Ipswich Town fans have witnessed more ups than downs this season – so Saturday’s home defeat to Derby was a test of supporters’ current spirit of optimism.

Despite the temptation to watch things unfold from the comfort of the sofa, a crowd of 20,800 turned out to watch the televised game live at Portman Road.

The action on the pitch was coloured by controversy, as decisions went the way of the visitors in the eyes of Town fans.

Emotions ran high when the Blues were denied penalty appeals – doubling earlier frustration at the referee’s decision not to show a card for a challenge on David McGoldrick.

However, images of the stands captured by our matchday photographer show that, although the goals were not forthcoming, support for the home side remained in no short supply.

The Blues are expecting close to a 30,000 full-house for their FA Cup Third Round Replay clash with Southampton on Wednesday night.