Ipswich maintained their challenge for automatic promotion to the Premier League as they confidently defeated Swansea 3-0 at Portman Road.

Their return to the Suffolk stadium after four straight games on the road came after man-of-the-match Anis Mehmeti gave them the lead with just three minutes on the clock.

Ivan Azon added the second in the 41st minute with an acute effort and substitute George Hirst added the gloss with 16 minutes remaining.

The result moved the Tractor Boys to within three points of second-placed Middlesborough - who visit Birmingham on Monday - and with a game in hand.

Ipswich got off to the perfect start through Mehmeti. It came following a flowing movement down the left involving Sunderland loanee Dan Neil and full-back Leif Davis.

The Town's number three crossed the ball into the penalty area where Swansea centre-back Ben Cabango stretched out a leg in a bid to clear the danger, but the ball fell to Mehmeti, who rifled his shot into the net past a despairing Lawrence Vigouroux in the City goal.

Eight minutes later, the Swans had the ball in the back of the net after Melker Widell's low cross was turned...