IPSWICH, England (Interstat) — George Hirst scored in the third minute and Jaden Philogene added a goal in the ninth minute as Ipswich Town FC defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-0 on Saturday in a Championship match at Portman Road Stadium.

Kasey McAteer capped the scoring in the 85th minute. Ipswich Town FC improved its league record to 18 wins, five losses and 12 draws, while QPR fell to 15 wins, 20 losses and 10 draws. Across all competitions this season, Ipswich Town FC is 18-5-12 and QPR is 15-21-10.

The hosts seized control early. Hirst collected a pass from Darnell Furlong and beat the QPR goalkeeper inside the near post. Furlong, a defender, recorded his first assist of the match. Philogene doubled the lead six minutes later, finishing a cross from the left wing that left the QPR defense flat-footed. Ipswich Town FC maintained its two-goal advantage into halftime, holding QPR to no shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half saw QPR attempt to rally but Ipswich Town FC’s back line held firm. Furlong received a yellow card in the 46th minute for a tactical foul. Leif Davis was booked in the 76th minute for a late challenge, and QPR’s Paul Smyth was cautioned in the 79th minute for dissent. McAteer sealed the result five minutes from time, slotting home a rebound after QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic saved an initial attempt.

QPR entered the match on a difficult run, having lost three of its previous four league contests. The Hoops fell 3-2 at home to Derby County FC on April 25, dropped a 2-1 decision at Swansea City AFC on April 21 and lost 2-0 at Millwall on April 18. A 0-0 draw at Bristol City on April 11 was followed by a 1-1 draw at Preston North End on April 6. QPR’s last league victory came April 3, a 2-1 home win over Watford.

Ipswich Town FC came into the game in strong form, having won four of its previous five league matches. The Tractor Boys defeated Charlton Athletic 2-1 on April 22, drew 2-2 at home with Middlesbrough FC on April 19, won 2-0 at Norwich City FC on April 11, beat Birmingham City FC 2-1 on April 6 and drew 1-1 with Millwall on March 21.

The two teams last met Nov. 1, 2025, when Ipswich Town FC won 4-1 at QPR.

Interstat’s game simulator projected a final score of Ipswich Town FC 2, QPR 1. Interstat’s ELO system gave Ipswich Town FC an 87.00 percent probability to win.