FULHAM continued their excellent start to the season by holding First Division Ipswich to a draw in the first leg of their tie at Craven Cottage last night.

Fulham were unlucky not to win and it took a spectacular goal from midfielder Simon Milton late in the game to equalise Simon Morgan's third-minute opener.

Morgan had volleyed low into the far corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area following a poor clearance from the Ipswich defence; and the Third Division leaders should have made it 2-0 after 30 minutes when striker Darren Freeman missed a sitter.

The Fulham striker managed to put the ball over an unguarded goal from only a yard out when all he needed to do was tap in Mike Conroy's driven cross.

Ipswich, though, went close with shots from Steve Sedgley and James Scowcroft well saved by stand-in goalkeeper Mark Walton.

Fulham lived on their nerves in the second half, especially when Ipswich substitute Tony Vaughan sent a header against the crossbar shortly after half-time.

It was perhaps inevitable that Ipswich's pressure should lead to an equaliser and it came in the 77th minute.

Milton seized on a loose ball 30 yards from goal and his first-time shot flew into the far corner of the net, giving Walton little chance.

Ipswich almost took the lead moments later when Claus Thomsen hit a fierce shot from a similar range, but this time Walton got his hands to the ball to tip it away for a corner.

But Fulham, who beat another First Division side, Southend, in the previous round, more than held their own with some neat passing football that at times belied their lowly status.

Daily Telegraph