IPSWICH TOWN: “We’re on our way to the Premier League,” predicted Carlos Edwards after Saturday’s 2-0 npower Championship victory over Cardiff City at Portman Road.
Edwards provided the cross for 18-year-old substitute Adam Matthews’ own goal that put the Blues on to the road for their fourth league win in their opening seven games.
Jason Scotland rammed home a second goal soon after as Town made up for the “humiliation” they suffered in last Tuesday’s 3-0 home reverse at the hands of leaders Queens Park Rangers.
“We wanted to prove to the manager that the QPR match was just a one-off,” said Edwards.
“We needed a positive reaction after the humiliation we suffered and the three points could end up telling us that we will get promoted and how the season will go.
“It was an ideal game to test our character and all 14 players who featured played their part in proving the progress we are making.”
The 31-year-old has been around long enough to appreciate that luck plays an important part in any season.
“And we are getting that with Tommy Smith’s defected goal at Middlesbrough in our first match and the opening goal on Saturday.
“If you put crosses into the right areas like I did there is always the chance the ball will find its way into the back of the net.”
While Connor Wickham’s return to the starting line-up after injury caused the biggest comment, another teenager drew praise from Edwards.
“It was a great ball in by Tom Eastman for Jason Scotland’s well taken goal.
“The manager was shouting at Tom to pass wide to me, but instinct took over and Tom can look back on helping to cement a vital victory.
“With experience he can become a top player.”
Edwards was also impressed by the way Scotland took his goal on an afternoon when Ipswich kept their fourth clean sheet in five games.
He said: “Jason connected well and it was superb finish that sets us up for tomorrow’s Carling Cup game at Millwall.
“They were well beaten at home on Saturday, but will still be very difficult opponents to overcome.”
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