Report: Ipswich 1 – 1 City

Hull City continued their impressive away form by drawing 1-1 at Portman Road.

Despite Jason Scotland`s goal that gave Ipswich the lead early in the second half; City responded well to level through a late Jay Simpson header, to extend City`s unbeaten run on the road to eleven games and, in the process; keeping City within touching distance of the play-offs.

Nigel Pearson kept faith with the same side that had beaten Preston North End 1-0 while Ipswich Town were enforced into one change, Drury replacing the ineligible Jimmy Bullard.

Buoyed by their midweek 6-0 demolition of Doncaster Rovers, Ipswich started brightly and created several chances in the first-half but struggled to test Brad Guzan; Wickham, Martin and Leadbitter all firing wide.

At the other end, Belaid hit a long range free-kick narrowly over the bar while stand-in captain Leadbitter drew a good save from Guzan with a long range effort.

Hull City looked comfortable when in possession but couldn`t find the accurate pass in the final third; with wingers Belaid and Stewart both struggling after finding food positions.

Ipswich took the lead in the 58th minute, Wickham`s long ball evaded James Chester and found Jason Scotland. The former Swansea striker controlled and cut inside before firing past Gerrard and Guzan; although the keeper should have got a firmer hand to Scotland`s shot.

However, from that point; Ipswich failed to capitalise and allowed City back into the game. Aaron Mclean tested Martin Fulop for the first time after a good turn but shot straight at the keeper. Nick Barmby and Jay Simpson were introduced, and City started to look more dangerous in the final third.

The deserved equaliser came five minutes from time as Evans` cross was back-headed superbly by Jay Simpson into the net. Leadbitter shot wide as Ipswich sought a winner; but City pressed late on and forced a series of corners that were well dealt with by Fulop and the Ipswich defence.

The only downside was a late injury to Cameron Stewart, with the young winger facing a spell on the sidelines having been impressive in recent weeks.