Blackpool 2-0 Ipswich

Paul Jewell’s misery continued as Blackpool condemned Ipswich to a fourth Championship defeat of the season.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher calmly tapped home Billy Clarke’s left-wing cross in the 49th minute to claim his second goal of the season.

And midfielder Barry Ferguson, ­signed from Birmingham, opened his account for the club with a fine finish on the hour.

The result saw the ­Tractor Boys lose further ground in the race for promotion and did no ­favours for Jewell, who has seen his side struggle badly defensively this term.

Blackpool, in contrast, have made a quietly ­impressive start to their campaign as they seek to make an immediate ­return to the Barclays Premier League.

The visitors started well, going close in the sixth minute when former Cardiff striker Michael Chopra fired goalwards from 12 yards but had his effort blocked by Ian Evatt.

Ipswich continued to build up a head of steam and threatened again in the 10th minute when Carlos ­Edwards hit a 35-yard effort which flew over the crossbar.

Blackpool finally ­settled with veteran striker Brett Ormerod ­firing a 18-yard shot which sailed just wide.

Chances grew scarce as the first half came to a close although Blackpool gradually increased the tempo.

Striker Kevin Phillips then hit a right-foot shot which David Stockdale fumbled and moments later Keith Andrews went close for Ipswich.

Yet Blackpool came out strongly after the restart and broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Clarke was afforded time and space down the left flank.

He delivered a cross for Taylor-Fletcher who fired home right-footed from six yards out.

Ferguson then tried his luck from distance but his 35-yard effort sailed over the crossbar.

However, the former Rangers man got on the scoresheet on the hour when he latched onto Ormerod’s fine pass and rifled home a shot from 12 yards out.

Blackpool began to pour forward and Clarke tried his luck with a 20-yard shot before midfielder Jimmy Bullard hit a long-range effort which missed the target.

Ipswich striker Daryl Murphy then had two late efforts to pull a goal back but missed the ­target on both occasions as Blackpool comfortably held on for victory.

Sunday Mirror