Ipswich 1 Norwich 1

Mackay
By Paul Holmes
September 16 2002

A late equaliser by substitute Pablo Counago earned Ipswich a point in the East Anglian derby game with Norwich City

The game at Portman Road was a fast and exciting game which either side could have won.

Despite good spells of early pressure from Ipswich it was Norwich who almost took the lead in the 14th minute when Paul McVeigh's lobbed effort went just wide. Straight up the other end and Ipswich's Mark Venus blocked free-kick fell to Jermaine Wright who forced Norwich keeper Robert Green to make a fine save.

On 20 minutes Norwich were forced to make a chance after Alex Notman injured his ankle blocking another Venus free-kick. To add insult to the injury Notman was booked for breaking early from the wall.

Iwan Roberts was unlucky not to score after good work from Paul Mcveigh but the Welsh striker hit the crossbar with his effort. Ipswich also came close with efforts from Jim Mailton and Darren Ambrose.

Despite all the chances it took until the 75th minute for The Canaries to take the lead which came as a result of an error by former Norwich 'keeper Andy Marshall. The 'keeper dropped the ball in his box, Paul McVeigh reacted quickest and crossed for Malky McKay to head home.

Ipswich threw everything into attack and substitute Alan Armstrong was denied by Green after Ambrose played him through.

Deep into injury time Ipswich grabbed a point. After Darren Bent had hit the post and Darren Ambrose has his effort saved by Green, Pablo Counago followed up the rebound to make it 1-1.