Ipswich Town are leading Birmingham City 1-0 in this evening's Championship clash at Portman Road.

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The hosts were first to threaten as Jonathan Parr marauded into the opposition's final third before letting rip with an effort which Darren Randolph was able to save.

Mick McCarthy's charges then upped the pressure further, Kevin Bru and Daryl Murphy pushing forward and carving out two decent chances in quick succession.

Birmingham soon found themselves under siege, with Freddie Sears lashing a ball right across their goalmouth and Murphy sending a curling strike just over the bar.

It was only a matter of time before Ipswich would score, and in the 23rd minute, Tyrone Mings headed in Paul Anderson's corner to give his side the lead on his 50th appearance for the club.

Birmingham set about trying to reduce the deficit and came close through Lee Novak, who headed over the bar from close range, but were unable to find an equaliser come the break.