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A decade and a half of hurt have finally come to an end for Ipswich Town. An unwanted streak that had persisted for more than many forgotten places was broken in decisive fashion as East Anglian rivals the visitors were defeated 3-1 and thoroughly outclassed in the hosts' first triumph in fifteen derby matches.

Decisive Strikes and Pivotal Performances

Scores from Kipré – the standout performer – the skillful Philogene and Clarke were the key turning points of the contest, with Norwich’s risky offensive play also contributing. But the figure of Núñez, who found the net against Ipswich for the Canaries in the last derby match two seasons ago then finalized a multi-million pound transfer to Ipswich in the off-season, loomed throughout. Featuring on the cover of the matchday program and in the chants of the Ipswich support, even as he began the match on the bench, this was a transfer troll that ultimately delivered the intended outcome.

Game Summary and Key Incidents

After a peppy mood in and around the stadium before the match, the opening half hour was as scrappy as chip paper. But the hosts took the lead in the 32nd minute with a well-worked dead-ball situation. The cross came from Jaden Philogene: a deep outswinger that found O'Shea at the back post. The defender nodded the ball down to the center of the box and, after something of a scramble, it came to Cédric Kipré who controlled it and crashed the ball into the goal.

This was what the home crowd had been waiting for and the team looked in a strong position to push forward, but the visitors scrapped their way back into the game. A series of lost possessions by the visitors ended with one finding Ante Crnac who burst behind Leif Davis to win a set-piece. Kellen Fisher’s delivery was directed at Darling at the far post, but was cleared out to Schwartau who hit a driven effort directly at the target and, via a slight touch, past a helpless Palmer.

The Canaries were elated and the home supporters became a little volatile. This was a script they had witnessed many times before, while the home side’s showing was amplifying worries over a scratchy start to the season following relegation. But one consistent factor during the early fixtures has been the goalscoring form of Philogene, and he was set to score again.

Philogene’s Stunning Goal

The away team were passing neatly in the midfield with the time having just reached to the stroke of halftime when Oscar's countryman, the midfielder Pelle Mattsson, unaccountably let the ball pass between his legs and through to a lurking Philogene. From there the attacker acted quickly. He advanced direct on goal and, after a couple of controls, unleashed a rising drive from long range that brushed the top of Kovacevic's fingers but flew into the top corner of the goal. His reaction – a na-na-na-na-na with his hands in his ears – may require some work.

Second Half Events

At half-time the Ipswich legend Jim Magilton came on to the pitch to encourage the supporters to stick the course, and vowed that the opponent's high defensive line would create more opportunities. Before long he was vindicated. Ipswich were more and more able to spin runners into the space left open by Norwich’s advanced full-backs. George Hirst ought to have netted from a similar chance soon after the restart, but mishit his effort when one on one with Kovacevic. Presented with a mirror image of an opening on the hour the forward opted against shooting at all and passed the ball into no one.

Núñez’s Influence and Clarke’s Clincher

With 15 minutes to go each side made a number of substitutions but all eyes were on one specific individual. Núñez came on to the pitch to a round of raucous chanting and within minutes he had made the key involvement the storyline had anticipated. Norwich were trying to push into some offensive play, but a forward burst from Darling ended in a poor touch and Cajuste robbed the defender before sliding the ball instantly to the Chilean. The Chilean needed just an instant to read the situation and lofted a ball over that defensive line into his fellow substitute Iván Azón on the left flank. His low effort went past Kovacevic and on to a post, but Clarke (another sub) was on handy to turn the loose ball home calmly.

Closing Moments and Reactions

The final quarter-hour were a battering for the visitors but there was no more damage to be suffered. At least not in open play. At the full-time whistle, as Portman Road erupted, the midfielder was afforded his own victory lap of the stadium, accompanied by the lenses. Holding the Ipswich flag and carrying a banner of a tweet from a opposing fan calling for a memorial at Norwich's ground, the midfielder appeared to be having the time of his life.