IPSWICH Town conceded a goal in this season's FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) for the first time - and Damien Francis' 87th minute effort was enough to knock them out at Vicarage Road this afternoon.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town conceded a goal in this season's FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) for the first time - and Damien Francis' 87th minute effort was enough to knock them out at Vicarage Road this afternoon.

But it was a gallant and at times heroic display by the Tractor Boys who made light of playing against a side from the Premiership.

Ipswich have not beaten a side from the top flight since they won at Blackburn in 1995/96 and at the eighth attempt they also failed - but they went so close.

Town suffered a blow when George O'Callaghan was sent off for kicking out at Dan Shittu in first-half stoppage time. They played the whole of the second period down to ten men.

Skipper Sylvain Legwinski struck the bar in the 17th minute and the visitors held the upper hand in an impressive opening 45 minutes.

After the sending off they continued in effervescent mood and Haynes put the ball in the net in the 57th minute only to be ruled offside after Dan Harding had also struck the bar.

Ipswich are left to concentrate on strengthening their mid-table Championship position after Francis scored three minutes from the end of a game that ended with referee Steve Bennett being booed by Town fans.