Two headed goals from Darius Henderson got Watford back on track ahead of their forthcoming play-off campaign in which mercurial boss, Adrian Boothroyd will be leaving no stone unturned in his bid to guide the Golden Boys back to the top flight. 
The Watford boss stunned everyone at the final whistle by asking all the home fans to stay behind and boo his players as they took part in a mock penalty shoot-out competition. It was an inspired, yet equally very obvious move by one of the smartest young managers in the game, as he sought to recreate the atmosphere and drama of a penalty competition which his side may well require in the end of season lottery.
But Watford with Anthony McNamee and Al Bangura starting in place of the suspended Marlon King and rested Matthew Spring were good value for a first win in five matches after an excellent first-half performance in which they should have been more than a goal to the good.
The Golden Boys nearly made the breakthrough from their first meaningful attack when a McNamee corner was headed against the underside of the bar by Ashley Young. The rebound fell for Clarke Carlisle who connected well but saw his effort well saved by Tractor Boys goalkeeper, Lewis Price and then Malky Mackay struck the rebound well but saw his shot blocked.
Young then curled a free-kick narrowly wide but Ipswich Town then came into the game with Dean Bowditch shooting wide before Ben Foster twice did well to deny Alan Lee and the ever lively Nicky Forster.
However, it was no real surprise when Watford went in front just after the half hour. Chris Eagles attacked the heart of the visitor's defence before sliding in McNamee, whose precise cross to the far post was headed into the roof of the net by Henderson.
And the visitors could have no real complaints had the home side scored a second before the interval which they so nearly did when Young's attempted close range finish was deflected behind by Price.
The Tractor Boys sought to take the game to the home side after the break and they equalised when Forster got in front of the defence to head a Darren Currie free-kick firmly past Foster.
Watford thought they had regained the lead soon after but Henderson's close-range effort was ruled out for offside.
But after surviving what looked to be a close penalty call when Mackay appeared to trip Lee, Watford got their attacking game going again and scored the decisive second when Lloyd Doyley's through ball found Young in space on the right and his wonderful cross was crying out to be headed home which Henderson duly did.
So a welcome win for the Golden Boys which keeps them in third place and the performance, although staccato at times, at least proves they are not a one man team and the tenacious midfield display of Al Bangura gave the manger plenty to ponder ahead of the play-offs.
For a tepid Ipswich Town, a lack of cutting edge was evident for all to see and one wonders for the future of manager, Joe Royle in the silly summer season.
Golden Boys man of the match: Darius Henderson for his two goals and all round tireless performance without regular strike partner, Marlon King.