IPSWICH Town scored a league goal in the first half of a league match for the first time since Newcastle last April when Jason Scotland netted with a well taken effort in the 18th minute.

It was enough to give them an interval lead in a half that did not rise to any great heights.

Town made three changes from the side that lost 1-0 at Reading in midweek with skipper David Norris and fellow midfielder Luke Hyam dropping out because they were serving one-match suspensions.

Troy Brown, who did well at right back at the Madejski Stadium, was named one of the Blues substitutes.

In came Tottenham loanee Jake Livermore for his full Town debut with Mark Kennedy and Tom Eastman earning a recall.

Grant Leadbitter took the captain’s armband as Town played their final game before a two-week international break.

Darren O’Dea was withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland because of injury, but was named on the team sheet for this game. He returned to the dressing room soon after the warm-ups began and Tommy Smith moved up off the bench to start the match.

O’Dea had been a big doubt because of a knee problem. Damien Delaney got a 2.45pm call to get changed to ensure Town had seven substitutes.

Leeds, who lost a 4-1 lead to be beaten 6-4 at home by Preston on Tuesday, brought their club captain Richard Naylor back into the team.

He was joined in defence by another former Ipswich player – Alex Bruce, who was at right back. Robert Snodgrass returned to the Leeds side after suspension.

Naylor was given a rousing reception by Ipswich fans, with Bruce well applauded as well.

Leadbitter began sitting in front of the back four with Jack of all trades Peters giving Scotland the nearest company up front..

Leeds had sold their full allocation of tickets and their fans made their presence felt – with home fans responding in kind to make for a lively atmosphere.

The visitors began in confident style with Ipswich unable to link their passes together with front man Scotland often up against four opponents.

It took some desperate defending by Town in the 17th minute after Johnson’s left wing cross was back-headed by McAuley over the head of Fulop. Howson headed back into the middle and just when Somma was set to pounce the ball was scrambled away.

A minute later the home side took the lead with Scotland’s third goal of the season. Livermore was the instigator with a strong forward run and incisive pass that released Scotland to round Higgs and tap the ball into the unguarded net just before Naylor’s last-ditch tackle arrived.

It was Town’s first opening half league goal of the season, and in the 21st minute Scotland was put on a run down the left, but he shot rather rashly and the ball rolled well wide of the far post.

There was a scare for Town in the 25th minute when Naylor headed down a corner, and with his back to goal Somma was unable to turn the ball over the line from close in.

Leeds picked up their game and Kilkenny saw his 22 yard shot saved by Fulop after the ball bounced menacingly just ahead of the keeper.

Ipswich were unable to string any passes together and with Leeds not much better it was a pretty end to the half. Half-time:

Ipswich Town 1 Leeds United 0

Teams

Ipswich Town: Fulop; Eastman, McAuley, Smith, Kennedy; Livermore; Edwards, Leadbitter, Peters, Townsend; Scotland. Substitutes: B Murphy,

Leeds United: Higgs; Bruce, Naylor, Collins, McCartney; 14 Howson, Faye, Kilkenny, Johnson; Snodgrass, Somma. Substitutes:

Referee: Mr K Hill (Hertfordshire)