This match could have been settled within five minutes - instead, Ipswich Town suffered a nervous 90 before pocketing their 11th home success of the campaign.
It's been said a million times before but the trademark of a title-winning side is one that collects maximum points when not at their best.
Apply that logic to the Blues - protecting a proud unbeaten record at Portman Road and riding high at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship - and the omens certainly look good for 2005.
They played some immaculate football in the first half but were never able to add to the single-goal advantage handed to them by Shefki Kuqi.
That sowed the seeds for a cagey, often stilted, second period with the final whistle greeted by a huge sigh of relief.
Even so, the fact they did hold on shows a resilience missing in their previous tilts at promotion.
Town, having recalled Jim Magilton at the expense of Kevin Horlock, totally controlled the first period and could have been two up inside five minutes.
Darren Bent, from a one-on-one position, shot tamely at Steve Simonsen. Then, within seconds, Tommy Miller's low drive was blocked on the line.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article