Ipswich 2-0 QPR Hoops lose at Portman Road
QPR's four-match unbeaten run ground to a shuddering halt, as super-sub Jon Stead scored twice in four second half minutes at a wet and windy Portman Road.
The former Sunderland and Sheffield United striker bundled home his first on 71 minutes, then coolly headed a second from an Owen Garvan corner three minutes later.
The victory margin was tough on the R's, who had fashioned chances throughout, but a series of fine saves from Richard Wright and the face of the woodwork denied Gareth Ainsworth's men.
Rangers' failure to score yet again, means it is now over 500 minutes since their last goal on the road.
From the side that memorably beat Birmingham in midweek, Ainsworth made three changes. Dexter Blackstock dropped to the bench for Daniel Parejo to regain a starting place. Akos Buzsaky followed the Spaniard at the expense of Emmanuel Ledesma and Damien Delaney filled in for the suspended Mikele Leigertwood.
After sitting out Town's midweek clash with Charlton Athletic, David Norris returned to the starting line-up for the home side. Striker Stead made way for the midfielder, occupying a seat on the bench.
The first chance arrived after seven minutes and it fell Lee Cook's way. Buzsaky found Parejo bursting forward and when the on-loan midfielder lost control, the loose ball rolled out to Cook on the left. The diminutive winger took a touch and drove a shot straight at Richard Wright.
Cook went close minutes later as his fizzing right-wing free-kick cannoned off the bar with Wright motionless.
Rangers were asserting themselves on the match and Martin Rowlands was denied by a fantastic save from the home keeper. Parejo had spotted the Irishman's burst into the box and delivered a beautiful centre from the left which Rowlands met with a firm header. Wright, however, was equal to it and dived low to his left to parry smartly.
Ipswich were by no means lying down and Norris was denied by a well positioned Radek Cerny after curling a left-footed 20-yarder towards goal.
Rangers struck back, and Wright comfortably saved Di Carmine's shot on the turn from outside the box.
Rowlands followed the Italians' example and tried a similar shot following good build up play from Parejo and Cook, but only succeeded in crashing his drive well over the Tractor Boys' bar.
Parejo got in on the act seconds later when his curling, dipping free-kick saw Wright dive down to his right to smother well.
Ipswich had a glorious chance to open the scoring seven minutes before half time. After Buzsaky's free-kick hit the wall, Town broke quickly and Norris' cross ricocheted around the R's penalty area before breaking to Garvan. The young Irishman was only denied smashing home by Fitz Hall diving in and executing a brilliant block tackle to thwart the danger.
Ipswich were buoyed by the chance and Jonathan Walters broke free and tried to fire an effort across Cerny, but the Czech keeper stuck to his task and saved well low to his right.
And with that the half was drawn to a close.
After the restart, Ipswich took the initiative and Garvan in particular was pulling strings in midfield. Delaney had to be at his best to deny his latest attack with a fine tackle under pressure.
Walters again threatened, this time from a corner, but his header lacked the power to worry Cerny.
Garvan again was the architect as his free-kick was headed inches wide by Richard Naylor.
With the clock ticking towards the hour mark, Ainsworth made his first change introducing Blackstock for Di Carmine.
It was Ipswich who continued to pose the greater attacking threat however. Poor communication between Delaney and Damiano Tommasi allowed Kevin Lisbie to race clean through, but the former Colchester hit-man fired straight at Cerny.
Veliche Shumulikoski forced Cerny into yet another save with a rasping 25-yard volley that dipped and swerved but ultimately lacked the power to really test the Czech.
Argentine midfielder Ledesma replaced Buzsaky and immediately found the pace of the game, riding a tackle before slipping a perfectly weighted through ball for Cook, who's shot was only blocked by the retreating Naylor.
From the resultant corner, Parejo nearly caught out Wright with an inswinging effort, which the Ipswich custodian did well to tip over.
The next set-piece was only half cleared toward the edge of the box, where Cook returned the ball with interest, but could only flash a left footed drive inches wide.
Ipswich made the most of the reprieve as with their next foray into Rangers territory, they took the lead. Substitute Stead poached home at the second attempt, after Cerny could only parry his initial effort.
Almost immediately, the home side doubled their advantage when Stead stooped to head home his second from the edge of the six-yard box.
Despite a glut of late chances for the home side, the score remained at 2-0 and gave Caretaker boss Ainsworth his first taste of defeat.
Ipswich Town: R Wright, D Wright, McAuley, Naylor, Garvan, Norris, Lisbie (Stead 68), Walters, Volz, Quinn (Coungago 60), Shumulikoski.
Subs: Supple, Bruce, Miller.
Scorers: Stead (71), (74)
Bookings: Garvan (6)
Red Cards:
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Hall, Parejo, Buzsaky (Ledesma 68), Rowlands, Connolly, Cook, Tommasi, Di Carmine (Blackstock 58).
Subs: Cole, Mahon, Gorkss.
Scorers:
Bookings: Di Carmine (57)
Red Cards:
Referee: Mr T M Kettle
Attendance: 20, 966
