The result of the game was irrelevant, perhaps more than other more maligned pre-season friendlies.

But, in its own right and for non-footballing reasons, this was a major occasion for Ipswich Town.

Dale Roberts, George Burley's former assistant manager, who lost his brave battle against cancer last year, was a major character behind the scenes at Portman Road.

So it was only fitting that Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson should bring his full-strength squad, including superstar names like Alan Shearer and former Ipswich favourites Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Darren Ambrose.

As far as the match went, Kelvin Davis was the undisputed star of the show for Town.

The buoyant goalkeeper made four top-class saves to keep the game alive, two from headers, one from a swirling free-kick and another low effort to thwart Dyer.

It really was an impressive performance from the shotstopper, the icing on the cake of an impressive all-round team display.

Town's new signings continued to bed in well, with centre-half Jason De Vos solid alongside Richard Naylor.

Kevin Horlock was lively in midfield, always hungry to spread play out to the wings, and he clearly relished Town's attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Dean Bowditch and Darren Bent - two star pupils of the Academy Roberts invested so much energy into - were pivotal up front, flanking Shefki Kuqi.

And their boundless enthusiasm paid dividends as early as the seventh minute.

Bowditch played a slick one-two with Horlock and the teenager's low cross was coolly despatched by Kuqi.

Craig Bellamy was unlucky when his downward header rebounded off the post.

Then two outstanding saves from Davis both from Shearer headers kept the Magpies at bay. But only until the 41st minute.

Bellamy - booed throughout because of his Norwich City connections, much to Robson's irritation - crossed from the right for Laurent Robert.

And the flamboyant midfielder - unmarked - headed home from inside the six-yard box.

Davis made two more stunning saves after the break to keep out Robert's free-kick and then deny the marauding Dyer.

Then Town, perhaps boosted by their goalkeeper's heroics, sealed an exciting victory when striker Pablo Counago stroked home a shot after a neat cross from the unselfish Kuqi

Published Thursday July 29, 2004

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