chances on goal, but ultimately, the hosts held on for the win.
The result means that Ipswich leapfrog Wolves into fifth place, though both remain in the playoff zone.
Giuseppe Labellarte
