Every Saturday during the football close season, we will feature one of Ipswich Town’s 10 greatest games. We kick off with the unforgettable play-off final in 2000.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town's promotion-winning team. Picture: JAMIE NIBLOCK.Ipswich Town's promotion-winning team. Picture: JAMIE NIBLOCK.

After so many play-off heartbreaks, surely Town’s time had come and we would beat Barnsley to get back into the Premier League?

East Anglian Daily Times: David Johnson attempting a header at the Barnsley goal early on against Barnsley 'keeper Kevin MillerDavid Johnson attempting a header at the Barnsley goal early on against Barnsley 'keeper Kevin Miller (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Wembley Stadium in 2000 as Ipswich Town take on Barnsley in the play-off finalWembley Stadium in 2000 as Ipswich Town take on Barnsley in the play-off final (Image: Archant)

It didn’t start well. In the sixth minute, Craig Hignett’s long-range shot cannoned down off the bar, hit Town keeper Richard Wright, and went into the net.

East Anglian Daily Times: A sea of blue as Ipswich fans turn up in their numbers to see the play-off final in 2000A sea of blue as Ipswich fans turn up in their numbers to see the play-off final in 2000 (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Martijn Reuser seals the win for the BluesMartijn Reuser seals the win for the Blues (Image: Archant)

Just before the half-hour, Jim Magilton swung a ball into the area, and Tony Mowbray powered home a header to equalise.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Burley lifting the play-off trophy in 2000 as Ipswich secure promotionGeorge Burley lifting the play-off trophy in 2000 as Ipswich secure promotion (Image: Archant)

Approaching half-time, the turning point. Richard Wright hauled down Hignett, but produced a wonder save to keep out Darren Barnard’s spot-kick. Level at the interval.

Early in the second half, Town were ahead thanks to Naylor’s deft finish, and then, a few minutes later, Marcus Stewart headed home.

In the 78th minute, Hignett slammed home a penalty to pull a goal back, and just before the end of normal time, Wright made another fantastic save, this time to keep out Hristov’s header.

Then came THE moment. Naylor put super-sub Martijn Reuser through and the Dutchman smashed the ball in.

Town were back in the big-time.