James Belshaw - 7
Was called into action inside two minutes, although he knew little about it when Luke Wolfenden's point-blank header ricocheted off Belshaw and the crossbar before being cleared to safety. Saved well from Freddie Ladapo and Wes Burns in the first half, but Conor Chaplin gave him no chance with the opening goal, finding the bottom corner with pinpoint accuracy. Ipswich's second goal was another deflected goal to add to the list, beaten by Lee Evans' spinning effort from 25 yards early in the second half after it caught a Rovers leg en route. Saved well from Ahadme late on.
Luca Hoole - 5
Had a touch assignment dealing with the movement of Chaplin, Burns and co. Defended physically and at the other end he forced a good save from Christian Walton with a powerful drive from the edge of the area. Struggled defensively in the final half hour, though.
Alfie Kilgour - 4
Ladapo gave him a hellish first half at times, with the striker adept at getting stuck into the physical exchanges as well as sprinting into the space behind Rovers' back four. If that wasn't tough enough, Chaplin and Burns' clever movement stretched Rovers further. Kilgour battled, but this was a hard night's work on the road at a side who are gunning for promotion and it ended with a red card in stoppage time. Chaplin robbed him of possession and referee Alan Young deemed to have tripped the Ipswich man, denying him a clear scoring opportunity in the process.
Bobby Thomas - 4
Sent off for two yellow cards in the space of a few minutes in the closing stages, ruling him out for Saturday's game against Lincoln City. He had been courageous at Portman Road, but his dismissal was avoidable and he will learn plenty from the experience. Like Kilgour, he faces a one-match suspension. The game was already gone, so he has not cost Rovers anything on Tuesday, but he and Kilgour being banned for Saturday creates plenty of problems for the manager.
Lewis Gordon - 5
Showed more composure than he did at Barnsley when Rovers last faced a noisy crowd on a Tuesday night, though he was blunted in his few opportunities to get forward. There will be few tougher challenges in League One than coping with the fluid movement of Chaplin, Burns and Harness, so Rovers youngsters can take heart that they fought to stay in the game. Several sides are sure to come to Portman Road this season and take a real hiding on the scoreline.
Harry Anderson - N/A
Forced off with a suspected broken toe before he had the chance to affect the game.
Sam Finley (c) - 5
Had a couple of good opportunities to pick a pass that could have created chances for the Gas but the precision was lacking. A frustrating night, showing his annoyance particularly in the first half when he felt fair challenges were unduly punished by referee Alan Young.
Luke McCormick - 6
Pressed with intensity and helped Rovers win possession high up the pitch a couple of times. Was smooth on the ball but was taken off soon after the Gas went 2-0 down. Glimpses of the bite and quality he can bring to the midfield, and those 62 minutes in the bank could help him towards playing 90 minutes against Lincoln on Saturday.
Trevor Clarke - 6
Played on the left of midfield but found himself as an extra full-back in the opening quarter with Ipswich dominant, but he became more effective as the half wore on and went close to equalising in first-half stoppage time, but he was denied by Christian Walton's fingertips. Delivered a dangerous cross in the direction of Saunders that led to a chance for Hoole on the follow-up before the Irishman was substituted.
Antony Evans - 7
His best game for a few weeks, showing his trademark ball-carrying ability to break from midfield a couple of times but Rovers. Was cruelly denied what would have been a brilliant equaliser with a curling strike from 25 yards that cracked the angle of post and crossbar.
Aaron Collins - 5
It was always going to be a tough night up top on his own with Ipswich dominating possession, in the first half at least. Created a good chance for Clarke with a neat flick, but he saw few moments of opportunity come his way and he could have held the ball up better.
Substitutes
Harvey Saunders (for Anderson on 17') - 4
Played his part in the move that led to Evans' hitting the post, but otherwise, he was nullified as an attacking threat. Joey Barton was frustrated that he did not get on the end of Clarke's tantalising cross.
Paul Coutts (for McCormick on 62') - 6
A steadying presence but Rovers were already behind the 8-ball.
John Marquis (for Clarke on 62') - 5
Struggled to get himself into the contest.
Glenn Whelan (for Evans on 78') - 6
The game was beyond Rovers when Whelan was brought on for Evans with Saturday in mind.
Sylvester Jasper (for Collins on 78') - 6
One or two exuberant bursts and a late defensive header prevented further damage on the scoreline.
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Zain Westbrooke.
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