Substitute Alun Armstrong emerged as Ipswich's hero on a memorable UEFA Cup night at Portman Road as he returned from a month out with a debilitating virus to give them a 1-0 first leg lead against Inter Milan. The former Middlesbrough man had only been on the pitch for four minutes when he headed home Ipswich's 80th-minute winner as George Burley's side put their Premiership struggle behind them to record a superb victory.
The Premiership strugglers will now take a 1-0 lead to the San Siro for what should prove a tougher assignment with several internationals set to return to the Inter line-up. However, Ipswich can feel well pleased with their evening's toils and could have had a greater advantage to take to Milan but for the lack of a natural finisher. They created several chances, but were largely restricted to long range efforts as Hector Cuper's side played well within their capabilities.
The tie is perfectly poised for George Burley's men having kept a clean sheet, and with Marcus Stewart and Jim Magilton likely to return for the second leg, Ipswich will fancy their chances of achieving the unthinkable at the Italian fortress. In Sixto Peralta, on loan from Inter, and Counaga they have two potential match-winners, and if Nigerian Finidi George can recover in time, then the unfashionable Suffolk side can justifiably expect a place in the fourth round draw.
Filed by Shane Murray
