Gillingham's beleaguered defence came under fresh fire on Saturday as they leaked their 11th goal in eight days.

Just as player-manager Andy Hessenthaler thought his side were over the worst following the previous Saturday's 6-0 mauling by Wolves, the shine was taken from Tuesday's 2-2 draw away to Sheffield United by Ipswich's three-goal salvo.

The Tractor Boys had to come from behind to keep their play-off hopes alive after Gillingham skipper Paul Smith had opened the scoring with a rare goal in the 28th minute.

Argentinian Pablo Counago levelled in the 32nd minute and gave his side the lead in the 73rd.

Marcus Bent assured Ipswich of victory with their third in the 78th.

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