Ipswich 1-3 Doncaster - Match Report

Last updated : 27 April 2009 By Site Editor

This well-deserved win takes Rovers to 52 points and only four behind Ipswich, whose fans turned on manager Jim Magilton after a shambolic second-half display.

Doncaster came into the game on the back of four straight losses, but dominated early on and had already gone close twice before Gareth Roberts' fluke opener when his intended cross floated over Richard Wright.

Ipswich hit back strongly to level four minutes later when David Norris' cross was chested down by Pablo Counago for Owen Garvan to fire home from 20 yards.

Ipswich enjoyed a fine spell in which Garvan shot narrowly wide and then his lay-off was unluckily volleyed against the post by loanee Giovani Dos Santos.

Doncaster recovered their composure and went close through Dean Shiels, but Town ended the half on top as Jon Walters and Garvan shot off target.

Neil Sullivan made a fine save to tip away Pim Balkestein's header soon after the break, but that was the last time an increasingly lacklustre Town side threatened.

Martin Woods shot narrowly over from 30 yards before the visitors went ahead when James Chambers' far-post cross found Paul Heffernan whose header was well parried by Richard Wright, but Heffernan was first to the loose ball and smashed it home.

The home fans hoped for a quick response as in the first half, but none came and Rovers even added a third five minutes from time.

A slick passing move ended with Chambers crossing for sub Lewis Guy to find fellow replacement James Hayter, who held off Ivan Campo and poked the ball between Wright's legs.

The only bright spot for Ipswich was the introduction of striker Connor Wickham, who became the club's youngest-ever player aged 16 years and 11 days.


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