the robson years

Ipswich swept to the top of the league with a superb exhibition in front of England manager Ron Greenwood. They eased off a little after two quick goals and promising teenager Steve McMahon struck a post in the 37th minute. Bobby Robson' s half-time talk got them moving again and the victory could have been even more convincing. More

Boro were well worth their victory, as an 18-3 corner- count in their favour confirmed. Town's goal had an element of luck about it, Paul Mariner's cross falling conveniently for John Wark after Frans Thijssen missed it completely. Billy Ashcroft had a goal disallowed in the 80th minute and Arnold Muhren cleared a John Craggs effort off the line two minutes later. More

Ipswich overcame the shock of Lock Ursem' s early goal - his first in more than a year since joining the Potters - to lead at the interval. Paul Mariner was unlucky to be penalised for dangerous play when he lobbed Peter Fox to find the net on the half hour. Town controlled the second half but dropped their first point of the season to injury striken Stoke when Lee Chapman headed home after Paul Cooper parried a cracking 18-yard drive by substitute Paul Randall. More

The final scoreline did scant justice to Town's glittering performance. Although they were perhaps fortunate to be awarded a 36th minute penalty when Frans Thijssen and Gary Williams got tangled up in a goalmouth melee, John Wark and Paul Mariner both struck the woodwork as Town dominated the first half Eric Gates sealed the match with a spectacular drive from George Burley's pass. More

Without Arnold Muhren and Alan Brazil, suffering from ankle injuries, Ipswich had to be patient against newly- promoted Leicester. Russell Osman, Steve McCall and George Burley went close and Paul Mariner rattled an upright. With time running out, John Wark stooped to head Eric Gates' cross just inside the far post. More