Ipswich extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches with two-goal super-sub Darren Bent condemning patched-up Preston to a fifth consecutive defeat.

Town's steady march up the table continues to gather momentum, but the scoreline was a little harsh on Craig Brown's injury-hit side.

Marcus Bent headed home his fifth goal of the season to give Ipswich a slender half-time lead, the 24-year-old striker powering home Jim Magilton's free-kick on the half-hour mark.

His namesake Darren headed the second eight minutes after replacing Pablo Counago in the second half and the same player killed off the Lilywhites four minutes from time.

Preston boss Brown was chasing his first league win in five matches without 10 first-team players as the Deepdale injury crisis threatens to scupper their season.

David Lucas, Richard Cresswell, Rob Edwards, Michael Keane and Ricardo Fuller were all sidelined with injury.

While Graham Alexander, Chris Lucketti, Dickson Etuhu, Paul McKenna and Mark Rankine missed out through suspension.

Ipswich, unbeaten in their last seven matches, made a flying start with Spaniard Counago twice going close from long range without testing debutant Jonathan Gould in the Preston goal.

The home side dominated the opening exchanges.

It was not until the 22nd minute that Preston had their first shot on goal, David Healy's 20-yarder curling wide.

But Ipswich continued to press, and Preston defender Marlon Broomes did well to block Tommy Miller's goalbound 25-yard effort.

Town then took the lead when Magilton swung in a free-kick from the left, and Marcus Bent rose highest to head powerfully home from close range.

Marcus Bent almost doubled his tally immediately after the restart, but Gould was alert to his 25-yard shot and held on.

Preston then enjoyed their best spell. Tyrone Mears' cross was scrambled clear, as was Eddie Lewis' subsequent corner.

Thomas Gaardsoe then denied Pawel Abbott on the end of another dangerous Lee Cartwright cross.

But the Tractor Boys delivered a hammer blow in the 73rd minute.

Royle had just sent on Darren Ambrose for Magilton, and from his corner Hreidarsson flicked on for Darren Bent to head beyond Gould to make it 2-0.

With their tails up Ipswich looked to kill the game, Ambrose's scorcher blocked by Murdock and Darren Bent's stinging 20-yard volley well held by Gould.

But Royle's side settled the issue with four minutes remaining when Darren Bent drilled home his second and Ipswich's third low into the bottom right-hand corner.

BBC