IPSWICH conceded three first half goals as bottom club Doncaster Rovers claimed a shock 3-2 away victory.

Two from El Hadji Diouf and one from Town target Billy Sharp gave Rovers a 3-0 half-time lead at Portman Road.

Sub Josh Carson pulled one back in the 54th minute as the home side momentarily threatened a comeback.

But the visitors largely controlled proceedings as the game drifted to its conclusion, before a great piece of skill from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas saw Michael Chopra head home deep into injury time.

But despite the grandstand finish, it was a dismal first half performance that cost the Blues.

After Keith Andrews had fired a shot wide, Diouf gave the visitors the lead when James Coppinger was given too much time to cross the ball and the striker guided a header into the corner with 17 minutes played.

Sharp doubled Donny’s tally six minutes later with another free header from Coppinger’s centre.

Sharp, whose newborn son died last Saturday, was given a poignant applause by the majority inside Portman Road and responded with his own ovation to the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Colin Healy, a surprise selection alongside Tamas Priskin, was quickly taken off for Lee Martin and marched straight down the tunnel before Michael Chopra almost pulled a goal back – but saw his celebrations cut short by the assistant’s flag.

And Doncaster made it three before the break when some great skill from Sharp released Diouf and he fired into the bottom corner as Danny Collins backed off.

The introduction of Carson and Martin made a difference but Rovers were well worth the points – and the late goal from Chopra flattered the Blues somewhat.

Starting line-ups

Ipswich: Stockdale; Wabara, Ingimarsson, Collins, Cresswell; Andrews, Bullard, Healy, Leadbitter; Priskin, Chopra. Subs - Lee-Barrett, Edwards, Emmanuel-Thomas, Martin, Carson.

Doncaster: Sullivan, Chimbonda, Naylor, Martis, Friend; Stock, Gillett, Ilunga; Diouf, Sharp, Coppinger. Subs - Maxted, O’Connor, Hayter, Barnes, Bennett.