Impressive Ipswich win at Watford

Goals from Alun Armstrong and Jamie Clapham within 12 minutes of the restart gave Ipswich a well-earned victory over play-off chasing Watford.

Ipswich handed a debut to new signing Paul Gerrard, although he was a virtual spectator in the opening skirmishes as Town went for the all-important first goal.

Armstrong was the first to threaten for Ipswich, but he failed to find the target from outside the area.

Thomas Gaardsoe also fired wide from further out just moments later.

Watford keeper Alec Chamberlain then had to act quickly to cut out a cross from Fabian Wilnis, before saving a header from Jim Magilton.

Chamberlain's counterpart at the other end, Gerrard, did well to snuff out the danger posed by Allan Nielsen.

Ipswich started the second half in the ascendancy and took the lead on 51 minutes.

Darren Bent provided the killer pass, and Armstrong drilled in a right-footed effort from outside the box that flew into the top corner

Bent then headed over as the Hornets struggled to hang on, before Town did add a second goal on 57 minutes.

Hermann Hreidarsson provided the assist, and Clapham unleashed a brilliant shot from the edge of the area that gave Chamberlain no chance.

Clapham almost added a third shortly after with a left-footed volley that Chamberlain did well to stop.

Tommy Smith, Marcus Gayle and Jermaine Pennant had late chances to pull one back for Watford, but Ipswich held on for a much-needed three points.

BBC