Ipswich give Royle perfect start

Substitute Darren Bent ensured Joe Royle’s reign as Ipswich manager began with a UEFA Cup victory and extended their proud unbeaten European record at Portman Road.

The teenage striker volleyed in midway through the second period to provide a first-leg lead over Czech champions Slovan Liberec and make it 31 games without defeat.

Liberec pushed for a late leveller but Nezmar’s miscued shot from the right edge of the box aside created few openings.