IPSWICH Town blew the chance to make up ground on the League One leaders after being held to a goalless draw by Gillingham.

Pacesetters Wycombe Wanderers slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Portsmouth but Paul Lambert's Blues were unable to close the gap after a bore draw at Portman Road.

They moved back up to second, a point above both Oxford United and Peterborough United, but are six behind the Chairboys.

Town will have been hugely disappointed not to win in front of their own fans.

After a slow start, they gradually improved.

They were the better side for much of the second half but without being convincing or managing a shot on target.

The end was greeted by louder boos than at half-time after another frustrating afternoon at Portman Road.

They have still only won only three times at home this season and six League One games have now slipped by since their last victory - the 1-0 success at Rochdale on November 5.

Lambert made three changes to his team, with Janoi Donacien returning at right-back in a 4-4-2 system.

Luke Garbutt was on the left and Toto Nsiala and Luke Woolfenden the centre-halves.

Skipper Luke Chambers was suspended after Saturday’s red card at Portsmouth, while Will Norris continued in goal.

In central midfield, Cole Skuse was partnered by Jon Nolan, with Alan Judge returning to the starting line-up on the left and Gwion Edwards on the right.

Flynn Downes dropped to the bench.

Kayden Jackson was back up front alongside James Norwood, with Will Keane among the subs, as was Freddie Sears, in the 18 for the first time this season following his ACL injury.

Town are next in action at Lincoln City on Sunday before they travel to face Wycombe on New Year’s Day.