Both teams had shown improvement in recent games before today, so it was a little disappointing that there was little style brought to Portman Road from the visitors, which in turn made it very difficult for Town to display any kind of passing football.

It was clearly the game-plan of Leicester to defend and close down, perhaps venture forward on the break, basically employ spoiling tactics and hope for the best. Maybe they were scared...!

On a freezing cold breezy afternoon, the opportunities to jump up and down or clap your hands to warm up were few and far between. Debutant Ricardo Fuller started up front providing a bit of muscle alongside the pace of Danny Haynes, who returned to the side after shaking off his injury. He was as usual a breath of fresh air, but Fuller was somewhat sluggish early on, obviously finding his feet with his new team mates, although we were struggling to get going as a team from the start.

Leicester managed a few early attempts at goal when they broke forward, but nothing to trouble Shane Supple in goal. A couple of warnings for Town, given shut-up-shop approach they were faced with, conceding early on could've been disastrous.

So the half went on, and on... nothing really happened, Town had most of the possession, or so it seemed at least but just couldn't seem to get the shots in. Fuller had a shout for a penalty turned down, one of those 50-50 challenges anyway.

After half time, things seemed to liven up for both sides. Leicester were no better, but managed a few chances, and Town too were more eager to get shots in. About 7 minutes into the half the mighty Ipswich scored, from a corner (we never score from corners). After an attempt by Darren Currie was saved and pushed out for the corner, Currie sent in a high ball that seemed to get a flick on to Owen Garvan, who struck the ball home from the middle of the box. Fuller had done well to get the original cross into Currie, and was looking all-round a better player in this half.

As time wore on Leicester became more persistent, and despite Town's slight dominance (if there is such a thing) we all started getting that edgy feeling, the same one we had just before Leeds scored their underserved equaliser.

Thankfully, history was not about to be so cruel again, and Town doubled the lead with 5 minutes left, just when the visitors had built up the pressure. And it was new man Ricardo Fuller, capping a good second half performance.

The Ref had not long booked Fuller for virtually nothing, but not rattled at all he ran in to meet another Currie corner at the near post and produced a powerful header beyond the keeper. Again he had created the initial chance for Dean McDonald who was on for a knackered Danny Haynes, that was saved. Unfortunately the booking Fuller received takes him to 5 yellows and a 1 match suspension. He only needed to last until the end of the month and that rule ends, but that's our luck at the moment.

So 3 points earned and well deserved but a hard game to watch, and despite 2 pairs of thermal socks and my Long Johns the cold got in and I had something to go home and moan about.

We've had some good games recently, but not always come away with the win we derserved, this time however, we outplayed our local rivals and left with all three points.

This really was a sweet victory. Revenge if you like for the daylight robbery last year at Portman Road which saw Sito sent off early on, and Norwich leave for Norfolk with a win. Neither team deserved what they took from that match, but this time first prize was ours after a great display.

Shane Supple was forced to sit this one out through ilness, giving Lewis Price his chance to get back into the team. Darren Currie managed to get out of bed on time for this one, having (probably) left home at 2am he arrived on time for the ridiculously early kick off.

There were a few early exchanges and both teams tested their opposition in defence, but the first serious effort came from a Town corner from which Jimmy Juan got in a shot which was blocked. Darren Currie sent in a brilliant volley from distance but Robert Green was equal to it. Currie had another good effort later in the half, again saved.

At the other end, Norwich almost got an opener from our own Matt Richards, who's clearing header thankfully went wide of the goalpost. It was turning into a cracking match, with some committed tackles and close shots, and with Town being on top of their opponents. The first substitution of the match was forced when Ipswich man Gavin Williams had to be withdrawn injured after 25 minutes. The travelling faithful were pleased to see that his replacement was new hero Danny Haynes who's introduction mean't a switch to 4-4-2.

Perhaps with Town's rhythm put out a little by the change of shape, the home side went ahead against the run of play on balance, although they'd had a bright spell leading up to it, with a couple of scares in front of our goal.

New boy Jonatan Johansson had tested Price earlier seeing his effort saved, but made no mistake when put clean through by Safri, who's ball over the top left Johansson with time to think about his clever lob over the exposed Lewis Price. Of course, the home fans went mental, but it was to be shortlived.

Just 5 minutes later Town drew level. Danny Haynes, fearless and quick up front darted across the edge of the Norwich box and felt the wrong end of a heavy and high challenge. Jimmy Juan took the free kick and although the shot was on target, it took a huge deflection off Johansson to put it beyond Green. Excellent.

It was only just evens at the break as Rehman missed from about 4 yards when it looked easier to score. Of course, i've neglected to mention Matt Richards hitting the post at nil nil...

The second half was just as good as the first, and almost all Town again bar some good forays forward by Norwich. The home side were making the most of the chances that came their way, hitting the post on one occassion.

Alan Lee had a good chance to get a second for Town, but his central header from Juan's cross went straight into the 'keeper's arms.

The game was not short of controversial moments, one of which happened as Danny Haynes raced into the penalty area after a bouncing ball. As he nodded it past Green and ran on, the over-rated goalie thumped into him at full pace, at least one fist catching him in the head. As Haynes reeled from his collision the other players pretested the lack of penalty to no avail. Green had gotten away with it.

It wasn't to be the last penalty appeal either. Alan Lee ran the ball to the by-line and as he turned in was chopped down in full flight. No whistle, well, apart from that for a corner.

One of those days it seemed, again, where we'd played well but not got the result. Until the final 2 minutes.

When Alan Lee nodded a cross back towards the centre of the 6 yard box, Danny Haynes stooped to head home, but as he did so the outstretched high boot of Doherty swung towards his face and he appeared to flinch backwards, his arm came up slightly... did it make contact? Did he head it? Or did Doherty kick it straight in? Who cares. 2-1. We beat the scum, 2-1!

I can't fault anyone for their performance today, one or two lapses aside, each and every man rose to the occassion and put in a fantastic game. Owen Garvan was superb in the middle of the park, and Matt Richards shone too. But all the talk will again be of Danny Haynes.

The players all came over at the final whistle to celebrate with the away crowd, withheld until the home lot had gone. The Town fans sang, "Bouncy bouncy la la la....". What a fantastic win.