The big time is in sight for Ipswich if they can tame the beast that is their fear.

It is quite simple - they must not worry about what Bradford are doing and win their next six games.

Ipswich are going great guns, and 31 points from a possible 36 since January shows the sort of form they are in.

If they keep their nerve Anfield, Old Trafford, St James Park, White Hart Lane, Highbury, et al, await them and visits to Crewe, Bury, etc, will be behind them.

Now, as Jim Magilton points out, Ipswich face six cup finals but if they put on the sort of display which has reaped nine goals in a weekend, the Premier prize is theirs.

Everyone knew a repeat of the stroll at Swindon wasn't going to happen against a lively QPR side, who themselves are perilously close to the drop.

But few would have envisaged the Blues, with one of the meanest defences in football would be a goal down after only four minutes.

Old boy Chris Kiwomya ruined the carnival atmosphere with a well placed header from a Paul Murray free kick.

Kiwomya was part of the title winning side of 1992 and this was his first return to Portman Road since joining Arsenal.

He was given a traditional reception for a prodigal son but was one of the few Rangers players who looked good.

David Johnson got the party going again for Ipswich seven minutes later with a header from six yards after Jim Magilton delivered a clever cross.

And when James Scowcroft rose above Karl Ready to nod in a Mark Venus free kick in the second half, the minor panic was well and truly over.

Matt Holland tied things up with a super finish for the third as part of his man of the match display.

Jamie Clapham, is a hot tip to take over Holland's mantle as player of the year and he provided the corner for the number eight to head towards goal.

The keeper couldn't get hold of it and Johnson nipped in to take it away and touch back for Holland who placed it into the far corner with power for his seventh goal of the season.

Their were many other candidates. Johnson and Scowcroft worked tirelessly against some close, and at times cynical man marking.

Venus, the culprit for Rangers' goalscoring free kick, turned in another quality attacking-defender performance. He hit a 35 yard free kick with such venom Ludek Miklosko did well to tip over.

Town are a team brimming with confidence to match their ability. They battled to win the midfield with Jim Magilton aiding Holland and evergreen Mick Stockwell harried well.

Tony Mowbray was once again commanding in defence with Jason Cundy making his first start since the play offs last May.

Cundy looked a little shaky in the first half but as the game wore on he started to show how good he is.

With Adam Tanner feeling the effects of a damaged cartilage Wayne Brown was on the bench for Town. Last year the 21-year-old, central defender spent a month's loan at Colchester.

Clapham and Fabian Wilnis were not allowed the sort of space they relish but defended well and helped launch wave after wave of attacks in a hard fought game.

Hungarian George Kulcsar was booked for a foul on Stockwell and Kiwomya blotted his copybook with a vicious tackle on Holland in then last minute.

Stockwell appeared to have a shot handled by Gavin Peacock but referee Bill Burns was unsighted and waved away appeals.

He had no reason to book an Ipswich player, the second time over the Bank Holiday their behaviour has been exemplary.

Richard Naylor came on for the final three minutes in place of Scowcroft who was given a standing ovation.

Naylor marked his arrival with a superb double block them almost scored with a tremendous run upfield but couldn't quite reach Wilnis' through ball.

More than 250 Blues Crew youngsters paraded around the pitch before the game at another full house at Portman Road.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.