Saints pile pressure on Ipswich

Southampton will be delighted with the three points

Ipswich 1-3 Southampton
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Rory Delap and Brett Ormerod struck to send Southampton on their way to their first ever Premiership victory over Ipswich at Portman Road.

Ormerod's goal was his first in the top flight since joining Southampton from Blackpool in December.

Finidi George scored on his return for Ipswich in only his second Premiership game of the year, but it proved little consolation.

Southampton's Chris Marsden wrapped up the points in some style with a skilfully executed solo strike late on.

  Key moments

52 mins: Rory Delap puts Southampton ahead

61 mins: Brett Ormerod doubles saints' advantage

82 mins: Finidi George halves Saints' lead

88 mins: Chris Marsden scores a classy solo goal

The result pushes Ipswich further towards the relegation zone and means they face a nervous end to the season.

George Burley had to make changes in defence with John McGreal suspended and Titus Bramble filling the breach.

Captain Jason Dodd was missing for Saints, who were also without regular front pairing James Beattie and Marian Pahars.

I was so pleased at how brave the lads were that they could continue to play with the score at 2-1

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan

Paul Telfer slotted in at right-back for the visitors and Delap partnered Matt Oakley in the centre of midfield.

Southampton started brightly but failed to provide a decent final ball in their opening exchanges.

Goalmouth action was scarce in the opening half-hour, and the nearest either side came to fashioning an opportunity came from goalkeeping errors.

First, Paul Jones spilled Martijn Reuser's cross from the right - but Marcus Bent failed to anticipate.

Then, at the other end, Andy Marshall's clearance was charged down by Delap, only for referee Mark Halsey to spot the use of a hand.

Ipswich's first effort on goal arrived nine minutes before the break when Marcus Stewart fed Reuser.

The Dutch winger forced Jones to scramble to his left to hold onto his low shot.

But it was Southampton who spurned the best chance as Bramble's loose ball enabled Kevin Davies a sight of the target.

Delap opened the scoring at his third attempt

Marshall fumbled his swerving effort from outside the area and Delap's follow-up hit the outside of the post when he might have done better.

After the break, Delap netted with his third chance of the match.

From a well-worked free-kick, Delap collected a backheeled pass before firing a low shot past Marshall via a deflection off Stewart.

We weren't strong enough today, especially at the back, and that will have to improve

Ipswich manager George Burley

After waiting so long for even a chance, the next goal arrived within ten minutes.

Matt Oakley's precise pass beat the offside trap and allowed Ormerod to double Saints' lead.

A scrambled effort from George, following Mark Venus' corner, gave the home side hope - but they did not really deserve more than that.

Marsden ensured the hope was short-lived when he produced a mazy run and a fine finish to cap a solid performance from the visitors.

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Ipswich: Marshall, Makin (Wright 56), Bramble, Venus, Hreidarsson, George, Holland, Magilton, Reuser (Clapham 56), Stewart (Counago 77), Marcus Bent.

Subs Not Used: Sereni, Armstrong. Goals: George 82.

Southampton: Jones, Delap, Lundekvam, Williams, Bridge, Telfer, Marsden, Oakley, Svensson, Davies, Ormerod (Tessem 78).

Subs Not Used: Moss, El Khalej, Fernandes, Bleidelis.

Booked: Williams.

Att: 25,440

Ref: M Halsey (Welwyn Garden City).