Ipswich, without five first-team regulars because of injury, as good as clinched a place in the second round of the U.E.F.A Cup by gaining a 3-1 first-round first-leg lead against Skied Oslo in the Ullevaal Stadium last night.

They did not have to reach any great heights to brush off the challenge from Skied, who are involved in a relegation battle.

Skied did give Ipswich a shock by taking a fifth minute lead when Rein hit a spectacular 25-yard shot into the roof of the net, following a free kick.

Within four minutes Ipswich were level when Mills, outstanding in midfield, fired home an unstoppable shot from just outside the penalty area.

Skied missed a great opportunity of regaining the lead in the 20th minute. The referee awarded a penalty for a goal mouth infringement following a corner, but Cooper made a tremendous save from Johansens spot kick.

That was to be Skieds last hope. Turner, playing his first senior match for 18 months, headed home Butchers cross in the 36th minute and Ipswich were well in control.

Mariner made it three eight minutes into the second half with a soft goal for which Nygaard must take the blame.

Ipswich dominated the rest of the match. Only poor finishing prevented them from gaining a handsome lead.

Parkinson, like McCall, was given his first taste of senior action when he replaced Arnold Muhren in the 76th minute.

Just before the end Cooper had to race from his goal to save bravely at Kristensens feet, but Ipswich were home and dry.

The attendance was little more than 3,000 and many spectators, disillusioned with their team's display, had drifted away before the final whistle.

Skeid Oslo: Nygaard, Pettersen, Vinje, Nielsen, Gronfur, Dyrstad, Johansen, Thue, Kristensen, Skjonsberg, Rein.

Ipswich: Cooper, Burley, Butcher, Mills, Hunter, Osman, Parkin, Muhren, Mariner, Turner, McCall.

Daily Telegraph