Bristol City 2 Ipswich 0Bristol City got their revenge as Ipswich once again spluttered on their journeys.The difference between the Blue team that has gone 13 games unbeaten at home in a row and the side that has now failed to win in 14 efforts on the road, going back to last March, was brought into stark contrast by Gary Johnson's City.

By Derek Davis

Bristol City 2 Ipswich 0

Bristol City got their revenge as Ipswich once again spluttered on their journeys.

The difference between the Blue team that has gone 13 games unbeaten at home in a row and the side that has now failed to win in 14 efforts on the road, going back to last March, was brought into stark contrast by Gary Johnson's City.

To beat a team by six, less than a month ago, and then lose by two clear goals takes some working out but there it is in black and white.

Town will bemoan their misfortunes at a harsh penalty when already a goal down and wonder how they didn't score during a second half when they looked more like themselves.

But City deserve their first half lead, and battled to defend the scoreline even if it meant an Alamo mentality in the second half.

In truth City were more up for the game to begin with, and looked more determined to get a result than Town, who lacked the belief and the quality to make up the deficit.

Sylvain Legwinski got the start he has been craving for and Gary Roberts was in the side for only the second time in a dozen matches.

Town strung five across mid-field but you wouldn't have known it given the time and space City were allowed.

Right back Bradley Orr had time to cut inside and find an unmarked Marvin Elliott, who steadied himself before driving in a low shot from nearly 30 yards after just five minutes.

City looked hungrier, and more motivated right from the start. They were sharper to the ball, then when they had it took better care and didn't make as many mistakes as Ipswich.

Mid-way through the first half a Michael McIndoe cross was palmed away by Alexander but only as far as Lee Johnson who was instantly closed down by Alex Bruce, who made a vital block and Elliott on the rebound went wide.

That prompted Jim Magilton to leave his seat in the Director's Box to go pitch-side, and while his side got a bit more of the ball, they didn't do much with it.

Instead it was City who took the initiative and grabbed a second on the half-hour somewhat fortuitously.

Speedy right winger Ivan Sproule's cross skidded up off the greasy grass and hit Bruce's arm. The crowd went up, appealing in unison, the referee agreed, but it did seem a harsh decision.

Orr was emphatic with his spot kick sending Alexander the wrong way.