The Dons have now lost eleven in a row and it is only a matter of time before they are relegated, but at least they scored their first goal in eight matches and gave the team bidding for promotion a decent contest.

Any chance of note in the first half fell to Ipswich with Darren Bent having a goal ruled out in the 11th minute for offside.

Then, in the 39th minute, Jermaine Wright ghosted in but only could direct his header from 12 yards straight at Dons keeper Scott Bevan.

That was as good as it got in an uninspiring first half but shortly after the break Wright had a clear shot at goal only to blast his effort over the bar.

Soon after some incisive one-touch passing from Ipswich put through Tommy Miller whose shot hit the bar and the rebound was converted by Bent. The goal was ruled out for offside, a decision that baffled Royle.

The deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute as a Jim Magilton ball was flicked on by Wright and Bent burst into the penalty area to fire past Bevan.

Within two minutes of that good work from Dean Bowditch on the right ended with him crossing for Shefki Kuqi to turn the ball home with a clever flick from close range.

Yet five minutes later the Dons were back in it as a Jason Puncheon free-kick from the right was headed in at the far post by new loan signing Gary Smith.

Ipswich held on for three valuable points, but Wimbledon must begin to contemplate life in Division Two