TOMMY Miller struck a hat-trick as Ipswich Town continued their pre-season build-up with a convincing 5-1 victory at Blue Square Premier (formerly Conference) League Crawley Town last night.

By Elvin King

TOMMY Miller struck a hat-trick as Ipswich Town continued their pre-season build-up with a convincing 5-1 victory at Blue Square Premier (formerly Conference) League Crawley Town last night.

Triallists Cesar Navas and Arsene Menassiu both started the game, and caught the eye at times before being replaced in the second period.

Jaime Peters made his first appearance after returning from Canada. Miller's prowess at scoring from midfield can add much to Ipswich's play this season, and he got off on the right foot last night, while Alan Lee put behind him any thoughts of a possible move to Hull City by netting the other two goals.

It was not all plain-sailing at the back for an Ipswich side that left Jason De Vos and Richard Naylor back in Ipswich.

Miller opened the scoring direct from a free-kick after a dreadful tackle on Gary Roberts before the Blues hit four after the break with former Sunderland man Miller scoring his third goal from the penalty spot after Pablo Counago had been fouled.

Lee added the fourth after good work from the Spaniard after 66 minutes and the Irishman completed Town's scoring with a 73rd minute tap-in.

Guy Madjo netted Crawley's goal from the spot after a controversial foul by keeper Neil Alexander on Jamie Cook.