Ipswich edge out Spurs

Bent scores Ipswich Town's first goal at Portman road

Ipswich 2-1 Tottenham
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A late goal from John McGreal earned Ipswich all three points in a hard-fought game against Tottenham at Portman Road.

The veteran's header from a Mark Venus cross in the 80th minute continued the East Anglian outfit's strong run and condemned Spurs to another disappointing loss.

The visitors made the early running, but carved no opportunities worthy of note.

Ferdinand's injury was a big blow to Spurs

And Ipswich, for whom Martijn Reuser had gone close early on, displayed their rediscovered cutting edge from a corner after 11 minutes.

Venus swung the ball in from the right and in-form Bent rose highest to head past reinstated Spurs goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.

Tottenham, who lost Les Ferdinand to a worrying ankle injury, spurned a good chance to level when Tim Sherwood set up Sergei Rebrov on 25 minutes.

At half-time, I said we can't concede again like that - someone wasn't listening

Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle

But the Ukrainian, who was recalled to the starting line-up in place of the suspended Teddy Sheringham, could only fire straight at Ipswich keeper Andy Marshall.

Marshall was caught off his line moments later by the fast-thinking Poyet, who saw his audacious 40-yard lob float just over the bar.

Spurs were forced to substitute Christian Ziege at half-time and should have fallen further behind shortly afterwards when Bent fired wide.

  Key moments

11. Bent heads home from Venus corner

21. Ferdinand limps off

58. Poyet levels for Spurs

80. McGreal steals Ipswich win from another Venus cross

Only Sullivan's superb reactions thwarted the Ipswich front man a minute later, when he kept out a close-range header.

Tottenham pushed on in search of an equaliser and Rebrov had the ball in the net only for referee Matt Messias to disallow the goal for offside.

His disappointment soon passed, when he threaded a ball through for Poyet to grab the much-needed goal.

I don't think confidence has ever been a problem and I've always believed we would stay up

Ipswich Town manager George Burley

In the closing stages, neither side were convicing in their pursuit of victory and the game looked set to peter out into a draw.

But up stepped McGreal to nod home an unlikely winner from another set-piece move.

Ipswich Town's footballing stock appears to be rising, while Glenn Hoddle's Tottenham must fast discover their Premiership form if they are to be European contenders.

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Ipswich: Marshall, Makin, McGreal, Venus, Hreidarsson, Wright, Magilton (Peralta 64), Holland, Reuser (Clapham 45), Armstrong (Stewart 57), Marcus Bent.
Subs Not Used: Sereni, Naylor.

Tottenham: Sullivan, Perry, Richards, King, Ziege (Davies 45), Taricco (Etherington 86), Anderton, Sherwood, Poyet, Rebrov, Ferdinand (Iversen 29).
Subs Not Used: Keller, Gardner.

Booked: Poyet.

Attendance: 25,077 Referee: M Messias (York).