A fine performance in front of the home crowd saw promotion hopefuls Ipswich defeat Premier League new-boys West Brom.
Both teams got of to a strong start, with the home side winning two corners, although they were unable to capitalise on either.
The football from Ipswich and West Brom alike was precise, flowing and above all entertaining for the 7,189 fans, who turned out to watch their sides in action. In the ninth minute, the Baggies carved out their first opportunities, with the visitors winning themselves consecutive corners within a minute of each other.
Richard Wright made a decent save from the second of the corners; releasing quickly to set Ipswich of on a counter attack, however the move died out before the Blues were able to trouble Dean Kiely.
On the half-hour, referee Mick Thorpe called a halt to play so that the players could all go off to take on board some water.
In a first half of fluid football, Town`s best player appeared to be Alan Quinn, who was playing on the left side of midfield, ahead of Dutch defender, Pim Balkestein – a player Jim Magilton has compared to Hermann Hreiderson. Quinn showed moments of pure quality with his passing and movement, exchanging a number of one-twos with fellow teammates.
The breakthrough came from the visitors in the 40th minute. Ishmael Miller had been the biggest threat to the new-look Ipswich defence, with the former Manchester City front man unleashing a rocket from 25-yards – a shot that left an assured looking Richard Wright with no chance as it flew into the top left corner.
It was a lead that did not last for very long. A hopeful ball from Ipswich was played into the West Brom 18-yard box, causing West Brom skipper Jonathan Greening to handball it. A somewhat harsh decision for a friendly match, but nevertheless allowed Tommy Miller to step up and take the penalty. He kept up his untarnished record of penalty taking to make it 1-1.
Ipswich had a chance to go into the break with a one-goal advantage, but a decent move ended with Alan Lee firing just wide after taking a deflection en route. Town did not make any changes over half time although West Brom boss, Tony Mowbray brought new goalkeeper Scott Carson on in place of veteran Dean Kiely. West Brom also brought on former Aston Villa striker Luke Moore, in place of the impressive Ishmael Miller.
The second half got off to a flyer for Ipswich, with a move involving Alan Quinn ending in a curling shot from Pablo Counago, just missing Scott Carson`s goal by two inches.
Soon after, Tommy Miller was able to run almost all the way through the Baggies` defence, however he was unable to produce a shot of any conviction.
Tempers began to fray, as the heat got to some of the players – a dispute between Jonathan Greening and Alan Lee, ending with the latter almost throwing his opponent off the pitch. If this had not been a friendly, the referee would most likely have sent the Irishman off. However, not even a yellow card was shown.
Six minutes later, West Brom produced one of their best moves of the match, with Kim forcing Richard Wright into a fantastic save low to his left, the former Arsenal keeper having to concede a corner. Wright was certainly making a big impression.
Kevin Lisbie and Owen Garvan replaced Alan Lee and Tommy Miller in the 65th minute. Five minutes later, new signing Lisbie was involved in a classy one-two with Pablo Counago, who`s shot was dealt with comfortably by Carson diving to his left.
Dean Bowditch replaced Counago, as well as Liam Trotter replacing Alan Quinn. Bowditch quickly got into the game, forcing Carson to spill the ball into dangerous territory, with an optimistic curling effort from a wide left position, 35 yards out. Lisbie was unable to reach the loose ball in time.
It was not long before Bowditch managed to find himself clean through, although Carson was quick to react in clearing the ball to safety.
Seconds into stoppage time, a good passing move presented Lisbie with the chance to attack. After being brought down by Barnett, Lisbie was quick to get up again, pouncing on the loose ball, stepping past the last defender, and driving the ball low into Carson`s net.
It was to be that last action of the game and maintained the Blues near perfect pre-season record, while consigning the Baggies to yet another campaign. Magilton will be particularly impressed with Balkestein and Wright who both put in fine performances on their debut’s.
