Forest was special because it hit home as to where we were in terms of league and status. Ipswich showed we can compete in this Division even though it was slightly soured by other results meaning we finished the table in 13th place. Not quite top half but on goal difference in the bottom half.
Portman Rd is a cracking venue, excellent views, an enclosed 30,000 seater that was over 90% full.
The match, for City fans, was far less pressured that Ipswich, they had to win to ensure a play off place. As it turned out they could have lost and would have still made it thanks to happenings elsewhere.
Before the game City fans were mingling with home supporters as we made our way to the Cobbold Stand. Ipswich fans were telling me they'd never seen so many police as the Suffolk force made sure they were well numbered. I guess it's something we get used to, I never noticed anything too out of the ordinary from most away trips.
Still the police were good humoured and I was chatting with one officer after the game about the game, his colleagues thought it amusing when I asked if he was supposed to be watching the game or the crowd.
I thought the game itself was a cracker, City were excellent first half and should have been 3 goals to the good. Ipswich on a rare forray forward scored after Langley dallied instead of putting his foot through the ball. Kuqi made no mistake from 25 yards out with a grass cutter past the stretching Margetson. That sparked some home action but City were soon on top again, Lee going close twice, Earnie with a couple of half chances and a Bullock shot from point blank range that was smothered by the keeper. Bullock did get his goal though when right back Vidmar teased the Town left back and left him on his arse, Vidmar's cross was met by Bullock who saw his headed deflect off a defender past the helpless keeper.
Second half Ipswich has to attack more. Immediately they went close with a free kick that Margetson expertly saved. After that they fired high and wide and generally made a mess of trying to score. City were reduced to counter attack for long periods but were always causing problems. Lee nearly got a goal when a speculative lob from out wide caught the keeper out but hit the post.
The reactions from Earnie at the end to me said he was a player who will be elsewhere next season. He was surrounded by City players who former a circle around him as he took the applause of the City fans. The players were all shaking hands with each other but when they came to Earnie it was different. In my opinion the body language was saying goodbye, not see you next season. I may be wrong.
The game ended with Ipswich fans still not sure if they'd made it. An announcement over the tannoy confirmed they had. Wigan, Sheff Utd and Reading all failed to win so now the Tractor Boys play West Ham in the play offs.
Ipswich provided a cracking ground, they were very professional about all they did and it made an excellent experience.
Getting away from Ipswich was a nightmare, over an hour to get the three miles to the A12 and then stop start down to the M25. Still with an early kick off we were home before it was dark.