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Sears scored his fourth goal in his last four games for Ipswich

Ipswich strengthened their place in the Championship play-off positions with a victory over Cardiff.

Unbeaten in five home games, Town made the perfect start when Freddie Sears fired in via a deflection in the third minute.

Eoin Doyle's header levelled the scores before Cole Skuse's superb drive gave the home side the lead again.

Daryl Murphy's late strike sealed the win, which takes Town three points clear of seventh-placed Brentford.

Ipswich Town's remaining games 18 April: Wolves (away) 25 April: Nottingham Forest (home) 2 May: Blackburn (away)

Ipswich had started the evening in the last of the play-off spots, but only on goal difference from the Bees.

However, this win - which is Town's third win in five games - coupled with a 1-0 defeat for Mark Warburton's side at Sheffield Wednesday, means there is now a points gap between the sides.

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy had described the match as "must-win" and his team got off to the perfect start through Sears, who collected a long ball forward and outmuscled Bruno Ecuele Manga before finding the net via a deflected shot off the defender.

Cardiff were level five minutes later through Doyle's close-range header but parity did not last long as Skuse rifled in his first goal for Ipswich from 30 yards to restore the hosts' lead.

The fourth goal was always likely to be crucial and so it proved as Murphy was released by Skuse to slot a timely third under David Marshall in the final minute.

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy:

"We might not be the best team but we are as tough as anyone and a real threat.

"After seeing the results, we are delighted but we go to Wolves on Saturday. While I know someone will get a slap in the last game of the season."

Cardiff manager Russell Slade told BBC Radio Wales:

"I thought it was a really decent performance, 3-1 was a little bit harsh on us.

"I thought we were well in the game and I thought we created a few chances.

"We are disappointed with one or two of the individual errors we made."