Ipswich suffer huge setback

Ipswich's hopes of reaching the play-offs suffered a potentially fatal setback when they succumbed to two late goals at Millmoor, in a match that they appeared to have under control at half-time.

They led through Pablo Counago's 31st-minute header but they appeared to lose their way after half-time.

"It was just concentration," said manager Joe Royle. "It started up front and then spread. The pitch was that bad it couldn't have been an accident," said Royle, his demeanour not improved when he noticed sprinklers working flat out on the rock-hard surface after the match.

However, Royle refused to comment on the game's critical moment. In the 53rd minute Shaun Barker was shown only a yellow card after hauling down Martin Reuser, who was otherwise through on goal.

Andy Marshall, who had earlier made two brilliant saves to deny Mark Robins, punched out Barker's 85th- minute missile but was embarrassed when John Mullin's lobbed return dropped over his head. Ninety seconds later Marshall did well to keep out Chris Swailes's header from Barker's throw, but was powerless to prevent Robins stabbing home the loose ball.

Ron Gubba (Daily Telegraph)