This game had the potential to become a famous giant-killing for approximately 120 seconds.
After that early landmark, when Ipswich nosed in front, the writing was always on the wall for plucky Morecambe.
In theory, as long as the game stayed 1-0, Morecambe were in with a shout of stunning Portman Road.
But it was only a late flurry of goals - three in 12 minutes to be precise - which ensured the final score reflected their superiority.
The game was just two minutes old when a cross from the right found Jamie Clapham, whose powerful volley from just inside the box flew past keeper Craig Mawson.
Morecambe's chances were dealt another hammer-blow in the 20th minute when Jim Bentley was given his marching orders by referee Grant Hegley.
The centre-half was punished for a professional foul on Pablo Counago, as the striker latched onto a neat through ball by Marcus Bent.
Grant Hegley flashed his red card and Ipswich fans rubbed their hands in anticipation of a goal feast.
Their appetites were duly satisfied in the second half when Darren Ambrose, one of the players restored to the side, performed his trademark heroics.
First, he released Darren Bent, who coolly controlled the ball before slotting home with ease past Mawson.
Then, ten minutes later, he curled home a superb 20-yard shot to make it 3-0. The ball which took a slight deflection soared just inside the right-hand post.
Town completed the rout just after when Ambrose's corner was volleyed back across the dangerzone by Matt Holland.
Bent was on hand to sweep home his second of the day, his first goals since November's 2-1 success against Coventry.
"We couldn't come out of this game with any glowing praise," reflected Ipswich boss Joe Royle, the last English manager to win the FA Cup, with Everton in 1995. "But we did a good, professional job."
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Published Monday, January 6, 2003
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