A controversial penalty rather than any great contrast in ability separated Town and City in an often scrappy opening leg to the cup's first semi-final here last night.

On the stroke of half-time the referee, Clive Wilkes, decided Danny Sonner had handled a hard-driven low cross from Jim Magilton, and after the protests had died down Marcus Stewart put the Premiership side ahead.

City, well placed for the First Division promotion play-offs, were never going to be overawed by opponents whom they had taken four points off in the Nationwide League last season.

The enthusiasm with which Trevor Francis's side moved forward from the outset suggested City were prepared to take on Town in an attacking game.

Close Ipswich down in midfield then get the ball forward quickly to Peter Ndlovu and Dele Adebola, that was the visitors' plan. Thus Matt Holland and Jim Magilton, the gearbox and clutch of Burley's side, had to work hard to create the space they needed to open up the wings.

With City frequently withdrawing eight men behind the ball this was never going to be easy. It took Ipswich 17 minutes to create their first clear opening and then James Scowcroft's shot was easily held by Ian Bennett.

After that City were increasingly forced on to the defensive but were still able to worry Ipswich with their speed on the break. Francis's defence looked sound enough, especially in the air, despite a nervous moment when Holland's shot cannoned off O'Connor near the penalty spot.

When Ipswich did take the lead in the last minute of the half it was a result of their luck with the referee's judgment, Mr Wilkes consulting a linesman before ruling Sonner had used a forearm to deal with Magilton's ball across the area.

IPSWICH TOWN: R Wright, Wilnis, Bramble, Venus, Hreidarsson, Clapham (Reuser 70), J Wright, Magilton, Holland, Scowcroft, Stewart. Subs Not Used: Salmon, Johnson, Karic, Croft. Goals: Stewart 45 pen.

BIRMINGHAM CITY: Bennett, Jenkins, Purse, Michael Johnson, Grainger, Eaden (Lazaridis 61), Sonner, O'Connor, Hughes, Adebola (Horsfield 85), Ndlovu (Marcelo 61). Subs Not Used: Poole, Burrows. Booked: Sonner, Jenkins.

Referee: C Wilkes (Gloucester).