Ipswich Town edge past Charlton Athletic

Ipswich Town made the most of a dominant opening 45 minutes to edge past Charlton Athletic at The Valley this afternoon.

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The visitors spurned a gilt-edged chance to go ahead from the spot on 17 minutes following Emmanuel Frimpong's foul on Lee Martin. Campbell stepped up but failed to the find the target with a wayward penalty.

Aaron Cresswell threatened for Ipswich throughout the first 45 minutes, while Campbell was denied once again by a smart save from Ben Hamer.

Mick McCarthy's side finally took the lead 10 minutes before the interval when Campbell reacted quickest in a crowded box after Daryl Murphy's initial cutback.

Charlton struggled to create chances in the opening period but came close to a goal through Dale Stephens, who watched his fierce free kick come back off the post.

Just moments before half time Ipswich doubled their advantage when Murphy tucked home a rebound from close range.

The home side responded after the break and reduced the deficit with a spot kick of their own 20 minutes from time through former Tractor Boy Danny Haynes.

Second-half substitute Bradley Pritchard spurred Charlton on in the closing stages but they were unable to force a late equaliser.