Ask an Ipswich Town fan for memories of seeing their side take on Oxford and, chances are, Matt Holland will be brought up in the conversation.

East Anglian Daily Times: Matt Holland had to play in goal as Town beat Oxford United 5-2 at Portman Road in February 1998Matt Holland had to play in goal as Town beat Oxford United 5-2 at Portman Road in February 1998 (Image: Archant)

Rewind back to February 24, 1998 and the midfielder had an eventful evening as he played a central role in the Blues' 5-2 victory over Oxford United.

He began in the centre of midfield, of course, but within 10 minutes found himself clad in green, between the sticks, after No.1 Richard Wright suffered a blow to the face which required him to leave the field for stitches.

With no goalkeeper on the three-man bench, Holland took the gloves but was soon picking the ball out of the net as towering striker Kevin Francis turned the ball home from a corner.

But, to a big cheer, Wright soon returned from the Portman Road dressing room and resumed his position, with Ipswich scoring four goals to take control of the contest.

East Anglian Daily Times: Matt Holland conceded a goal during his brief stint in goal. Picture: ARCHANTMatt Holland conceded a goal during his brief stint in goal. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

First Alex Mathie scored before David Johnson added a brace, with Holland's night going full circle as he found the back of the net to seemingly secure the win.

MORE: Tomas Holy on 'arse kicking' win, Bart's sale and a potential Guinness World Record attempt

O'Neill Donaldson grabbed one back for the visitors from the spot, after Holland had given away a penalty, before Johnson completed the scoring from the spot late on in a 5-2 victory.

That victory was the fourth in a run of seven-successive home victories for George Burley's Blues and was the third time in a row they had scored five goals, following wins over Huddersfield and Norwich City.

East Anglian Daily Times: Richard Wright leaves the field to have stitches in a facial injury against Oxford in 1998. Picture: ARCHANTRichard Wright leaves the field to have stitches in a facial injury against Oxford in 1998. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Holland also scored on Oxford's last visit to Portman Road, as the Blues won 2-1 in February 1999. The midfielder opened the scoring on six minutes before Mark Venus scored what proved to be the winner on eight.

The game was perhaps most memorable for a shocking goal-line miss from loanee Marlon Harewood.

East Anglian Daily Times: Holland scored later in the game. Picture: ARCHANTHolland scored later in the game. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)