Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna pleased with response as Blues run up 4-0 victory against Forest Green Rovers

Ipswich Town ended their winless run in Sky Bet League One in style with a 4-0 home victory against basement side Forest Green Rovers that moved them back up to third in the table.

On a day which saw the Suffolk club mark what would have been the 90th birthday of their legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson, Conor Chaplin put them into a fourth minute lead before Nathan Broadhead doubled their advantage shortly before the interval with a volley.

Chaplin made it 3-0 on the hour mark with his 17th of the season before substitute Freddie Ladapo completed the rout against Duncan Ferguson's side in the 79th minute. It could have been an even greater winning margin with the Blues also twice denied by the woodwork.

It came after three successive draws, including Tuesday's goalless affair at Bristol Rovers, amid a run of just four wins in their last 15 games which had seen manager Kieran McKenna's side lose ground on the top two automatic promotion spots.

But a 1-0 defeat for Bolton Wanderers at Wycombe Wanderers saw the Blues reclaim third place from the Trotters while moving to eight points behind previous leaders Plymouth Argyle following their 0-0 draw at home to Fleetwood Town.

And the performance at Portman Road, in front of a 24,000-plus crowd, as well as the result left McKenna pleased with the response of his players.

"It was a very good performance," he told iFollow Ipswich.

"We got the fast start and maintained a high level of consistency. We created plenty of chances and didn't give much away. It was a good win.

"The first goal was good for us and there was good link-up between Broady (Nathan Broadhead) and Conor. It was also good to score from a set piece for the second, and that was a great finish from Broady.

"The subs all did well when they came on and had a good impact. It was good to have Massimo (Luongo) back and I thought he did well."

He added: "I thought the victory started on Thursday.

"I thought the reaction from the group was really good.

"I could feel the spirit and togetherness to get ready for the next game.

"I thought the win was earned over the last couple of days.

"You're going to have ups and downs in a season. Today is a good day and we must continue to work hard. This afternoon's game and result sets us up well for next week and a trip to MK Dons."

Town head to an MK Dons side next Saturday who find themselves in the final relegation spot following a 5-2 defeat at new leaders Sheffield Wednesday today. It was a game which had seen them lead 1-0 and 2-1.

Ipswich Town: Walton, Clarke, Woolfenden, Burgess, Burns (Jackson 68'), Morsy (c), Humphreys (Luongo 59'), Davis, Chaplin (Harness 76'), Broadhead (Edwards 68'), Hirst (Ladapo 68'). Unused subs: Hladky, Donacien.

Attendance: 24,804 (225 away).