THE race is on to be the first Ipswich player to score an away goal in six games and eight weeks.Although defender Dan Harding has not scored since joining Ipswich in the summer, he has been as close as anyone by rattling the crossbar against Watford and would love to end the drought.

By Derek Davis

THE race is on to be the first Ipswich player to score an away goal in six games and eight weeks.

Although defender Dan Harding has not scored since joining Ipswich in the summer, he has been as close as anyone by rattling the crossbar against Watford and would love to end the drought.

Harding said: “It was very frustrating that didn't go in and then Danny's follow-up was ruled out but that is the way things seem to be going for us at the moment.

“We need that touch of luck at the moment and, when one goes in, two or three could quickly follow.

“It would be a problem if we weren't creating chances but they are there and there is going to a time when someone is going to get two or three in a game. We just need to get that first one.

“We get on top of teams and that is when we need that bit of luck for the goal to pop in and the confidence would come back.

“The dressing room is really up, and there has been plenty of banter about who is going to get that goal, but, whoever it drops to, we will all be pleased for them and we know we can go on from that.”

Harding was the e.on/EADT player of the month for January and, after missing just one game this season (at Burnley through suspension), he is delighted to be rewarded for his consistent good form.

He said: “When I came to Ipswich, I wanted to play every game and get some consistency and I feel this award shows I'm getting there, so I'm pleased to get it.

“It was important for me to show that I'm good enough in this league and I want to go higher and I needed to be playing regularly to do that. I have been lucky enough to be injury-free and, apart from the suspension, I have been able to play in every game.”

The e.on/EADT player of the month is selected by the average mark given after each Ipswich game by Derek Davis, with man-of- the-match awards used a tie-breaker when necessary.

The 23-year-old played in all seven of Town's games in January, helping to keep five clean sheets, and bolstered the attack whenever possible to win a couple of man-of-the- match accolades.

Harding chose the Kersey School and headteacher Chris Lawson and two of her pupils, Toby and Tommy, were on hand to accept the sport equipment provided by e.on and Ipswich Town, from Harding.

He said: “This is a great idea. When I have won awards in the past it is usually a bottle of Champagne that sits on a mantel piece but this is more useful and benefits the kids because they will be used every day.”