Top scorer Daryl Murphy was on target twice as Town defeated boss Mick McCarthy’s former club Wolves 2-1 at Portman Road. Murphy smashed home a brilliant opening goal in the 35th minute, the visitors got on terms via a James Henry fluke on 53 but the Irishman netted the winner six minutes later to take his season's total to 10.

Kevin Bru and Jay Tabb came into the Town side for the injured Cole Skuse and Teddy Bishop with the midfield duo out with groin injuries, along with keeper Dean Gerken and right-back Jonny Parr, while Jonny Williams was missing with a calf problem.

The Blues were first to threaten in the second minute, David McGoldrick feeding Murphy to his left and the Irishman hitting a powerful low shot which Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme claimed at the second attempt.

On six Stephen Hunt, playing on the right of the front three, crossed towards Murphy in the Wolves box. The ball ran loose and the grounded Town striker tried unsuccessfully to find a team-mate before the visitors cleared.

Town continued to have the better of it, with McGoldrick often dropping deep and seeing a lot of the ball, and on 12 Murphy shot over from 20 yards out on the left.

Wolves went close to going in front in the 13th minute when Leon Clarke’s shot deflected to Bakary Sako eight yards out but skipper Luke Chambers got across to block. The Midlanders lost Dave Edwards to injury a minute later with Michael Jacobs taking over.

Despite that chance it was the Blues who were on top and in the 15th minute they almost profited from a goalkeeping error when Ikeme dropped a Bru cross from the left at McGoldrick’s feet. The striker looked set to score but Ethan Ebanks-Landell somehow managed to divert the ball wide.

Bru hit a powerful 30-yard strike straight at Ikeme in the 19th minute with the Blues still having more of the ball and most of the chances.

On 26 Bru chipped the ball to the right of the area towards Hunt, who deftly flicked a low ball into the box with the outside of his left foot towards the sliding Tabb, who stabbed straight at Ikeme from a matter of feet. A yard or so either side of the keeper and it would have been a superbly worked opening Town goal.

Moments later, Hyam picked up the game’s first yellow card - and his fifth of the season meaning he’ll miss the Watford match - for a foul on Lee Evans just outside the area on the right. McGoldrick blocked Sako’s well-struck freekick, then within a minute Wolves right-back Matt Doherty joined Hyam in the book for a foul on Tyrone Mings.

Tommy Smith got in the way of Sako’s 33rd minute strike after the winger had cut in from the left but the Blues had been on top throughout the half, and in the 35th they got their reward.

Murphy out-muscled Kevin McDonald as the Wolves man looked to bring the ball out of the area, then turned and hit a curling 20-yard left-foot shot which Ikeme could only palm into the corner of the net. It was the ninth goal of Murphy’s excellent season and up there with the very best of them.

The Irishman went close again a minute later when he latched on to a Hunt pass inside the area but shot into the side-netting from a tight angle.

Town continued to press as the game moved towards half-time, Smith heading Hunt’s left-sided corner over the bar.

In injury time Wolves claimed a penalty as Jacobs went to ground with Smith holding him off as Bialkowski came off his line quickly to claim a ball through the middle. Referee Andrew Madley waved away the rather half-hearted appeals.

There was still time for Town to threaten again before the whistle. After McGoldrick had been fouled just outside the area on the right, Hunt played a low freekick across the area to the Blues frontman, who scuffed a shot which Ikeme just about got across and kept out.

The Blues were well worth their lead at the break having been the better side and having had enough chances to be even further in front. Ikeme had been much the busier of the two keepers with Town home debutant Bialkowski having rarely been tested.

The Blues started the second half as the ended the first, Murphy flicking the ball through to McGoldrick but just too far in front of his strike partner. At the other end, Sako lashed an effort well over from the left of the area.

On 53, following a Town corner, Wolves broke and one-time Blues target Henry saw a shot deflect wide off Berra. And from the resultant corner the visitors got back on terms.

The ball was cleared back out to Henry on the right and his cross was missed by everyone before bouncing into the right-hand corner of Bialkowski’s goal.

The goal was very harsh on the Blues who immediately went looking to regain the lead, attacking in sometimes risky numbers. Mings made a strong run down the left and sent a dangerous ball into the box, then Berra saw a strike blocked.

The visitors weren’t far away from going in front on 57 when Sako found Clarke with a long ball from the left, which the striker diverted just past Bialkowski’s right post.

But it wasn’t long before Town were back in front. Lee Evans inexplicably passed straight to McGoldrick just inside the Wolves half to the right and the Town striker brought the ball forward before playing it perfectly into the path of Murphy, who deftly lifted it over Ikeme and into the net for his 10th of the campaign.

Town continued to press and Mings struck a low effort from 30 yards which Ikeme claimed. The game was increasingly an end to end affair and on 62 Doherty brought the ball in from the left before hitting a shot across goal and wide.

The Blues almost claimed a fortunate third two minutes later when Ebanks-Landell slammed Mings’s left-wing cross against his skipper Danny Batth, the ball looping back only just wide of the post.

