Ipswich 1 Wimbledon 5

Last updated : 26 April 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Ipswich signed off their home campaign under a cascade of boos as they suffered their biggest loss of the season.

Wimbledon tore Town's defence to shreds in the second half to give Joe Royle plenty to think about for next season.

There was no sign of the carnage to come in a first half dominated by Ipswich.

Jim Magilton failed to hit the target on three occasions with good chances while David Connolly headed Wimbledon's best chance into the side netting.

Against the run of play, Wimbledon scored on 28 minutes, Town keeper Andy Marshall palming a harmless Connolly cross onto the shins Neil Shipperley and it rebounded into the net.

Both sides had appeals for penalties rejected - Wimbledon when Chris Makin appeared to nudge over Connolly, while Ben Chorley looked to pull back Pablo Counago.

Matthew Richards chipped just wide from a Counago back heel, before Shipperley looped a header against the bar and Connolly's follow up was hacked off the line by Thomas Gaardsoe.

Wimbledon doubled their lead on the hour, substitute Adam Nowland sliding the ball home from Connolly's pass.

The game looked set for a grandstand finish on 79 minutes when Town substitute Darren Bent glanced home a Magilton cross.

In fact it was a false dawn as the visitors bagged three goals in six minutes.

As Town's defence fell apart Wimbledon broke swiftly and Shipperley crossed for an unmarked Connolly to volley home.

Wimbledon scored a fourth when Connolly netted on the turn from a Nowland pass before another quick break by the visitors ended with Alex Tapp curling home from 20 yards.

Ipswich's fans ended the game cheering the name of skipper Matthew Holland who could well be one of those sacrificed in the summer as the club looks to stabilise its finances.