Ipswich Town 1 Bristol Rovers 0

David Johnson, the Ipswich forward who is trying to decide whether to represent Jamaica, the country of his birth, or England's Under-21, won the match with his eighth goal in 12 games, at Portman Road last night.

Johnson, 21, gave Ipswich a 43rd-minute lead that was hardly deserved because Rovers had looked every bit a side that had won their five previous away games.

The speed of Barry Hayles, allied to the cunning of Peter Beadle, posed a constant threat Ipswich.

Tony Mowbray and Adam Tanner had their nervous moments against Hayles, but Jason Cundy displayed rather more resolution when he hared back to make a desperate tackle on Beadle.

Hayles was pulled up for offside when he did get the ball in the net on the half hour but no flag came to Rovers' rescue when Mauricio Taricco sent Bobby Petta racing down the left wing just before half-time.

The Dutchman's cross reached Mick Stockwell, whose dreadful shot turned into a perfect pass for Johnson.