Fabrizio Ravanelli battles with Pablo Counago.
By PA Sport Staff
Click here for full match stats
Derby's miserable season was completed by a sound drubbing at the hands of
interim boss George Burley's former employers.
A dazzling attacking display from Ipswich's livewire strike-force proved too
hot to handle for Derby, who faced one-way traffic after Rob Lee's early
opener.
Burley received an unusual accolade before the kick-off when he was given a
standing ovation from both sets of fans. The Scot has become a popular figure at
Pride Park since stepping in for John Gregory and the Ipswich fans showed they
had not forgotten his wonderful achievements at Portman Road.
One of Burley's more overlooked contributions at Portman Road was the
acquisition of Spanish striker Pablo Counago, and Town's top scorer reminded his
former boss of his ability after 32 minutes.
Counago was left to run at the Derby goal without a challenge, and duly
slipped home his 21st goal of the season to level things.
Burley's plans to subdue his former team were hampered when veteran defender
Warren Barton was forced off with an injury. The importance of Barton's loss was
soon hammered home when his replacement Ian Evatt lost Darren Bent in the area.
The young striker needed two attempts to beat Andy Oakes for the second goal
after 37 minutes.
Counago and Bent were causing mayhem in the Derby defence and Evatt was forced
to stop the danger by fouling the Spaniard on the edge of the box.
Jim Magilton punished the indiscretion with a wonderful free-kick which gave
Oakes no chance as it curled into the top corner.
Derby were forced to chase the game, and the hapless Evatt was replaced by
midfielder Adam Bolder 10 minutes after half-time.
With both sides still in a sticky financial situation, departures may be
necessary in the summer. And if Ipswich captain Matt Holland gets the
Premiership transfer his ability warrants, he gave Town fans a fitting final
glimpse of his talent in injury time. Substitute Martijn Reuser squared for the
Republic of Ireland star to lash home a sweet drive from outside the area for
the fourth.
Teams
Derby: Oakes, Barton (Evatt 15), Mills, Ritchie, Jackson, Lee,
Kinkladze, Burley, Boertien, Mooney, Ravanelli (McLeod 74),
Evatt (Bolder 56).
Subs Not Used: Grant, Valakari.
Goals: Lee 22.
Ipswich: Marshall, Wilnis, Makin, Gaardsoe, Richards,
Darren Bent (Collins 74), Holland, Magilton,
Miller (Murray 81), Counago, Marcus Bent (Reuser 60).
Subs Not Used: Price, Wright.
Goals: Counago 32, Darren Bent 37, Magilton 41, Holland 90.
Att: 28,785
Ref: P Rejer (Worcestershire).
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