Ipswich Town hold a narrow lead against Birmingham City at the break in their Championship clash at Portman Road.

The visitors started the better of the two sides and Aaron Cresswell had to be alert early on to stop Nikola Zigic in his tracks, as he made a good last-ditch tackle to prevent him from finding a way to goal.

Birmingham were playing the better football and should have taken the lead in the 17th minute when Lee Novak found space inside the box, but he could only fire his effort wide of the target from close range.

Ipswich were struggling to carve out any clear-cut opportunities with the closest coming when Cresswell knocked a pass into the feet of Frank Nouble, but his shot was saved by Darren Randolph.

However, minutes later the Tractor Boys were ahead when Nouble raided down the left and crossed into the box for Murphy, who tapped home from close range.