The banana skin was there to be slipped on or avoided.

And, for the second season in a row, Ipswich Town went for a tumble after lower-league opposition shattered their dreams of Carling Cup glory.

This time last year a reshuffled Blues side bowed out 2-1 at Notts County.

Last night's defeat conjured up those same feelings of disappointment, if a little embarrassment.

Goals early in either half by Ricky Ravenhill and Jermaine McSporran settled a forgettable match, with Town facing stern resistance from inspired Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington. On no less than four occasions he produced flying saves to deny Darren Bent twice, Dean Bowditch and Jim Magilton.

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Published Wednesday, September 22, 2004

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