Ipswich Town 1-1 Burnley

Last updated : 23 October 2004 By ITFM
Burnley came to Portman Road having conceded only 7 goals all season and only one of those away from Turf Moor. Ipswich had hit 23 goals in their 14 games before today.

Burnley scored their goal through captain Robbie Blake midway through the first half of what was a low key encounter until the closing moments when Ipswich twice hit the woodwork striving for a winning goal.

Ipswich had enjoyed most of the first half possession without being able to break down the solid Burnley defence. John McGreal, transferred from Ipswich last summer to Burnley marshalled his rear guard superbly.

Ipswich captain Jim Magilton had two headers well saved by Danny Coyne in the opening minutes.

Burnley's only real threat before their goal came from a free kick by Blake which Lewis Price came out of the Ipswich goal bravely to block.

On 18 minutes Ipswich lost possession just inside their own half and Micah Hyde took the ball on. His cross from the right was met by Blake, standing only 10 yards out, to steer the ball low inside the foot of an upright.

After that it needed a goal line clearance by Matt Richards from Ian Moore's shot to stop Burnley going 2 up.

Ipswich had appeals for a penalty turned down when Frank Sinclair appeared to handle. Instead Ipswich were awarded a corner from which Shefki Kuqi slashed a header just wide.

Just before the break Lewis was kept busy again saving from Moore and Blake.

Early in the second half Ipswich had a chance to equalise but Kevin Horlock's free kick thudded against the Burnley bar.

Burnley threatened several times as Ipswich pushed forward leaving themselves exposed at the back but Price made a host of brilliant stops from Richard Chaplow, Robbie Blake and Graham Branch.

Just when it looked as if Burnley would be returning to Turf Moor with all 3 points Ipswich launched a furious series of attacks in the closing moments.

Coyne blocked a header from Kuqi in the last minute but Matt Richards followed up from the edge of the 6 yard box to fire in an equaliser.

Then in the dying seconds Ipswich almost snatched a dramatic winner. Pablo Gonzalez Counago who had come on as substitute 5 minutes into the second half for Dean Bowditch twice had shots which rocketed against the woodwork and bounced clear.