There were also calls for manager Paul Jewell to be sacked from a small section of the Derby supporters and this defeat leaves his team five points away from the relegation zone.

Jewell failed to appear for the post-match press conference but his assistant, Chris Hutchings, said: "Paul is a little bit disappointed. In the past, we have always taken it in turns to do the press conferences just for a different voice.

"But Paul is of the same opinion as me and that is that we have to work hard to put things right.

"I can understand the fans' frustration because we are losing matches and no-one wants to see that.

"I didn't think that Ipswich were a lot better than us but it's unfortunate that we are going through a period when we are not creating many clear-cut chances.

"We conceded a poor goal and the early injury to Nathan Ellington upset us and the sending off didn't help so it's been a bad day all round.

"But we won't be appealing against the sending off, it was a high challenge and he has shown his studs.

"It wasn't malicious in any way and maybe it was a bit harsh but those are the rules."

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton praised the spirit of his side after they withstood some late Derby pressure to take the points.

He said: "We've shown tremendous sprit and tremendous character. The players have stuck together and they've had to because Derby showed great heart and kept going for their manager right to the end.

"Even though we had the numerical advantage Derby kept going. We had a little bit of luck but I though we deserved it.

"The back four defended heroically and the keeper was very safe in his handling.

"I thought the midfield also did well and points away from home are never easy at any level.

"In the Championship, you've got to earn every point and we did that today.

"We haven't had the rub of the green away from home but our away performances have improved from last year. But we can be better with the ball. We looked a bit nervous at times but that's understandable."

Derby were forced into an early change when Ellington went off with a hamstring injury in the ninth minute and they were trailing five minutes later when Jon Walters dived to glance in a cross from Ben Thatcher.

Derby had the majority of possession but created few real openings although substitute Steve Davies was unlucky to see a low right-foot shot come back off a post in the 56th minute.

The home side suffered yet another blow when Stewart, who had already been booked, was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on David Norris and despite some late pressure, they could not break down a well-organised Ipswich side.