NOT since they reached the fourth round and went out to Liverpool in a gallant fight at Anfield in 2002, have Ipswich Town progressed further than the second round of the League Cup - and the last three years have seen first round exits from the League Cup.

By Derek Davis

NOT since they reached the fourth round and went out to Liverpool in a gallant fight at Anfield in 2002, have Ipswich Town progressed further than the second round of the League Cup - and the last three years have seen first round exits from the League Cup.

For the fifth time in succession the Blues went out to lower league opposition, the latest defeat coming to League Two side MK Dons on Tuesday.

The terrible run started back in 2003 when a Dean Bowditch goal eased Town past Kidderminster Harriers in extra time in the first round, only for Joe Royle's side to slump to a 2-1 loss at troubled Notts County in the next round.

Hopes were higher the following year, but after beating Brentford 2-0 Town were humbled by the same scoreline at Doncaster Rovers at the next hurdle.

In 2005 Town failed to get past the first round when Gary Johnson's Yeovil embarrassed them 2-0 at Portman Road.

Last year Town's League Cup quest ended away at Peterborough after a penalty shoot-out - and it was the same scenario on Tuesday night.

Town have never gone through on penalties in four attempts and last got as far as the semi-finals of the competition when they lost over two legs against Birmingham City in 2001.

Town's early cup exits

First round, August 14 2007: MK Dons (a) 3-3 aet lost 5-3 on pens

First round, August 22 2006: Peterborough (a) 2-2 aet lost 4-2 on pens

First round, August 23 2005: Yeovil Town (h) lost 2-0

Second round, September 21 2004: Doncaster Rovers (a) lost 2-0

Second round, September 23 2003: Notts County (a) lost 2-0