Johnny Howson’s 41st minute strike was cancelled out by Anderson deep into first half stoppage time, following a fatal Ruddy fumble. Neither side could find another meaning it’s all still to play for in the second leg.
Playoffs are always exciting fixtures, but when Norwich drew Ipswich, everyone knew this would be something even more special. Rarely have East Anglian Derbies offered much other than bragging rights and pride; on offer this time was the opportunity to move one step closer to the Premier League, and the 90 million pounds that comes with that. ‘Mind the gap’ taunts having been flaunted all season, and there would be no bigger gap than an entire division. You could tell it was a big one – the atmosphere was electric, the fans were on edge, and Ipswich had for once sold out Portman Road.
Alex Neil opted for a 4-5-1 formation, dropping Hoolahan for Redmond while retaining the defensive capabilities of Tettey, Dorrans and Johnson. Whittaker and Martin returned at the back to try and combat the physical, direct long-ball tactics of Mick McCarthy – often it would be hoofed forward by Mings in the hope that Murphy might make something of it up front.
The game began at a sizzling tempo, cooked up by the raucous atmosphere being created by both sets of fans (though mainly Norwich). Ipswich came close early on as Murphy looked to square the ball across the 6 yard box but Norwich somehow intercepted. Up the other end, Johnson’s cross eventually came to Dorrans via Redmond but he looked to volley the ball first time and inevitably mistimed it, much to the hope support’s delight.
Ipswich came closest to finding the breakthrough as Murphy wriggled into the box, setting up Sears whose header was well saved by Ruddy. It looked as certain goal with Varney being expertly placed for the rebound, but he didn’t anticipate Ruddy to get up so quickly and make another crucial save.
The action again became focused up the other end. Howson came close with a header that missed to the right, while Johnson too missed with a header to the left. The best chance came as Redmond worked the ball back to the edge of the box where Tettey waited, and he curled the ball agonisingly into the outside of the post. The belief was building in the already lively away end.
Unfortunately City’s growing dominance was blighted as Varney went down injured. No contact, but a lot of pain on the face of the Ipswich player. Much of the crowd thought he was faking it as he quickly tried to carry on, but soon enough he was down once again. The stretcher was driven on (yes, driven) and the motorised shopping trolly-thing provoked much amusement as well as a long stoppage of play. Eventually, Varney was replaced by Anderson.
Norwich were managing to comfortably cope with the long ball after long ball which Ipswich hurled their way – even several corners which have regularly been a weak point. As a couple more Ipswich headers went begging, Norwich seized their opportunity, racing forward with Jerome on the left. His cut back came to Johnny Howson who found the contact, the power, the precision. The ball fizzed away from his right foot and nestled into the net. Let the party start in the away end.
Norwich’s celebrations were glorious. A flare went up in the away end and the relatively new ‘bounce’ began. Home and away fans came to blows as many tempers boiled over, and the large police presence was required to step in.
But the celebrations failed to make it to half time as Ipswich found an all-important equaliser. Deep into first half stoppage time (due to Varney’s injury), Bialkowski typically thumped it long finding Sears who shot powerfully. But in accordance with some of Ruddy’s mishaps this season, he fumbled it. Just too hot to handle. And despite the best efforts of his defenders, Anderson slashed it into the empty net. Portman Road erupted.
Moments later, Redmond’s well struck shot was also well saved, meaning the score remained 1-1 as the half time whistle sounded.
Half Time: Ipswich Town 1-1 Norwich City
The tempo and atmosphere dropped a little after the break, but Dorrans quickly addressed that, recklessly clattering into Anderson as Ipswich looked to break. Ipswich fans called for a red. Norwich fans held their breath – yellow it was. A classic ‘take one for the team’ situation with Whittaker caught up-field.
The quality of football certainly deteriorated some, with Ipswich’s direct tactics creating little. Norwich struggled too though, and after about 20 minutes, Hoolahan was introduced to try and create the spark that was missing.
Before that change could happen, Norwich had another chance. Redmond had drifted inside and drove at the Ipswich defence, consequently causing chaos. He then slipped a ball under the radar to Johnson who was arriving unaccounted for on the left side. Johnson went through the motions, setting himself, timing the run-up, just as he had in the last derby at Carrow Road. But on this occasion, Chambers came to the rescue. The Ipswich captain flung himself in front of the ball and got the faintest of touches to direct it wide. Johnson, and all the other Norwich fans, held their hands on their heads. That was a big moment.
The remainder of the match lacked in quality, but with Hooper’s introduction Norwich tried to force the issue. Late on, Hoolahan’s looping cross came to Redmond but his header was palmed over, though even that was an overly cautious touch from Bialkowski who could probably have let it go.
Full Time: Ipswich Town 1-1 Norwich City
A goal apiece means we go to Carrow Road unchanged. Norwich have the advantage of playing at home, but the tempo, the nerves and the stakes will be even higher. It will come down to who wants it more, and failing that, penalties will decide.
Wembley is waiting.
