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A decade and a half of disappointment have finally been laid to rest for the home side. A curse that had lingered for more than most abandoned burial grounds was banished in conclusive fashion as local adversaries Norwich City were defeated 3-1 and generally outclassed in the hosts' first triumph in fifteen derby matches.

Decisive Strikes and Pivotal Displays

Goals from Cédric Kipré – the man of the match – the mercurial Jaden Philogene and Clarke were the decisive moments of the match, with Norwich’s risky offensive play also contributing. But the presence of Marcelino Núñez, who found the net against the Tractor Boys for Norwich in the last derby match two years ago then finalized a £10m move to Ipswich in the off-season, was felt throughout. Featuring on the cover of the programme and in the chants of the Ipswich support, even as he started the game on the bench, this was a transfer troll that in the end delivered the intended outcome.

Match Overview and Key Incidents

After a energetic mood in and around the ground before the match, the first thirty minutes was as scrappy as yesterday's news. But the hosts took the advantage in the 32nd minute with a well-worked dead-ball situation. The delivery came from Jaden Philogene: a deep outswinger that found Dara O’Shea at the far post. O’Shea headed the ball into the area to the center of the box and, after something of a scramble, it came to Kipré who controlled it and slammed the ball into the goal.

This was what the Ipswich supporters had been after and Ipswich looked in a strong position to push forward, but the visitors scrapped their way back into the game. A number of turnovers by the away side ended with one reaching Crnac who burst behind Leif Davis to win a set-piece. Kellen Fisher’s cross was aimed at Harry Darling at the far post, but was cleared out to Schwartau who hit a low shot straight back at the target and, via a minor deflection, past a helpless Palmer.

The Canaries were euphoric and the home supporters became a little volatile. This was a script they had seen repeatedly before, while the Ipswich's showing was amplifying concerns over a scratchy start to the season following demotion. But one consistent factor during the early fixtures has been the prolific streak of Philogene, and he was about to strike again.

Jaden's Spectacular Goal

Norwich were passing neatly in the midfield with the clock having just ticked to 45 minutes when Oscar's fellow Dane, the midfielder Mattsson, inexplicably let the ball roll between his legs and through to a lurking Philogene. From there the attacker acted quickly. He advanced straight on goal and, after a couple of controls, unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that clipped the top of Vladan Kovacevic’s hand but flew into the upper net of the goal. His reaction – a na-na-na-na-na with his hands in his head – may require some work.

Second Half Action

At the interval the Ipswich legend Magilton came on to the field to encourage the fans to stick the course, and pledged that the opponent's high defensive line would produce more opportunities. Before long he was proven right. The home side were increasingly able to send runners into the space offered up by their rivals' pushing defenders. Hirst should have scored from a similar chance three minutes after the restart, but mishit his shot when facing with the keeper. Given with a mirror image of an opening on the 60-minute mark Hirst chose not to shoot at all and crossed the ball into no one.

Marcelino's Influence and Jack's Clincher

With 15 minutes to go both teams made a series of substitutions but all eyes were on a particular player. Marcelino Núñez emerged on to the pitch to a chorus of loud singing and soon after he had made the key involvement the narrative had forewarned. Norwich were attempting to push into some offensive play, but a forward burst from Darling ended in a bad control and Jens Cajuste stole the player before sliding the ball immediately to Núñez. Núñez needed just an instant to read the situation and spun a ball over that high line into his fellow substitute Iván Azón on the left hand side. His driven shot went past the goalkeeper and on to a upright, but Clarke (also a substitute) was on hand to turn the rebound home coolly.

Final Moments and Celebrations

The final quarter-hour were a battering for the away team but there was no more damage to be endured. At least not in open play. At the final whistle, as the stadium exploded, the midfielder was given his own lap of honor of the stadium, followed by the cameras. Holding the team banner and displaying a banner of a social media post from a opposing fan demanding a memorial at Norwich's ground, the player appeared to be having the time of his life.