Championship leaders Cardiff City were held to a goalless draw this afternoon by a battling Ipswich Town side who deserved their point in a tight encounter.

Cardiff struggled to create chances in the early going and nearly fell behind when Guirane N'Daw struck the post with a stinging drive from distance.

Malky Mackay's side registered a chance just before the break through Peter Whittingham, who whipped a free kick wide of the near post on his return from injury.

Craig Bellamy broke clear late on for the home side but the striker was thwarted just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Joe Mason was introduced at the break, with Cardiff going more direct in their pursuit of a winning goal.

Mick McCarthy brought on Michael Chopra in the second half but the striker could not break the deadlock against his old club.

Ipswich held firm in the closing stages to keep the game goalless and take a point back to Portman Road, with Cardiff failing to score for the first time in 25 matches.