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Fabian's Battle - Ipswich Town News

Town's right wing/full-back Fabian Wilnis is facing a battle to be fit for Monday's clash with Coventry. The Dutchman was injured by a bad tackle from Graham Stuart during Saturday's game with Charlton and then aggravated the injury in a block tackle during the second half. His calf is very sore and he also has a problem with his ankle. He is due to start running today, but he is still a fair distance from being able to kick a ball. Gary Croft and Titus Bramble will hope for a chance to play on Monday at Highfield Road should Wilnis not make it. Jim Magilton is also being treated for his recurrent ankle problem.

Town have urged fans to get Portman Road early to avoid delays. Recent games have seen huge queues outside the ground and the club is anxious to shorten them. The turnstile in the North Stand which had been closed was open for the last game, but there were still long delays for fans trying to enter the ground.

Town fans seem to be doing even better than the team if a new league table is anything to go by. We currently sit second in the (deep breath) FA Carling Premiership Behaviour of the Public Fair Play League. The leaders are Newcastle United who lead us by two points on 97. The league is assessed by the FA who check out supporters at each game and mark the crowd's behaviour out of ten.

On the pitch we continue to lead the Fair Play League after receiving no bookings against Charlton.

Two Town players played for their countries last night. Matt Holland started for Ireland as they beat Finland 3-0 while Hermann Hreidarsson played in Iceland's 1-0 loss to Poland. Richard Wright spent the England game on the bench as Peter Taylor for some reason picked David James.

Three ex-Town players are in action for AFC Sudbury at Darlington on Saturday. Lee Norfolk (now training to be a policeman), Michael Cheetham (delivery driver) and Robbie Devereux (not sure) will all be in action at Feethams. We wish all the best to to AFC Sudbury in their attempt to overcome Darlington.

Town are to invite 17-year-old keeper Lee Cobby for a trial. The Bracknell keeper is ranked as the best in the Ryman League and is likely to be in action with his side against Lincoln in the FA Cup at the weekend. Town apparently watched Cobby in Bracknell's FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round match with Aylesbury when he performed heroics aplenty.

TWTD would like to apologise for the lack of mail during the last few days. The problem was not our fault and should now be sorted. Although problems occur rarely if you ever feel there has been a lack of mail in the previous few days check out the website where we will try to keep people up to date on any downtime. The scroller on the Message Board shold give the message. You can also keep up with the news there too.

Phil and Gav

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