When Ipswich Town Football Club finally broke a 16‑year spell on October 5, 2025, the roar at Portman Road sounded like a celebration that had been brewing since the club’s last derby win on April 19, 2009.
The match, kicked off at 12 pm and streamed live on Sky Sports Football, saw the home side dispatch Norwich City Football Club 3‑1 in what is locally dubbed the “East Anglian derby.”
A historic win at Portman Road
Beyond the three goals, the result ended a 6,013‑day drought –‑ a span that covered 78 other opponents, all of whom Ipswich managed to beat before finally overcoming their own neighbours. The victory was sealed in dramatic fashion when substitute Jack Clark slotted home the final strike with his first touch on the pitch.
In the post‑match interview, Clark, who had come off the bench in the 68th minute, laughed, “I still can’t believe I scored on my first touch. It feels like the whole town is out here with me.”
Why this derby matters
Dubbed the “Old Farm derby” by cheeky locals, the fixture is more than just three points; it’s the unofficial barometer for the coveted title of “Pride of Anglia.” Historically, the two clubs have met 152 times across all competitions, sharing exactly 60 wins each. In competitive league meetings, Norwich holds a narrow 48‑45 edge, but today’s triumph nudged Ipswich a step closer to evening the ledger.
Football historian Simon Clarke notes, “The rivalry dates back to 1939 when the professional clubs first faced each other. Every win feels like a reclamation of regional identity, especially after such a long gap.”
Key moments and player stories
One of the day’s headline‑making anecdotes involved Marcelino Nunes, who became only the ninth player to appear for both sides in the derby. “Crossing the ‘rarely bridged divide’ is a privilege and a pressure cooker,” Nunes told reporters, gesturing to the fans chanting his name.
The match narrative tilted heavily in Ipswich’s favour after the 30th minute when a swift one‑two between the midfield duo opened the scoring. Two more goals followed, each arriving from fresh legs –‑ a testament to the squad’s depth, as the commentary team quipped that “three substitutes combined to kill the game off.”
Statistical snapshot and rival history
- 16‑year derby win drought for Ipswich (last on 19 Apr 2009)
- 6,013 days without a derby victory
- 152 total meetings, 60 wins each overall
- Competitive record: Norwich 48 wins, Ipswich 45 wins
- Ipswich’s longest winless run at Carrow Road stretches back to 5 Feb 2006
The 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season, which kicked off on 9 Aug 2025 with Norwich hosting Millwall, has seen both clubs jostling for playoff spots. After today’s win, Ipswich sit three points above the mid‑table safety line, while Norwich slipped to 14th place.
What lies ahead for both clubs
Looking forward, the reverse fixture at Carrow Road is pencilled in for later this season. Norwich manager David Wagner admitted, “We’ll regroup, analyse the footage, and aim to restore our pride on home soil.” Ipswich’s head coach, Kieran McKenna, replied, “We’ll enjoy this moment but keep our eyes on the promotion race.”
For fans, the derby win isn’t just three points – it’s a narrative reset, a chance to rewrite the story that has haunted Portman Road for more than a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Ipswich Town’s league standing?
The three points lift Ipswich Town Football Club to 11th place in the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship, narrowing the gap to the playoff zone to four points and giving the squad momentum ahead of the busy winter schedule.
What historical record does the derby now stand at?
Including today’s result, the competitive head‑to‑head tally moves to Norwich City 48 wins, Ipswich Town 46 wins. Across all 152 meetings, each club still holds 60 overall wins, with the remaining matches ending in draws.
Who were the decisive players in the match?
Besides the goalscorer Jack Clark, substitute midfielder Marcelino Nunes provided the link‑up play that created the second goal, while veteran striker Brennan Wyke opened the scoring in the 30th minute.
When is the next East Anglian derby scheduled?
The return leg at Carrow Road is slated for February 23, 2026, giving Norwich City a chance to avenge the defeat and potentially close the rivalry gap before the season’s climax.
What does this result mean for the title of ‘Pride of Anglia’?
While the title is unofficial, beating Norwich after a 16‑year wait gives Ipswich Town Football Club a strong claim to regional bragging rights, especially as the season heads into its decisive phase.
