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Bristol Rovers 1-2 Town - Ipswich Town News

Town gained the first win of their pre-season campaign via a last minute goal from Darren Bent at the Hand Stadium, Clevedon. Town's youngsters won the Blues the game after Bristol Rovers had gone ahead.

Town had pretty much all the play in a goalless first half. Chris Makin hit a shot which went just over the bar after a corner was cleared and Tommy Miller also went close.

Marcus Stewart, playing against Bristol Rovers for the first time since leaving them, got a good reception from his old fans except when he was involved in a minor wrestling incident with a Rovers defender.

Stewart could argue that he ought to have had a first half goal when he felt he had the ball over the line. Sadly for him the linesman decided otherwise.

Half-time saw Darren Ambrose introduced on the left for Martijn Reuser, but no other changes for the Blues.

Despite having a lot of possession Town had created few chances and on 62 they paid the price, Adam Barrett heading the ball inside Andy Marshall's far post to put Rovers one-up.

Opportunties were rare, but in the 70th minute Darren Ambrose picked up the ball on the left, went past a defender then hit a low shot to the keeper's right to put Town back on terms.

Ambrose and Darren Bent, a 55th minute sub for Stewart, were probably the Blues' most impressive players. Bent almost scored after Ambrose had rounded a few players and played a ball through. Bent went past the keeper but hit his shot off the bar.

With a minute left on the clock Bent did score the goal which would win Town the game, hitting a shot to the keeper's left from just inside the area.

Town were a touch fortunate to win with a draw perhaps the fairest result, despite the Blues dominating possession.

Marshall, Makin, Clapham, McGreal, Hreidarsson, T Miller (Couñago 68), Magilton, Holland, M Bent, Stewart (D Bent 55) and Reuser (Ambrose 46).

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