Ipswich 2 Man City 1
Manchester City slumped to their second relegation in four seasons as Ipswich produced a late comeback to sink Joe Royle's men at Portman Road.
City, who started the night needing to win both their remaining matches and a favour from West Ham to avoid the drop, looked set for a surprise win when Shaun Goater bravely turned in a loose ball 16 minutes from time. But Manchester United fan and Ipswich captain Matt Holland restored parity and Dutch winger Martijn Reuser netted late on to confirm an immediate return to the Nationwide League for a side that had ironically booked their place in the top flight a year ago to the day. For Ipswich, the Champions League remains a possibility next season with their 20th victory of a sensational return to the Premiership putting them level on points with third-placed Liverpool. The Blues will now need to beat Derby on the final day and hope that the Reds fail to win either of their two fixtures to ensure a top-three finish.
Goater had sent the travelling contingent into ecstasy sixteen minutes form time. Wanchope stole a yard on McGreal, found room for a shot on the edge of the area and when Wright spilled the ball, Goater reacted quickest, beating Titus Bramble to the rebound and poking into the corner of the net. Holland re-ignited the hosts' hopes of the three points with a great 78th-minute finish. Scowcroft headed down Jamie Clapham's free-kick, Naylor touched on and the Republic of Ireland midfielder thrust out a leg to spear the ball wide of the despairing Nash. City's fate was confirmed six minutes from the end as Armstrong centred with the outside of his right boot and Reuser planted his diving header out of Nash's reach. It was the Dutchman's sixth goal in 10 matches and capped a cruel turnaround for City while the Tractor Boys' Champions League dream is still alive.
Filed by Pat Nugent
