Bent helps seal first victory for Ipswich

Walsall 0 Ipswich 2

Marcus Bent capped a superb show for Ipswich today by scoring with a spectacular overhead kick as George Burley’s men made a good start in their quest to return to the Premiership at the first attempt.

The goal from the former Blackburn striker came in the 63rd minute and sealed a hard-working victory for the Suffolk side, who were relegated last season.

Midfielder Darren Ambrose marked his league debut for the club by opening the scoring.

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.

His strike came after a constant spell of pressure from Ipswich, who took control after an indifferent start.

With the Bescot Stadium being renovated, the capacity was reduced to just below 7,000. In fact only 5,353 fans attended this live TV game.

The surroundings were far removed from the showpiece stadia Ipswich had visited the last two seasons – but 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 Fabian 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 pass from Marcus Bent.

He rattled in a shot that Walker did well to turn the ball 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.

Walsall almost drew level in the 48th minute when Leitao powered in a header from a corner by Matias.

However Jamie Clapham was superbly positioned and hooked the ball off the line.

Ambrose had grown in confidence since scoring and tried his luck on goal from 25 yards, only to see his effort go wide.

Walker came to Walsall’s rescue on the hour when he diverted Darren Bent’s shot to safety with his legs.

Then Bent produced his superb finish to double Ipswich’s lead in the 63rd minute, after Darren Bent had headed Clapham’s into the area.

It was Bent’s last act as he injured himself scoring and was immediately replaced by Alun Armstrong.

Walsall continued to battle away and striker Gary Birch, making his debut, almost pulled a goal back, only for Hermann Hreidarsson to clear.

Ipswich, who had used their three subs, were forced to battle on with 10 men for the closing stages of the game after Ambrose went off with a cut lip – but they managed.