Well how easy was that? Ipswich today tore a poor Tottenham Hotspur team apart with a superb performance at Portman Road. This has been a truly unbelievable season for Town fans, possibly the best in history when you consider how football has changed in recent years, and the Blue boys signed the year off in real style, with a scintillating performance in front of live TV cameras. They really took the rice out of Spurs, and the only slightly disappointing aspect of the afternoon was that it only ended up 3-0 to the home side, when a cricket score victory looked well on the cards. The tractors were purring like finely tune Ferrari's in the sub zero conditions, as they played the North Londoner's off the Park from start to finish. There was a big shock for Towns before the game started, as the team lined up without former Spurs reject' Jamie Clapham. The in-form midfielder was left on the bench due to re-shuffle caused by Jim Magilton's continued absence. Burley opted to finally give skilful Dutchman Martijn Reuser a Premiership start. This turned to be another tactical masterstroke, as the attacking Reuser had a stormer of a match, and repaid in full the faith shown in him by Burley. Spurs were thankfully missing Carr, and Rebrov was left on the bench, as predicted. Town started the game as they finished the match against Chelsea, with their passing game dominating proceedings. Town looked most dangerous down the left flank, with Reuser looking lively, and combining well with Herman Hreidarsson. It was through this route that Town took the lead, after 9 minutes. The ball was initially passed from Hreidarsson to an advancing Holland. Super Matt took his time, and centred a cracking cross that picked out Stewart. It looked a certain goal, but rather than smacking the ball home, it seemed to bounce off him as it eluded a flapping Sullivan. Chance after chance went begging, as Town tried to increase their lead. Reuser nearly scored a certain goal of the month' nomination, as he weaved his way past several white shirts and fired in a low shot. But Sullivan pulled off a good save to deny the Dutchman. The half finished with Town fans hoping they would not rue the missed chances, as despite the fact that Spurs had not had a single shot on goal, they were still in it, at only one down. We should not have worried though, as when the teams came out, Spurs never looked like troubling Wrighty. It was always a case of when, not if, we were going to add the second. The answer came in the 62nd minute, when Armstrong side footed home after a well-worked move. Again, good work from Hreidarsson and Reuser set Stewart off goal bound. He squared the ball to Armstrong, and the new signing made no mistake. How happy he must be, to have made the decision to come to Town. The hardworking striker fully deserved his goal, as his work rate up to that point had been exceptional. There was no way back for Spurs from that point, even though they did actually enjoy their first period of possession after the goal, albeit a brief one. The Town fans really began to enjoy themselves in the freezing conditions, and attempted to goad the lifeless band of Tottenham fans into song, and even chanted we want Graham out', but to no avail. The travelling support were obviously looking forward to whinging about their team privately. However, they did ironically cheer their first shot on goal, on about the hour mark. There really were to many Town chances to mention. Armstrong hit the bar, while the impressive bramble produced another cracking save from Sullivan. With five minutes remaining, Burley decided to let Clapham loose on his old team, and just to round the day (and year) off nicely, he responded with a goal two minutes from time. The impressive Reuser galloped down the left and fed Johnson. There was an element of offside as Johnson passed to Clapham, but it was the least we deserved after watching numerous chances go begging. Full time: Ipswich 3, Tottenham 0. This was a fine way to end the year. I haven't seen Town dominate a game since they were playing the likes of Walsall and Crewe at home last season, it really was that easy. While Spurs fans will complain about how bad they were, and lets be honest, they were bad, they came up against a team that has been threatening this sort of performance for a long time. It was very reassuring to see that Burley can tinker with the team, and still produce a good side. Since our surprise start to the season, all the pundits told us to wait until we have a few injuries. Jim Magilton has possibly been our player of season, and his commanding midfield partnership with Holland has been the engine house of Town's attacks. With him missing, I for one worried how effective we would be. But Burley simply brings in Martijn Reuser, who looked today like a new signing, and was involved in all three goals. He's always had the talent, and after waiting patiently on the bench, grabbed his chance with both hands, and was my man of the match. He must surely now be given a run in the team. As for Spurs, it's hard to see why they are so bad, because individually, they look to have a half decent team. They just don't seem to play as a team. George Graham's days at White Hart Lane look to be well and truly numbered. You almost had to feel sorry for their miserable supporters, who have little to look forward to. Their once proud club will be staring at a relegation battle soon, on today's showing. As for Town, can life get any better? I seem to have said that so often this season, but it just does. It's hard to find the words to express what this year has been like, although it goes without saying that Year 2000 will live long in the memory. Let's just hope 2001 is just as good. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

From The Terrace