GUTSY Ipswich Town, under-achievers all season, recorded a memorable victory over mighty Arsenal in last night’s rip-roaring Carling Cup semi-final first leg tie at Portman Road.

GUTSY Ipswich Town, under-achievers all season, recorded a memorable victory over mighty Arsenal in tonight’s rip-roaring Carling Cup semi-final first leg tie at Portman Road.

A mere 33 years after Roger Osborne had scored a 77th minute winner in the 1978 FA Cup Final against Arsenal, so Tamas Priskin swept home a 78th minute winner against the modern-day Gunners last night.

And this was no smash-and-grab victory for the Championship hosts, who will now take a precious 1-0 lead to north London for the second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday, January 25.

New manager Paul Jewell, who officially takes over the reins tomorrow morning, watched his new charges from the stands as caretaker boss Ian “Charlie” McParland enjoyed an unforgettable night leading Town to a famous win.

And Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had no complaints – the Frenchman congratulated Ipswich Town for their victory, admitting that his team have a fight on their hands to reach Wembley.

“Ipswich did fine for this win. I congratulate them,” said Wenger.

“Of course I am disappointed with the performance. Ipswich defended with heart and intelligence, and they gave us problems on the counter-attack.

“You have to give a lot of credit to Ipswich. We were not sharp and we were not creative, but I don’t think that we were complacent.

“Every single pass was a problem for us. We were below our usual level in every department.

“I believe that we will turn it around in the second leg, but we have had a warning tonight.

“We need an improved performance in the second leg,” added Wenger.