Daryl Murphy scored twice and David McGoldrick once (pen) as Town came from behind to lead 3-1 at home against Leeds United at half-time.

Christophe Berra returned from his one-match ban but Mick McCarthy named an otherwise unchanged side. The Scottish international took up his usual central defensive role with skipper Luke Chambers moving to right-back and Jonny Parr dropping to the bench.

Leeds made one change with one-time Town target Jason Pearce coming in at centre-half for the injured Giuseppe Bellusci.

The Blues, who lined-up in a 4-4-2 formation, struck the game’s first shot in the second minute but Daryl Murphy’s scuffed effort failed to test Leeds keeper Marco Silvestri.

A minute later, from their first attempt of the game, the visitors went in front. Skipper Chambers and Tommy Smith appeared to leave a ball down the Leeds left for one another, allowing Stephen Warnock to escape and send over a low cross which Mirko Antenucci turned past Bartosz Bialkowski from close range. It was a poor goal to concede from the Blues’ perspective.

Town looked to get back on terms immediately, but Stephen Hunt could only head Chambers’s cross over from beyond the far post.

But the Blues weren’t behind for too long and on 12 Daryl Murphy - who first joined Town for a trial 10 years ago today - netting his 12th of the season. Jay Tabb laid the ball out to right-back Chambers, who whipped over a cross and Murphy powered a superb header past Silvestri.

Murphy threatened again on 16, Hunt’s left-wing corner landing at his feet eight yards out. Rather fortunately for the Whites the Irishman’s goal-bound shot caught a defender’s heel and deflected away from goal.

Town’s top scorer went rather less close with a strike from distance a minute later which ended up in the crowd before Warnock cleared a dangerous Mings cross from the left from inside the six-yard box. At the other end, Antenucci headed a right-wing Warnock cross straight at Bialkowski.

The Blues had been on top having got on terms and were pressing for another goal when they were awarded a 26th minute penalty. Tabb played a long ball towards Anderson just inside the area and Warnock smashed into the back of him, clattering him to ground.

Referee Mike Dean immediately pointed to the spot and McGoldrick sent a low shot into the corner of the net to Silvestri’s right as the keeper dived in the opposite direction to claim his sixth goal of the season and make it 2-1.

The Blues almost scored their third a minute later when Hunt nodded another deep Chambers cross back across goal to Murphy six yards out. The scorer of Town’s first goal took a touch but shot wide, the ball striking a defender on its way, according to the Blues but not referee Dean who gave a goalkick.

Town continued to have the better of it but without threatening Silvestri’s goal again until the 39th minute when Tabb sent McGoldrick away on the left. The striker cut in but hit his right-foot shot across the face of goal. A minute later, Tabb was booked for a foul on Adryan.

As the half moved into injury time, the Blues went 3-1 in front. Murphy completed a one-two with Anderson and broke into the area on the right before slipping the ball between Silvestri’s legs and into the net for his 13th of the season.

Referee Dean blew his whistle soon afterwards to warm applause from the delighted home support.

Having gone behind, the Blues were the better side and deserved their equaliser when it came. Leeds could have little complaint about the penalty, while Murphy’s well-worked second just before the break came as a welcome bonus.

Town hadn’t previously scored three goals in a game since the 3-0 win at Doncaster on Boxing Day and they most recently netted three times in a half in the 3-2 win at Blackpool in November last year. Striker Murphy has already matched his goals tally for last season.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Mings, Skuse, Tabb, Anderson, S Hunt, Murphy, McGoldrick, Subs: Gerken, Parr, St Ledger, Bru, Bishop, Bajner, Sammon.

Leeds: Silvestri, Byram, Cooper, Pearce, Warnock (c), Cook, Bianchi, Mowatt, Adryan, Doukara, Antenucci. Subs: S Taylor, Berardi, Del Fabro, Austin, Dawson, Tonge, Sharp. Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Photo: Action Images

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