Three points, three goals and another clean-sheet added up to a hugely satisfying afternoon for Ipswich Town.

Seven days after fluffing chances galore at Turf Moor, Darren Bent was the hero as he guided his side to a victory every bit as comfortable as the score suggests.

His double salvo - he only emerged from the bench midway through the second half - took his tally for the season to ten, level with best pal Darren Ambrose.

And the teenage striker owes a debt of gratitude to his fellow substitute, who was the architect of both goals.

Bent's first was a far-post header, deftly flicked into the net after a corner from Ambrose was flicked on by Hermann Hreidarsson.

The second, five minutes from time, came after he controlled a raking pass forward before coolly slotting past Jonathan Gould.

Up front, Pablo Counago sparkled early on - testing the keeper with one effort before tiring and being replaced by Darren Bent.

And Marcus Bent looks more effective in every game as he builds up his fitness following long-term injury.

It was his well-timed leap which put Ipswich in the driving seat after 30 minutes.

That man Magilton curled over a free-kick from the left and Bent sneaked in front of Gould to head home, via the underside of the bar, and make it 1-0.

"The result meant everything," beamed delighted Town boss Joe Royle.

Published Monday, January 20, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette