Armando Dobra was red-carded for his part in an off-the-ball incident. Picture: Pagepix

ALL good things must come to an end.

And for Ipswich Town, it was a case of both regret and disappointment as their proud unbeaten record was unceremoniously halted at Accrington Stanley.

The Blues lost 2-0 in Sunday's high noon showdown at the Wham Stadium.

They remain top of League One but now only by a point as second-placed Wycombe Wanderers closed the gap by beating Sunderland.

Paul Lambert's men will have been crestfallen to see their unbeaten record come to such a limp end.

Their stunning start to the season had seen them win eight and draw three of their 11 fixtures.

However, they looked far from invincible on this occasion and paid the price for an abject first half.

Stanley, languishing in the lower reaches of the table, led 2-0 at the break after a brace from Colby Bishop.

He nodded the opener before converting from the spot after a foul by the out-of-sorts Toto Nsiala.

To add insult to injury, both sides ended with ten men after Armando Dobra was red-carded for his part in an off-the-ball incident. Ross Sykes was also sent for an early bath.

Sunday's defeat made it two painful setbacks at Accrington in 2019, having been on the receiving end of an FA Cup upset in January.

This loss carried greater significance, though, as two unwanted trends - Town's dreadful record when live on Sky TV and also after returning from international breaks - came back to haunt them.

Far from having momentum, it seemed the wind had been taken from their sails and they clearly missed Flynn Downes, James Norwood, Kane Vincent-Young (injured) and James Wilson (suspended).

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Luke Woolfenden went close with this effort that he felt crossed the line. Picture: Pagepix

Nsiala came into the back three for the first time this season, Gwion Edwards was at right wing-back, Andre Dozzell slotted into midfield and Alan Judge played just off lone striker Kayden Jackson.

But Town looked disjointed rather than fluid - a far cry from some of the performances served up this season.

Nsiala and Dozzell were hauled off at half-time while Judge lasted little over an hour before making way for Anthony Georgiou.

The Blues produced a response of sorts after the break and Luke Woolfenden stabbed an effort towards goal that he felt crossed the line - or struck Jordan Clark's hand.

Aside from that, though, the visitors created little as the game slipped from their grasp.

It was bitterly disappointing - not least for the amazingly loyal travelling fans who would have left at the crack of dawn to make the long trek to Lancashire.

The only crumb of comfort is the fact their team have another game in midweek as Rotherham United visit Portman Road on Wednesday.