the robson years

John O`Rourke, dropped for the visit to the Dell, was recalled but withdrew with a stomach upset. After dominating the first hour, Spurs were relieved to hang on to both points. Two cracking drives by Ronnie Wigg and Colin Viljoen put Town right back in the game, and a similar Viljoen effort minutes later brought a fabulous save from Pat Jennings. Billy Baxter also had a header deflected on to the bar. More

Two early goals seemed to put Ipswich in control, and when Terry Paine fired a penalty well wide it looked as if it might be their night. But the Saints changed the complexion of the game by switching Jimmy Gabriel to a striking position after the break. He was involved in the build up to Southampton`s first goal and scored the third himself. Jefferson blasted the ball over the bar in the 88th minute, and when John Sydenham`s deflected shot found the net in injury time, there was no way back for a stunned Town side. More

Town`s depressing start continued with their third 1-0 defeat in five matches, Bill Glazier dealing comfortably with all that Ipswich could throw at him. Ipswich ~ Best, Carroll, Mills, Viljoen, Baxter, Jefferson, Charlie Woods, Collard, Wigg, O`Rourke & Brogan. More

Brian Clough`s men completed the double after Town opened the scoring when Frank Brogan crashed a 35 yard drive in off the crossbar. It was an evening of personal glory for Alan Hinton; he equalised from the penalty spot following Baxter`s handball, added a second with a rising drive and supplied the corner from which Willie Carlin - the smallest player on the field - headed the third. More

Ipswich were the better of two poor sides but again failed to break their goal duck. Peter Bonetti made a number of good saves and Charlie Woods wasted a glorious chance in the closing minutes, missing the target from inside the six yard box. Ian Hutchinson`s long throws posed a constant threat, but it was with his head that Hutchinson made the vital breakthrough, nodding home Charlie Cooke`s cross. More

Second Division champions Derby gained their first victory in the top flight after an absence of 16 years, thanks to Roy McFarland`s header from an Alan Hinton corner. In a game that lacked creative skill, the vastly experienced Dave Mackay dictated the pace. Tommy Carroll came closest to a goal for Town, his cross-cum-shot hitting the bar and the rebound being scrambled to safety. This was Bobby Robson`s first defeat at Portman Road. More

There was little for the shirt-sleeved crowd to cheer on a hot, sultry afternoon. For Town, Billy Baxter was in commanding form while Ian Collard had a quiet debut before being substituted near the end. The best chance fell to John O`Rourke, put clear in the 65th minute, but with the Forest defenders appealing vainly for offside his shot was deflected for a corner by goalkeeper Alan Hill. More