Ipswich Town survived a late scare to record a 2-1 win away at Fulham in this afternoon's Championship clash at Craven Cottage.
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The hosts began the game in rampant fashion, with Freddie Sears forcing a save from Marcus Bettinelli in the second minute and seeing another shot nearly creep in at the back post moments later.
Five minutes in, the Tractor Boys were a goal up as Daryl Murphy rose highest to nod a Jay Tabb corner into the net for his 20th goal of the season.
Ipswich continued to push forward in a bid to double their lead but had to be alert at the back as Alexander Kacaniklic forced a fingertip save from Bartosz Bialkowski half an hour in.
Fulham mustered the odd foray into the Ipswich third, but soon found themselves on the receiving end of another goal as Murphy curled an elegant effort into the top corner just before the break.
Kit Symons's charges began the second half in bright fashion as Ryan Tunnicliffe clipped an effort over the bar from 20 yards out, before Hugo Rodallega headed over from a dangerous cross moments later.
Ross McCormack was next to threaten for the hosts when he lashed a free kick high on the hour mark, but Ipswich replied through a saved Christophe Berra header.
Fulham were able to halve the deficit in the 74th minute, with McCormack reacting quickest to a Tommy Smith error to bundle home past Bialkowski.
However, Ipswich held out and were unlucky not to score again when Tyrone Mings's shot was cleared off the line before Berra's follow-up effort was held by Bettinelli.
The result means that Ipswich remain well in contention for automatic promotion by climbing to fourth, while Fulham sit 19th, just five points above the drop zone.
Giuseppe Labellarte
