Finidi Makes Instant Impression

Nigerian winger Finidi George made an instant impression with the Portman Road faithful as his two goals led Ipswich Town to a 3-1 win over Derby County.

George's first goal came in the 14th minute as skipper Matt Holland sent the former Real Mallorca star clear of the Rams defence. He confidently knocked the ball past Mart Poom to put Town in control of proceedings.

George then volleyed wide, before a link-up with Marcus Stewart ended in the striker sending a volley of his own narrowly wide of target.

Things got even worse for Jim Smith's side as Scottish international defender Brian O'Neil was sent off after a foul on Martijn Reuser.

Derby's Estonian keeper Poom stood between Town and further goals before the break, but he could do little as Richard Naylor added a second goal early in the second period.

Reuser delivered a pinpoint cross into the area and Naylor sent the ball over Poom, with the possible assistance of a deflection off Danny Higginbotham.

Poom made several more outstanding stops, before George added his second of the night, heading home a Reuser corner.

Derby earned some reward for their efforts as Fabrizio Ravanelli took a pass from Deon Burton and placed his shot past Matteo Sereni, who like George was making his home debut.

However, it mattered little as Town ran out comfortable winners, safe in the knowledge that they have acquired a world-class player in former Ajax man George.

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