Ipswich Town slid to a second consecutive home defeat this afternoon when they went down 1-0 at home to Coca-Cola Championship title-chasers Birmingham City.

The Midlanders grabbed the only goal six minutes before half-time when James McFadden coolly slotted home a penalty, after a needless handball by Moritz Volz.

The German put his arm out to block Kemy Agustien's harmless-looking cross and Berkshire referee Iain Williamson correctly pointed to the spot.

It was just about the only talking point of a very flat, lacklustre game in which there were few other key moments.

Birmingham failed to pose any threat, apart from their goal, and appeared happy to sit back and defend in the second half.

Ipswich had plenty of possession but failed to cause any problems, apart from speculative efforts from Tommy Miller, Darren Ambrose and Ivan Campo.

The latter's inclusion in the starting line-up had been the big surprise of the day and he came in for Richard Naylor.

The club skipper was fit and available but found himself left out of the 16, as did Owen Garvan and Veliche Shumulikoski.

Ben Thatcher - back from suspension - was the other change at left-back, replacing the injured David Wright.

Town continued with the formation which had been effective in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Coventry.

That meant Miller protecting the back four, David Norris and Alan Quinn teaming up in central midfield and Jon Stead and Danny Haynes operating out wide.

Kevin Lisbie, who scored both goals in the last game, played through the middle and had one late, scrambled effort cleared from in front of the line by Nicky Hunt.

Overall, though, Town created very little and as the second half progressed there were chants of 'what a load of rubbish' from sections of the 23,536 crowd.