Ipswich Town: North Stander Terry Hunt has his say on League One race

First, there’s Ipswich Town’s battle for promotion, which I’m convinced will go to the wire.  

Second, there’s Ipswich Wanderers, bidding for back-to-back titles in the Thurlow Nunn League. 

Starting with Ipswich Town, there are nine games left and the promotion race really is too close to call. I’m sure there will be plenty of twists and turns before the picture is finally finished. 

Kieran McKenna is bidding to win promotion with Ipswich Town (Image: Ross Halls)

As I’ve said before, the international break came at a frustrating time for us. Will it interrupt the thrilling momentum we had built up? We’ll find out at Derby next Saturday. 

I might regret saying this, but it could be a good time to take on the Rams. Their promotion bid has faltered in the last few weeks and they must be worrying about dropping out of the top six. 

It has certainly been a good international break for Nathan Broadhead. On his international debut, he came on against Croatia - Luka Modric and all - to score an injury-time equaliser. 

I think we’ve got a real gem in Broadhead. In his short time at Portman Road, he’s demonstrated real quality, with a sharp eye for goal. He will only get better, and is certainly good enough to operate at a higher level. Very good business by Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton. 

Nathan Broadhead scored a dramatic goal for Wales on Saturday night (Image: PA)

So, how will the League One promotion race pan out? Of course, it’s anyone’s guess, but I’m feeling pretty confident. As ever, the busy schedule around Easter will be crucial, and then we have two huge away games in late April, at Peterborough and Barnsley. I have a sneaking suspicion that Posh will make the play-offs, probably at Derby’s expense. 

I have to be honest and tell you about my recurring waking nightmare. It sees us in the play-off final at Wembley, on May 29, exactly 23 years to the day since that unforgettable afternoon in 2000. 

You can probably guess the rest. Our opponents in my nightmare are, once again, Barnsley. And guess who scores the winner in my nightmare of nightmares? Yes, of course. None other than Mr. James Norwood, formerly of this parish. 

I’m sure I’m not the only Town fan to have the same dark thoughts. Of course, it won’t come true - will it? The best way to ensure it doesn’t is to go up automatically, stating the ruddy obvious. 

James Norwood is part of Terry's recurring nightmare (Image: PA)

Some of us have such glorious memories of the Wembley 2000 final that it’s too easy to think positively about the play-offs. But don’t forget the torture of all those agonising failures under George Burley. Let’s avoid all that stress... 

No, in the real, wide-awake world, I’m confident that we can go up automatically. It will take a points haul well into the 90s, but we have the quality, the confidence, the coaching staff and the fantastic fans to give us the best possible chance. It will be an exciting ride! 

Elsewhere in Ipswich, there is something very exciting happening at Humber Doucy Lane, the home of Ipswich Wanderers. 

Last season, Wanderers won promotion to the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division, winning their last league game with an added time goal. This campaign, they’re doing just the same, and went top of the table in the most thrilling fashion on Saturday. 

Facing long-term leaders Thetford at home, Wanderers were 2-0 down at half-time and seemingly destined for defeat. But an extraordinary comeback saw them storm to a 3-2 win, with substitute Josh Folkes grabbing two poacher’s goals in an incredible period of added time. 

It means Wanderers are now two points clear of Thetford with five games to play. Only one team goes up automatically, with the second-placed side contesting a play-off. 

This is what it means to win a table topping clash in the final minutes. Absolute carnage 😂. @_IWFC @FootyLimbs @NonLeagueCrowd pic.twitter.com/Jadw7tZBYo

— Ipswich Wanderers Development Sides (@IWFC_Develop) March 25, 2023

It really was grass roots football at its best. More than 500 fans squeezed into Wanderers’ home ground to witness a thrilling game, which also saw two red cards for Thetford. 

When games don’t clash with Portman Road matches, I watch Wanderers whenever I can. It’s just around the corner for me, we have family connections - and you can enjoy a pint while you’re watching! I can thoroughly recommend it. 

So, as we enter the final, nervy weeks of the season, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Town and Wanderers.  

Two promotions would be just perfect.