Jonathan Walters continued his rich goalscoring form as Ipswich enhanced their Coca-Cola Championship promotion credentials.

The former Blackburn trainee, 24, notched his 12th goal of the season shortly before the hour mark to add to Velice Sumulikoski's stunning 50th-minute opener.

The two quick goals accounted for a spirited Blackpool side who lost both their centre-backs - Ian Evatt and Michael Jackson - through injury in the first half.

Paul Dickov handed the Seasiders a controversial lifeline late on but the Tractor Boys held on for their 12th win from 17 home games this term.

Ipswich were largely dominant throughout but Blackpool fashioned the first noteworthy opening inside the third minute.

Talismanic midfielder Wes Hoolahan engineered the space to hit a low, left-foot shot from 25 yards which flashed narrowly wide of Stephen Bywater's goal.

Ipswich responded strongly and the impressive Walters cracked a superb shot from 20 yards which forced visiting goalkeeper Paul Rachubka to tip the ball around the post.

That set the tone for a period of sustained pressure from the home side.

And after Evatt was substituted due to injury and replaced by Danny Coid, Ipswich sought to capitalise.

In the 19th minute, Walters caused more problems for Blackpool when he found Dan Harding down the left flank.

His well-flighted cross was greeted with a firm header from David Norris but the ball sailed narrowly wide as Blackpool survived.

Alan Lee's 20-yard shot against the crossbar midway through the half was indicative of Ipswich's control.

Jackson departed soon after to be replaced by Green and Lee again came close for Ipswich before Walters had a shot blocked by John Hills.

Yet Blackpool almost stunned the hosts on the stroke of half-time when Hoolahan crossed dangerously and Keith Southern thrashed a shot over the crossbar when well placed.

Sumulikoski then broke the deadlock for Ipswich five minutes after the restart.

The Macedonia international arrived in Suffolk last month on a two-and-a-half year deal.

And in the 50th minute when he struck a brilliant, rising drive into the back of Blackpool's net from 16 yards.

Lee also deserved credit for an astute pass to create the chance but Sumulikoski finished the chance with aplomb.

Tommy Miller almost made it 2-0 three minutes later after warming Rachubka's hands from distance but in the 58th minute the points were effectively secured.

Blackpool, to their credit, refused to surrender and on-loan Manchester City striker Dickov beat the offside trap to slot home his fourth goal in as many games but Ipswich held on for victory.

Teams:

Ipswich Bywater, Bruce, Naylor, De Vos, Harding, Norris, Sumulikoski, Miller, Haynes (Quinn 71), Walters, Lee (Counago 71).

Subs Not Used: Colgan, Garvan, Wright.

Goals: Sumulikoski 50, Walters 58.

Blackpool Rachubka, Barker, Evatt (Coid 11), Jackson (Green 31), Hills, Taylor-Fletcher, Jorgensen, Southern, Hoolahan, Dickov, Burgess (McPhee 62).

Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Morrell.

Goals: Dickov 89.

Att: 21,059

Ref: Fred Graham (Essex).