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Sixteen years of frustration have at long last come to an end for the home side. An unwanted streak that had persisted for longer than many abandoned burial grounds was broken in conclusive fashion as local adversaries Norwich City were defeated 3-1 and generally outplayed in the hosts' first triumph in fifteen derby matches.

Decisive Strikes and Pivotal Performances

Goals from Kipré – the standout performer – the skillful Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke were the decisive moments of the match, with the away team's kamikaze attacking another factor. But the presence of Marcelino Núñez, who scored against Ipswich for the Canaries in the last derby match two years ago then completed a multi-million pound transfer to Suffolk in the off-season, was felt throughout. Featuring on the cover of the matchday program and in the voices of the Ipswich support, even as he began the match on the substitutes' bench, this was a transfer troll that in the end delivered the intended outcome.

Game Overview and Critical Moments

After a peppy atmosphere in and around the stadium before the kickoff, the opening half hour was as disjointed as chip paper. But the hosts took the advantage in the 32nd minute with a cleverly executed set piece. The cross came from Philogene: a looping cross that found O'Shea at the far post. The defender nodded the ball into the area to the center of the box and, after a brief melee, it came to Kipré who took a touch and crashed the ball into the goal.

This was what the home crowd had been after and Ipswich looked well placed to push forward, but the visitors scrapped their way back into the game. A number of lost possessions by the away side ended with one finding Crnac who sprinted behind Davis to win a set-piece. Fisher's delivery was aimed at Harry Darling at the far post, but was headed out to Oscar Schwartau who hit a low shot straight back at goal and, via a slight touch, past a helpless Palmer.

The Canaries were euphoric and Ipswich’s fans became a somewhat restless. This was a story they had witnessed many times before, while the home side’s showing was increasing worries over a scratchy start to the season following demotion. But one reliable aspect during the opening rounds has been the prolific streak of Jaden Philogene, and he was set to strike again.

Philogene’s Spectacular Strike

The away team were playing triangles in the centre of the park with the time having just ticked to 45 minutes when Schwartau’s fellow Dane, the engine-room player Mattsson, inexplicably let the ball pass between his feet and through to a lurking Ipswich No 11. From there the attacker wasted no time. He ran direct on goal and, after two touches, unleashed a powerful shot from long range that clipped the top of Kovacevic's hand but flew into the top corner of the net. His celebration – a taunting chant with his hands in his ears – may need refinement.

After the Break Action

At half-time the Ipswich legend Magilton came on to the pitch to encourage the supporters to stick the course, and vowed that the opponent's high defensive line would produce more chances. Soon enough he was proven right. Ipswich were increasingly able to spin runners into the space offered up by Norwich’s advanced full-backs. Hirst ought to have netted from a similar chance soon after the resumption, but mishit his effort when one on one with the keeper. Given with a mirror image of an opening on the hour the forward chose not to shoot at all and passed the ball into empty space.

Núñez’s Influence and Jack's Decisive Goal

With 15 minutes to go each side made a series of substitutions but attention were on one specific individual. Núñez came on to the pitch to a chorus of loud singing and soon after he had made the decisive contribution the narrative had forewarned. Norwich were attempting to push into some attacking activity, but a surge from Darling ended in a bad control and Cajuste stole the defender before sliding the ball instantly to Núñez. Núñez needed just an instant to read the play and lofted a ball over that defensive line into his fellow substitute Azón on the left hand side. His driven shot went past Kovacevic and on to a upright, but Jack Clarke (also a substitute) was on handy to turn the rebound home coolly.

Final Minutes and Reactions

The last 15 minutes were a battering for the away team but there was no more damage to be endured. Not during active play. At the full-time whistle, as the stadium exploded, Núñez was given his own lap of honor of the stadium, accompanied by the lenses. Stroking the Ipswich flag and displaying a banner of a tweet from a opposing fan demanding a memorial at Carrow Road, the player appeared to be having the time of his life.