LEE Martin returned to Portman Road with a flourish, by playing a big part in helping manager Paul Jewell to record his first victory in charge of Ipswich Town.

LEE Martin returned to Portman Road with a flourish, by playing a big part in helping manager Paul Jewell to record his first victory in charge of Ipswich Town.

But it’s just a shame that Town’s talented winger is cup-tied for tomorrow’s mouth-watering Carling Cup semi-final second leg tie at Arsenal.

Under-achieving Martin is looking forward to a “fresh start” under Jewell, after Town’s new boss recalled him from his loan spell at Charlton last Thursday.

And the 23-year-old lost no time in repaying his new boss. His old-school, attacking wing play was a feature of Town’s battling 3-2 win over Doncaster Rovers.

However, he will have to sit out tomorrow night’s visit to the Emirates, when Town attempt to defend a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

“It’s a shame that I can’t play against Arsenal,” explained Martin.

“My first game for Charlton was against Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup. I scored in that game (4-3 defeat).

“Now I feel like this is a fresh start for me, and today was a big win for the club.

“When the manager (Roy Keane) left, and a new one came in, I thought that might mean me coming back to Ipswich.

“But I was a bit surprised that I went straight into the team. That was a massive boost. When I was told that I was playing, I couldn’t stop smiling all day!

“I felt under a bit of pressure at Ipswich last season, so I suppose I was playing with a bit of fear.

“But I certainly don’t hold any grudges, and I’m looking to the future,” added Martin, who has struggled to live up to his price tag, believed to be �1.6m, following his move from Manchester United in the summer of 2009.

Second-half goals from David Norris, Connor Wickham and Carlos Edwards secured only Town’s second win in their last 11 league games, so cancelling out a brace from striker Billy Sharp.