Brett Pitman headed a dramatic injury time winner as the Blues came from behind to to beat Leeds United 2-1 at Portman Road. Souleymane Doukara put the visitors ahead in only the 12th second - the fastest strike in all four divisions so far this season - but Town gradually took control and dominated a second half in which Luke Chambers headed a 50th minute equaliser and then Pitman sealed the win, both goals coming from Ryan Fraser crosses.

Mick McCarthy reverted to the team which won 1-0 at Brighton and showed only one change from the side which drew 0-0 at Burnley last time out in the Championship with Jonathan Douglas returning from his knee injury to replace Luke Hyam in the Blues three-man midfield. For Leeds, former Town loan striker Chris Wood missed out with a hamstring injury.

The Blues found themselves behind after just 12 seconds. Skipper Chambers headed a long ball down the Leeds left inside towards Douglas, who dallied and was outmuscled by Doukara, who slammed a low shot past Dean Gerken to record the fastest goal in all four divisions this season, four seconds quicker than Freddie Sears’s goal at Fulham.

Town, stung by conceding such an early goal, went looking for an equaliser. Murphy forced keeper Marco Silvestri into a fifth minute save, then from the corner Chambers was adamant he’d been pulled back as Douglas headed the ball back across the area, however, referee Fred Graham wasn’t interested.

Fraser scuffed a shot through to Silvestri on six before Tommy Smith inadvertently diverted a Mustapha Carayol cross goalwards but Gerken was able to claim comfortably.

Leeds weren’t far away from increasing their advantage in the 12th minute when Doukara sent Carayol away on the left and Smith again scuffed the on-loan Middlesbrough winger’s cross towards his own goal but the Town keeper clawed behind.

The action was moving swiftly from one end of the field to the other basketball style and two minutes later Sears forced Silvestri to save from the edge of the area.

Within a minute, Town threatened again when a short corner on the left was played to Kevin Bru and his cross whipped across the six-yard area but with no one able to add a final touch.

Bru forced Silvestri into a save down to his left from 25 yards out on the right in the 22nd minute with the Blues by now presenting the greater threat.

On 28 Fraser dug out a pass to Daryl Murphy from the right and the Irishman turned and hit a powerful shot which Silvestri somewhat uncomfortably kept out.

The Blues continued to put the visitors under pressure but without testing Silvestri further. Bru shot wide from well out on the left in the 35th minute, while Chambers again claimed a penalty after he was caught as he looked to get on the ball earlier in the move, but again referee Graham wasn’t interested.

Town continued to dominate, passing the ball around confidently and keeping possession comfortably and on 41 Jonas Knudsen whipped over a dangerous cross which was headed away in front of Douglas.

Two minutes before the scheduled end of the half Silvestri, who had struggled with his kicking all half, required treatment from the Leeds physio.

The keeper was deemed OK to carry on and a minute later was called into action again when Murphy laid a ball into feet off to Fraser on the left of the box and the Scotland U21 international cut in and hit a shot which the Italian did well to tip over.

Moments before the break Fraser whipped over another cross from the left but without being able to create the opportunity which would see the Blues get back on terms.

Having been caught cold for the very early goal, the game was a scrappy end to end affair for the first 20 minutes or so before Town began to take control.

Leeds, who might well have increased their lead during the opening spell, rarely threatened the nearer the game got to the break, while Town forced Silvestri to make saves on a number of occasions and had deserved to have got themselves back on terms.

Soon after the restart Sears sent the ball well into the Sir Bobby Robson Stand from the edge of the area, then at the other end Alex Mowatt turned Carayol’s cross from the left over the bar.

But the Blues had begun the second half as they had ended the first and on 50 they levelled. Fraser whipped over a superb cross from the left and skipper Chambers powerfully headed his third goal of the season across and past Silvestri.

Town kept up the pressure and on 54 Fraser sent over another ball from the left but this time Silvestri claimed.

Three minutes later the on-loan AFC Bournemouth man again crossed from the left and Murphy turned it against a defender. The loose ball ran to Cole Skuse, who curled a shot just past the post from 25 yards. Moments later, Douglas picked up the game’s first yellow card for a foul on Carayol.

On 62 Bru sent over a cross from the left, Chambers knocked it back across goal from a tight angle on the right and Sears was just unable to keep it in play on the left.

The Blues continued to dominate with Leeds desperately hanging on at times, keeper Silvestri grasping the ball ahead of Murphy after Bru had again crossed from the left.

