Richard Naylor's fourth goal of the season kept Ipswich on course for
promotion.
But it was goalkeeper Richard Wright who did most to sink struggling City with
an almost faultless display.
One memorable double save early in the second half denied the home side the
lead - and on 56 minutes Naylor fired home from close range to snatch the
points.
City paid dearly for the lack of a killer punch up front after more than
matching their high-riding opponents.
They knew it wasn't their day on 48 minutes when Wright performed heroics to
keep out shots from Adam Locke and Ade Akinbiyi.
A goal looked certain as the goalkeeper went full length to keep out Locke's
shot, but the England Under-21 star somehow recovered his ground to beat away
Akinbiyi's rebound effort.
Eight minutes later City full-back Jim Brennan missed the chance to clear and,
although Keiron Dyer's run into the area was blocked, the ball ran for Naylor to
shoot home.
Ipswich went on to record their 19th clean sheet in the League this season, a
tribute to departing coach Stewart Houston, who is about to join Spurs.
Among the spectators was former England coach John Gorman fuelling speculation
that he is being lined up as Houston's replacement.
Gorman was formerly assistant manager at Bristol City and saw his old club
give a courageous display as they battle to beat relegation.
Akinbiyi and strike partner Steve Torpey worked tirelessly, but couldn't come
up with the finish to match their industry.
Wright saved superbly from Torpey as City enjoyed their best spell early in
the second half.
But after all the pressure, Ipswich might easily have gone home more
comfortable winners as substitute Bobby Petta missed an open goal in injury
time.
City goalkeeper Steve Phillips did well to deny Naylor in the second period,
but a draw would have been a fairer result to a game that gave excellent
entertainment.
Both sides were committed top open, attacking football and it was Ipswich's
back line in front of the outstanding Wright who made the difference.
Teams
Bristol City: Phillips, Brennan, Sebok, Locke, Shail, Carey,
Brown, Edwards (Hill 77), Akinbiyi, Torpey, Andersen.
Subs Not Used: Langan, Murray.
Booked: Sebok, Brown, Torpey.
Ipswich: Wright, Wilnis (Stockwell 45), Phetis, Clapham, Mowbray,
Venus, Dyer, Holland, Naylor, Harewood (Petta 82), Magilton.
Subs Not Used: Tanner.
Booked: Petta, Stockwell.
Goals: Naylor 56.
Att: 14,065
Ref: B Knight (Orpington).
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