Saturday saw the third staging of the Derby Down Under, played between the Australasian Branch of the Town Supporters Club and Canaries Down Under, at Macquarie University in Sydney, Ed Parker sent TWTD this report as the Blues continued their 100 per cent record.
The event drew another good gathering of Town and Norwich fans flown in from Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, as well as those that had driven from Newcastle and Wollongong.
The game got under way in bright sunshine and Town were 1-0 up in the seventh minute thanks to Leo Chandiok following a goalmouth scramble.
Town’s lead was doubled four minutes later with one of the goals of the game. Kieran Harmes put in a great cross from the right which was met by a bullet header from Chandiok for his second.
Dan Bunting got onto the scoresheet just before half-time with a long range effort and Town went into the break 3-0 up. Strangely enough, it was the same half-time margin as the prior year’s game.
Resuming after the break, Town quickly added to their total through Ben Taylor.
Chandiok wrapped up his hat-trick before Norwich finally got onto the scoresheet midway through the half with a decent effort from outside the box after Town failed to clear a corner. It wasn’t to prove a turning point, however, as Town became more dominant as the half wore on.
The Blues looked impressive when the ball was on the floor and they put together some decent passing moves through the midfield. Taylor added his second and Harmes also got onto the scoresheet.
The 7-1 scoreline probably wasn’t a fair reflection of the game, City had their moments and Town keeper Ehsan Khoshsima made some fine saves and really took one for the team with a brave clash of legs that had us all worried that something serious had happened.
The annual fixture now has its own trophy, The Old Farm Derbydownunder Trophy, and Town will be looking to make in four in a row next year.
Continuing the good spirit that has underpinned these games, afterwards the players and supporters of both teams shared a few beers and stories around the barbecue. Thanks to all those that came along to play or to watch.
Ed is the chairman of the Ipswich Town FC Supporters Club Australasian Branch. If you’re interested in getting involved, he can be contacted via edontheroadagain@hotmail.com or look at their group on Facebook.