Ipswich striker David Johnson secured all three points for his side with his 27th goal of the season.

England Under-21 international Johnson struck after eight minutes to heap more problems on relegation-haunted Portsmouth and cement Ipswich's position within the First Division play-off zone.

Alan Ball's side have now collected only three points from their last seven matches and remain in the bottom three.

Johnson's pace caused problems for the Portsmouth defence throughout the match and when he turned Adrian Whitbread in the eighth minute, the Portsmouth captain could do nothing to stop the former Bury frontman's shot.

Ipswich dominated and Johnson could even afford the luxury of missing a penalty just before half-time after being fouled by Andy Thomson, blasting the spot-kick wide.

Portsmouth sent on Jamaica international Paul Hall in the second half but to no avail and Ipswich looked more likely to score after the interval.

Mick Stockwell had two good goalscoring opportunities for Ipswich and Dutchman Bobby Petta blazed a shot over the crossbar from just six yards.

Johnson was also twice denied by desperate last-ditch tackles from Robbie Pethick.

Matt Holland also troubled the Portsmouth defence but was unable to find the target with two powerful shots.

Ipswich had defender Jamie Clapham booked by referee John Brandwood for a needless challenge on Hall on the halfway line as the Portsmouth winger attempted to sprint clear.

Ipswich's England Under-21 international goalkeeper Richard Wright had a quiet afternoon and was forced to make only two saves.

A long-range shot from David Hillier was Portsmouth's best effort of the match but Wright coped with it easily.

Teams

Portsmouth: Flahavan, Pethick, Robinson, Hillier, Whitbread, Awford, Vlachos, F. Simpson, Aloisi (R. Simpson 67), Durnin, Thomson (Hall 45).

Subs Not Used: Allen.

Ipswich: Wright, Stockwell, Taricco, Dyer, Mowbray (Venus 84), Cundy, Clapham, Holland, Johnson, Mathie (Scowcroft 89), Petta.

Subs Not Used: Sonner.

Booked: Clapham.

Goals: Johnson 8.

Att: 15,040

Ref: M J Brandwood (Lichfield).