FABIAN Wilnis vowed not to show his face if Ipswich lost this derby match. Well, he can hold his head up with pride and can expect to be showered with praise after hitting the opening goal against the old enemy.

FABIAN Wilnis vowed not to show his face if Ipswich lost this derby match.

Well, he can hold his head up with pride and can expect to be showered with praise after hitting the opening goal against the old enemy.

The Dutch defender was perfectly placed to hammer back an Adam Drury headed clearance after superb work by debut-making Dean Bowditch to pull the ball back.

Wilnis showed great technique to get his body in the right shape to drill the ball in from 16 yards.

He said: "I knew it was going in as soon as I hit it. I'm so happy with the goal, it was fantastic.

"What a way, as well, to make your debut. Dean was superb with so much skill and touches. He got the ball and I watched it come back to me and waited. The manager had told me to get forward more and I took a chance coming in from the right with the play building down the left."

Wilnis told the EADT on Saturday he knew just how much this game meant to the fans, and the players.He was going to keep a low profile if Town were defeated.

"I know how much this means to the supporters so I was delighted to score for them. Now I can go out, but with a game on Wednesday I will stay in with my family and put the champagne on ice!"

It was Wilnis' second goal of the season after netting at home against Rotherham but the one against Norwich means far, far more.

Blues boss Joe Royle said: "Fabian's defensive work has been outstanding. I can't remember many people going past him all season but sometimes his final pass or shot lets him down a little, but that was a great answer, a terrific strike for a goal."

Wilnis also played a part in the second goal with a firm defensive header which went to Darren Bent who played a super, long-range one-two with Bowditch before going on to notch his 16th goal of the season.