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You are in: Essential Stats: 2002-03 Season: Match Reports Also available:  Fans
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Match Reports
 
Portman RoadAtt. 27,700
Ref: S Bennett
Match No.
36
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League Division 1
Match Stats 19 February 2003
Ipswich
2
4
Wolves
Report by JD Wolf
This was a massive game, whoever won would be in the playoff places and start to make some headroom from the other chasing teams.

Ipswich went into the game in turmoil, in receivership and not being able to pay the players wages. Would this be an omen, how many times have we been in this situation - playing a team with all sorts of off the field problems and then being convincingly defeated. Wolves went into it with newspaper reports stating that there was a rift between Ince and Butler over the captaincy - how long have all Wolves' fan been aware of that??

If we were B*****s at Brighton, then we needed to be impressive at Ipswich as they had won their last six home games.

A bitterly cold night in front of an impressive 27,700 crowd (where's all the money going then?)  saw a frantic start as both teams went for glory. However after only 2 mins a cross came in which Murray fluffed only for one of the bent boys to head home. Ipswich 1-0 Wolves This was certainly not the start wanted.

Wolves didn't have to wait long as on 11 mins a fierce Cameron long range shot was spilled by their keeper for the advancing Miller to have time to have two stabs at the ball from 6 yards out and fire us level. Ipswich 1-1 Wolves and game on.

The game became very open with both teams having a go - creating chances without really penetrating. Ipswich seemed to be having the better of the play, particularly down their right flank where they were giving Lee Naylor a torrid time. Their slight dominance paid off right on the stroke of half time. A needless free kick given to Ipswich some 35 yards out was awarded and Holland (playing his 300th game for Ipswich) thundered home an unstoppable shot. Maybe the wall was at fault but no denying the quality of the shot. Ipswich 2 Wolves 1

Half time Ipswich 2 Wolves 1

A super second half show was needed - would we get it?

Edworthy came on for the injured Butler and went into the centre of defence, why no Clyde on the bench? The 2nd half started as the 1st half finished - with both teams having a go. Wolves seemed to be particularly up for it, with an aggression not seen previously. This was demonstrated in the first few mins as both Rae and Miller went in the book. Miller was particularly forceful and he almost got a second yellow for a nasty challenge. However on 63 mins the aggression paid off. Neat play down the left flank saw Kennedy whip in an excellent low hard cross for Miller to tap in from 8 yards out. Ipswich 2-2 Wolves and now it certainly was game on.

Cameron almost immediately had an opportunity to score but couldn't just reach the cross. The goal, coupled with Wolves persistence, seemed to knock the stuffing out of Ipswich and it seemed all Wolves now. On 74 mins Wolves scored a crucial third. Miller won the ball back from Ipswich when he had no right to get the ball (Miller again showing the aggression so much lacking previously in Wolves' play) and forced a corner. Kennedy's inswinger was headed out and Lee Naylor, walking backwards on the "D", let fly with a vintage left foot volley which burst the back of the net. An absolutely tremendous goal - a 'must-see-it-if-you-can goal' - a shot that Alex Ferguson would have been proud of. The goal was one that Naylor really deserved after being on the back foot for all of the first half. Ipswich 2-3 Wolves

Proudlock came on for Miller on 79 mins - a strange decision I thought as Miller was having a "good day at the office" and hankering after a hat trick. But it paid dividends only 2 mins later. A superb counter attack on 81 mins saw a marvellous Cameron defence-splitting pass from a Proudlock knock down, with Ndah racing through (offside? don't be stupid) rounding the keeper and firing home from the edge of the box. An excellent way to finish off a despondent team. 2-4 and Wolves on fire.

Wolves almost had a fifth when yet another counter attack started, Ndah found Proudlock, who despite his initial control being bad, managed to find Kennedy whose shot was unfortunately high over the bar.

FT 2 - 4 and what a result.

Is this the start of the dream? We have had so many false dawns that it has become an embarrassment, however lets put this game into perspective. Ipswich are a very good side, but they are just having a rough time at the moment trying to adjust to a muppet league. However they will be in the playoffs and so I am not going to take anything away from Wolves for this result. I just want more of it.

No streakers this time, just Screamers!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey boy, hey girl, Superstar DJ here we go!!!

Oh and Smethwick Rovers lost. A great night all round

Full Time Ipswich 2 Wolves 4

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