Ipswich struck top form at Prenton Park to end a miserable run of five games without a win and move up to second in the table.

John Aldridge's side were totally outclassed and lucky to escape with only a two-goal reverse.

Twice they were saved by the woodwork, with James Scowcroft the sufferer on each occasion.

Goalkeeper Joe Murphy was also fortunate on a couple of occasions, while Town missed a gilt-edged opportunity.

The visitors took the lead in the 18th minute with a close-range effort by skipper Matt Holland - his eighth goal of the season - after Murphy was unable to hold a shot by Jermaine Wright.

Murphy then did well to keep out a 25th-minute shot by Jamie Clapham with an outstretched leg.

George Burley's visitors suffered a blow when Fabian Wilnis was forced off after 27 minutes with a leg injury, to be replaced by Mick Stockwell.

But the visitors continued to dominate and Tranmere produced only two worthwhile first-half efforts.

The pattern continued later with the Portman Road outfit playing some slick football.

David Johnson was in fine form up front but fired over from close range in the 50th minute.

Then two minutes later Scowcroft powered a header from a Johnson cross against the left hand post.

But the visitors doubled their advantage in the 57th minute - Johnson securing his 17th goal of the season with an overhead shot after both Murphy and Holland missed Clapham's cross, which followed good build-up play.

Scowcroft headed against the right-hand post in the 63rd minute with Croft the provider on this occasion.

Johnson should have had a third for Ipswich in the 75th but hit the side netting when clear.

Tony Mowbray and Mark Venus were excellent in central defence for Ipswich and there was also a valuable contribution from the recalled Croft, Holland and Scowcroft.

Tranmere, who had Steve Yates booked for a second-half foul, simply could not find any way back.

Teams

Tranmere: Murphy, Hazell, Yates, Challinor, Roberts, Parkinson (Koumas 76), G. Jones, Morgan (Black 54), Henry, Allison, Kelly.

Subs Not Used: Achterberg, S. Taylor, L. Jones.

Booked: Yates.

Ipswich: R. Wright, Wilnis (Stockwell 27), Mowbray, Venus (Brown 70), Croft, J. Wright, Holland, Magilton, Clapham, Johnson (Naylor 90), Scowcroft.

Subs Not Used: Branagan, Axeldal.

Goals: Holland 18, Johnson 57.

Att: 6,933.

Ref: D Laws (Whitley Bay).