What a difference a win makes. The victory against Wigan and the draw that should have been a win against Charlton had changed my mood from despondent to hopeful, my expectations from relegation to mid table mediocrity. The closing of the transfer window meant no ins or outs for the squad over the last week, the 'emergency loan' window having yet to open, so I expected the team to be much the same for the third game in a row, with the potent strike force of Derbyshire and Sammon continuing. Green and Sammon in particular had a point to prove, both having turned out for Ipswich in the recent past, Sammon actually playing in the fixture earlier this season at Portman Road.
Connor as a happy tractor boy.
Vicky had travelled up from Nottingham on a train full of drunken Town fans who were suitably impressed as they passed the New York, so I collected her from the station while they no doubt crossed the road to the Bridge Inn, which always welcomes sensible away fans.
As we got to the top of Alma road two magpies flitted into a tree. Good omen. Then Vicky noticed that her lucky shirt had been located in Ian's drawer. Victory was assured and we set off with happy hearts. Ian's damaged cruciate meant we needed a lift down and had to forgo the New York Tavern before entering the ground via good old turnstyle 10. I nodded to OMOTE and we took our seats as the team was announced. Unchanged. More good news. Wooly and James arrived forcing Ian to stand. Wooly was mortified by the injury and required all the gory details, while Frank sang, and we kicked. Then we were off just as the tweeters arrived. Vicky and I were very excited by the fact that the lucky tweeter had 3-0 to us. That looked highly unlikely after 15seconds though when the Championships top scorer, Darryl Murphy, outmuscled Captain Morgan in the area, but amazingly shot straight at Colin. Too close for comfort. John then appeared as there was a spare seat next to Wooly. 'Sorry Ian' he said as he forced Ian to stand with his hinged leg. Ipswich were the livelier side in the first 15mins but we defended well and had a few forays forward. Wooly needed the loo at that point. 'Sorry Ian'. We were starting to come into the game when we got a free kick just inside their half. Ben Pringle lofted the ball in, Morgan headed across goal and Derbyshire found himself with enough space and time to direct a diving header into the net.
Cue wild celebrations, and a new song, Chelsea Dagger having obviously been deemed unlucky. Instead The Whitestripes were played. James needed a pie next. 'Sorry Ian'. We played out the first half in style and it was1-0 to the Millers at half time.
The teams returned, as did Wooly from his half time break. 'Sorry Ian', then Kathy, 'Sorry Ian', then James 'Sorry Ian'. OMOTE was starting to get a bit cranky as well. The ref blew but there was no Frank, not sure if I like the new half time routine.
Ipswich had obviously had a god talking too as they were very lively at the start of the half, the pressure beginning to build until a dipping header forced a brilliant save from Collin. Then another shot was cleared off the line by Zeki Fryers. I was starting to worry, but needn't have as some good build up play won us a corner. Ben Pringle having found his left foot again put in a high ball to the back post, one of their players wrestled Derbyshire to the ground leaving a big gap for Connor Sammon to slot home. We were beating Ipswich 2-0.
Connor as a happier Miller
'Feed the fish and he will score' rang out around the New York. After that Ipswich seemed to wilt and we controlled the game. Jordan Bowery replaced fans favourite Matt Derbyshire who got a wonderful standing ovation. People around were nodding sagely, 'I knew he would come good' was the phrase on everyone's lips. We still had time for a fine through ball to get the tweeter off his feet as Bowery was clean through with only the keeper to beat, unfortunately he couldn't, much to the tweeters disgust. Never mind, as the ref blew for full time we all felt a corner had been turned. Relegation? As if!!
Next up Blackburn away.
Men of the match
Ian - All played well but Paul Green
Jackie - Was everywhere and his crosses were all top drawer, Pringle
Vicky - Can't decide, Green or Pringle, but if dad's going Green will go Pringle.
Ian's award
Refs decision to give a corner when Arneson seemed to dive full length in the area and turn it behind with his hand.
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