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Sixteen years of disappointment have finally been laid to rest for Ipswich Town. A curse that had lingered for longer than most forgotten places was broken in decisive fashion as East Anglian rivals Norwich City were defeated 3-1 and thoroughly outclassed in the home side’s first triumph in fifteen derby matches.

Decisive Strikes and Key Performances

Scores from Cédric Kipré – the standout performer – the skillful Philogene and Jack Clarke were the decisive moments of the match, with Norwich’s risky offensive play another factor. But the presence of Núñez, who scored against the Tractor Boys for the Canaries in the previous derby two years ago then finalized a multi-million pound transfer to Suffolk in the summer, loomed all match. Appearing on the cover of the matchday program and in the chants of the home fans, even as he began the game on the bench, this was a high-profile signing that ultimately achieved the desired effect.

Match Summary and Critical Incidents

After a peppy atmosphere in and around the stadium before the match, the first thirty minutes was as disjointed as chip paper. But the hosts took the advantage in the 32nd minute with a cleverly executed dead-ball situation. The cross came from Jaden Philogene: a deep outswinger that found Dara O’Shea at the back post. O’Shea headed the ball down to the penalty spot and, after something of a scramble, it came to Cédric Kipré who took a touch and slammed the ball into the goal.

This was what the Ipswich supporters had been after and the team looked in a strong position to kick on, but the visitors fought their way back into the match. A series of lost possessions by the visitors ended with one finding Ante Crnac who burst behind Leif Davis to win a set-piece. Kellen Fisher’s cross was aimed at Darling at the back post, but was headed out to Oscar Schwartau who hit a low shot directly at goal and, via a slight touch, past a helpless Palmer.

The Canaries were euphoric and the home supporters became a little volatile. This was a script they had witnessed many times before, while the Ipswich's performance was increasing worries over a uneven beginning to the season following demotion. But one reliable aspect during the opening rounds has been the goalscoring form of Philogene, and he was set to score again.

Philogene’s Spectacular Goal

The away team were playing triangles in the midfield with the clock having just reached to 45 minutes when Oscar's fellow Dane, the midfielder Pelle Mattsson, unaccountably let the ball pass between his feet and through to a lurking Philogene. From there the attacker acted quickly. He advanced straight on target and, after a couple of controls, let fly a rising drive from 25 yards that brushed the top of Kovacevic's hand but burst into the upper net of the goal. His celebration – a na-na-na-na-na with his hands in his ears – may require some work.

After the Break Events

At the interval the club icon Jim Magilton came on to the field to urge the supporters to keep believing, and pledged that the opponent's advanced backline would produce more opportunities. Before long he was vindicated. Ipswich were increasingly able to send runners into the space left open by their rivals' advanced full-backs. Hirst should have scored from one such opportunity soon after the restart, but fluffed his effort when facing with the keeper. Presented with a mirror image of an opportunity on the 60-minute mark Hirst chose not to shoot at all and passed the ball into no one.

Marcelino's Influence and Clarke’s Clincher

With 15 minutes to go both teams made a number of substitutions but attention were on a particular player. Núñez emerged on to the pitch to a chorus of loud singing and soon after he had made the decisive contribution the storyline had anticipated. The visitors were attempting to hustle into some offensive play, but a forward burst from Harry Darling ended in a bad control and Cajuste stole the player before sliding the ball instantly to Núñez. The Chilean needed just an moment to read the situation and spun a ball over that high line into his fellow substitute Azón on the left hand side. His low effort went past Kovacevic and on to a post, but Jack Clarke (another sub) was on handy to turn the rebound home calmly.

Final Moments and Reactions

The final quarter-hour were a dominant spell for the away team but there was no more damage to be suffered. At least not in open play. At the full-time whistle, as the stadium exploded, the midfielder was given his own victory lap of the ground, followed by the lenses. Holding the team banner and displaying a banner of a social media post from a Norwich influencer demanding a memorial at Carrow Road, the player appeared to be having the time of his life.