A magnificent first-half display moved Ipswich to within a point of the Nationwide Division 1 play-off zone after last night's win over newly-promoted Pompey.

Superbly-executed goals from Martijn Reuser, Tom-my Miller and the impressive Pablo Counago earned Town a commanding advantage at the interval - Pompey's minds were clearly on their summer holidays.

And things could have been even worse for the visitors had referee Eddie Wolsten-holme not overlooked Gian-luca Festa's elbow on Reuser and Steve Stone's clear handball in the penalty area.

The second period was a much more low-key affair but Ipswich's intricate passing game gave them the edge all evening and they ran out easy winners.

After 11 minutes, they took the lead when Arjan De Zeeuw's gave the ball away needlessly and Reuser had space to bear down on goal before his 25-yard strike took a fortunate bounce over the outstretched Shaka Hislop.

Festa, booked after 27 seconds, should have seen red for his elbow on 21 minutes and then his speculative long-range drive was beaten behind by Andy Marshall.

Ipswich doubled their lead after 27 minutes as Matthew Richards' teasing ball from the left enabled Miller to prod home.

And, three minutes later, Counago added a brilliant third, turning De Zeeuw inside out before hitting a wonderful strike that soared into the roof of the net.

Ipswich Town 3 - Portsmouth 0