This must rank as one of the most bizarre days in the history of Ipswich Town.

On an afternoon when the match itself became something of a sideshow, there was easily as much drama off the pitch as on it.

To some extent, it was inevitable that might be the case after George Burley's sacking from the Portman Road hot-seat on Friday.

Pablo Counago celebrates scoring against Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: STEVE BRADING

Confusion, overwhelmingly, reigned supreme with much revolving round Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore.

First, shorty before kick-off, news broke that the Millers had called a hastily-arranged press conference for 5pm.

Episode two of the soap opera came shortly after when Portman Road officials vehemently denied the claim.

Then, with almost comical timing, the TV channel being shown in the press lounge and around the ground cut to Moore, pitch-side at Millmoor.

Pouring petrol on the fire, he said how much he would like the Ipswich job after doing as much as he could for Rotherham.

Confused? So was everyone not to mention Blues caretaker-boss Tony Mowbray, who got caught in the cross-fire during his own press conference after the game.

As for events on the pitch, it was fitting one of Burley's more recent signings Pablo Counago should score the goals to kick-start a new era at Portman Road.

The Spaniard typifies his former manager's eye for raw talent and a bargain.

And Counago, having been nurtured in the reserves last season, has duly graduated to become a pivotal figure this time around.

He crowned another afternoon of personal triumph by scoring two well-taken goals, taking his tally for the season to nine.

Ipswich created a bevy of chances in the first half, swiftly getting into their stride after a shaky first ten minutes.

Wednesday hit the bar inside 60 seconds, Andy Marshall tipping Alan Quinn's effort onto the woodwork. Then Simon Donnelly, clear through on goal, stabbed wide.

That was as good as it got for the visitors in the first half, though, as Mowbray's men took a firm grasp on proceedings.

But there was some joy for the visitors just before the hour mark when Lloyd Owusu's cross was headed home by Donnelly, who got in front of marker Venus to power past Marshall.

Published Monday October 14, 2002

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