Derby day win keeps play-off hopes alive

Derek Davis

DANNY Haynes did it again as Ipswich kept their play-off hopes alive with a pride-surging win over the old enemy.

The Blue came from behind to earn their first victory in four games with Haynes scoring the winner and netting his third goal in five senior appearances against City.

Haynes also played a part in Town's equaliser turned in by Norwich defender Alex Pearce for an own goal after Ched Evans had given City a fourth minute lead.

Haynes was also guilty, along with others, of scorned chances as Ipswich could have greatly improved their goal difference against a woeful Glen Roeder side.

The club worked hard to build up the pre-match atmosphere with a change to its routine, and supporters raised blue cards as the teams came out.

So gone was the Undertones' 'Teenage Kicks' and so too was Alan Lee.

The striker was dropped completely and could not even make the bench after a dip in form of late. That left Shefki Kuqi to make his first start since he pulled up lame on his return a month ago.

Pablo Counago was also back after serving a three match ban for his sending off at Scunthorpe and he was outstanding, although Town only really got going after they went behind.

It took just four minutes for Ipswich to concede and it came from sloppy play in midfield as Garvan failed to control a Miller pass.

The ball feel to on loan Manchester City striker Evans and his 25-yard drive was low and true and nestled into a bottom corner.

Garvan played a part in Town's equaliser eight minutes later when he started the move that led to Alex Pearce knocking into his own net.

Garvan played a long diagonal ball for Kuqi whose pass to Haynes was half cleared to Counago who fed the ball back in for he Town attacker.

Haynes' hit a ball a cross goal aiming for Kuqi but Pearce inadvertently knocked it into his own net.

The Spaniard was in imperious form on his return, and from becoming a father a couple of weeks ago to little boy Iago.

Counago played a sublime ball into Haynes' path who slipped it between David Marshall's legs to continue his remarkable record against Norwich.

Counago's clever link up play was outstanding and epitomised his commitment when he took the ball of City centre half Gary Doherty, drew the keeper before laying it on a plate for Haynes who missed the target from ten yards.

Haynes wasted another good opportunity when Miller sent him scampering free but he hesitated and Doherty was able to take the ball away from him with ease.

Haynes claimed a first half penalty as he went down under a Bertrand challenge off the ball but just like Jon Walters later after a Gary Doherty challenge, nothing was given.

It was clear Kuqi was in trouble on the half hour when he needed treatment on his hamstring and tape wrapped around. Three minutes later and he was replaced by Walters who needed to be brought from the changing room where he was warming up.

In contrast Walters looked fresh, quick and strong although he joined the list of miscreants when Tommy Miller played him in but he screwed his shot wide.

The City keeper had plenty to do and made excellent save from Bruce's downward header at Quinn corner and Haynes' shot deflected over the bar.

City offered little with Pattison hitting a lazy shot over the bar and precious little else to cheer the noisy away fans.

They tried to claim a penalty when Darren Huckerby went down but referee Mike Jones was having none of it.

The Canary fans went home content in the knowledge that this could have a far worse scoreline and leaves then still looking over their shoulder apprehensively at the relegation places.

Town still have hope in their heart, although five points from a possible 12 leaves them outside the top six behind Crystal Palace, with Wolves, who they go to on Saturday, looking to go ahead of them and playing their game in hand against West Brom.