Stephen Ward grabbed his second goal in as many games as Wolves continued their Coca-Cola Championship play-off charge with a 1-0 win at Ipswich.

Ward cleverly linked up with strike partner Andy Keogh before slotting past Ipswich goalkeeper Lewis Price from the edge of the six-yard box to give Mick McCarthy's side a 33rd-minute winner they barely deserved.

Indeed, it was Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray who was the star of the show as he produced a clutch of fine saves to keep out the home side.

Jim Magilton's side started brightly and in the fifth minute a fine run and cross from Jaime Peters saw Alan Lee power a header towards goal which was well kept out by Murray.

And Murray produced an even better save on the half hour mark when he acrobatically clawed out Peters' dipping volley from the edge of the area.

Ward than sparked into life and after his incisive one-two with Keogh completely outfoxed marker Jason De Vos, Ward was left with the simple task of clipping home from six yards past a helpless Price.

It was the Irishman's third goal for the club since signing from Irish side Bohemians in the January transfer window and was a rare moment of quality in a poor Wolves display.

But the home side almost grabbed an immediate equaliser when Jonathan Walters' cross to the far post found Lee - but the former Cardiff man again saw his header tipped away by the superb Murray.

Matt Richards had the first chance of the second half after another Walters cross was only half cleared but he blasted his drive over the crossbar from 12 yards.

The home side were controlling possession but the visitors' lively front two almost conjured a killer second goal on the break.

Seyi George Olofinjana won the ball in midfield with a bone-crunching challenge and quickly spread the ball out wide to Keogh down the left.

The former Scunthorpe man showed lightning pace to skin Alex Bruce and his powerful cross found Ward arriving at the far post but at full stretch he could only guide his shot into the side-netting.

The impressive Gary Roberts was then taken off for Ipswich with an injury to be replaced by Owen Garvan before Walters again found Murray in match-winning form with 15 minutes remaining.

Fellow sub Danny Haynes picked out Walters with a great cross and his sublime volley from the edge of the area looked destined for the back of the net but Murray somehow got across to parry it away to safety.

Garvan then saw a decent shot blocked by Neill Collins as McCarthy's men hung on to move level on points with the play-off pack.

Teams:

Ipswich Price, Wright, De Vos, Bruce, Harding, Peters,Richards, Legwinski (Clarke 83), Roberts (Garvan 68),Lee (Haynes 68), Walters.

Subs Not Used: Supple, Casement.

Wolverhampton Murray, Henry, Neill Collins, Edwards, McNamara,Kightly (Bothroyd 84), Olofinjana, Potter, McIndoe,Ward (Mark Davies 90), Keogh (Craddock 82).

Subs Not Used: Budtz, Clapham.

Booked: McIndoe.

Goals: Ward 33.

Att: 20,602

Ref: S Mathieson (Cheshire).