DIFFICULT – but not impossible. Blues skipper Matt Holland last night admitted giving up a two-goal lead before losing to rivals Nottingham Forest was a blow to their play-off chances but has not given up hope of promotion.

DIFFICULT – but not impossible. Blues skipper Matt Holland last night admitted giving up a two-goal lead before losing to rivals Nottingham Forest was a blow to their play-off chances but has not given up hope of promotion, writes Derek Davis.

Two goals from Tommy Miller, including a controversial twice-taken penalty, gave Town a comfortable lead in just over 20 minutes, but furious Forest flew back immediately to go 3-2 up by the break.

Substitute John Thompson, Marlon Harewood and an own goal from Richard Naylor put the visitors ahead.

Although Marcus Bent put Town on level terms, a Harewood header from an Andy Reid free kick gave Forest the double over Ipswich.

The only saving grace was George Burley's Derby County beating Norwich, Wolves being held to a draw by Rotherham and Reading losing at home to Brighton on Friday night, leaving the race still close.

Holland said: "It is a set-back but it might have been worse as the teams around us could have won.

"We are still in with a chance, there is no doubt about that. If you look at the fixtures they are not easy for others so we know we have to get out and win ours."

Holland said: "It was a tough game to lose, especially after being two goals up.

It was Town's seventh home defeat of the season, while they have lost only five away, and Holland was at a loss to explain the poor home form.

He said: "We can't really put our finger on it. The fans have been absolutely terrific and you couldn't ask any more of them and it is just a shame we are not putting in the performance and getting the results at home as we are away." Match report Pages 2 & 3