MATT Richards is determined that Ipswich Town will play to their potential tonight and go on to complete a home hat-trick.The Blues entertain Chester tonight in an FA Cup replay, Championship neighbours Colchester United on Saturday and then, hopefully, League One side Swansea in the fourth round of the cup the following Saturday.

By Derek Davis

MATT Richards is determined that Ipswich Town will play to their potential tonight and go on to complete a home hat-trick.

The Blues entertain Chester tonight in an FA Cup replay, Championship neighbours Colchester United on Saturday and then, hopefully, League One side Swansea in the fourth round of the cup the following Saturday.

Richards is convinced that if Town play the way they are capable of then they should be victorious in all three matches.

He said: “It was a below par performance for us at Chester after playing so well against Birmingham. We possibly didn't go to the Chester game in the right frame of mind. We didn't perform as we can do as a team and everyone knows we are better than we looked that day.

“We now have to go out and show we can beat teams like Chester easily. We have the players who are more than capable of putting in good performances.

“That is not to take away anything from Chester who played very well in the first game. They created some good chances and played good football, so we know they won't be coming here to make up numbers, but will fancy their chances.”

Having a positive frame of mind for the big local derby match against Colchester United on Saturday will also be vital but more importantly Town need to find the sort of goals that the U's have done this season.

Richards said: “Colchester will be a big game and we will be fired up for that one too. But it is the same thing if we play the way we can do then we can beat them too.

“They are scoring goals whereas we are not getting enough.

“Against West Brom and Sunderland we were the better team but didn't turn possession into goals.

“It is not just about the strikers. Players like myself in midfield need to score more goals. I have only got one this season and want more.

“Perhaps if I start shooting more then perhaps more will go in, or at worst they are deflected or blocked and someone can get a rebound.

“People coming can on also have an influence. On Saturday Danny did really well when he came on and caused plenty of problems.”

The prize for tonight's victors is a home tie with Swansea City that sit a place outside the League One play-offs.

Richards said: “Swansea are doing really well at the moment and have some good players so we know that will be a tough on but first we have to get through this round.

“Home advantage will help us and hopefully the supporters will come in numbers and get behind us by acting as the 12th man.”