DARREN Ambrose applauded Joe Royle's inspired substitution, which immediately led to Ipswich's opening goal.Town's teenage attacking midfielder had been left physically sick after an illegal, crunching tackle by Craig Fleming had jarred his knee, early in the first half.

DARREN Ambrose applauded Joe Royle's inspired substitution, which immediately led to Ipswich's opening goal.

Town's teenage attacking midfielder had been left physically sick after an illegal, crunching tackle by Craig Fleming had jarred his knee, early in the first half.

He took another heavy whack from the same player later and although he gamely carried on Ambrose continued to feel the pain and had to eventually come off.

Ambrose said: "I scooped the ball over his head but he studded me in the knee which jarred back. I was in so much pain I was being sick on the pitch. I really thought I would not be able to stand up again but I did manage to play on. But in the end it was too much and I was substituted."

Dean Bowditch replaced Ambrose in the 71st minute and immediately left Fleming in his wake and clutching his leg as something snapped.

The city defender had to go to hospital with a suspected Achilles problem.

As the defender lay prone Bowditch crossed in, the ball went out to Fabian Wilnis who opened the scoring. Ambrose said: "Dean came on and it didn't take him long to get into the game. He has left the guy who was after me all game injured and he had to go off.

"I'm glad for Dean though because he has come on and set up two goals which is brilliant for him and for the whole team."

And it was through gritted teeth clenched with pain that Ambrose saw his partner Darren Bent notch his 16th goal of the season.

He said: "I was in agony in the dug out but looked up just in time to see Dean put him clean through with a reaction pass and I was pleased for Darren, it was a great finish."

Ambrose and Bowditch were two of three from the same catchment area to be playing yesterday, with Matt Richards also starting.

Ambrose, who was 19 on Friday, relished his first away derby atmosphere and the way the Blues supporters kept going too.

He said: "It was different to Portman Road. I thought they were a bit harsh on Marshy but our fans were brilliant."

Ambrose will need intensive treatment but is hoping to be fit for Wednesday's clash at Wolves.