Coventry 2 Ipswich 1:Clinton Morrison's first-half brace ensured Roy Keane got off to a poor start to the Coca-Cola Championship season as his much-fancied Ipswich team fell to a 2-1 defeat at Coventry.
Morrison scored twice within the first 25 minutes to put Chris Coleman's side in charge and while Jon Walters quickly responded Coventry held on for all three points.
Keane guided Sunderland into the top flight at the first attempt three seasons ago and has stated that he will view his tenure at Portman Road as a failure if he does not repeat the trick within his two-year contract.
That has fuelled expectations in Suffolk but, despite a barrage of attacks in the second half, the visitors were unable to find a way past the excellent Keiren Westwood in the Coventry goal in their first game since the death of Bobby Robson.
Robson, who won the FA Cup in 1978 and brought Uefa Cup glory to Ipswich in 1981, died last Friday and was remembered with a minute's applause before kick-off.
