Iain Dowie returned to the venue of his first away match in charge almost two years to the day of his managerial reign at Selhurst Park at Portman Road and how he wishes it was to be the start of a similar run of results.  This time round he was without the suspended Emmerson Boyce but also made other changes to his starting line up including selecting Andrew Johnson and Jon Macken as his strike partnership and moving Fitz Hall to replace Boyce at the right back berth.

Palace started the match really well and had early chances to break the deadlock. Johnson saw his header go just wide from Ben Watson's free kick in the opening minutes and then the midfielder pulled out a fine save from goalkeeper Lewis Price when he fired in a 20-yard free kick that looked set to be the opening goal of the afternoon.

It was not long before the opening goal of the afternoon as Johnson showed his pace and ran clear down the right and his cross was converted by Macken, who fired home his second of the season into the roof of the net.

It took thirty minutes before Ipswich had a shot on goal and Gabor Kiraly was on hand to deny Fabian Wilnis' shot-cum-cross and moments later, Nicky Forster tested him with an effort from 25 yards out.. 

Town midfielder Darren Currie was always dangerous and the home side continued to press as the first half came to a close and he had a couple of efforts that Kiraly saved to disappoint the large home crowd. 

Johnson was once again involved as the half came to a close.  He picked up a ball across field by Jobi McAnuff and was only denied by a good save by Price as the keeper did well when it seemed that the forward was going to increase the lead.

The second half from the start was more open as both sides were pressing for the advantage but neither could find the net until a goal that the travelling support will long remember.  

Just as the hour of the match ticked by on the clock Michael Hughes sealed the points for Palace.  Hughes collected the ball some 30 yards out from goal and after finding some space released an excellent shot into the net and the Town 'keeper couldn't have seen it as it passed him and doubled the lead.

Joe Royle's side kept pressing forward but didn't have the killer touch up front and couldn't find their way back into the game. The visitors were soon though reduced in numbers as the card happy match official had a say in affairs.

Goalscorer Macken was given a straight red as the referee adjudged he had elbowed Owen Garvan and was dismissed for violent conduct whilst Watson was shown a second yellow card when he saw red for another bookable offence with a minute remaining of the ninety.

Even though the home side pressed forward in the closing stages they could not get a late consolation and the visiting fans were able to witness their sides fourth away win of the season.

Ipswich Price, Sito, Naylor, De Vos, Wilnis (Haynes 65), Williams (McDonald 81), Garvan, Juan, Currie, Westlake, Forster.

Subs Not Used: Supple, Richards, Magilton.

Booked: Juan, Naylor, Garvan.

Crystal Palace Kiraly, Fitz Hall, Ward, Popovic, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Watson, Hughes (Hudson 80), Soares, Macken, Johnson (Morrison 90).

Subs Not Used: Speroni, Freedman, Andrews.

Sent Off: Macken (77), Watson (89).

Booked: Popovic, Macken, Leigertwood, Hughes, Johnson, Watson.

Att: 27,392   Ref: K Woolmer (Northamptonshire).