FABIAN Wilnis hailed the Town fans after Saturday's stirring 3-2 win over Sheffield United and said: "They were like an extra man when we went down to ten men."

By Dave Allard

FABIAN Wilnis hailed the Town fans after Saturday's stirring 3-2 win over Sheffield United and said: "They were like an extra man when we went down to ten men. That's how important they were for us."

The experienced Dutch right-back, who had an outstanding game, went on: "I feel that this result was sweet revenge for us after the comments that Sheffield manager Neil Warnock made after the FA Cup win over us at their place.

"I recall him saying that they were by far the better side or something like that. I certainly don't think that was the case," said the Blues defender.

He continued: "The dressing room was a fantastic place to be after the game. Everyone was hugging each other. It really was fantastic.

"It was as if we'd won a Cup Final. It really was. This was a very special match to be involved in and I loved every minute of it. To come back as we did with only ten men on the field says much for the spirit at this place right now."

The two-goal marksman DARREN BENT said: "The death of Dale Roberts knocked us all back. But we showed what a great spirit there is here."

He continued: "In the FA Cup up there we came back to 3-3 in a short space of time only to lose out at the end. Here we pulled back to win it with only ten men on the field and it was great to get two of the goals.

"Everyone worked so hard to make it possible," said Bent junior who praised the efforts of namesake Marcus Bent for his second half display after coming on as a substitute at the interval for Jim Magilton.

He said: "Marcus did so much unselfish work up front there, often on his own. He made a big contribution too."

Blades captain ROBERT PAGE said: "Ipswich made a remarkable comeback, and all credit to them. We just can't believe how we let them in. Our dressing room was an awful place to be after the game.

"There should have been no way back for Ipswich with us two goals ahead against their ten men. But somehow we got caught out and that's two successive league defeats now. After two losses earlier in the season we put together a long unbeaten. It can happen again."