It was a glorious day to be an Ipswich Town fan. Having dropped three points away to lowly Doncaster the previous weekend, the Blues returned to slaughter the Rams.
Okay, slaughter probably isn`t quite the right word (I was looking for a sheepy cliché), especially when you consider that Town ‘only` bagged two goals. However, the performance was superlative and efficient. The opening goal by Counago came after great work and a fabulous finish. Although the second goal was less glamourous, it came after great play before Jon Walters turned on his heels to slam home from two yards.
Veliche Shumulikoski ran the midfield, and protected the back four in an adept manner. Walters, Norris and Ambrose ran all day, with Garvan adding that cool and sophisticated touch to the midfield. As for Counago, there were signs that his deadly finishing and Spanish finesse were returning. The back line held strong – ably assisted by the solid Richard Wright in goal.
In all fairness, the first forty-five was more or less an even contest, with both sides looking to prove their Premier League pedigree. Nevertheless, the opening stages belonged to Derby. The Rams controlled possession, with the strike partnership of Hulse and Villa posing a realistic threat to the patched up Ipswich back line.
However, the first real opportunity fell to Ipswich Town. It was so close to being a dream return for Darren Ambrose, as he saw his header from eight yards comfortably saved by former Manchester United ‘keeper, Roy Carroll.
Minutes later, Town tested the Derby goalkeeper again, but this time, David Norris` header was straight at Carroll, with the Rams getting off the hook rather lightly.
On 21, Town fans were calling for a red-card, as Derby defender, Lewin Nyatanga was caught way too far up the pitch, only to fly into Counago with a crunching tackle. The Spaniard looked in some distress at the time – but maybe that`s just our Pablo! Nonetheless, Nyatanga will be counting himself lucky that he only picked up a yellow card.
Despite this, Counago was clearly able to get up and brush himself up, as on 27 minutes the former Celta Vigo star was able to outmuscle Claude Davis to get goal side of Derby`s last man. All that remained was the thing Pablo has seemed unable to do in recent weeks, and score a goal. That he did with consummate ease, sending Carroll flying to his left, and the ball rolling gently to his right.
GOAL: Ipswich Town 1-0 Derby (Pablo Counago)
This was of great relief to the Blues faithful – many of whom had witnessed the atrocities displayed at Doncaster. The goal gave Ipswich great confidence, and it was just seconds after the restart before Owen Garvan forced Roy Carroll into another save; this time, low to his left.
Derby were able to fashion a chance for themselves – albeit as rare as a vacant job in the ITFC backroom staff! It was a Rob Hulse effort that seemed to cause little worry to the ever-improving Richard Wright.
Just before the break, the Rams were forced into an early substitution, with Claude Davis unable to carry on. Veteran Darren Powell – recently signed as a free agent – came on to replace him for his debut.
HALF-TIME: Ipswich Town 1-0 Derby County
Derby were forced into another substitution early in the second half, with Przemyslaw Kazmierczak coming on for Kris Commons, who had looked a potential threat to Town. Minutes later, it was the officials making a substitution as referee Mike Russell could not continue. Fourth official Mr J Hayto replaced him.
The Rams then came so close to equalising, as Kazmierczak`s header was saved emphatically by Richard Wright – this was probably his only genuine test in the game. The following corner was cleared to safety by the Bruce.
The Blues were able to double their lead on 60 minutes. After winning a free kick inside the middle third, the ball made its way to David Wright in an attacking position on the right, the former Wigan player driving the ball across the penalty area where Jon Walters was left unmarked at the back post to turn and drive home from no more than two-yards.
GOAL: Ipswich Town 2-0 Derby (Jon Walters)
Derby from then onwards seemed to give up hope of getting anything from the game. Paul Jewell did try to play his joker card by bringing on Nathan Ellington for Emmanuel Villa on 70. Ipswich made their own change on 74, with Jon Stead coming on to replace Counago. With the game drawing to a close, Ipswich also brought on Miller for Norris and Lisbie for Walters on 83 and 89 respectively.
In stoppage time, Kevin Lisbie found himself the furthest man forward, and with three defenders surrounding him, decided to take them all on alone. His low shot carried some sting, but was gathered up by Carroll at the second attempt.
FINAL SCORE: Ipswich Town 2-0 Derby
