Ambrose marks league debut with goal

HT Walsall 0 Ipswich 1

Ipswich midfielder Darren Ambrose marked his league debut for the club by opening the scoring at the Bescot Stadium today.

The 18-year-old prospect made the breakthrough in the 37th minute when he rattled the ball home after goalkeeper James Walker had parried Darren Bent’s effort.

The goal came after a constant spell of pressure from Ipswich, relegated from the top flight last season.

With the ground being renovated, the capacity was reduced to just below 7,000.

The surroundings were far removed from the showpiece stadia Ipswich visited in the last two seasons.

But after an indifferent start they showed no signs of self-pity at finding themselves back in the First Division.

Ipswich goalkeeper Andy Marshall had to look alert in the fourth minute to punch away an inswinging cross from Pedro Matias.

The visitors retaliated and Fabien Wilnis sent Darren Bent away down the right but his cross was poor.

Walsall went close again when Jorge Leitao was just off target with a header following Matt Carbon’s delivery.

Ipswich stepped up the pace and almost took the lead when Matt Holland latched onto a pass from Marcus Bent. He rattled in a shot which Walker did well to turn away for a corner.

Walsall were again grateful to Walker in the 33rd minute when he somehow managed to turn over a blistering 30-yard drive from Darren Bent.

Then came Ambrose’s clinical finish to put Ipswich in the driving seat going into the second half.

Marcus Bent should have added a second but steered his effort wide in front of the posts.