Anderson and Murphy keep McCarthy's men in the hunt

Winger Paul Anderson boosted Ipswich's play-off hopes with an early belter to help his side claim a 2-0 win at lacklustre Huddersfield.

The visitors had already gone close twice through Daryl Murphy when Anderson curled in a beauty from the edge of the box after just six minutes.

Murphy, who also had other efforts in the first half, then doubled the lead on 33 minutes by poking home.

Christophe Berra turned the ball back in after Huddersfield only half-cleared a corner and the unmarked Murphy struck from close range for his 12th goal of the season.

Murphy grabbed the winner as the Tractor Boys came from a goal down to beat Huddersfield 2-1 at Portman Road in December.

Nothing went right for Huddersfield, who are now without a win in eight games and in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle.

Their night was summed up in the 39th minute when Ipswich keeper Dean Gerken made a hash of a clearance and left himself open to a lob.

The ball fell kindly for Huddersfield midfielder Oscar Gobern just outside the box but he took a swing and missed it.

Nahki Wells also created a chance for Danny Ward just before the break but the winger, who was off balance, shot wide.

There were no such problems for Ipswich, who controlled possession and had further chances through the industrious Jonny Williams.

The on-loan Crystal Palace star was involved when Luke Chambers saw a goalbound effort deflected over by Anthony Gerrard in the 18th minute.

Williams, who last week extended his loan at Portman Road until the end of the season, also twice put Murphy through in quick succession only for Huddersfield keeper Alex Smithies to deny him.

The Wales midfielder, 20, then shot straight at Smithies after speeding past Adam Clayton on a solo run two minutes before the break.

His workrate was so impressive that Williams was applauded by some home fans when he was substituted after 85 minutes.

Huddersfield boss Mark Robins made changes in a bid to pep up his side, with Sean Scannell coming on at half-time.

Academy product Duane Holmes entered the fray early in the second half and the pair did help lift Town's gloomy show.

But despite an improvement Ipswich held firm and the home side looked vulnerable to counter-attacks.

There were half-chances for Wells and Scannell while Smithies had to dash out to deny Stephen Hunt on a breakaway.

On another counter Anderson forced Smithies into a one-handed save from a tight angle after 72 minutes.

Holmes set up Gobern, who got Huddersfield's first shot on target with 10 minutes left, with Gerken saving with his legs.

Scannell shot wide on 83 minutes, though the visitors were not threatened again in their quest to reach the play-offs for the first time since 2005.

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