Ipswich Town fans are running out of time to get their wish.

The average league attendance at Portman Road – capacity at little over 30,000 – has declined steadily for the last five seasons, dropping from 24,251 in 2005/06 to just 18,531 so far this campaign.

As a result, numerous supporters had got in touch with the club to insist that reduced ticket prices would lead to a rejuvenated crowd size and subsequently a better atmosphere for the players to feed off.

Chief executive Simon Clegg responded by slashing prices by 25% for this Saturday’s Championship visit of Middlesbrough in an experiment to see just how many extra people it brings through the turnstiles.

As a one-off, the average entry cost will now be �20-25 rather than �26-31.

Facing a Boro side managed by former Blues favourite Tony Mowbray, Ipswich are chasing three consecutive victories for the first time this season.

However, despite table-toppers West Ham having been thrashed 5-1 at Portman Road last Tuesday night, sales for this weekend’s game are yet to fully take off.

“Speaking as of Tuesday lunchtime we’ve sold around 16,700 tickets for the Middlesbrough game,” said ticket manager John Ford. “That’s only slightly up on the usual ticket sales we have had this season come this stage of the week.

“When it comes to these sort of promotions there’s a point where the extra sales make up for the loss of revenue. This is a very deliberate trial to find where that tipping point is.”

In recent years Ipswich have selected two or three games a season in which season ticket holders can bring up to four friends at just �10 each. The outcome of those matches has often been around 5,000 extra fans, but 10% less income.

Upon announcing the trial pricing strategy, Clegg said: “I hope that many Town fans will take up this great offer as it could influence our thinking on future ticket pricing strategy.”

Tickets for the Middlesbrough game (3pm kick-off) will be available on the day, but will cost �2.50 more than those which are bought in advance.

To purchase a ticket in advance, visit the official club website or call: 0844 80 11 555.