Ipswich moved level at Sky Bet League One leaders Plymouth after a 2-0 win over Exeter at St James Park.
Freddie Ladapo headed in his fifth goal in as many games in all competitions to give Kieran McKenna’s men the lead and Marcus Harness assisted himself a minute after the break to seal a routine victory for Devon.
Marcus Harness celebrates after giving Ipswich a 2-0 lead at Exeter City
Exeter managed just one goal all game, with forwards Jay Stansfield and Jevani Brown unable to force themselves into the game enough.
The Tractor Boys remain second despite pressure from Argyle, while Gary Caldwell’s Grecians remain ninth, four points outside the play-off places.
How Ipswich boosted their promotion hopes
The first meeting between the teams since April 1957 got off to a slow start – and, of course, it continued through the first half at St James Park.
Ipswich were already top of the away table in League One, however, so it was little surprise when they took control of the game and almost took the lead when Harness’s connection was blocked by Jamal Blackman at point-blank range.
But they took the lead soon after, as Harness capitalized on some questionable defending from the hosts to keep the ball out for Ladapo to score his ninth goal of the season.
Exeter responded well to fall behind, and although Brown and Stansfield found trouble to get into the game, Alex Hartridge forced a great save from Christian Walton after the visitors struggled to clear their lines from a corner.
Grecians goalkeeper Jamal Blackman made a brilliant save minutes from time to deny Wes Burns and Ladapo, but was beaten again midway through the second half, as Harness lost his grip and headed home to seal the win. .
Player of the game – Marcus Harness
What’s next?
Ipswich are back in action on Tuesday, November 22 at 7.45pm, when they face Portsmouth in the last 32 of the Papa John’s Trophy.
Meanwhile, Exeter will be back on Saturday, November 26, when they travel to the Kassam Stadium to face Oxford United at 3pm in the FA Cup second round.