Town came agonisingly close to the second goal their performance deserved in the 72nd minute. Fraser quickly took a throw on the left and Bru whipped over a cross which Murphy and then Chambers both just failed to get a touch on and Silvestri pawed behind, although referee Graham signalled a goalkick.

Murphy looped a header to Silvestri from Chambers’s cross a minute later as the Blues kept up what had been almost relentless pressure from start of the second half.

Fraser fed in Murphy on the left of the area on 76 but the striker lost his footing as he sought to cut inside a defender. The Irish international was replaced by Pitman two minutes later. Soon after, Leeds swapped Lewis Cook for striker Mirco Antenucci.

As the game moved into its final scheduled 10 minutes, Chambers was booked for impeding Silvestri as the keeper looked to get the ball out quickly after catching a corner.

Dallas joined him in the book for a foul on Bru in the 83rd minute, although referee Graham failed to bring play back despite the Blues having received little advantage. A minute later the Mauritius international, who had been hurt by the challenge, was replaced by Luke Hyam.

Within a minute of coming on, Hyam played in Fraser down the right. Silvestri needlessly rushed off his line and the Scot powered the ball across the six-yard area but a sliding Pitman was just unable to apply the final touch.

But in the second of five minutes of injury time, Town finally won it. Knudsen hit a long ball down the left, Fraser deftly controlled before looping over a cross, which Pitman stooped to nod home to send Portman Road wild. It was the former Bournemouth striker’s eighth goal of the season.

There was no time for Leeds to hit back and referee Graham’s whistle confirmed the Blues’ victory.

Town thoroughly deserved their victory having dominated the game from the midway point in the first half playing some of their best football of the season and creating a number of decent chances.

Leeds were under pressure for virtually an hour of the game and looked to have held out until Pitman’s late goal, like Chambers’s earlier header, superbly created by man of the match Fraser.

The victory sees the Blues stretch their winning record at home on Tuesday nights to 15 games - their last Tuesday home defeat was the 2-0 loss to Watford in February 2013 - while Town are still unbeaten in matches refereed by Fred Graham, 11 wins and two draws.

Town climb to fifth in the table with Brighton continuing their recent slide with a 2-0 reverse at Rotherham.

The Blues, who have won back to back home league games for the first time since August, are at home again on Saturday when Preston, who won 2-1 at Bristol City this evening, are the visitors.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Knudsen, Skuse, Douglas, Fraser, Bru (Hyam 84), Sears, Murphy (Pitman 78). Unused: Bialkowski, Malarczyk, Maitland-Niles, Oar, Varney.

Leeds: Silvestri, Wootton, Bellusci, Cooper (c), Taylor, Byram, Bridcutt, Mowatt (Phillips 60), Cook (Antenucci 79), Carayol (Dallas 64), Doukara. Unused: Peacock-Farrell, Coyle, Bamba, Murphy. Referee: Fred Graham (Stanford-le-Hope). Att: 19,146 (Leeds: 1,259).

Photo: Action Images

Jimmy86 added 23:29 - Jan 12 Well after a horrendous start, which was like watching town in the dark Jewell days and something Douglas, who didn't offer anything all game, won't want to see again, we were all over them from pretty much then on. Created a lot of chances in the 1st half, some that literally just hit their calamity keeper, who's kicking was woeful all game. We started the 2nd half as we finished the first and once we scored the equaliser there was only going to be 1 winner. Only 1 thing better than beating leeds and that's beating the budgies, but it always is sweet to beat that "massive" club. Thought the ref was absolute rubbish and gave Leeds minimal fouls, yet waved away blatant fouls on us. Must have been in awe of the visitors. Great win, much improved performance, happy days!!! COYB

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thebeat added 23:45 - Jan 12 Tremendous performance from the lads tonight, we played a lot more pockets of football especially 2nd half and thoroughly deserved the win. The only weak point for me is Douglas, awful touch for their goal and does nothing the rest of the game, just wanders about in a dream, get Hyam in the 3, far better option. Bohslegend what is your issue, constantly looking for a keyboard battle, win lose or draw. Yes we are sat in 5th and doing well at the moment but when Mick gets things wrong which he does sometimes, people are allowed to point it out.

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Cakeman added 23:56 - Jan 12 Well done lads, excellent response to going a goal down so early. I thought it as an entertaining game throughout. Leeds may not be brilliant but at least they tried to play which gave us the space and opportunity to string some nice passes together. I know the ref got some stick but from what I could see he had to carry two incompetent lino's which made his job difficult. I thought Fraser and Sears were outstanding once more and it is refreshing to see some pace and good crosses from the flanks.

