Ipswich Town lead Birmingham City 2-0 at half time after an excellent first-half performance.
The ball burst at Portman Road after just 30 seconds, and it was the Tractor Boys who started with a bang.
After restarting with a new ball, it was Ipswich who took the initiative. Jay Tabb's corner was met by Daryl Murphy, but his powerful header was tipped over by Jack Butland.
Two minutes later the home side did take the lead, thanks to an unstoppable 25-yard drive from their captain Carlos Edwards.
The Blues thought they had equalised 10 minutes later, but Nicola Zigic's header was ruled out for offside after good play on the right-hand side.
The hosts then doubled their lead, as Luke Chambers rose highest to head in Aaron Cresswell's free kick on the right, and it could have been three a minute later but the assistant referee's flag denied Frank Nouble.
The striker was again denied a goal by the same assistant referee after pouncing on Butland's spill, and Ipswich had to settle for a two-goal lead at the break.
Daniel Cross