Bru hit a 30-yard effort just wide in the 73rd minute with the Blues still looking the more dangerous side, albeit without throwing players forward in quite the same number they had been earlier in the half.

Paul Anderson replaced the excellent but tiring Hunt for the final 14 minutes, the Irishman receiving a standing ovation as he left the field. On 79 Darren Ambrose came on for Tabb, while Liam McAlinden took over from the earlier sub Jacobs for the visitors.

Having made the changes the Blues largely sat back in the closing stages but with the visitors not particularly threatening Bialkowski’s goal. As the match moved into its penultimate minute Sako smashed a freekick miles over from distance, prompting a rendition of Sing Low Sweet Chariot from the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Conor Sammon replaced McGoldrick in the early stages of injury time as the Blues came under real pressure for the first time with the visitors winning a couple of freekicks in dangerous areas, Mings doing well to block a shot from McDonald.

Bru was booked for a foul as the game entered its closing seconds, then moments before the whistle Clarke had his name taken for clashing with Bialkowski.

The Blues thoroughly deserved the three points having been the better side throughout what was an entertaining game.

Having gone in front, the fortuitous Wolves goal came against the run of play but Town never panicked and quickly went about the business of regaining the lead.

Murphy - now the division's joint-top scorer with Derby's Chris Martin - will again grab the headlines for his excellent goals, but there were fine performances throughout the side, not least from Hunt and Bru.

The victory takes Town up to fifth in the table and above Norwich City, who drop to seventh following their 4-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

Watford, who drop to third following their 2-1 defeat at Birmingham with Bournemouth now top, are at Portman Road on Saturday.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Mings, Berra, Smith, Bru, Hyam, Tabb (Ambrose 79), Hunt (Anderson 76), McGoldrick (Sammon 90), Murphy. Unused: Crowe,, Bajner, Hewitt, Henshall.

Wolves: Ikeme, Doherty, Batth (c), Ebanks-Landell, Rowe, McDonald, Evans, Henry (van La Parra 82), Edwards (Jacobs 14 (McAlinden 79)), Sako, Clarke. Unused: Kuszczak, Stearman, Saville, Ricketts, Jacobs. Referee: Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire). Att: 17,267 (Wolves: 948).

Photo: Action Images

rachelsdad added 09:01 - Nov 5 good performance against an inform Wolves,just wish we did not always sit back in the last ten minutes thinking the game has been won. Murphy really is a threat every game,defence solid and midfield worked their socks off, McGoldrick laid on Murphys goal but still way below par for me.Lost Hyam for saturday but no reason why we cannot win again.The team deserve more support at matches, roll on Watford.

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Kirbmeister added 09:05 - Nov 5 Record since Norwich game P12 W6 D5 L1 F20 A12 Pts 23
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GiveusaWave added 10:37 - Nov 5 Excellent result against a very strong team. Well played everybody! Nice to see Ambrose get 10 mins, and he looked excellent. Hunt impressed me in particular. Yes, hasn't got the fitness to last the 90 but absolute class at times. Another superb performance by Murphy and MCgoldrick.
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IITFC1948 added 11:35 - Nov 5 can we get another 2,500 though the gate Saturday with the season ticket promotion £10 adults £1 for kids , surely that's affordable to watch 2 top 6 sides ,20,000 would be great
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Slambo added 12:51 - Nov 5 There's only one Murphy in East Anglia worth talking about, make no mistake...
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karls_dad added 13:30 - Nov 5 Great result, hats off to all of them,. but what we need now in January or sooner is a poacher, a fox in the box to snatch these free balls, we do not seem to be scoring from the free balls that a poacher would pounce on, that would really set us up nicely.
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moike added 15:17 - Nov 5 My first visit to Portman Road this season. Was impressed and entertained. Good display by the whole team. I can see why Neil Warnock offered a large sum for Tyrone Mings and also why Mick rejected it.
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warktheline added 16:50 - Nov 5 Such niceties on forum at present, would be better if some of the anti-mick posse surfaced, come on boys give us a shout. It's all to quiet.
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warktheline added 16:52 - Nov 5 Just spotted one, guentchev...oh, he appears to be happy with Mick, for now!
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afrodids added 17:32 - Nov 5 Cracking result, let's smash that Watford hoodoo on Saturday. Murphy is the t*its atm. COYB :-)
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Lombokblue added 17:34 - Nov 5 I never saw the point of Daryl Murphy, he was a big bloke who stood on the left but wasn't a winger and didn't score many goals. But having to step up when McGoldrick was injured he now looks like a centre forward who has got everything. He's 31 and I think his contract runs out next summer. We need to get him nailed down before the Xmas transfer window
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jas0999 added 17:50 - Nov 5 Great result and performance last night. Tactics spot on and although I am not convinced that midfield will chip in with goals, there were plenty of positives. Mings was outstanding, whilst Bru is proving to be a success. McGoldrick oozes class, whilst Murphy took his goals well. The keeper doesn't look great though and Hyam is looking iffy at times. Overall very pleased!

