Ipswich grabbed an unlikely 1-0 win over Luton at Portman Road thanks to substitute Ian Westlake's 69th-minute strike.

Missing their leading scorer Sam Parkin with a broken ankle, Ipswich lacked a cutting edge up front, but Westlake's free-kick proved the difference between the two teams as Luton also failed to convert a series of chances.

Ipswich manager Joe Royle will hope the three points kick-start his team's stuttering season.

Luton's Warren Feeney had the first chance of the game, but the 24-year-old striker's left-footed strike was well saved by Shane Supple in the Ipswich goal.

Defences dominated the opening exchanges, and Feeney's shot apart, there was little action of note in the first 15 minutes.

Despite the lack of chances, both sides tried to play with some attacking intent, and Feeney posed a constant threat to the Ipswich defence.

The Northern Ireland striker was at the heart of most of Luton's best moments and he provided a physical presence up front for Mike Newell's men.

The game began to open up as half time approached, and Dean Bowditch had a chance to open the scoring for the home side in the 38th minute but he blasted his shot over the bar.

Luton's Paul Underwood fired wide before Bowditch had another chance for the Tractor Boys just before the break, but he was denied by a good save by Marlon Beresford.

The visitors came out for the second half looking to up the tempo of the game.

Steve Robinson nearly broke the deadlock but his 49th-minute header flashed wide.

Ipswich responded through Daniel Haynes, but Beresford was again up to the task between the posts for the visitors.

Robinson had another chance to put Newell's men in front in the 55th minute, but again he was unable to hit the target with his shot.

Luton were playing with increasing confidence and authority, and Underwood was unlucky when his well-struck drive was brilliantly tipped around the post by Supple.

However, just as the game appeared to be tilting in the Hatters' direction, Ipswich struck.

Kevin Nicholls fouled Jason De Vos on the edge of the box and substitute Westlake stepped up to whip a delightful free-kick into the bottom left-hand corner.

Newell took off Rowan Vine and replaced him up front with Enoch Showunmi, but the change made little difference for the Hatters.

Robinson again went close in the 82nd minute but his shot was blocked by Fabian Wilnis, and Ipswich closed the game out to secure the points.

Teams

Ipswich Supple, Sito (Westlake 52), Naylor, De Vos, Wilnis, Garvan (Magilton 75), Juan, Currie, Richards, Haynes, Bowditch (McDonald 62).

Subs Not Used: Price, Barron.

Goals: Westlake 69.

Luton Beresford, Foley, Coyne (Barnett 64), Heikkinen, Underwood, Edwards, Nicholls, Robinson, Brkovic, Vine (Showunmi 73), Feeney (Howard 60).

Subs Not Used: Brill, Morgan.

Booked: Foley, Nicholls.

Att: 23,957

Ref: A D'Urso (Essex).