Ipswich are snapping at the heels of the Division One play-off contenders after overcoming 10-man Reading in an action-packed game at Portman Road.

Goals from Thomas Gaardsoe and Matt Holland either side of a Nicky Forster reply gave them a half-time lead, and they sealed victory through Jim Magilton after Adie Viveash was sent off.

The result means Ipswich stay in seventh spot, but they are now only two points behind Nott'm Forest and three behind Wolves.

Ipswich got away to an explosive start. There were only seconds on the clock when Martijn Reuser clipped in a free-kick from the right and Gaardsoe beat goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann to score with a header.

The visitors soon began to show their quality, and they came close to an equaliser when Andy Hughes flicked the ball over goalkeeper Andy Marshall, but it landed on top of the crossbar.

It was a clear warning to Ipswich of what was to come and the lively Forster brought the sides level after 16 minutes, side-footing the ball home after Marshall blocked his initial effort.

But Ipswich went in front again, Magilton laying the ball off to Holland from a free-kick and the Ireland international hit a stunning shot that gave Hahnemann no chance.

Reading's hopes all but disappeared when Viveash was sent off in the 58th minute.

The defender, who played much of the first half with blood seeping from a bandaged head, took exception to Gaardsoe knocking the ball away at a free-kick and his reaction brought a red card from referee Clive Wilkes.

Ipswich sealed it in the 70th minute when Magilton knocked the ball home after an excellent run by Fabian Wilnis.

Ipswich: Marshall, Naylor, Gaardsoe, Makin, Wilnis, Wright, Holland, Magilton, Reuser, Counago, Marcus Bent. Subs: Bowditch, Darren Bent, Pullen, Richards, Westlake.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Viveash, Brown, Shorey, Chadwick, Sidwell, Harper, Hughes, Tyson, Forster. Subs: Watson, Salako, Ashdown, Henderson, Newman.

Referee: C Wilkes (Gloucestershire)