Keane's Ipswich lead by two after first half

HT Ipswich 2 Coventry 0

A quick-fire double saw Roy Keane’s Ipswich side race into a 2-0 half-time lead over Coventry at Portman Road.

Winger Giovani dos Santos broke the deadlock on 24 minutes and striker Pablo Counago doubled the advantage two minutes later in the Coca-Cola Championship clash.

Keane, who emerged to a rapturous reception for his home match in charge of Ipswich, made two changes from his side’s 3-0 win over Cardiff. Jonathan Stead and Tommy Smith came in for Matt Richards and Ivan Campo.

For Coventry, Chris Coleman brought in Leon Best and James McPake for Marcus Hall and the suspended Daniel Fox.

Coventry winger Robbie Simpson had the first effort of the game but dragged his left-foot shot wide.

But Ipswich dominated in blustery conditions. Striker Pablo Counago came agonisingly close with a 25-yard curling effort.

And his strike partner Stead, who latched on to a Counago through-ball, had the ball in the net in the 22nd minute but was flagged offside.

Loanee Dos Santos did find the net when he cut inside from the right and curled home from 20 yards out. The ball took a slight deflection off visiting full-back Ben Turner.

And the home side doubled their advantage in the 26th minute, with Counago calmly slotting home after a Stead shot had been blocked.

Despite conceding twice in quick succession, Coventry looked dangerous on the break.

Best shot wide after a jinking run down the left and it needed a last ditch challenge from Ipswich full-back Jaime Peters to deny Freddy Eastwood.