Brighton & Hove Albion cruise past Ipswich Town

Brighton & Hove Albion struck three times without reply at Portman Road to end Ipswich Town's fine run of form this afternoon.

Nigel Reo-Coker had the game's first strike on goal in the early stages, blazing over from the edge of the area on his return to the Ipswich starting XI.

Brighton grew in confidence and took the lead after 15 minutes when Dean Hammond made a dart to the near post and glanced home Andrea Orlandi's corner for his second of the season.

Craig Mackail-Smith doubled the visitors' advantage 10 minutes before the break with a measured finish off the post from the edge of the penalty area.

Mick McCarthy brought on Michael Chopra and Jason Scotland after the break but his side fell further behind on 67 minutes thanks to a thunderbolt from Wayne Bridge.

The full-back got his fourth of the season with a strike from distance to put the result beyond doubt and help guide Gus Poyet's side back in the playoff picture.