If their finishing had lived up to the rest of their excellent work they could have doubled the scoreline against a pathetic Swindon, reduced to 10 men after defender Craig Taylor was dismissed for a deliberate handball.

That incident came after just six minutes and Ipswich's Mark Venus gatefully converted from the penalty spot after Taylor had made a flying full-length save to keep out a shot from Matt Holland, with goalkeeper Jimmy Glass stranded yards out of his area.

Taylor should have known better. Having already committed an identical offence against Bradford City earlier this season, yesterday's effort did not endear him to team-mates.

Ipswich are pushing strongly for promotion and their class was all too evident. But even so, Swindon earned few marks for their poor tactics, discipline and spirit.

Jamie Scowcroft extended Ipswich's lead after 18 minutes following a fine through ball from Adam Tanner. Five minutes later, Tony Mowbray was left unmarked at the far post to head in a Jamie Clapham corner. Then Clapham scored when left unmarked at the far post in the 44th minute following an excellent run and cross from Ipswich's outstanding performer, Fabian Wilnis.

There were periods in the first half when Ipswich were just happy to keep possession, much to the fury of the local fans who seemed unable to decide who they wanted sacked first - their defence or directors.

They got a fifth in the 61st minute, Venus scoring his second from the penalty spot after David Johnson had been fouled by Alan Reeves, and the sixth came in the 75th from a strike from their classy Dutch defender Wilnis.

Ipswich must have lost count of the chances they spurned in the second half. Johnson, in particular, was the worst offender and could have easily landed a hat-trick. But no-one in the Ipswich camp will be complaining as they continue their relentless march towards the Premiership.

Daily Telegraph