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Daryl Murphy scored just his second goal in seven matches

Ipswich moved up to fifth place in the Championship with victory over Nottingham Forest to improve their play-off prospects.

Daryl Murphy scored his 25th league goal of the season as he swept the ball into the the net after good work in the box from Freddie Sears.

However, Forest equalised when defender Christophe Berra scored an own goal nine minutes into the second half.

But Sears' deflected shot beat Karl Darlow to give Ipswich a vital win.

Nerves were evident in the host's game in the early exchanges as they struggled, with Henri Lansbury and Ben Osborn going close for Forest.

The Tractor Boys' confidence grew and striker Murphy scored following a brilliant one-two. The Championship's leading scorer headed the ball on to his strike partner Sears inside the box, before the ball was flicked back to Murphy, who fired into the net.

History-maker Murphy Daryl Murphy became the first Ipswich Town player in 52 years to score 25 league goals

In the second half Arsenal loanee Chuba Akpom played a crucial role in Forest's equaliser, evading four players before seeing his shot cleared by keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

However, Osborn sent the ball straight back into the box and as Berra stooped low he sent the ball into the back of his own net.

Forest continued to attack but with seven minutes left Sears scored his fourth successive goal at Portman Road. His shot took a big deflection off Michael Mancienne, looped into the air and in.

With Derby only managing to draw against relegation-threatened Millwall, Ipswich only need a win away to Blackburn to secure their play-off place.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy:

"We may not have deserved to win but the reality is that we won and that's all that matters at this stage of the season.

"You would have thought that 78 points would have been enough, but everyone involved in the promotion race has been excellent.

"We have given ourselves a great chance to be involved in the play-offs, but we still have some work to do."

Forest boss Dougie Freedman:

"Over the last five games, the commitment and spirit has been there. We are just lacking a little at both ends of the pitch.

"I have got a good squad here and there was not a lot in that game. I definitely think it will click and the players have shown again that they are going to keep going and give their all for this football club."