91�ȱ�

Lee Tomlin scored a hat-trick as Peterborough thrashed nine-man Ipswich 7-1 at London Road.

Keith Andrews gave the visitors the lead, but Posh hit back thanks to Tomlin's first two goals and two more from Paul Taylor before half-time.

Lee Martin saw red just before the break, and Tommy Smith was then sent off for a foul which led to Grant McCann making it 5-1 from the spot.

McCann added his second before Tomlin completed the rout late on.

Ipswich led in the 23rd minute when Andrews collected possession and hit a stunning volley into the top corner. But the lead last just seven minutes as Taylor connected with Mark Little's cross and hit a superb 25-yard strike into the top corner.

Ipswich struggled thereafter and found themselves 2-1 down in the 38th minute when Tomlin showed delightful skill before drilling home his first from 12 yards.

And the hosts struck again two minutes later when Taylor swept a right-footed shot into the net - and it soon got worse for Ipswich, and

Peterborough went 4-1 up in the 42nd minute when McCann found Tomlin with a fine pass and the attacking midfielder broke clear to drill a right-foot shot into the net.

The visitors were on the ropes and their frustrations boiled over on the stroke of half-time when Martin caught Little with a late tackle and was promptly shown a red card.

Shortly after the restart, Ipswich substitute Smith fouled Tomlin on the edge of the 18-yard box as he threatened to burst clear.

Referee Graham Scott showed Smith a red card and pointed to the penalty spot, with McCann stepping up to fire home left-footed with a fine spot kick which gave David Stockdale no chance.

Posh claimed number six in the 56th minute when McCann hit a low shot from 12 yards which deflected into the net. There was more misery for Ipswich late on, though, when Tomlin completed his treble with a neat right-footed finish from close range.

Live text commentary