IPSWICH TOWN 3 Lawrence (38, 57), Berra (53) BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 Akpan (43), Graham (pen, 74)

TOM LAWRENCE’S stunning 30-yarder earned Ipswich a precious victory over struggling Blackburn.

The Leicester City loanee struck twice, either side of Christophe Berra’s first goal of the season, as Ipswich eased some of the pressure on manager Mick McCarthy.

Blackburn had initially levelled through Hope Akpan and set up a nervous finish through Danny Graham’s 74th-minute penalty, but Ipswich held on to claim a deserved win.

Ipswich had the first chance after seven minutes when Freddie Sears latched onto Kevin Bru’s hopeful ball into the area, but poked his shot just wide of the far post.

Jonas Knudsen then fired wide after a bright interchange of passing from Ipswich before Sears was gifted a chance by Rovers’ centre-back Charlie Mulgrew, but keeper Jason Steele did well to come out and smother the ball.

The deadlock was broken six minutes before halftime when Knudsen was brought down on the edge of the area and Lawrence’s low free-kick went under both the wall and Steele. But within minutes, Blackburn were level after Liam Feeney took advantage of a poor clearance by Berra.

The winger’s cross was laid back by Graham to Akpan, who calmly found the corner of the net.

Ipswich regained their lead when Cole Skuse flicked on Lawrence’s corner and Berra slid the ball home.

And Lawrence added to his personal collection of stunning solo goals – finding the top corner with a 30yard beauty.

Blackburn pulled a goal back against the run of play when Adam Webster was adjudged to have pulled Akpan down and Graham scored from the spot, but Ipswich comfortably held on for victory.