GARY’S INCE PERFECT

is home a no-nonsense second after 60 minutes, it was effectively all over for an Ipswich outfit that has chalked up only one win all season.

This was former Stoke boss Paul Lambert’s first return since taking over at the bottom club.

Lambert (right) said it was “an emotional return to a great club“but he added: “I honestly thought we were the better team. I’m really proud of them. It was a great performance against a side that will be there or thereabouts.

“I could not ask for more — so many youngsters who did so well.”

Stoke manager Gary Rowett said: “It was a good result, and the two goals were real quality.

“There was not enough zip. We looked a bit leggy. We have to be better, but we’re back on track.”

Ince caused the Tractor Boys problems from the start. A low effort was blocked before he ballooned over but he made his third effort count in first-half added time.

A beautifully threaded pass from Ryan Woods set him up, with Ince keeping his composure to slide the ball past Dean Gerken. And then on the hour Allen’s goal was simplicity itself as Erik Pieters set him up with a perfect pass.

It was tough on Town who had forced Potters keeper Jack Butland into a goal-saving block when he diverted a low effort from 18-year-old Jack Lankester against a post.

Jordan Roberts had an effort touched round for a corner and Flynn Downes was also denied – but it was Stoke’s day.