Wanderers fielded a 16 man squad, with only David Grimwood missing, for this local derby, postponed from the end of January when the weather was not so kind. The sizable crowd, one of the biggest of the season, was in good humour and there was many a familiar face in the stands, such is the closeness of the two clubs.
The game began as a spirited encounter and as early as the 3rd minute R Wright chased down a ball which Jason Dozzell had left for Jamie Stannard and the latter had to be quick off his mark to gather safely. On 11 minutes Wanderers took the lead when Rene Swann was persistent is chasing the ball into the Whitton area and, despite the concerted efforts of several defenders, managed to dig the ball out from under their feet and poke it into the net.
The game was being played at a pace and in a spirit befitting a local derby but Wanderers were clearly in control and Whitton were restricted to the odd foray into the Wanderers half. Jorrell Hurd and Rene Swann were relishing playing against their old club and were playing some of their best football for several games. On 33 minutes Ricky Martin conjured up one of his mazy runs and sidefooted past a bemused Foster. Wanderers relaxed and Whitton ended the half looking more lively with R Wright causing problems for the Wanderers defence. 5 minutes before the end of the half Jorrell Hurd was stretcher'd off after falling awkwardly and twisting his knee.
Ipswich Wanderers 2 Whitton United 0
The second half continued at much the same pace with Wanderers seeking to extend their lead and Whitton fighting to get back into the game. Whitton were pressing their attacks and on 54 minutes earned a corner after Jamie Stannard was at full stretch to fingertip a back header over the bar. Ruel Fox came on to inject some experience and urgency into the Whitton side and on 62 minutes floated a free kick to the far post and Jamie Stannard did well to pluck it out of the air before it when in at the top corner. Then R Wright had a long shot on target but this was comfortably save by Jamie Stannard. At the other end good work by Westren, Swann and Lowe ended with a snap shot from Ricky Martin which Foster did well to push round the post. Jason Dozzell's chipped free kick, shortly after, was headed on by Marc Lowe and eventually went for a corner. From this he had a shot blocked by a defender and he headed the rebound narrowly wide.
Wanderers had regained the initiative and were pushing forward in waves with the defence and midfield joining in. Dean Offord came on for the final few minutes and headed a Marc Lowe cross onto the top netting. Then Marc Lowe himself hit a powerful shot which Foster palmed over the bar. Both teams were playing hard right to the final whistle and it was a credit to both sides that the game was played in such a good spirit to provide a very entertaining match.
Ipswich Wanderers 2 Whitton United 0
