In this week’s nostalgia, we take a look at when Ipswich beat Preston North End 3-0 at Portman Road, as Marcus Bent gave Town the lead and two-goal super-sub Darren Bent made it eight league matches unbeaten.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich captain Matt Holland (left) congratulates team mate Marcus Bent after Bent scores against Preston in the 3-0 win for the Blues at Portman Road in January 2003Ipswich captain Matt Holland (left) congratulates team mate Marcus Bent after Bent scores against Preston in the 3-0 win for the Blues at Portman Road in January 2003 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches with two-goal super-sub Darren Bent condemning Preston to a fifth consecutive defeat as the Blues won 3-0 at Portman Road on January 18, 2003.

Town took the lead on the half-hour mark when Jim Magilton swung in a free-kick from the left, and Marcus Bent rose highest to head powerfully home from close range to score his fifth goal of the season.

his namesake Darren headed the second eight minutes after replacing Pablo Counago in the second half, when a Darren Ambrose corner was flicked on by Hermann Hreidarsson and Bent headed beyond Preston goalkeeper Jonathan Gould to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute.

Joe Royle’s side finished off Preston with four minutes remaining when Darren Bent drilled home his second and Ipswich’s third, low into the bottom right-hand corner to make it eight matches unbeaten in the league.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich captain Matt Holland (left) congratulates team mate Marcus Bent after Bent scores against Preston in the 3-0 win for the Blues at Portman Road in January 2003Ipswich captain Matt Holland (left) congratulates team mate Marcus Bent after Bent scores against Preston in the 3-0 win for the Blues at Portman Road in January 2003 (Image: Archant)