Another week, another mediocre performance but three more vital points for Ipswich Town.

Just as in last Saturday's 2-0 win at Sheffield United, Joe Royle's side were solid and professional but can certainly play better.

Yet they still came up trumps with a victory to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

And, while everyone would love to be entertained by polished football every week, the result is undoubtedly more important at this stage of the season.

Town, somewhat fortuitously, were two-up at the break and both goals stemmed from well-earned corners. The first, after just two minutes, came when Darren Currie's angled drive was brilliantly tipped round the far post by Ian Walker.

Jim Magilton took a quick corner and Shefki Kuqi, unmarked, was perfectly-placed to bury a downward header.

The second, possibly, had a helping hand from the elements.

A strong wind swirled round Portman Road all afternoon and, while that detracted from the overall quality, it may have aided the hosts on that occasion.

Tommy Miller won the corner when his low shot was turned round the post and, as Currie's inswinger got caught in a gust, it whipped towards goal at speed. Dutch striker Mark De Vries made contact and inadvertently slashed the ball over his own line.

Ipswich had an anxious last few minutes after Jordan Stewart gave Leicester hope. The full-back curled a stunning free-kick into the top right-hand corner but it was too little, too late.

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Published Monday, February 14, 2005

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