Jason Scotland once again proved to be the matchwinner with an impressive brace to ensure Ipswich's first visit to Swansea in 26 years was a fruitless one.

Scotland, who has been in sparkling form this season, showed just why he is viewed as one of the deadliest strikers in the Coca-Cola Championship by netting twice to send Swansea on their way to their sixth win in the last seven matches.

The Trinidad and Tobago frontman handed the hosts a second-minute lead when he showed great movement to beat the defender to a near-post cross before firing past Richard Wright.

He then effectively sealed the three points 18 minutes from time with a low shot into the corner after using his immense strength to hold off two defenders. Jordi Gomez put the icing on the cake in the 85th minute with a brilliant free-kick which Wright could only watch and admire.

Ipswich, who went into the clash on the back of three consecutive away wins, failed to find their passing rhythm at the Liberty Stadium and rarely threatened to score themselves.

The result leaves them five points behind the in-form Welsh outfit and surely indicates that Roberto Martinez's men are better equipped for a strong play-off push.

Swansea got off to the perfect start with the opening goal after just two minutes through Scotland.

The in-form frontman, who had netted 14 goals in all competitions prior to kick-off, showed great movement to get in front of his marker and lash the ball into the roof of the net following good play from Albert Serran down the right.

The visitors responded with Gareth McAuley heading straight at Swans goalkeeper Dorus De Vries while at the other end Swansea came close to extending their lead when Ashley Williams curled a shot at Wright.

As the half wore on the Swans began to boss possession with Mark Gower and Leon Britton inspirational in midfield.

And it was the latter who almost found the net with a 20-yard shot which forced Wright to make a good save.

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton made one substitution at half time with Pablo Counago replacing the ineffective Jon Walters and the change seemed to improve the Tractor Boys with David Norris and Tommy Miller going close with shots from outside the area.

Swansea, though, posed a constant threat at the other end with Wright once again coming to Ipswich's rescue with a save from first Joe Allen and then Gomez.

But the former England international was unable to prevent his side going further behind in the 72nd minute following a well-worked corner.

Gomez and Nathan Dyer linked up well before the latter drilled the ball into the area and Scotland held off the defender to fire home.

Any faint hopes of a late Ipswich revival were extinguished five minutes from time when Gomez curled a fantastic free kick past the hapless Wright to seal a very impressive win for the Swans.

Teams:

Swansea De Vries, Williams, Tate, Monk, Serran, Britton, Gower (Butler 75), Gomez, Allen (Pintado 83), Dyer (Bauza 90), Scotland.

Subs Not Used: Orlandi, Bessone.

Booked: Tate.

Goals: Scotland 3, 73, Gomez 85.

Ipswich Richard Wright, Balkestein, David Wright, Bruce, McAuley, Garvan (Haynes 66), Quinn, Norris (Stead 74), Miller, Walters (Counago 46), Lisbie.

Subs Not Used: Supple, Thatcher.

Booked: Norris, Quinn.

Att: 14,020

Ref: Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire).