Ipswich Town are through to the second round of the Football Manager Cup despite finishing their tie against Port Vale with just nine men.

East Anglian Daily Times: Joe Fairs is taking charge of Ipswich Town in the Football Manager Cup. Picture; JOE FAIRSJoe Fairs is taking charge of Ipswich Town in the Football Manager Cup. Picture; JOE FAIRS (Image: Archant)

The Blues, bossed by Joe Fairs in the virtual tournament, were favourites heading into the game but needed extra-time to squeeze past their League Two opposition.

Emyr Huws and James Norwood scored Ipswich’s goals as regulation ended in a 2-2 draw, before the game headed to extra-time with the Blues down to 10 men following Flynn Downes’ red card.

Substitute Jon Nolan stepped up to slot home a penalty to ultimately win the game before himself being sent off. Ipswich held on, though, to take their place in round two.

MORE: Meet the multiple Champions League winner hoping to lead Ipswich Town to gloryBoss Fairs, a multiple-Champions League winner on the cult computer game, tweeted after the game: “Delighted to have won my 1st round tie in the EFL @FootballManager Cup against @OfficialPVFC. A great game against @hotspudman.

“I was very nervous at 2-2 after Downes had been sent off, but relieved to be in the hat for Round 2! #ITFC.”

A total of 54 EFL teams are entered into the tournament, with the second round draw being made once the first is completed.