Substitute Matt Richards booked Ipswich's place in the FA Cup fourth round but they were made to work hard by plucky Chester.

The Coca-Cola League Two side frustrated Town for long periods at Portman Road and even had the ball in the net twice either side of the break - illegally as it turned out.

But they were beaten by a superb 30-yard shot from Richards with just six minutes left as Town scraped through by the narrowest of margins.

The Blues started the game 47 places below their Championship opponents in the Football League ladder but they deserved huge credit for the way in which they went about their task - particularly after the break.

The visitors had actually already been beaten in the FA Cup this season prior to this tie and they were only reinstated following Bury's expulsion for fielding an ineligible player in round two.

But they earned this replay courtesy of a gritty 0-0 draw at the Deva Stadium 10 days ago and early on they looked ready to frustrate again.

Gregg Blundell made a nuisance of himself and his early shot only just missed the target, but teenager Jamie Peters looked busy for Town as he drilled in a 25-yard shot.

And as they settled, the hosts gradually began to take control.

Their passing was causing problems for Chester and after a slick move involving Sylvain Legwinski and Gary Roberts, striker Danny Haynes found space but was unable to get the ball out of his feet.

Then after 24 minutes only the woodwork prevented Town from snatching the lead as Phil Bolland fouled Alan Lee and Roberts curled the free-kick against the crossbar.

Bolland turned hero seven minutes later when Peters raced away down the right and drove his cross across the box, where the experienced defender was on hand to hook the ball away.

However, Town were getting closer and another Roberts free-kick skimmed the top of the net 12 minutes before the break.

Whatever Chester boss Mark Wright said to his side at half-time, though, it clearly worked.

The Blues came out with far more purpose in the second period and Laurence Wilson's long-range piledriver signalled their intent to make a game of it.

Peters was still causing problems from the Town midfield, but the withdrawal of Legwinski through injury at the interval - he was replaced by Richards - looked to have hampered their rhythm.

Suddenly it was Chester who were posing the greatest threat and after 64 minutes they had the ball in the net for a second time - they had earlier had one chalked off in the first period -

but Jonathan Walters was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Lewis Price.

Then at the other end, Roberts fired yet another reminder of his set-piece ability as he forced John Danby into action.

Town were not at the races and when Wilson got free in the area from a corner, Richard Naylor had to hack clear.

But just when it looked as though Chester were set to force the game into extra-time, Richards struck the decisive blow.

The 22-year-old still had plenty to do when the ball was shifted into his path 30 yards out but on his favoured left foot he hit a curling shot beyond Danby to set up a meeting with Swansea in round four.

Teams:

Ipswich Price, Wilnis, Bruce, Naylor, Harding, Peters,Williams, Legwinski (Richards 46), Roberts, Lee,Haynes (Clarke 76).

Subs Not Used: Supple, Casement, Brittain.

Booked: Bruce.

Goals: Richards 84.

Chester Danby, Marples, Wilson, Bolland, Artell, Bennett,Hessey, Hand, Martinez, Walters, Blundell.

Subs Not Used: Palethorpe, Sandwith, Linwood, Rutherford,

Steele.

Booked: Danby, Martinez, Artell.

Att: 11,732

Ref: K Friend (Leicestershire).