Middlesbrough 0-2 Ipswich Town: Karl Fuller's verdict

Is there any stopping this Ipswich Town juggernaut? I do not mean the odd defeat that will inevitably come here and there. I am talking about something substantial. A run of winless games that will derail our season. I just can’t see it happening.

What another fantastic result at Middlesbrough. Don’t let the fact that they had so many players missing fool you. We still had a tough game and came through it with flying colours. We continue to be sensational. The dream surpasses another game. And now the next step to take us to the halfway point of the season is upon us. I cannot wait to see where we are at after these next four games.

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky (centre), pictured in action at the Riverside Stadium. (Image: Ross Halls)

This week's player to drool over is Vaclav Hladky. Who would have thought that when Christian Walton picked up an injury in pre-season, we would be singing the praises of Hladky so loudly. He's one of the best Championship goalkeepers there is at present. Scrap that. With his feet, he is not a goalkeeper. He is just a baller of a player who is allowed to use his hands occasionally. What little he had to do at Middlesbrough, he did with precision. Many of our attacks and goals start with him. A real playmaker in our side.

If there was one point to bemoan on Saturday, it was another booking for Sam Morsy. We really need him for Saturday’s game in my opinion. It will be a nervous watch on Tuesday night when we take on Watford. This is the first of four successive live TV games, and the first of four mouth-watering clashes.

Our last visit to Vicarage Road was some eight years ago. And who can forget it? Richard Chaplow’s goal has long since lived in the memory bank. It was a rare highlight in the middle of a barren era as Ipswich supporters. Aside from that victory, our record there has not been kind over the last decade or two. Just two wins in 10 games. It's time to add to that total.

Nathan Broadhead shoots for goal at Middlesbrough. (Image: Pagepix Ltd)

And then, it’s the big one. That lot up the road come to town for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. What an occasion that promises to be. The atmosphere will be stoked by the promised welcoming party for our players. That will fire them up and us even more so. And boy, am I due a big fat win. The last time I saw us beat them was the 5-0 win in February 1998. Over 25 years ago. I was in my twenties then. I’m in my fifties now. For each of our three home victories since then, I was unbelievably away on all three occasions.

But I’m not alone in being due a win. We all are. It has been 12 winless games stretching over 14 years. A win this Saturday will mean so much to us all who have suffered for so long. Yes, the Budgies have had a long-standing dominance over us. But the tide is turning. We are a stronger proposition these days. Do I think we will win? Yes, I do!

Look, forget current form and the season so far for both clubs. Yes, they have been chalk and cheese in comparison. But all that goes out of the window for these games. It is my positive mindset that has been in place for over a year that has me believing of a victory. I’ll add into the mix our style of play, the calmness, and the bravery on the ball, that we take to the opposition these days. We have all the ingredients at our disposal to win.

Ipswich Town fans celebrate at Middlesbrough. (Image: Pagepix Ltd)

My message is to think positively, enjoy the pre-match build up from the moment that you wake up, and breath in the atmosphere once you enter the ground. I am confident, but not in a cocky way. I just have all the faith and belief in Kieran McKenna and his squad. They have earned it. I trust them to deliver.

It is about time that so many ghosts were laid to rest. Nearly half my life has passed by since that last glorious moment. We’ve been waiting so long for that moment, for that time. The time is now.