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StowTractorBoy added 00:18 - Jan 13 An excellent performance and great three points. Looked grim after 13 seconds but without doubt our best home performance of the season. Where are all the Knudsen critics tonight - the guy put in a terrific shift and still has plenty to come I am sure. Fraser is a breath of fresh air and hope he does not get hacked so we lose him as he and Bru made a terrific difference tonight. Tommy Smith has hit the heights and great credit to him for that. Berra makes a huge difference to our back line when he plays and Chambo more than made up for his early error that led to the Leeds goal. The guy is an inspiration despite his weaknesses at right back and he is certainly ITFC through and through. Must admit was not happy when Murphy was taken off but MM knows best and Pitman came up trumps again - right place right time. Be great if we can pick up three more points on Saturday but as MM would say it will not be easy and PNE are not our favourite opponents. Well done tonight including our support which was superb.

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Tractastic added 01:10 - Jan 13 A great performance all round and well done team and management.We totally dominated a Leeds team unbeaten in eight with some (on paper) very good players.. What was really noticeable tonight is the impact Fraser had on the whole team. His pace, directness and energy gave the team an impetus to really push on and even the ever reliable Sears seem to gain an extra gear with him in the team. The football especially in the second half was the best I've seen for a long while which all goes to show that adding that bit of quality really does lift the whole team.If we are really to push on this season that one creative signing could lift the whole squad even further. Just can't see how free's who can't make their own championship or league 1 clubs have the same effect on the squad. But tonight it was just great being an Ipswich supporter and good to see you don't need to be 6ft 4 inches and built like a tank to be a success in football.

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sidtheswan added 05:59 - Jan 13 Couldn't believe last night saw us play football instead of hoofball . And look what happens we played well the crowd got behind the team we won and yes we had more possession MM ! Excellent all round performance and good to enjoy a home game for a change !
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dirtydingusmagee added 07:15 - Jan 13 MUCK FEE,What a transformation ,completely different from Pompey game !.Shame we conceded at start, was a terrific performance all round,more akin to how we played start of season as a team ,with everyone putting in a good shift.We dominated the play and deserved the 3 points .Im not known for being a fan of Knudson but even he played well last night.Great result, and a demonstration of decent football,hopefully this will be maintained .Its only weeks since Brighton looked untouchable now they are below us [albeit on G D ],but it does show how things can change,we arent so far away from auto spot, With everyone pulling their weight ,who knows .COYB

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adeblueboy added 07:30 - Jan 13 Jas0999 do you ever go to an away game because Gerkin has been excellent and is another reason why we have such a good away record this season.
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oldegold added 07:35 - Jan 13 It shows what can be achieved by playing attacking football instead of keeping the shackles on
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Slambo added 07:48 - Jan 13 Absolutely ripped them to shreds. For what its worth, the best footballing moves of the game belonged to us and we put immense pressure on their 'keeper and defense all game. If we must talk stats, look at how many shots on goal we had! We create reams of chances most games - that's what matters. I'd like to see a stat on how many crosses we put it an all... It seems Leeds are still struggling to come to terms with reality: my Leeds supporting mate seems perplexed they lost, blaming it on the ref; Steve Evans doesn't seem to think we deserved to win either. He said the ref was garbage, though - that much he got right...

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bushbaby7 added 08:26 - Jan 13 Love waking up after a win like that!! One of the best performances I've seen for a long time! Nothing better than a last minute winner! Especially when's it's deserved one!!
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BanksterDebtSlave added 08:27 - Jan 13 Keaneish....but some of you only credit him for the poor performances. What about my point that maybe he adjusts style to the players available?
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Keaneish added 08:33 - Jan 13 Bankster - I think Mick has consistently played the same way throughout his managerial career irrespective of personnel. If he wanted to replace the likes of Bishop or McGoldrick as they were unavailable to him, the loan or transfer market is always available to him. We haven't replaced a player like bishop or even sought to this season but if we get to see more performances like last night (by all accounts, I was in Copenhagen), then I may take a different view.

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blueherts added 08:41 - Jan 13 Sweet sweet - so glad I got in a tad late !! Fraser has got to be one of the best players to wear a Town shirt in a long long time - what a great bit of business he was - Another big credit to MM for that !!!
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Cloddyseedbed added 09:15 - Jan 13 Great result tonight and great team performance. Good team selection and a good mix of football both on the deck and going long, especially when Murph was on the pitch. Everybody seemed up for this game and for me was the best home game of the season. Have to praise the manager on this one for team selection and tactics. Leeds are a good side and played good football too, but we were better and thoroughly deserved the 3 points. Good that we were using the width tonight more with Sears and Fraser and excellent overlapping of fullbacks, that's more like it. Fraser for me is the difference, he makes things happen and won't be easily replaced when he leaves. Shame he is not our player. Sheer quality. Only negative thing for me tonight was Douglas looked slow in midfield, but result outdid his mistake for their 1st goal. Well done Town a pleasure to be there and witness this game and performance.