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NoelTheDub added 18:06 - Nov 5 walktheline I think your referring to me as a critic and rightly so but I dont hide win lose or draw as I said many times on my post I will give credit when I think its due but also I speak out if I think MM gets its wrong and he has on many occasions.I and many others have been saying give Ambrose a run and he did also Salmon coming on as a late sub is also right he is not a starter,also maybe its better to start with Tabb or Hunt than bring them on last 20mins and defend for our lives and you know what happens there.Course Im happy,it great to be looking down but it shows that having a go in this league is the way forward as seen for most part last night.COYB.

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jocasaja added 18:19 - Nov 5 Mick has really got a team selection headache regarding saturday - I think I would go with.. gerken parr, chambers, berra, mings hunt, bru, bishop, tabb mcgoldrick, murphy bialkowski, smith, skuse, williams, salmon
0

Elizabeth added 18:39 - Nov 5 I was there .. Fantastic performance by the team . And we are playing as a team. Bring on Watford !!
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runningout added 18:51 - Nov 5 Never totally happy, and would hope our squad in the same boat..... Girlfriend a Wolves fan, so I'm smiling
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PJH added 18:57 - Nov 5 Lombokblue-Murphy is looking a complete centre forward this season.I think that he extended his contract earlier this year and is contracted until June 2016.
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neillrumsey added 19:02 - Nov 5 I felt this would be a big test of character against an in form Wolves however they have to be one of the poorest sides down here this season and offered nothing against an industrious town side. The atmosphere was great last night and long may it continue. I note some criticism of Bart in goal but for me he came for crosses and you could hear him shouting instructions and he can kick a ball so he's a massive improvement for me . Yes he had his moments. Stand out players again for me same as Mick Mills, McGoldrick Murphy and Mings who have quality. Everyone worked hard but I'm sorry Tabb for me still a waste of space and Hunt albeit he worked very hard wasted countless dead ball situations and for me has to be a back up player. Another good test Saturday hopefully Bishop and Williams will be fit.... Onwards and Upwards

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oldelsworthyfan added 19:52 - Nov 5 Last year many of us wanting MM to sign a '20 goal a year' striker. Looks as if we had one already! Murphy is half way there with only a third of the season gone. A player transformed. Great coaching!
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DerryfromBury added 20:16 - Nov 5 Brilliant game, felt more like a good old cup tie, (If you can remember what they were like), excellent performance all-round. Job to pick a MOM, I suppose with a couple of goals (the first an absolute cracker) it should be Murph, however, after all the negative comments they've both put up with this season, I suppose it's only fair that Tabby and Hunty get a special mention, both ran their socks off and gave 110%. Looking foreword to Saturday even more now. Well done Lads, MM,TC and all the Backroom staff. COYB

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TimmyH added 20:32 - Nov 5 @walktheline - I'm here too! - noticed you've only just 'resurfaced' after the win less streak, so a little bit hypocritical of you wondering where all the 'anti-Mick' brigade is. Blueboy I think has left the site due to one or two abusive posts (shame you know who you are!) As per NoelTheDub's post really - give credit when and if it's deserved and also criticism (as you know) :) so far this season after a dodgy start, it's looking CERTAINLY UPWARDS - although we didn't play with 2 natural full back's last night due to injury it is the way forward, plus the bonuses of Murphy, Bishop and Mings playing well and the surprising capture of Williams until the New Year and I believe we have a genuine play-off chance. Positive enough for you?

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 21:19 - Nov 5 Brilliant! I wouldn't have been at all unhappy with a point before the game, but maybe I need to raise my expectations. On this form, we could beat just about anyone in the division.
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warktheline added 22:14 - Nov 5 Timmy, not referring to you, you post win, lose or draw. I think your find I have posted, I've backed our management all the way, and believe we were ,and are, very lucky to have Mick on board. Noelthedub, sorry haven't noticed your anti mick post, so therefore I can only assume your post are balanced. The people I'm referring to are still keeping a low profile. By the way, the forum is not the same without my sparring partner, Blueboy.

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bohslegend added 22:56 - Nov 5 Warktheline, I agree there are a number of the self-titled 'Realists' who constantly berate anyone who dares to show support through good times and bad. There seems to be an attitude that if the team is losing you must criticise the manager but if they're winning well that's okay. I like to think I've been following the blues through thick and thin, mostly thin. But through it all I want show support. Managers come and go. But the club is the club and I'll support every manager, every player and never ever want to see the team do badly just to pile pressure on the manager to be sacked. In fairness to NoeltheDub, while he does criticise MM more than most, he's usually quick to acknowledge good performances. But my issue with the MM critics is, imagine he was sacked back after the Nodge game, would we be 3 points for the top now? Would we have the team playing as a team, playing far above the value we got them for through Micks encouragement and faith in them? Each to their own opinion but it would be great if we all sang together. COYB!

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warktheline added 23:13 - Nov 5 Agree Bohslegend. I've been called deluded on here plenty of times, but I look a the whole picture, and believe me, considering all, we aren't doing badly. After the Norwich game the forum was like a lynch mob, typical knee jerk reaction from the usual suspects. How some on here call Mick a dinosaur is beyond me. We have I would suggest, one of the best managers in the championship, and long may it continue. COYB.

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