Alan Pardew was left fuming after seeing his side lose out at Portman Road to some highly-debatable refereeing decisions. The Royals boss, who has landed himself in hot water in the past for making his feelings known to the officals, was understandably very angry after the game.
Reading, who looked well on their way to a comfortable 1-0 win in the scorching sunshine at Portman Road, lost it in the last fifteen minutes thanks to some bizarre refereeing decisions.
Nicky Shorey, such a cool campaigner, was dismissed in the seventy-eighth minute for fouling Counago just outside the box as the temperature was turned up at Portman Road. TV replays indicated that whilst the decision was incredibly harsh, the referee had reason to give it.
The same could not be said of the last minute penalty that went the Tractor Boy's way. Jim Magilton went down suspiciously inside the Reading penalty area, falling under the force of a tackle from Steve Brown.
Referee Brian Curson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot despite the fact that it was clear for all to see that Magilton went down all to easily. Ipswich forward Tommy Miller ensured justice wasn't done, sending Marcus Hahnemann the wrong way.
Reading, who lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, have every reason to believe that they can challenge for automatic promotion this season, as they put in a composed display at Portman Road.
Alan Pardew fielded new signings Scott Murray and Shaun Goater in his starting line-up and both put in competent displays as they battled in the unimaginable heat.
As has come to be expected from Pardew's side, the Royals kept it tight at the back, and therefore very few chances were created. Indeed, Marcus Hahnemann had plenty of time to top up his tan between the sticks, so sporadic were the Tractor Boy's attacks.
Reading created the first meaningful opening of the game in the thirty-fifth minute. Andy Hughes, deployed on the left-wing, slammed in a powerful shot which debutant Kelvin Davis did well to turn round the post as the Royals attempted to turn the screw.
However the home side managed to relieve the pressure and nearly went ahead themselves when George Santos fired narrowly wide of Marcus Hahnemann's left-hand upright with a stinging shot from distance.
In the second half the Royals were rewarded for their superior possession play as they took the lead. England Under 21 international Steve Sidwell opened the scoring, cracking home from ten yards after finding himself in acres of space.
Nicky Forster provided the cross for the goal, but most of the plaudits should go to the Ipswich defence who were caught lounging in the sun and should have picked up the ginger-haired Sidwell.
Reading could of made it two nil before Mr Curson decided enough was enough and swung the game in Ipswich's favour.
Before the game supporters would have been delighted to win a point at Portman Road, but given the circumstances there was only bitter resentment amongst the 1500 travelling support as they began on their long journey home around the M25.
Alan Pardew will hope for another referee intent on satisfying the home crowd next weekend when the Royals play their first home match of the season, at home to Nottingham Forest.