Crystal Palace 1-2 Ipswich

Ipswich continued their fine start to the season with a battling victory over Crystal Palace, made all the sweeter because it came against one of their former heroes and ex-managers, George Burley.

But the match turned dramatically in the 50th minute when the Eagles’ defender Claude Davis was given a straight red card for pulling back Jonathan Stead in the box.

And Burley, a Eufa Cup winner with Town 30 years ago and now the Palace boss, said: “It all hinged on the sending off. Overall we were the better team, but if you lose concentration and ­discipline you will be punished. Basically, one moment of madness has cost us.”

And Ipswich manager Roy Keane said: “It was an important game for us and we deserved the win. We played with plenty of spirit. Spirit won’t get you promoted, but it will give you a chance.

Ipswich continued their fine start to the season with a battling victory over ­Crystal Palace, made all the sweeter because it came against one of their former heroes and ex-managers, George Burley.

But the match urned ­dramatically in the 50th minute when the Eagles’ ­defender Claude Davis was given a straight red card for pulling back Jonathan Stead in the box.

And Burley, a Eufa Cup winner with Town 30 years ago and now the Palace boss, said: “It all hinged on the sending off. Overall we were the better team, but if you lose concentration and discipline you will be punished. Basically, one moment of madness has cost us.”

And Ipswich manager Roy Keane said: “It was an important game for us and we deserved the win. We played with plenty of spirit. Spirit won’t get you promoted, but it will give you a chance.

“It was an open game with both sides breaking quickly and spreading the ball around.”

Palace were the more ­inventive in the first-half with their two fleet-footed youngsters Keiron Cadogan and Wilfried Zaha showing some delightful ball skills.

But Ipswich are a busy side, who work hard for each other, and they had the two best chances. First when a cross from Jonathan Stead found Carlos Edwards ­unmarked six yards out, but he headed over.

And then when a Stead cross-cum-shot cannoned off Julian Bennett and left keeper Julian Speroni back-peddling furiously to touch on to the bar.

Dutch master Edgar ­Davids was introduced to the ­Selhurst crowd at half-time.The 37-year-old veteran has joined the Eagles on a pay-as-you-play deal, but is not match fit. Palace could certainly have used his legendary midfield skills as they were frequently overrun in that area of the pitch.

The visitors took the lead five minutes after the break when Davis was red-carded. Grant Leadbitter made no mistake from the spot.

The Tractor Boys ­ ­effectively made the game safe minutes later when ­Leadbitter beat Nathaniel Clyne for pace down the left and crossed perfectly for Edwards to volley home at the far post.

Adros Townsend was sent off for dangerous play when he kicked Speroni in the chest as the goalkeeper tried to gather the ball.

The Ipswich winger could be in trouble with the League for an inflammatory gesture he made to the crowd as he trotted off. “He was unlucky to be sent off,” said Keane.

Neil Danns then got in front of his marker to head over keeper Martin Fulop for a late consolation.

Sunday Mirror