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rachelsdad added 09:54 - Jan 13 After a terrible start we gradually got our game together and in the end outplayed a physical Leeds side who were unbeaten in eight games. probably one of our best performances of the season. all the chances we created in the second half it was surprising we had to wait to the injury time but that made the win better. Chambers may not be the best right back in the league but he always gives 100%, we are not the most attractive passing team but we are in the top six because we deserve to be there, suggest some supporters stop moaning and get down to Portman Road to support the team. Roll on Preston on Saturday.

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IpswichT62OldBoy added 09:55 - Jan 13 As evidenced by last night MM has created a team that can play excellent football. I agree with those who say MM has the ability to win matches in a variety of ways depending on personnel and the opposition. I further agree some of the ways are very difficult to watch but at least we can also play beautifully if given the right circumstances.
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Razor added 10:16 - Jan 13 That must have been the most controlled football performance over 90 minutes this season. Were Leeds that bad or us that good---II think I know the answer.
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bohslegend added 11:05 - Jan 13 @WhoisJimmyJuan WTF?? No unfortunately this was not one of the 4 maybe 5 games I travel to (more to do with financial challenges than anything else but when I do I purchase flights, car hire, accomodation, tickets, merchandise from Planet Blue and vast quantities of local ale! and that's before buying the new kit plus mugs, scarves, t-shirts etc) because I live in a different country! How is your question relevant? Am I allowed an opinion on how the team is playing and putting points on the board? Am I allowed to challenge those who, even though they are unqualified, have hardened views on what tactics and players we must use and are bitterly sore about MM getting it right most of the time? This is the day after the win. 4 pages of comment on the game. When we lose/draw we get 4 pages of comment within an hour of the game being over.

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Geoff added 11:43 - Jan 13 Do not get carried away Leeds were bad,we fell asleep and just watched them score after 12 seconds.Yes it was great to win i hate Leeds nearly as much as the scum we still need investment or is it the case of three clubs up for sale in the premier league and no takers that has put him off.
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BrettenhamBlue added 12:23 - Jan 13 I really wish I had gone to this match rather than the hoofing against Portsmouth. Sounds like we absolutely hammered them and deserved a larger margin of victory. Gutted that the 1 game I have gone to all season was probably the worst in terms of football standard. Only 5 points off an automatic promotion position. Couldn't see that happening 2 months ago.
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BrettenhamBlue added 12:25 - Jan 13 Where is Mickszzztactics when we need him?
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Keaneish added 12:32 - Jan 13 What makes someone qualified to give views on tactics bohslegend? And why would anyone be sore by MM getting it right? Nobody wants MM out, he's done a great job. We just want to see football played the way we've been brought up being coached. Last night we mixed it up and dominated the game. Other than Bolton at home that's the first time we've done that this season. Job done. We're all happy.

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boncho added 12:42 - Jan 13 why does eveyone give bohslegend a hard time. i agree with most of his posts. he seems to understand what supporting a team is about, getting behind them even when things are not going well, is that not what a supporter should do. i know we played better, much better last night and could have only ended up with 1 point. all of a sudden people are saying we can play attcking and passing game, i get the impression you feel that mick tells them to do this or not. i dont believe this to be the case and feel the players should take some of the criticism. mick doesnt say before the game, don't string 2 passes together, get overrun in midfield, back four play dodgy today, pass to the opposition. i cant believe his team talk last night was any different to any other game it just happened that the players stood up to be counted and did a great job. Also you can see that when we have bru, fraser back then he does play them and we look better for that, im sure he wanted to start them most games but with injurys he is not able to do this so has to tinker and try to getbthe best result possible, one for which i am so glad we have the best man for that in mm and tc. anyway up the town and go easy on bohslegend, we are all town fans here and all want the same thing.

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JimmyP45 added 12:43 - Jan 13 Terrific performance last night. We outplayed and outclassed them as soon as we went behind. Honestly not trying to sound negative in any way, but to play Bru out wide rather than through the middle is a waste of his talent and even with that he did shine last night. Then to take him off and put Hyam on the right wing, again not in his usual central role is strange. Just goes to show that Mick will always put Skuse and Douglas in CM and never substitute either of them.

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