Having scored only three goals in six previous matches, they conjured up a spectacular one from Paul Mason to defeat a slipshod Queens Park Rangers, who had seemed to be improving under the new regime of Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch.

Rioch, who works with the attacking players, has at least as much work to do as Houston, who concentrates on defence. What both must emphasise is the foolhardiness of giving the ball away so easily.

Chances were slow to come early on despite some useful flicks off the head and chest by Mark Hateley, starting for the first time since the opening game of the season. Back from his loan period at Leeds, he replaced Daniele Dichio, who was not fully fit.

Hateley's younger partner Steve Slade found the experience of visiting defenders Tony Mowbray and John Wark a tough nut to crack, though Mowbray might have been dismissed for bringing Slade down just outside the penalty area. The Ipswich captain was let off with a yellow card and Trevor Sinclair sent the resulting free-kick high over the bar.

The game did pick up some momentum towards half-time after a sluggish start, with Rangers belatedly making the running, but Gerry Creaney's volley over the Rangers bar was still as close as anything the home team had managed by the interval.

If Ipswich's football was brighter than might have been expected from a side on such a poor run, it never quite matched their gaudy purple and green strip. They were forced into a change when midfielder Danny Sonner hobbled off, Gus Uhelnbeek coming on to offer a different option down the right.

His cross on the run after an hour's play allowed Creaney a twisting header that forced Jrgen Sommer into a fine save.

Sommer was helpless six minutes later when Creaney headed down Mick Stockwell's centre and Mason drove in a ferocious shot from 20 yards.

Richard Wright preserved the points with a stunning late save from Alan McDonald's header.

Daily Telegraph