Hat-trick hero Grant an instant hit

goals we conceded. We wo u l d norm normally expect to stops them. Th The players willwi know we canca cope at thisth level and t hat w e belongb here, b but we’re not going to be a pretty team that gets beaten.”

The Tykes squandered two terrific chances to claim an interval lead as Tom Bradshaw failed to get off the mark.

His free header flew straight into the arms of keeper Bartosz Bialkowski before the giant Pole denied him with a fabulous save.

Ward fired Ipswich ahead when Daryl Murphy nodded down Jonas Knudsen’s long throw for him to drill a low shot beyond Adam Davies. But the visitors were level just three minutes later as both Josh Scowen and Bradshaw headed on for skipper Conor Hourihane to stab in.

Ward struck again to restore Ipswich’s lead, the Barnsley defence allowing him far too much time and space to blast beyond Davies, courtesy of a slight deflection off Scowen.

David McGoldrick ( left) extended the lead from the penalty spot after Murphy was tripped inside the area by Marc Roberts.

But Barnsley fought back again when ex- Ipswich midfielder Hourihane swung over a free-kick for Marley Watkins to head in.

Ward completed his hat-trick six minutes from the end with a low shot from the edge of the area as Barnsley struggled to clear a corner.