The Ramsey Years

Colchester had beaten Watford 2-0 two days earlier to finish the season on 58 points. Southampton had Brian Stevens making his debut in goal, while 17-year-old Terry Paine had recently been introduced into the side. With Ron Blackman added to their injury list, Town brought in Basil Acres at centre forward, a position he had never before played. John Elsworthy was also below full fitness. They had almost hysterical support from about 300 fans who had travelled down to Southampton, but the game was into the final quarter of an hour before Jimmy Leadbetter put Ipswich ahead, firing home a loose ball after a cross by Ted Phillips. Then, with time running out, Acres stooped low to head Billy Reed`s cross past Stevens to ensure victory. Now came a heart-stopping 45 minutes as the Town team and its fans waited for the result of the Torquay match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, which kicked off at 7 pm. Finally the news came through; Torquay had drawn 1-1 and Ipswich were champions by the narrowest of margins, goal average. More