Last updated on .From the section Football

Ipswich's former Sunderland and Celtic striker Daryl Murphy is enjoying his most prolific season

Striker Daryl Murphy scored twice to take his tally for the season to 21 as Ipswich moved to within two points of the automatic promotion spots.

The in-form striker, 31, headed Ipswich in front from a fifth-minute Jay Tabb corner and then curled in another to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

Ross McCormack tapped in his 12th goal of the season 16 minutes from time as Fulham threatened a comeback.

But Christophe Berra almost added a third for Ipswich.

With Championship leaders Bournemouth only drawing and Middlesbrough and Derby both in FA Cup action, Ipswich capitalised with a first away win in three attempts.

Murphy made it three goals in four games as his header sneaked past Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli and just inside the far post.

But Bettinelli had no chance when Murphy doubled the visitors' lead in the final minute of the first half, collecting a pass from Tyrone Mings before calmly locating the bottom corner.

Fulham improved after the break with Hugo Rodallega heading just over the bar before they were gifted a goal.

Ipswich defender Tommy Smith failed to deal with a cross from Konstantinos Stafylidis and McCormack was left with a simple finish from eight yards out to claim his 12th goal of the season.

However, Fulham were unable to build on that and Berra was denied another goal for Ipswich by a goal-line clearance from Stafylidis as the Cottagers' winless run stretched to six games.