Ipswich Town 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (centre) scored his first senior goal

Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored his first senior goal as Ipswich beat Bolton for their first win since 15 September.

The 18-year-old, on loan from Arsenal, found the back of the net with a low left-foot finish from 25 yards.

Brett Pitman marked his return to Ipswich's starting line-up with his fourth goal of the season as his rasping shot secured all three points.

Wanderers failed to really test keeper Dean Gerken as their winless run stretched to nine games.

The hosts dominated proceedings and took the lead after just 13 minutes through their young winger.

Pitman was unlucky not to score in the first half as his goalbound effort from Daryl Murphy's cross was cleared off the line by Jose Manuel Casado.

Substitute Jonathan Douglas continued Ipswich's barrage on Bolton's goal early in the second half, with the midfielder's stinging shot from the edge of the box rattling the bar.

With the visitors looking unlikely to score, a brilliant piece of play between Freddie Sears and Pitman split the Bolton defence before the latter netted from a tight angle.

Bolton remain in the relegation places having won just one Championship game this season.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy:

"We have played well in recent games and not got the result, so to get the win is a relief.

"I would have taken a scruffy shinner or an own goal to get back to winning ways but our performance was outstanding.

"We had a difficult spell in the first half but we weathered that storm. It was great to get a clean sheet, which was a team effort, and some of the play from the front lads was terrific."

Bolton manager Neil Lennon:

"There was a mental fragility but on the basis of previous games, I do think we have the squad.

"We need to start showing moral courage to score goals and put our foot in. There is no point being a nice team - we have to start winning games.

"I thought we were in the game in the first half, but we never competed in the second half.

"If you don't compete in this division, especially against a Mick McCarthy side, you will get beat."