Tractor Boys roll over Southend

BILLY CLARKE came off the subs' bench to lead the charge at Roots Hall as the Tractor Boys rolled over Southend to end a run of three defeats - and leave the Shrimpers without a win in nine games.

Ipswich marched on, despite losing two players in the opening 24 minutes - and the second enforced change proved a blessing in disguise.

Keeper Lewis Price went off with a hip injury after an early clash with Matt Harrold, and Jon Macken limped away in the 24th minute.

He was replaced by Clarke, who had a ball. The kid scored within seven minutes of arriving to give Ipswich the lead by heading in a centre from the lively Jaime Peters.

Southend striker Freddy Eastwood tarnished his golden boy image with a dreadful miss in the last minute of the first half, firing wide with only substitute keeper Shane Supple to beat when allowed to run on from an offside position.

It proved a costly blunder as Ipswich struck twice in the opening five minutes of the second half to take control.

Sylvain Legwinski put them two up with a 20-yard volley after Adam Barrett's headed clearance fell to him. Then Clarke found Alan Lee, who beat Darryl Flahavan with a shot inside his near post.

Shrimpers' boss Steve Tilson pushed Simon Francis up front, and he scored with a left-foot shot in the 65th minute, while Peter Clarke headed against a post.

Legwinski was lucky to survive with only a yellow card after aiming a blow at Francis as he lay on the floor.

Jack Steggles (The People)