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Ipswich logo
Championship
Apr 5, 2005 at 3pm UK
 
Rotherham logo

4-3

Magilton (60'), Westlake (6'), Bent (25', 57')
FT(HT: 2-1)
McIntosh (79'), Thorpe (26'), Butler (67')

On this day: Unpredictable Ipswich Town relegate Rotherham United

Ten years ago today, a 4-3 defeat away at high-flying Ipswich Town saw Rotherham United relegated from the Championship.

Those that watched Ipswich Town on a regular basis during their 2004-05 Championship campaign were royally entertained.

While the Tractor Boys could seemingly score at will - they found the net a division-high 85 times in 46 outings - they also had major problems keeping goals out at the other end of the pitch.

This was particularly true during their home clash with struggling Rotherham United at Portman Road 10 years ago today.

Early strikes from midfielder Ian Westlake and Darren Bent put the hosts 2-0 up, but, in the 26th minute Tony Thorpe, was afforded too much space inside the area and he duly reduced the arrears with a powerful effort that got the better of Kelvin Davis.

However, in the 57th minute, Bent restored Ipswich's two-goal advantage when he turned in Westlake's low cross. It was the striker's 18th goal of what was turning out to be a prolific campaign.

Visiting goalkeeper Mike Pollitt was beaten for a fourth time just two minutes later by a long-range Jim Magilton shot, which should have ended the game as a contest.

In true Ipswich fashion, though, they allowed the Millers back into proceedings as both Martin Butler and Martin McIntosh found the back of the net.

Despite the spirited fightback, a fourth and equalising goal eluded Alan Knill's men, who were relegated on the back of the result.

Speaking after the final whistle, Ipswich boss Joe Royle said: "At 4-1 I felt we had the chance to improve our goal difference but all credit to Rotherham for their fightback. If they had played like that all season they would not be going down.

"We were giving the ball away in areas we shouldn't have done. Several key players switched off, deciding that the game was won.

Meanwhile, Knill added: "Relegation is a great disappointment but I think this squad includes players more than capable of bouncing back next year.

"We proved that tonight. The effort and ability should enable us to cope adequately in the division below."

Ipswich: Davis; Wilnis, Naylor, De Vos, Unsworth; Miller (Richards), Magilton, Westlake, Currie (Horlock); Kuqi, Bent

Rotherham: Pollitt; Hurst, McIntosh, Swailes, Scott; Campbell-Ryce (Vernazza), Keane, McLaren (Barker), Mullin; Thorpe, Butler

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