Ipswich Town kick-start their quest for promotion next season with a visit from Reading.

Alan Pardew's side - who lost in the play-off semi-finals last term - come to East Anglia for a Division One curtain-raiser on August 20.

The fixtures, published this morning, have handed Ipswich another mouth-watering home fixture in the first month against relegated West Ham.

The Hammers visit on August 30 with the return fixture, one of the shortest trips of the season for away fans, taking place at Upton Park on Boxing Day.

Town's Christmas programme continues two days later, on December 28, at home to Crystal Palace.

Two games Ipswich fans will immediately look for are the dates with East Anglian rivals Norwich.

The home match takes place on December 20 with the second showdown, at Carrow Road, scheduled for March 6.

Meanwhile, the FA have announced ticket details for England's friendly with Croatia at Portman Road on August 20.

Tickets go on general sale on Sunday, July 13, starting at £20, then £25 and £35.

They are available from the FA's ticket partner, Ticketmaster, on 0870 9020005

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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