Paul Mariner celebrated his call up to the England squad for the World Cup qualifying match against Luxembourg with his first hat trick for Ipswich. For almost an hour Town fought to break down a spirited Hammers` defence but Tommy Taylor`s own goal was the tonic they needed. West Ham folded as Town - and Mariner in particular - went on the rampage. With ten games to play Ipswich led the First Division on goal difference from Liverpool. More
West Ham United (h) 4-1
Sunderland (a) 0-1
Injuries forced Town to field Paul Cooper with a thigh strain which prevented him taking goal kicks, and to name Kevin Beattie as substitute despite an ankle injury and a poisoned hand. In a match of fearsome tackling Town showed tremendous character, but they could not prevent a revitalised Sunderland from scoring their fifth successive home win. More
West Bromwich Albion (a) 0-4
Already without Cooper, Mills, Beattie and Whymark, Town ran into a serious injury crisis with knocks to Laurie Sivell and John Wark. Sivell was kicked in the head diving at the feet of David Cross and Laurie Cunningham in the 21st minute and left the field for treatment. He returned after almost ten minutes, during which time Allan Hunter took over in goal, but was suffering from concussion. Town held their own for more than an hour, but once they fell behind Albion swept them aside to gain a measure of revenge for the 7-0 hammering at Portman Road. More
Bristol City (h) 1-0
A dull game, with bottom club Bristol City defending in depth. Paul Mariner was the liveliest player on view, and it was his exciting run that earned the decisive penalty when Norman Hunter brought him crashing to the ground. More
Newcastle United (a) 1-1
Town had the better of the first half, only to go behind to a 30 yard free kick by Irving Nattrass which looked as if it was intended as a cross. About ten minutes from time the floodlights failed but the referee played on with much reduced lighting, a decision which probably suited Town once John Wark`s late goal earned a point against a team in 6th spot. More
Arsenal (a) 4-1
A few days in Kuwait had apparently revitalised Town and they went at Arsenal from the first whistle. For a while it looked as if it might be one of those days when they would never score, but once Brian Talbot took Trevor Whymark`s defence-splitting pass and clipped the ball over Jimmy Rimmer`s head there was no stopping them. More
