Rangers Hammer Ipswich 4-1

Saturday 16 October 1999
Portman Road
ATTENDANCE:
REF: P DANSON

Rangers coasted to a comfortable 4-1 success at Portman Road to record their first away League win since last November. The R's players marked manager, Gerry Francis, one year anniversary since returning to Loftus Road by taking apart Ipswich in a ruthless second half performance. The victory send Francis' troops into the top half of the table as they banished their travelling blues in emphatic style. Despite ending the match in spectacular fashion, Rangers began the game in the worst possible way when they fell behind after three minutes. Mark Venus' cross was chested down by Jermaine Darlington in the penalty area, but the ball fell for Matt Holland who rifled home from eight yards out. The visitors almost slipped further in arrears minutes later, but were rescued by some last-ditch defending as Jim Magilton prepared to slot home David Johnson's pull back. But Rangers soon forced their way into the action, with Chris Kiwomya a constant thorn in the side for the home defence. In the 12th minute, the striker surged past John McGreal, only to see his goalbound effort turned away by Richard Wright. From the resulting corner, the ball curled into the net, but Rangers celebrations were short-lived when the referee blew for a foul. Kiwomya also had a header disallowed after being yards offside, before Rangers hauled themselves back on level terms on 33 minutes. Again Kiwomya was at the heart of the move as he picked up a poor McGreal pass, and he played a superb through ball for Gavin Peacock. The foraging midfielder advanced on Wright before chipping the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. Right on half-time came the game's turning point when Ipswich midfielder, Magilton, was sent off for violent conduct after a scuffle with Peacock. After the interval, Rangers were rampant as they tore through the ten men of the home side. On 65 minutes, Stuart Wardley latched on to a tame Thetis back pass, and lured Wright off his line before slotting into an empty net. Six minutes later, and Swedish striker, Rob Steiner, scored the first of his goals with a simple tap in. Richard Langley teed up Kiwomya whose shot was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly for Steiner to score. With eight minutes remaining, Steiner, put the icing on the cake for Rangers. Kiwomya instigated the move with a pass to his fellow front man, Steiner rounded Venus before firing a left foot shot past Wright. The win dents Ipswich's promotion hopes, but it could be the spark for Rangers to ignite their own dreams of promotion.