KIERON Dyer threw his boots into the North Stand after the heartbreak of losing out in the First Division play-off semi-final for Ipswich Town against Bolton Wanderers at Portman Road on May 19 1999.

He scored two goals and had set his heart on helping his home town club reach the Premiership. It was arguably his best game in a Town shirt.

Two months later Dyer moved on to Newcastle United for �6million to fulfil his ambition to play in the top flight with Ipswich grateful of their financial windfall.

After losing the first leg 1-0 at Bolton, Town set about the task of reaching Wembley, but for the third consecutive year went out of the play-offs at the semi-final stage this time on away goals with the aggregate 4-4.

It was a cruel night for the Blues with Dyer doing all he could, but the game ended 4-3 after extra time.

Dyer netted in the final minute of normal time with a magnificent header to give Ipswich a reprieve but Bob Taylor’s second goal of the game six minutes into extra-time confirmed Bolton’s ‘win’ despite Matt Holland netting in the 117th minute.

Holland scored in the 14th minute with Dyer and Bobby Petta commanding midfield.

Bolton claimed a valuable away goal in the 50th minute through Taylor with Ipswich responding within 30 seconds through Dyer.

Per Frandsen scored from five yards and Ipswich looked beaten before Dyer scored that dramatic late leveller only for the extra time to bring heartbreak.