Ipswich put on a strong show

A CROWD of over 4,000 saw Ipswich Town overcome Waterford United by three goals to nil at the RSC last night.

The Ipswich line-up included former England goalkeeper, Richard Wright and Irishmen Shane O’Connor, Alan Quinn and Owen Garvan, with Shane Supple on the bench. Irish senior international Alex Bruce lined out at full back.

Over an hour before kick-off there were long queues outside the RSC for the game that sold out almost as soon as it was announced and the Ipswich bus containing the team and their manager Roy Keane was cheered loudly as it entered through the gates.

The English Championship side arrived at Faithlegg House just outside the city earlier in the day and was given use of the facilities of nearby junior side Park Rangers.

Ipswich opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play on 37 minutes when United were slow to clear and former Jamaican international Kevin Lisbie pounced to drive a fierce shot into the corner of the net from 25 yards.

The second half was less than two minutes old when substitute Tommy Smith crossed from the left, Michael Devine failed to hold and Owen Garvan steered the ball into the net from six yards.

Garvan found the net again on 63 minutes when he capitalised on a mistake by Paul McCarthy and raced past two home defenders to drill the ball low and hard into the net.

Ipswich lost 2-1 to Finn Harps in Donegal earlier this month but they defeated Brentford 3-1 away on Wednesday.

The English Championship side will visit their manager’s home city tomorrow when they face Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

They kick-off their league campaign against Coventry on August 8th.

IrishTimes.com