Ipswich Town virtually assured themselves of Championship football next season after beating Reading 2-1 in this afternoon's encounter at Portman Road.

While relegation is still a mathematical possibility, only the most disastrous of run-ins would see them get sucked into the bottom three.

Town's victory came courtesy of two goals in quick succession just before half-time.

First, Gareth McAuley rose to head home Grant Leadbitter's corner, after the latter's shot had been pushed behind by goalkeeper Adam Federici.

Then David Wright swung over a cross that was nodded back at the far post by Daryl Murphy.

Jon Walters was quickest to react and nodded home his seventh goal of the season, although the ball may have deflected in off defender Zurab Khizanishvili.

Reading's chances were dealt a hammer-blow when Matthew Mills was sent-off on the half-hour mark for a dangerous tackle on David Norris.

But they ensured a nervous finale when Gylfi Sigurdsson curled home a late free-kick to make it 2-1.

For a full report and reaction from Portman Road, see Monday's Daily Gazette.