With Ipswich's promotion to the Championship, the 2023/2024 season would again see players from the Norfolk and Suffolk sides compete in the East Anglian derby.
As we head to Carrow Road let’s take a look back at some more of the most entertaining derbies:
1. Back in the same league
Five long years to re-write the record, A chance to confirm who the pride of East Anglia is. The team was met by crowds of supporters, flares, flags and chants. A full stadium —the atmosphere — the colour — the manager — the team — even a Broadhead goal on 34 minutes to send the Portman Road faithful into delirium.
Spoilt by two Rowe goals for the Canaries (40,49). But possibly the most resilient team ever mounted a comeback with an equaliser from Burns (60) and deserved to be winners that December afternoon in 2023. All but the score demonstrated that, making it one of the most memorable derby games I have witnessed.
Ipswich 2 - 2 Norwich Highlights: https://youtu.be/XaqOuUmnysM?si=5yjhT5i0gcxEI6g_
2. Alex Mathie The King Of Portman Road
Ably assisted by fellow legend Bobby Petta, these two put five past Norwich with Mathie claiming a hat-trick starting with just 64 seconds on the clock! 42 minutes later his third hits the net. 21,858 fans were there to witness the joy and pleasure of inflicting such a defeat on our nearest rivals on 21 February 1998.
Radio Suffolk Commentary: https://youtu.be/1Lc5W00eD7c?si=Bo7V7PUv53oQ29ig
Derby demolition highlights: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1459734894103523
3. Bryan Gunn Air Kick Sends The Crowd Wild!
With 90 minutes already on the clock on 14 April 1996 and the game sat at 1-1 something unexpected occurred as a back pass to keeper Gunn hit a bobble on the pitch, his kick missed the ball and it rolled into the net. Nearly 20,000 feel pure elation — laughter — joy — and excitement. Couldn’t have happened against a better team!
Bryan Gunn Air Kick relived: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=576685462535542
4. Hand Ball Controversy
Ipswich's last win at Carrow Road came in controversial circumstances when they beat City 2-1 in February 2006. Danny Haynes appeared to help the ball home with his hand just two minutes from time, even though the winning goal was officially recorded as an own goal by Gary Doherty.
Norwich had taken the lead through loan striker Jonatan Johansson, but Jimmy Juan levelled for Joe Royle's team before the late drama.
Re-live the game with The East Anglia Daily Times: https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/21507563.norwich-city-v-ipswich-town-nostalgia-last-time-blues-won-carrow-road/
5. The Last Victory
This one has to make the list because it’s the last win for the Blues in the derby fixture. Under the leadership of Jim Magilton Town came out 3-2 winners with goals from Alan Quinn, Giovani dos Santos and Jon Stead.
Extended Highlights: https://youtu.be/jpDQGg30AxU?si=V9PR1RgZfxwVcqU1
What’s your favourite moment?
Have a watch and see if you agree with me! https://youtu.be/4nqkUPoOjtg?si=_dq-7oJtAKO5Isbc
In need of some statistics?
Those Were The Days Fanzine provides everything that you need to know— Head to head information can be viewed here: https://www.twtd.co.uk/statistics/head-to-head/ipswich-town-v-norwich-city