Town held by Owls

Keane's boys remain in trouble after stalemate

Last updated: 21st November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Town held by Owls

Keane's Ipswich remain in trouble

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Ipswich Town have moved to within four points of Championship safety following a goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

The Portman Road clash was far from an epic with chances few and far between, although the visitors might have won a first-half penalty.

Luke Varney's flick-on appeared to strike Damien Delaney's raised hand, however, referee Andy D'Urso waves away their appeals.

Tamas Priskin had the ball in the net in the second half for Ipswich, but his close-range strike was rightly ruled out for offside from Alan Quinn's square-ball.

Roy Keane's Ipswich remain on just one league win all season while Brian Laws' side are in 17th three points clear of Plymouth.

Full-back David Wright had the first effort on goal but his dipping 30-yard volley was easily held by Grant.

Chance

Owen Garvan and Grant Leadbitter were dominating the midfield early on and they fashioned a chance for Tamas Priskin.

Leadbitter span a fine pass over the top where Priskin had peeled off his marker but the former Watford man delayed his shot and could only scuff into the hands of Grant.

Jermaine Johnson had the Owls' first effort but his shot was straight at Asmir Begovic in the Town goal before the visitors had a penalty shout turned away by D'Urso.

Marcus Tudgay crossed from the left and Varney flicked a header on - straight onto the hand of Delaney. The Irishman was certainly close to the ball and had little time to react but was fortunate to escape.

Martin blasted in a powerful strike which drew a spectacular save from Grant as the game opened up, and Begovic was equally as impressive in palming away a volley from Tudgay.

Edwards fired over when well placed as Keane's side pushed for an opener in torrential rain.

Inches wide

Leadbitter fizzed an effort inches wide in a lively start to the second period before both sides began to struggle in the deteriorating conditions.

Former Wednesday midfielder Alan Quinn came on for Ipswich before Garvan tested Grant with a powerful volley from 15 yards.

Quinn should have broken the deadlock when he was released by a superb flick from Priskin but Grant produced a great save to keep his shot out.

And the weather almost gifted Ipswich the lead from the resulting corner when Grant was deceived by Leadbitter's wind-assisted corner and only just scrambled the ball clear from under his own crossbar.

Jon Stead came off the bench with 15 minutes left and forced Grant into yet another save with his first touch, with Priskin netting the rebound from an offside position.

Wednesday had a late rally but could not find the target as both sides were forced to settle for a share of the points.