KEITH Andrews once again struck within seconds of the second half restart to give Ipswich Town a 1-0 home victory over Derby County.

Following a cagey first half – during which keeper Arran Lee-Barrett made a series of good stops for the hosts – Town struck within 34 seconds of the restart.

It was a controversial goal, with the referee playing on after the Irishman’s brave header was hacked clear from under the bar by Jamie Bailey.

Following a lengthy delay, however, the official went over to his linesman who signalled that the ball had crossed the line.

And with both managers changing formations throughout an intriguing tactical battle, Town defended well to secure their first clean sheet in nine matches.

Following seven straight defeats, Town have now recorded back-to-back victories to move up to 19th in the Championship table.

FIRST HALF

WITH both teams having ended long winless spells last weekend, neither wanted to concede first and risk a return to losing ways.

Ipswich showed brief glimpses of the scintillating football which saw them score five goals at Barnsley last weekend – but too often the final ball was not good enough.

Keith Andrews forced a good save out of keeper Frank Fielding with a shot from the edge of the area, while Carlos Edwards drove the ball narrowly over following a powerful run.

Derby had the better goalscoring chances though, with Arran Lee-Barrett – back in the Town team due to David Stockdale’s return to Fulham – making some good stops.

The keeper palmed away a goalbound Jamie Ward effort early on, then made three saves in quick succession – one from Craig Bryson and then twice from Ward on the angle – to keep the Blues level in the 27th minute.

Town boss Paul Jewell abandoned his 4-4-2 formation towards the end of the half to match Derby’s 4-2-3-1, with striker Michael Chopra going wide right and winger Lee Martin handed a central free role.

SECOND HALF

WITHIN 33 seconds of the restart, Andrews had popped up – just like he did at Barnsley a week previous – to score.

Aaron Cresswell beat two men before dinking a super ball to the far post and Andrews did superbly to direct a header towards goal when keeper Frank Fielding looked favourite to collect.

Bailey hacked clear from under the crossbar, with the referee playing on, but eventually he went over to his linesman and the goal was given.

It was Andrews’ ninth Ipswich goal, with the midfielder due to return to parent club Blackburn in the New Year.

Derby switched to a 4-4-2 system in an attempt to get back into the game, but Town defended well.

Lee-Barrett held onto a glancing Shaun Barker header after the centre-back had lost his man from a deep free-kick delivery, while Danny Collins put in a good block on Craig Bryson.

The Blues were relatively comfortable though and could have doubled their advantage, with the energetic Lee Martin forcing a good save out of Fielding and late sub Jimmy Bullard seeing a fierce volley defelected over.

TEAM NEWS

IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell kept with the same outfield XI for the third game running for today’s Championship visit of Derby County.

Following a spirited 2-1 home defeat to Watford and inspirational 5-3 comeback win at Barnsley, the only change to the Town line-up was in goal.

With David Stockdale having been recalled by parent club Fulham this week, Arran Lee-Barrett took his place in goal with Richard Wright – who has struggled with a shoulder problem – deemed fit enough for the bench.

Derby boss NIgel Clough made two changes to the side which beat Bristol City 2-1 at home last weekend – their first win in seven.

Player of the Season John Brayford returned at right-back following injury, replacing Ben Davies with Paul Green pushing forward to the wing.

Meanwhile, teen striker Callum Ball came in for Tamas Priskin up front, the Hungarian international not allowed to play under the rules of his loan switch from Town.

The Rams had plenty of firepower on the bench too, with both Theo Robinson and Nathan Tyson taking their place among the substitutes following injuries.

TEAMS

IPSWICH TOWN (4-4-2): Lee-Barrett; Edwards, Sonko, Collins, Cresswell; Martin (Carson 90), Andrews (cpt), Bowyer, Murphy; Chopra (Emmanuel-Thomas 71), Scotland (Bullard 82).

Subs: Wright; Wabara.

DERBY COUNTY (4-5-1): Fielding; Brayford (Tyson 82), Barker (cpt), Shackell, Roberts; Green, Bryson, Bailey (Robinson 63), Hendrick (Davies 90), Ward; Ball.

Subs: Legzdins; O’Brien.

Referee: Mr David Webb