Andy Marshall held his hands up and accepted full responsibility for Ipswich Town's 2-0 defeat at Leeds United.

The keeper dropped a rare clanger seconds after half-time in last night's clash at Elland Road, allowing a weak volley to squeeze inside his left-hand post.

Robbie Fowler's speculative strike was added to 12 minutes from time when Ian Harte converted a penalty.

Marshall conceded the spot-kick - adjudged to have fouled Alan Smith - but fumed: "It was a poor decision by the referee.

"I hold my hands up and admit I was at fault for the first goal. But he was to blame for their second.

"I was bitterly disappointed with Fowler's goal. His shot took a bad bounce but the buck definitely stops with me.

"As for the penalty, I felt the referee made a poor decision. Smith pushed it wide of me.

"There was slight contact but he touched me, rather than me fouling him."

On a more positive note, Marshall told the Gazette: "I thought we deserved a draw and if we play like that for the rest of the season we'll stay up."

Published Thursday, March 7, 2002