Danny Murphy steered Ipswich further towards safety with the only goal in a narrow win over Barnsley.
Ipswich pull clear of drop zone with narrow win at Portman Road
Danny Murphy steered Ipswich further towards safety with the only goal in a narrow win over Barnsley.
The on-loan Sunderland striker picked up on a rebound to make sure of all three points for manager Roy Keane.
That victory looks to be enough to keep Ipswich safe this season and was a good reaction to their midweek defeat at Watford.
Defeat for Barnsley leaves them marooned in mid-table - six points off a play-off place.
Changes
Carlos Edwards - one of the four changes made by Keane - had already rattled a shot over from 25 yards when Murphy gave the hosts a fourth-minute lead.
Another player recalled to the starting line-up made the difference as Pablo Counago darted in from the left flank before chipping over onrushing goalkeeper Luke Steele.
The Spaniard was denied a fine solo goal as the ball struck the far post, but Murphy was on hand to slam in his sixth goal in 11 games for Ipswich from close range.
Defender Gareth McAuley came close to doubling the lead moments later but Steele made a fine reflex save to turn his header away from point-blank range.
The Tykes looked short of ideas and were struggling to come to terms with the sharpness of Town's passing, with Edwards again going close with a long-range drive.
The visitors improved after the break, and midfielder Nathan Doyle had an early effort but dragged his shot wide from the edge of the area.
Emil Hallfredsson then crossed for Filipe Teixeira to lash a shot over the top as Barnsley continued to press before Keane reacted by making a double change.
One substitute Jaime Peters almost made an instant impression but looped a header wide before David Norris hammered a shot on goal but straight at Steele.
Barnsley replacement Reuben Noble-Lazarus then forced Ipswich goalkeeper Brian Murphy into a decent stop with a deflected strike from 12 yards but the home side held on for three more points which lifted them eight points above the drop zone.
