Town too strong for Rams

Counago and Walters earn Magilton's men the points

Last updated: 22nd November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Town too strong for Rams

Counago: Broke deadlock

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Ipswich Town boosted their play-off credentials with a 2-0 win over Derby County at Portman Road.

Pablo Counago grabbed a first-half opener for Town and Jonathan Walters made the points safe midway through the second half.

New Derby signing Darren Powell was among the substitutes and he made his debut when Claude Davis had to be withdrawn because of injury after 36 minutes.

Jewell will be hoping that the Jamaican's problem is not serious with the Rams' defensive resources already stretched to their limit.

Powell was signed due to first-choice central defensive pairing Martin Albrechtsen and Dean Leacock being sidelined through injury.

There were few chances in the first half, goalkeepers Richard Wright and Roy Carroll were occasionally forced to make routine saves.

Kris Commons shot wide from the edge of the area early on and Rob Hulse followed suit after half an hour.

In between, Alex Bruce volleyed over the crossbar from 12 yards from Owen Garvan's corner.

Little action

Counago's goal aside, Carroll tipped an angled shot from Ambrose around a post after 21 minutes in the only other notable action of the opening period.

Spanish striker Counago marked his first league start for a month by opening the scoring after 27 minutes, guiding a right-foot shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

Substitute Przemyslaw Kazmierczak almost brought Derby level after an hour but Wright tipped his header over the crossbar.

Walters sealed Ipswich's win in the 66th minute following good work down the right-hand side by David Wright. His cross was swept home by Walters from close range for only his second league goal of the season.

Jewell responded by making his third and final change, introducing Nathan Ellington, but it was to no avail.

In fact, Ipswich came closer to extending their lead through David Norris and then substitute Lisbie, but Carroll saved both efforts.

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