IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell hopes a new found positive energy will help his side get back to winning ways at Portman Road today.

The Blues may have lost their last four home games in a row, but this afternoon – full of renewed confidence following last weekend’s incredible 5-3 comeback win at Barnsley – they have a golden chance to stop that run against an equally erratic Derby County side.

A reduced crowd of 16,262 watched Ipswich lose 2-1 to Watford the last time out at Portman Road. However, with last Saturday’s inspired five-star fightback having been shown live on television, many disillusioned fans may have been convinced to return and get behind their side.

“The supporters will have been delighted with the second half last weekend and we need to use that positive energy,” said Jewell.

“I keep talking about confidence, but it is a huge factor. We’ve got to take that display and the five goals and push on now.

“I’m hoping it is a turning point, but we’ve had a few moments like this already this year.”

Jewell quit as Derby boss three years ago after enduring a nightmare 14-month spell in charge which included relegation from the Premier League with a record low number of points.

He has nothing but praise for the Rams though and insists today is very much about getting a win for Ipswich, rather then himself.

“We’re not out the woods yet,” said Jewell. “Mind you I never said we were in the woods in the first place!”

“I was asked after the Watford game, are we in a relegation battle? Yes we are, but if we start winning a few games it could soon look like a promotion battle again.”

– See today’s EADT and Evening Star for full match preview.