Watford too strong for Ipswich Town

Watford scored two goals in quick succession in the second half to secure a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town in the Championship this afternoon.

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Manuel Almunia was called into action early on as Daryl Murphy looked for an eighth-minute goal, but the Watford keeper was able to keep the hosts level.

Despite Ipswich dominating the opening 20 minutes, it was Watford who took the lead when Albert Riera curled the ball past Dean Gerken after a break from the back.

Frank Nouble tried to set up an equaliser just before the break, crossing the ball in for Anthony Wordsworth, but the midfielder's header comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Both sides looked lively at the start of the second half, but it was Ipswich who made the most of their chances, as Wordsworth volleyed the ball in after Nouble's cross was deflected into the box.

Jonathan Williams came close to giving Mick McCarthy's side the lead when he picked out Luke Hyam in the box, but Almunia managed to tip it over.

The miss proved costly as the hosts took the lead again just two minutes later when Gabriele Angella was left unmarked in the box for a free header.

Watford added a third just moments later when Daniel Tozser beat several defenders before setting up Lewis McGugan, who powered it home from close range.

McGugan had a chance to claim his second shortly after, but he fired it just over from the edge of the box.

Ipswich continued to apply pressure late on, but they were unable to get themselves back into the match in the final minutes.

The result moves Watford up to 12th in the table, while Ipswich sit eighth, a point outside the playoff places.