Town fell to defeat in their first game back in the Premiership, although it was not all bad news for George Burley’s men. The Blues lined up with new signing Hermann Hreidarsson lining up in the middle of a back three with Titus Bramble to his right and Mark Venus to his left. Up front David Johnson partnered Marcus Stewart who started despite the rumours yesterday, with James Scowcroft, Jim Magilton and Matt Holland in midfield. The wing backs were Gary Croft and Jamie Clapham.

The game started brightly for Town when Mark Venus hit the first Premiership goal of the season. David Johnson had been felled a few yards outside the Spurs area and the Town centre-back, only playing because of John Scales’ injury, hit the free-kick beyond Neil Sullivan. It was a magic moment for the Blues and it seemed as if the season would get off to a dream start.

Spurs gradually came more into the game as Town seemed to give them too much respect. Sergei Rebrov looped an outside of the foot shot over Richard Wright and onto the bar as George Graham’s team put on the pressure.

Eventually A Spurs goal came. In the 29th minute Rebrov hit a neat ball beyond the Town defence for Carr running down the right. The full back ran in on Richard Wright and the ball appeared to be running out. However, as at Wembley in May and in Malta a few days later, Wright sent Carr crashing to the ground. Referee Wiley pointed to the spot and Anderton hammered the ball home.

Town were quickly behind when the same combination of Rebrov and Carr eked out another opening. This time Carr ran beyond the Town defence, although there was more than a suspicion of offside. He cut in and beat Wright at his near post. The Town keeper will think he should have done better with both goals.

The rest of the half saw Town try to get more into it with Marcus Stewart hitting the post from distance. Half-time came with Town fans believing that there may still be three points in the game.

In the second half Town played much better. They passed the ball around with far more assurance with Jim Magilton and James Scowcroft far more involved. Johnson went close twice and Stewart had a couple of headers which could have closer. Town were taking the game to Spurs and the home fans were quiet. There was controversy in the 61st minute when Spurs keeper Neil Sullivan appeared to handle the ball outside the area, just to the right of his goal. Referee Alan Wiley saw nothing in this and play continued.

Martijn Reuser replaced James Scowcroft as George Burley sought an equaliser. Mark Venus was replaced by Wayne Brown after falling awkwardly. Town continued to push forward without ever testing Sullivan to any huge degree.

Then with 81 minutes on the clock Town fell further behind. A cross from the right found Les Ferdinand unmarked and he headed powerfully past Richard Wright. The otherwise impressive Titus Bramble was guilty of ball-watching as the England international scored Spurs third.

With a minute left Mauricio Taricco replaced Ben Thatcher for Spurs to great cheers from Town fans. The ref blew his whistle shortly afterwards to condemn Town to their first defeat. The Blues fans, however, were not too downcast. Few were expecting a victory and Town had certainly not been outclassed.

R Wright, Croft, Clapham, Venus (Brown), Hreidarsson, Bramble, Holland, Magilton, Scowcroft (Reuser), Johnson and Stewart.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls