"There was a lot to like": Ipswich Town edge closer to automatic promotion after 2 - 0 Derby win
Blues could overtake Sheffield Wednesday or Plymouth Argyle if either drop points over the next week or so
Ipswich Town are now within touching distance of the top of League One after a 2 - 0 win over Derby County at Pride Park.
Conor Chaplin opened the scoring for Ipswich int he 17th minute, with George Hirst doubling Town's lead late in the second half.
It's Ipswich Town's seventh consecutive win and eighth consecutive clean sheet. Blues now sit 3rd in League One, on 78 points, with league leaders Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Arygle both on 80 points.
If either were to drop points Town could take advantage and secure automatic promotion with just a handful of games to go.
Speaking after the match, Town boss Kieran McKenna said: "There was a lot to like today."
"We had good shape and started on the front foot. We took control of the ball in the early stages and that takes a lot of courage.
"After we got the goal, we held our shape and found good balance between defending our goal and having a threat on the counter-attack. We also took the ball well and played through pressure.
"The first goal was wonderful. It was a textbook counter-attack and I loved it so much. The ball across was brilliant and so was the cushioned header and finish.
"I don't think you'll see a better counter-attacking goal anywhere and it shows how the players and coaching staff have been working to develop that side of the game.
"Overall it was a tough game and we needed to show resilience as well as other qualities. That's what we did.
"Credit to the whole squad because the way we have worked for the last two weeks or so was evident in today's game plan and performance. It's a day to enjoy."