Ipswich Town's play-off hopes were dented by visiting goalkeeper Lee Camp after they were held to a goalless draw by QPR.

The Blues had the best of the chances in blustery conditions at Portman Road but could not find a way past Camp.

Town hit the woodwork twice - in the first half through a drilled Danny Haynes' effort and in the 85th minute when Rangers' defender Michael Mancienne flicked an Owen Garvan corner onto the post.

Ipswich's Macedonian midfielder Velice Sumulikoski had a header cleared off the line by Rangers defender Matthew Connolly from the rebound.

There were furious protests from the home side, with claims Connolly had handled the ball in clearing Sumulikoski's header.

Town players were also appealing that the ball had crossed the line in the air before Connolly bundled the ball clear.

Town had most of the possession in the clash between two of the richest sides in the Championship - both backed by billionaire benefactors.

For Rangers, winger Hogan Ephraim missed a glaring opening from 12 yards from a Rowan Vine pull back in the 18th minute.

Patrick Agyemang also headed into the side-netting from another Vine cross in the 60th minute.

But the visitors had few other openings in what was an open game played in front of a crowd of 24,517.

Town striker Alan Lee missed a chance in the first half, firing wide from 12 yards after cutting in from the right wing.

And Town skipper Jason De Vos forced a good save from Camp with a header from Alan Quinn's corner.

Lee had two claims for a penalty turned down by referee Paul Armstrong.

In the final minute of the first half, the Irish international tumbled following an aerial challenge with Rangers' Mancienne.

And in the second half, he protested furiously after claiming he was pushed by Connolly as he tried to latch onto a long ball.

Alan Quinn had a curling 25-yard free-kick saved by Camp as Town piled the pressure on Rangers' goal.

Danny Simpson, making his full debut for Town after joining on loan from Manchester United, picked up a booking in 35th minute for a late challenge on Vine.

Teenage striker Jordan Rhodes came off the bench for Town in the 85th minute but saw little of the action.

Martin Rowlands, who was dropped to the bench, came on to impress for Rangers, who have lost only once in nine games and looked dangerous on the break.

Teams:

Ipswich Bywater, Simpson, Bruce, De Vos, Sito,Williams (Roberts 77), Sumulikoski, Garvan, Quinn (Rhodes 84),Lee, Haynes.

Subs Not Used: Colgan, Wright, Trotter.

Booked: Simpson, Haynes.

QPR Camp, Mancienne, Connolly, Hall, Stewart,Ephraim (Balanta 90), Mahon, Leigertwood (Rowlands 57),Vine (Lee 65), Blackstock, Agyemang.

Subs Not Used: Pickens, Barker.

Booked: Mancienne, Balanta.

Att: 24,570

Ref: Paul Armstrong (Berkshire).