the robson years

Arnold Muhren collected the Ipswich Player of the Year trophy before Portman Road`s final match of the season, scored an early goal and masterminded what should have been an easy victory. Milija Aleksic kept the score down with some superb saves, including John Wark`s 53rd minute penalty, which he blocked with his legs. The decision, for Colin Lee`s tackle on Eric Gates, looked harsh so perhaps it was justice. Spurs made a battle of it in the second half and when Terry Butcher brought down Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle converted the penalty with the last kick of the game. More

After a dismal first half hour the match developed into a real thriller. Frank Worthington started the fun with a moment of sheer genius. With his back to goal 20 yards out he juggled the ball, flicked it over his head, turned between two Ipswich defenders and hammered a left foot shot past Paul Cooper. Two spectacular goals by Alan Brazil, plus John Wark`s from close range, put Town in command before Sam Allardyce reduced the margin with a superb diving header. To add to the excitement Neil Whatmore, Eric Gates and Terry Butcher all struck the woodwork, and Whatmore had a strong penalty appeal turned down. Terrific stuff!  More

Ipswich took their Easter points return to six out of six, showing doomed Birmingham no mercy. Neil Freeman had already made three good saves before Town scored twice in two minutes, including Terry Butcher`s first at senior level. In control throughout, Town moved up to 7th position. More

Town overwhelmed Derby in the first 20 minutes with Arnold Muhren leading the way. His 12th minute lob rebounded off the crossbar for Paul Mariner to open the scoring, and he laid on the second goal for Mick Mills. But Andy Crawford stunned Town when he let fly from almost 30 yards, the ball whistling over Paul Cooper into the net. Several chances to wrap the game up went begging and in the dying seconds Terry Butcher headed a Paul Emson effort off the line to ensure victory. More

Laurie Sivell, in his first appearance for almost 15 months, defied Norwich with a series of daring saves. City looked sharper for an hour but the game turned Town`s way when Arnold Muhren and Eric Gates set up Frans Thijssen for his first goal for the club. Controversy raged over the goal, since David Geddis had decided to re-tie his bootlaces - in an offside position in the City penalty area! The win lifted Ipswich above City in the league. More

There was no lack of commitment from two sides seeking European football, but in a match disrupted by too many stoppages it was not surprising that both goals resulted from free kicks. Paul Cooper had to leave the field a minute before half time to have treatment on his left hand, including stitches, after Kevin Beattie stood on it. Clive Woods took over in goal until the interval. More

After an untidy opening Kevin Dillon drove home Alan Ainscow`s cross in the 24th minute but was offside. The incident woke Town up and they began to dominate. Arnold Muhren scored with a magnificent 20-yard volley and Neil Freeman made good saves from Kevin Beattie and Paul Mariner. Joe Gallagher`s equaliser gave relegation-threatened Birmingham hope, and Town were forced to defend to hang on to a point. More