Bradley Orr doubled the advantage from the penalty spot on the half hour after Alex Bruce had committed a handball offence and although Ipswich dominated the second half, there was no way back.

A delighted Johnson said: "It's quite a turnaround in a few weeks and I'm proud of the lads for their first-half performance.

"They didn't need any incentive after being beaten so heavily and right from the start there was a great level of commitment.

"Unfortunately, it was so intense that some legs went in the second half, but then we defended bravely and our goalkeeper did a great job.

"Overall, I'm thrilled with the performance and the fact that we have consolidated our position among the Championship leaders."

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton said: "We made a sloppy start and handed Bristol a foothold. We played much better in the second half, but their goalkeeper was brilliant and we didn't take our chances.

"We need to start with a different attitude because at the moment it is too easy for home teams playing against us.

"We need an 'over-our-dead-bodies' approach and it has to be from the first whistle.

"Our away form is poor and it may be becoming psychological because we are doing so much better on our own ground."

When Ipswich did improve, they found City goalkeeper Adriano Basso in unbeatable form.

The Brazilian made an amazing triple save after 58 minutes to keep out shots from Alan Lee, substitute Pablo Counago and Owen Garvan.

In the closing stages, Ipswich threw everyone forward and Basso made several more acrobatic stops.

It had been a different story in the first half after Elliott's sweet early strike.

City created all the good chances and could have been further ahead by the break.

Ipswich fans in a 14,000 crowd optimistically chanted "we're gonna win 6-2" at the start of the second half and their team did rise to the challenge after Magilton sent on Counago for Sylvain Legwinski after 55 minutes.

City were content to play on the break as they came under heavy pressure, but still might have scored two more goals.

Ivan Sproule, whose cross was handled for the penalty, shot wide after a quick move and in the closing stages Ipswich keeper Neil Alexander did well to keep out a shot from Michael McIndoe.

The result means Ipswich have taken only four points from 10 away games this season, while City remain the Championship's surprise package, well in touch with the leaders.

ITV Sport