Ipswich Town 6 Bristol City 0By ELVIN KINGIPSWICH Town showed potential investor Marcus Evans that he is getting value for money with this Coca-Cola Championship thrashing of outplayed Bristol City at Portman Road this afternoon.

Ipswich Town 6 Bristol City 0

IPSWICH Town showed potential investor Marcus Evans that he is getting value for money with this Coca-Cola Championship thrashing of outplayed Bristol City at Portman Road this afternoon.

Jim Magilton's side proved it has the potential to reach the Premier League this season as they extended their winning home run to 11 games.

And they did it in style.

Jon Walters celebrated his call-up to the Republic of Ireland B squad with a hat-trick. He struck first in the fifth minute - with full back David Wright then venturing upfield to net with a beautiful 15th header.

Bradley Orr was sent off in the 47th minute for bringing down substitute Danny Haynes, and Tommy Miller drove home the resultant penalty. Walters thumped his second goal in the 55th minute with the City defence all at sea.

Pablo Counago made it five with a stunning solo finish in the 65th minute, and Walters completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute.

Alan Lee limped off in the 31st minute with Town hoping the two-week international break will give him time to recover.

Town made three changes from the side that lost 3-1 at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United on Tuesday.

They reverted back to their tried and trusted 4-4-2 home formation with Counago coming back in to partner Lee up front. In midfield Garvan and Clarke returned at the expense of Legwinski and Roberts.

Bruce kept his place beside De Vos at the heart of the defence, with Wilnis returning to the squad after - like Clarke - not making the trip to Sheffield. Haynes was back on the bench passing a test on an ankle injury.

Bristol City have lost just twice in the league this season, and once away - at Barnsley. A win - or draw - would cement their top three place going into the two-week international break.

TEAMS

Ipswich Town: Alexander; Wright, Bruce, De Vos, Harding; Walters, Miller, Garvan, Clarke; Counago, Lee. Substitutes: Supple, Wilnis, Legwinski, Haynes, Roberts.

Bristol City: Basso; Orr, Carey, Fontaine, McAllister; Sproule, Johnson, Noble, Elliott, McIndoe; Byfield. Substitutes: Henderson, McCombe, Wilson, Showunmi, Trundle.

Referee: Mr N Miller (Durham).