Ipswich Town are on course to start their Championship season with a victory thanks to Daryl Murphy's first-half strike against Fulham at Portman Road.

The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening five minutes when Jesse Joronen tipped Christophe Berra's header over the bar, before Luke Hyam dragged a shot wide from the resulting corner.

Chris David had Fulham's first effort on goal minutes later, but, after receiving the ball in a promising position outside the box, he could only direct his low drive wide of the post.

Ipswich were the next to threaten and Cole Skuse nearly found the net with a dipping volley that went just over the bar.

Moussa Dembele was almost in for Fulham after Dean Gerken had spilled a strike from David, but the keeper was up quickly to block his effort.

In the 32nd minute, Ipswich made the breakthrough as Murphy raced onto Hyam's through ball before drilling an effort past Joronen at the keeper's near post.