A hat-trick from Ipswich Town new-boy Grant Ward gave the Tractor Boys all three points in their opening fixture against newly promoted Barnsley yesterday.

The win, which sees Ipswich go second in the league, was an entertaining one and will give both sides hope going into the new Championship campaign.

The game exploded into life in the second-half with debutant Grant Ward scoring with his first touch of the ball, although Barnsley quickly equalised when skipper Conor Hourihane levelled things up.

Ward added his second of the game just after the hour mark when he smashed the ball past Barnsley goalkeeper Adam Davies.

The Tractor Boys were then awarded a penalty just two minutes and rather than Ward taking to complete his hat-trick, striker David McGoldrick stepped up to score his first of the season.

Midfielder Marley Watkins then headed home to give Barnsley hope of rescuing a point but Ward got his third six minutes from time to complete a perfect debut.

For Mick McCarthy it was a good chance to see his squad get back to winning ways, whilst for Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom, it was a decent start to life in the league after the promotion.

So following the game, what exactly did we learn? Here's THREE things FootballLeagueWorld writer Hayden Atkins picked up on after the victory.

Grant Ward looks a class act

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Little was made after Ipswich Town brought in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Grant Ward this summer but after this weekend, there will be quite a few standing up and taking notice after his fantastic showing on Saturday.

Despite not starting the game, Ward came on as a second-half substitute and quickly dispatched a superb 39-minute hat-trick to give his side a first-day win.

He showed guile, speed and an excellent finishing ability and he really will be one to look out for as the season progresses.

Barnsley need to be more clinical

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Despite losing the game, Barnsley had 14 shots, with five on target, a whole lot more than Ipswich Town, who only had six shots.

The statistics scream that The Tykes will need to be more clinical going forward. In Tom Bradshaw they have a striker who was in superb form for Walsall last season but he needs to compose himself a little more than he did yesterday.

If the Tykes are to survive this season, they'll need to score goals. Two was a good start but it could have been a whole lot better.

Ipswich could be a surprise package this season

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Despite conceding twice, Ipswich really did look good in wide spells of the game.

In Mick McCarthy they have a manager who knows this level well and who can really get the best out of his players. In Skuse, McGoldrick and Sears they have a trio of Brits who can compete well at this level and who impressed yesterday.

Keep an eye out for the Tractor Boys.

Ipswich and Barnsley fans...What did you make of the match? How impressive was Grant Ward on his debut? Where do Barnsley need to improve if they are to stay up? Let us know what you think in the comments below!