By Carl MarstonIPSWICH Town's battling draw at Nottingham Forest in midweek reminded keeper Kelvin Davis of his busy days at Wimbledon.Davis produced a man-of-the-match display to help earn a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at the City Ground, but he will be hoping for a quieter afternoon against visiting Derby County today.

By Carl Marston

IPSWICH Town's battling draw at Nottingham Forest in midweek reminded keeper Kelvin Davis of his busy days at Wimbledon.

Davis produced a man-of-the-match display to help earn a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at the City Ground, but he will be hoping for a quieter afternoon against visiting Derby County today.

The 27-year-old custodian has been a model of consistency as Town have made giant strides up the Division One table over the last three months.

Rock bottom in mid-September, Joe Royle's men have risen to the dizzy heights of fourth, following a run of just two defeats in 15 league fixtures.

That run included a 2-2 draw at Derby a month ago. Former Town manager George Burley, now on the hot seat at Pride Park, would certainly settle for a repeat result at his old stamping ground this afternoon.

“The standards that we have set are so high that we expected to win at Nottingham Forest and go into third place,” explained Davis.

“As it happened, we were content to get a point. I had a lot to do. In fact, it reminded me of a typical Wimbledon game from last season.

“I had plenty of saves, and decisions, to make. Forest are always a dangerous side, and we had to dig in. I felt that I was in the game very early, with a save after just four minutes.

“It was the complete opposite at Cardiff City (3-2 win) the previous weekend, when I enjoyed a quieter afternoon.

“Hopefully, it will be the same against Derby. We are fourth, and they are fourth from bottom, but it is still a potential banana skin,” added Davis.

Former Luton Town trainee Davis has been ever-present for Ipswich this season, just as he was for a struggling Wimbledon side last term. He has certainly proved the answer to Town's goalkeeping problems.

The Ipswich No. 1 admits that promotion is a distinct possibility, although he warns against complacency.

“I'm very happy to have made the move from Wimbledon, and I feel settled. Joe Royle has put together a strong squad, and he's made all of us have belief in ourselves,” continued Davis.

“I think it's no surprise that we are now so high in the table. What was surprising was our position three months ago.

“The three loan signings certainly made a big difference. They gave the whole squad a lift.

“Shefki Kuqi has now signed a contract, and Alan Mahon is on his way back from injury. I'm also a real fan of Chris Bart-Williams.

“Chris had made a huge impact, especially on encouraging the younger players. He gives advice, and accepts any criticism. He is a born winner.

“Hopefully, we have learnt our lessons from our trip to Derby last month. We did very well to get back into that game and get a point, but we shouldn't have conceded those two goals just before half-time.

“If we can keep the squad together, and avoid injuries, I think we have a good chance of promotion, but things can change very quickly. We can't wait to play the top few teams. They will be the big games, when we can take points off our rivals,” added Davis.

carl.marston@eadt.co.uk