Pictures: Steve Brading

STRIKER Freddie Sears believes he is producing his best-ever form for Ipswich Town.

The former Colchester United frontman has been in sparkling form since Paul Lambert’s arrival as manager in late October.

He scored in the Scot’s first two matches in the hot-seat, against Preston North End and Reading.

And he followed it up with a brace in Town’s recent defeat against Bristol City, at Portman Road.

Sears’ success is in contrast to that of the team, who are propping up the Championship table with just one victory from their 21 matches.

However, the ex-West Ham striker is confident the tide will turn – and determined to keep playing a starring role in their recovery.

“On a personal note, I’ve been delighted with my recent form,” said Sears, who joined Ipswich from Colchester in January 2015, having been with the U's since the turn of 2012.

“I’m playing my best football since joining Ipswich.

“I’m back in the team, playing regularly and scoring goals.

“Confidence is massive in football and I feel I’m playing with that at the moment.

“At the start of the season I was having trouble with injury but now I feel fit.

“The only thing I’d say is that it doesn’t really mean a lot, because we’re not getting the results.

“Look at the Bristol City game. I scored twice but we still lost 3-2.

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“It’s disappointing but, on a personal level, I’ve had a great month.

“Hopefully I can stick at it, keep it going and do my bit to help the team pick up some points because there’s still a long way to go.

"No-one has ever been relegated in December.

“We know it’s going to be tough but have to keep believing.

“Performances have definitely picked up, which is positive, and if we keep doing the right things, we have to hope we’ll be rewarded.”

Sears was speaking to the Gazette during a visit to the children’s ward at Colchester General Hospital, on Tuesday afternoon.

He was there to deliver presents – selection boxes, cuddly toys and stationary – along with team-mates Jordan Spence and Trevoh Chalobah.

The players dipped into their own pockets to buy the gifts, which were then distributed to children at hospitals in Colchester, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.

“Hopefully it gave everyone a lift – the children and their parents. It’s something a bit different within their day,” added Sears, 29.

“It’s something I really enjoy doing and it’s a good opportunity for us, as professional footballers, to give something back.

“We’re lucky to be in a position where we can try and help people and put smiles on faces.

“We got a great reaction from some of the children. They were pleased to see us and knew all about Ipswich.

“I’ve got two young sons and we spent some time in hospital when my first one was born.

“It can be really tough, for the children and their parents. Hopefully our visit gave them a little boost.”

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