After a sluggish start, Ipswich Town produced a flash of brilliance to navigate their way back on the victory trail.

Tommy Miller's lashed, precision-finish was eye-catching in itself.

But the slick move which preceded it made the strike worthy of winning any game.

Miller got the ball rolling - literally - with a short pass to Pablo Counago, who pushed it out wide to Dean Bowditch.

The youngster's low cross found Miller, near the penalty spot, and his first-time effort soared into the top left-hand corner.

It was a fantastic team goal which sparked a rousing finish from the hosts.

And they duly snatched another goal four minutes from time when Darren Bent, having been superbly picked out by Miller, raced into space down the right and picked out Ian Westlake.

The midfielder's low shot crept inside the right-hand post.

Make no mistake, Ipswich were in control throughout.

Town were leading at the interval thanks to a generous piece of goalkeeping.

Bent controlled a long pass forward from Kevin Horlock and his low, near-post effort squirmed under Tony Warner. Cardiff's only noteworthy attack was their goal and that, too, stemmed from charitable defending.

Richard Naylor's weak backpass put Alan Lee clear and, having shrugged aside the attentions of Jason De Vos, he powered a rising shot beyond goalkeeper Kelvin Davis.

Published Monday August 23, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette