FOR THE third consecutive year, Ipswich Town's Premiership dreams were shattered in the semi-finals of the play-offs when, on a cruel night, even a fourth goal from Matt Holland in the 117th minute could not save them.

Despite displaying tremendous tenacity and fortitude, they conceded three goals and went out by virtue of Michael Johansen's first-leg goal.

Having dominated for long periods, Ipswich's usually reliable defending was their undoing and now Bolton meet either Watford or Birmingham for a place in the Premiership.

A goal from Kieron Dyer in the final minute of normal time gave Ipswich a reprieve but Bob Taylor's second goal of the game, six minutes into extra-time confirmed Bolton's win.

Ipswich's early pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Jamie Scowcroft's low, accurate ball fell to Holland and the player who has a racehorse named after him won the gallop to the ball and shot past Steve Banks.

With the volume at Portman Road turned up, Ipswich began to play the type of football which took them within a point of automatic promotion as Petta and Dyer commanded midfield.

Scowcroft turned Petta's cross around the left post before Bolton, having been forced to make an alteration, began to find their shape and confidence. Paul Warhurst replaced Robbie Elliott at left-back after the defender was injured in a clash of heads with Scowcroft and, curiously, the change seemed to settle the visitors.

Ricardo Gardner presented a delightful pass for the energetic Claus Jensen but a timely intervention by Holland prevented Bolton from restoring their aggregate lead. A minute before the break, leading scorer Taylor turned and volleyed but slipped just as he made contact and in stoppage time Mark Venus's misjudged back pass was blocked by Richard Wright.

Scowcroft began to play an increasingly influential role, volleying just over and then being denied by Banks after turning and shooting.

However, Bolton claimed a valuable away goal in the 50th minute. Jensen fed Gardner and his cross from the right was met by Eidur Gudjohnsen, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Wright. But Taylor was waiting to control and shoot from 10 yards to restore Bolton's overall lead.

Ipswich responded within 30 seconds and again Scowcroft was involved, laying the ball to his right from where Dyer, with little room in which to manoeuvre, found the bottom corner.

Magilton was denied in the 52nd minute by a flying leap by Banks and then Petta set up Johnson but his shot rolled painfully wide.

But after Mark Fish had blocked a Scowcroft attempt on the line, a corner from Johansen was laid on by Andy Todd and Frandsen scored from five yards.

Ipswich looked beaten only for Dyer to loop in a header in the final minute but Taylor made it 3-3 in extra-time by brilliantly converting a pass from Gudjohnsen.

Daily Telegraph