Buoyed by their recent scoring spree, the avalanche of goals was bound to grind to a halt some time.

That was Ipswich Town's dilemma this weekend as one of the stories of their season - misfiring in the box - came back to haunt them at Turf Moor.

Having feasted on 18 goals in their previous six games, the Blues endured a comparative famine after squandering seven second-half chances.

At the other end, a needless equaliser - a penalty conceded by Andy Marshall - robbed them of two priceless points and a top-ten spot in Division One.

Darren Ambrose's low corner was cleverly flicked on by Jim Magilton in the 23rd minute and Pablo Counago, unmarked, made no mistake in stabbing home from close range past Nik Michopoulos.

On the other side of the coin, Darren Bent - an explosive and precocious talent - had a rare off-day. In fact, he will cringe when he reflects on this match.

Four of those second-half chances fell at his feet but on three occasions hurried finishing proved costly.

Namesake Marcus Bent and Tommy Miller also missed decent chances while Hermann Hreidarsson's downward header bounced up over the bar, after a superb free-kick by Magilton.

A flashpoint in the second half wiped out Town's slender lead when Ian Moore, having gone on a surging run, was upended by Marshall.

On reflection, it was a rash challenge by the keeper, given that his opponent was running wide and being tracked by Thomas Gaardsoe.

Referee Andy Hall showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Robbie Blake kept his cool to make it 1-1.

Published Monday, January 13, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette