Ipswich Town have begun the Mick McCarthy era with a positive opening 45 minutes at Birmingham City this afternoon.
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Tractor Boys skipper Carlos Edwards was struggling with an early injury when the visitors took a surprise lead.
Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond gave the ball away in his own half and Lee Martin slipped in DJ Campbell, who span and lashed the ball past Jack Butland.
The hosts took hold of the majority of possession but were finding it tough to carve out chances, with Stephen Henderson keeping out Wade Elliott's effort in the 21st minute.
Marlon King then went for goal from a 25-yard free kick and was kept out by the fingertips of Henderson.
Ipswich came close to getting a second in the 33rd minute when Lee Martin let fly from range and Butland clawed it past the post.
Pascal Lemesre
