MATT Richards has vowed to carry on taking penalty kicks after having his second spot kick in succession saved at Peterborough last night.The 21-year-old midfielder took the first kick at London Road when Ipswich Town lost interest in the Carling Cup 4-2 on penalties.

By Elvin King

MATT Richards has vowed to carry on taking penalty kicks after having his second spot kick in succession saved at Peterborough last night.

The 21-year-old midfielder took the first kick at London Road when Ipswich Town lost interest in the Carling Cup 4-2 on penalties.

They finished extra-time drawing 2-2 with their League Two opposition in this first round tie.

Posh players scored all their spot kicks, but Richards was joined by Alex Bruce in missing out from 12 yards.

While Richards had his effort well saved by Mark Tyler, Bruce sent his low effort wide of the keeper's right-hand post.

Richards, who had a spot kick saved at Wolverhampton a fortnight earlier, has previously been deadly and had taken over as chief penalty taker.

He said: “I will always put my hand up to take them. This will not put me off.

“On both occasions the keeper guessed the right way - and full marks to them both.”

After playing well below par until Jason De Vos equalised from a fine Richards pass in the 89th minute, Ipswich then played their best football of the season despite having a young side on the field.

Poor defending allowed Guy Branston to head Peterborough back in front after Trevor Benjamin had earlier given them a 45th minute lead from the penalty spot.

Impressive substitute Billy Clarke scored his first senior goal after the keeper had knocked Richards' shot into the air in the 104th minute.

“We controlled most of the game,” added Richards. “We received wonderful support from our fans and we will be giving them a win soon.

“We will go into Friday's league game at QPR in upbeat mood.”

Fabian Wilnis, 36 today, endorsed this. He said: “We have got to stand up and be counted on Friday.

“The match is being shown on live TV and we must show the nation that we are in a false position.

“A win last night could have kick-started our season, but there are so many positives we can take from the match.

“We would have won easily if their keeper had not played so well.”