McCarthy’s Town Triumphs Over Lambert’s Rovers as Fans Sing Happy Birthday!
On a memorable night in March 2016, Mick McCarthy’s side faced off against Paul Lambert’s Rovers at Portman Road. This Championship match was significant as it celebrated the 33rd birthday of Daryl Murphy, the Town striker who would shine in this game.
Second Half Surge Secures Victory
The scoring did not commence until the 67th minute. Referee Iain Williamson awarded a penalty to the Blues after Luke Chambers was fouled in the box. Birthday boy Daryl Murphy confidently took the spot kick, finding the bottom corner and outpacing Blackburn goalkeeper Jason Steele.
As the game approached its conclusion, Murphy struck again in the 87th minute, sealing a convincing victory for Ipswich Town. This goal was orchestrated by Luke Varney, who played a critical role by winning the ball and delivering it to Murphy, who skillfully cut inside before firing home. This marked Murphy’s 10th goal of the season.
Fans Celebrate with ‘Happy Birthday’
The Town supporters joined in the festivities, celebrating Murphy’s double with a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday.” This victory was their third in five matches, elevating them to eighth place in the league standings. By the end of the 2015/16 season, Ipswich Town concluded their campaign in seventh place, narrowly missing out on the play-offs by five points.
Match Summary
| Team | Goals | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich Town | 2 | Daryl Murphy, Luke Varney |
| Blackburn Rovers | 0 | Jason Steele (GK) |
Starting XI for Town
- Bialkowski
- Chambers
- Smith
- Berra
- Knudsen
- Skuse (Foley 76)
- Hyam
- Douglas
- Sears
- Pitman (Varney 64, Digby 90)
- Murphy
This match remains a highlight for Town fans, combining a pivotal victory with a birthday celebration for one of their most beloved strikers.
