Town’s latest comedy of errors long since gone beyond a laughing matter. That trap door gapes ever wider open…

For the second game running Alf’s finest managed to turn a decent shift into one of bitter disappointment for their long-suffering supporters who will be reaching for their alarm bells in their droves.

For what seems like ages ‘individual errors’ seems to be part of the game-plan for the boys from IP1, but for pure comedy value this weekend’s defeat at Leeds United will take some beating.

Another week, another game only this time Ibramhima Sonko and Alex McCarthy’s take turns on the naughty step, after their calamitous errors cost The Blues three big points.

You could add Lee-Barretts to the detention list, but by then Alf and the faithful were past caring.

Against the Yorkshire Whites, bereft of ideas and with the locals calling for the head of the loveable Ken Bates for off-loading star performer Jonny Howson to Norwich of all places, Elland Road was less intimidating than usual.

In truth, after a spirited first-half display with Town firmly in the driving seat, Town should have mopped up the three points and left the Yorkshiremen to chew on their own little local difficulties.

Instead Alf’s mob returned to Suffolk to stare down the barrel of a league table which is not looking pretty or clever.

The worry is that Town are looking like a side hell-bent on suicide.

The sad part of the tale is that players like Luke Hyam, Andy Drury and Jason Scotland don’t deserve to be part of the sorry pact.

In a first period dominated by the visitors, Town deservedly took the lead through Drury, after a short corner routine with Lee Martin.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas again went close with a thundering long-range effort which could have given Town a 2-nil cushion. But with boos ringing round Elland Road on the referee’s whistle, it all looked sweet and dandy for Alf and the travelling support.

With Martin providing the pace and the Drury/Hyam axis keeping the engine ticking, Town looked to have enough under the bonnet.

It’s just a shame Town have to play second halves these days. Really they should be coming out in one of those clown’s cars Alf used to see at the circus that explode and fall apart with the audience rolling around in the tent.

To be fair, Town managed to keep a straight face until the 71st minute when keeper McCarthy returning to a club where he had also been on loan got himself sent off after handling the ball outside the area.

Trying to deal with a swirling wind, he hadn’t had a comfortable afternoon. Exit fall-guy Jason Scotland and enter ‘You’ll always be out number two…’ Lee-Barrett.

Let the calamities begin. With the locals sniffing Town ready to put on their party pieces the game from Alf’s view went into free-fall.

Sonko thought he was passing the ball back to Lee-Barrett – only he wasn’t there.

Snodgrass was. He equalised.

Sonko this time left a high ball for Lee-Barrett to collect. He slipped. McCormack scored.

Becchio added a third after the otherwise impressive Tommy Smith failed to stop.

So ended the latest calamitous episode in the season of Ipswich Town.

Just as against Blackpool, Town had only themselves to blame, for letting their opponents back into the game.

Presumably Paul Jewel will be on the phone this week looking for more error-prone professionals who’ll step up the mike and deliver a comedy turn.

Oh, if it wasn’t so serious….

Top of the table the Happy Hammers are next in Town. Sam Allardyce – the King of set-play could have a field day against Alf’s boys.