Substitute Danny Haynes converted a late penalty as Ipswich came from behind to beat promotion contenders Derby in a heated encounter at Portman Road which saw both sides reduced to 10 men.

Derby skipper Matt Oakley smashed home the opener against the run of play after nine minutes before a confrontation in the visitors' penalty area saw Rams goalkeeper Stephen Bywater and Ipswich defender Alex Bruce sent off.

Francis Jeffers had been lively throughout and finally forced a leveller after 69 minutes but Haynes' 88th-minute spot-kick earned all three points after he was fouled by James McEveley.

Shane Supple had been installed to deputise for injured Town goalkeeper Lewis Price while Jonathan Walters was drafted in for Danny Haynes in attack. Derby boss Billy Davies handed Dean Leacock a return.

The home side started strongly with Fabian Wilnis shooting from long range after barely a minute.

Jeffers was next to try his luck from 25 yards in the seventh minute as Jim Magilton's side continued to set the early tempo.

Walters forced a save from Bywater but moments later the Rams' first effort resulted in the opening goal.

Steve Howard reached a long punt forward to nod down to Oakley and the 30-year-old rifled home a sublime volley from distance.

In response, Jeffers headed over the bar while Gary Roberts fired wide.

In the 23rd minute Oakley was deservedly booked for a bad foul on Roberts and the game really boiled over minutes later. An Ipswich cross sailed out harmlessly before tempers suddenly flared in the Derby penalty area.

Referee Iain Williamson showed red cards to Bywater and Bruce who subsequently squared up again as they headed for the tunnel, prompting another melee.

Fuming Rams boss Davies was sent to the stands and had to be led away from the pitch as Williamson struggled to calm matters.

Derby sacrificed Craig Fagan to bring on substitute goalkeeper Lee Grant.

At the start of the second half Morten Bisgaard was sent on for Seth Johnson for Derby while Magilton sent on George O'Callaghan for Owen Garvan.

Yet another effort from distance saw Ipswich threaten an early equaliser after the re-start as Jeffers' right-footed shot hit the bar and went into the stand.

O'Callaghan's header from Jaime Peters' cross never looked like finding the net before the hour mark while Jeffers saw another strike from more than 30 yards saved well by Grant.

But finally Jeffers was rewarded for his endeavour when Wilnis released him on goal and the Liverpudlian coolly slotted the ball between the keeper's legs to level.

The Tractor Boys pushed for a winner and the pressure paid off when McEveley fouled Haynes in the box.

Haynes got up to smash home the winner from the spot with less than three minutes of normal time remaining.

Teams

Ipswich Supple, Wilnis, De Vos, Bruce, Wright, Peters,Garvan (O'Callaghan 46), Williams, Roberts (Harding 31),Jeffers (Haynes 79), Walters.

Subs Not Used: Lee, Miller.

Sent Off: Bruce (28).

Booked: Wright, Jeffers, Harding, Haynes.

Goals: Jeffers 69, Haynes 89 pen.

Derby Bywater, Mears, Edworthy, Leacock, McEveley,Barnes (Teale 83), Oakley, Jones, Seth Johnson (Bisgaard 46),Fagan (Grant 29), Howard.

Subs Not Used: Camara, Pearson.

Sent Off: Bywater (28).

Booked: Oakley, Edworthy, Jones, Leacock, Mears, Howard.

Goals: Oakley 9.

Att: 24,319

Ref: I Williamson (Berkshire).