ROTHERHAM UNITED 2 IPSWICH TOWN 1IPSWICH came within six minutes of a win that would have kept their play-off hope very much alive – then saw two goals in a minute all but snuff that hope out.

ROTHERHAM UNITED 2 IPSWICH TOWN 1

IPSWICH came within six minutes of a win that would have kept their play-off hope very much alive – then saw two goals in a minute all but snuff that hope out.

A 31st-minute header by Pablo Counago gave the Blues a lead that was not as much as their first-half dominance deserved.

But the turning-point came soon after the break. Martijn Reuser was through on goal, only to be pulled back by Rotherham defender Shaun Barker. It looked a clear case for a red card – but the referee only reached for yellow. And full-back Barker went on to play a crucial part in BOTH the goals that stole all three points for the home side.

On 84 minutes, a long throw-in by Barker got Andy Marshall in all sorts of trouble. The Town keeper decided to punch, but only succeeded in delivering the ball to Rotherham's John Mullin – who hit it straight back past the out-of-position Marshall.

Just a minute later, Barker launched an even bigger throw. This time Marshall decided to stay back, and though he made a good save from Martin Byfield, he could not prevent Mark Robins from putting away the rebound at close range.