A TWTD side made up of Message Board regulars got the derby weekend off to a terrific start with a 6-1 victory against a Canary Corner team at Town's Training Centre this afternoon.

A Alex Mathie style hat-trick from Tom Norton is sure to hog the headlines while Jon Powell notched two and Phil Ham headed home the crucial first goal just minutes into the game. The Canaries hit back through a cross-shot from Mark Cable.

TWTD went into a dramatic 4-0 lead within the first fifteen minutes after the Norwich keeper suffered an injury.

But as the game wore on it evened out and became a closer affair and by half-time it was 5-1 to the Blues, although only a series of controversial offside decisions had prevented Ham from adding to his earlier goal.

With the profligate Ham missing several chances (and having a header cleared off the line) it took Norton's third to really seal the game for the Blues.

Both sides took a relaxed approach to substitutions with players coming on and off throughout the match in the main due to fitness related problems.

Many thanks to all at ITFC for their efforts in helping us put the game on and lending us kit. And thanks to Mark Claydon for his excellent line work.

The lack of pubs in Rushmere meant that only a few joined in the post-match drink, but players from both sides were in agreement that it was a fine occasion, although less so when it came to tomorrow's result.

Town squad: Sam Chapman, Pete Robinson, Chris Robinson, Gary Kioussis, Lewis Clayton, Tony Hayfield, Adam Flatt, Tom Norton, Peter Sims, Jon Powell, Nicholas Ames, Steve Biggs, Phil Ham, Mat Cobbold.

There'll be photos from the game later in the week.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls