Jaden Philogene-inspired Ipswich thrash Ruben Selles’ shambolic Sheffield United

Man of the match Jaden Philogene’s impressive hat-trick was the highlight of Ipswich’s 5-0 drubbing of Sky Bet Championship strugglers Sheffield United.

George Hirst and Jack Clarke were also on the scoresheet as the Tractor Boys chalked up their first win of the season and their first victory at Portman Road since beating Chelsea in the Premier League in December.

Philogene struck in the 20th, 51st and 68th minutes. Hirst’s goal came after 61 minutes and Clarke added the fifth 12 minutes from full-time.

Ipswich climb to 11th as a result of the victory but Ruben Selles’ Blades remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the table without a point after this devastating setback.

The hosts had a great chance to take the lead in the 11th minute when a cross from Leif Davis just evaded Chuba Akpom, as Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper got a hand to the ball.

A wonderful through-ball from Swedish midfielder Jens Cajuste then found Kasey McAteer wide on the right and his shot was parried away by Cooper.

However, Ipswich took the lead when Philogene collected the ball wide on the left and cut inside into the penalty area to rifle a shot into the far corner of the net.

Philogene, who was creating havoc for the visiting defenders, then set Akpom away but his cross failed to find a blue shirt in the six-yard box.

Philogene made it 2-0 soon after the restart. George Hirst and Akpom combined in midfield to set the winger free down the left and his mesmerising run across the penalty area ended with another fine shot beyond Cooper.

An effort from Tom Cannon had Palmer scurrying across his goal to palm the ball to safety but Ipswich extended their lead further when Hirst challenged for the ball in the penalty area and his tame shot went through Cooper’s legs and into the back of the net.

There were huge cheers in the 63rd minute when former Norwich midfielder Marcelino Nunez replaced Akpom.

Hirst had the ball in the net again soon after but was adjudged to be offside, before Philogene completed his hat-trick with another wonderful strike.

Clarke completed the scoring when he picked up a deflection from Sheffield centre-back Japhet Tanganga to slot the ball home.

There were further chances for Town to make it 6-0 but Cooper was on hand to deny Sam Szmodics and Clarke while a free-kick from Nunez 30 yards out went narrowly over the bar.