Danny Haynes was twice denied by the woodwork against his former club as Bristol City were held to a 0-0 draw by Ipswich at Ashton Gate.

Quality opportunities were at a premium before the break as neither side managed to make the most of a string of half chances.

The Robins looked the more dangerous after the break only to be denied by the woodwork as Ipswich extended their unbeaten run to eight league games.

Bradley Orr was back in the Bristol City squad for the first time since October 24 after an Achilles injury, but Cole Skuse maintained his berth at right-back.

Ipswich had Arran Lee-Barrett between the sticks for the first time as Richard Wright began his four-month spell on the sidelines, with the Tractor Boys denied permission to bring in an emergency goalkeeper.

The home side were looking to get back on track following back-to-back defeats, while Ipswich had the chance to break free of the drop-zone after taking eight points from their last four games.

Roy Keane's side had early chances to continue their fine form but Gareth McAuley headed wide from inside the area before Jonathan Stead failed to hit the target with his volley.

Lee-Barrett was called into action for the first time in the 12th minute as he collected Paul Hartley's free-kick, while Dean Gerken was tested shortly after as he dealt with Owen Garvan's long-range effort.

Bristol City midfielder Evander Sno saw his strike blocked by team-mate Nicky Maynard as neither side managed to get a real grip on the game.

Stead was then denied from close range by Gerken before Lee Johnson and Hartley failed to further trouble Lee-Barrett with tame efforts as a relatively uneventful first half came to a close.

Ipswich striker Jonathan Walters had the chance to put the visitors ahead shortly after the break but failed to keep his effort down.

Bristol City then took control as they created a string of chances with Hartley volleying wide before Marvin Elliott's header was saved by Lee-Barrett.

Haynes came agonisingly close to scoring in the 53rd minute as his effort from the edge of the area came back off the bar.

The hosts continued to search for the opener with Elliott denied by Damien Delaney's block before Maynard failed to make the most of a close-range header.

Haynes continued to look dangerous and was presented with another chance in the 62nd minute but saw his effort strike the post.

Owen Garvan could have punished the hosts for their wastefulness shortly after but was denied by Gerken.

Walters also had the chance to earn the Tractor Boys their third win of the season but failed to beat Gerken with his tame header as the game fizzled out.