DEAN Bowditch was so happy he almost cried after breaking his long goal drought at Queens Park Rangers last night.The 20-year-old striker had not scored for 41 Ipswich Town first team games until he headed into the net in the 86th minute to complete a glorious 3-1 Championship victory.

By Elvin King

DEAN Bowditch was so happy he almost cried after breaking his long goal drought at Queens Park Rangers last night.

The 20-year-old striker had not scored for 41 Ipswich Town first team games until he headed into the net in the 86th minute to complete a glorious 3-1 Championship victory.

It was in October 2004 that Bowditch last found the net for Town at Coventry - and he only managed one each when on loan for lengthy spells at Burnley and Wycombe Wanderers. He said: “I did not know what to do. I sank to my knees and it was an unbelievable feeling of relief.

“I was so happy I almost cried with emotion on the pitch.”

Bowditch admitted his lack of goals has been a worry.

He added: “It was like carrying a weight on my back. I was scoring in training so why couldn't I do it on the pitch?

“But it is over now and all top strikers have a spell when they have trouble finding the net. Now I shall be looking for 25 for the season.”

Ipswich were transformed from their previous matches this season as Jim Magilton collected his first win as a manager.

And with the game being shown live on television the nation must have been left shaking their heads as to why Ipswich are so low in the table.

It was magnificent stuff and if the rest of the season is like this then the doom and gloom of the last few weeks will soon be transformed into a bright glow of success.

“I can remember Ipswich playing in the Premiership a few years ago and last night we knocked the ball about in the same style,” said Bowditch, who came on as 76th minute substitute for the highly impressive Billy Clarke.

“We were solid at the back, passed the ball superbly in midfield and took our chances up front.

“Billy was unlucky to

hit the woodwork and he went close on a number of other occasions.”

Gavin Williams also struck the woodwork as Ipswich hit back, with the aid of a dubious penalty after going behind.

There was not a weak link in the Ipswich side and there were scenes of joy in the dug-out area at the final whistle.

But no one was happier than Bowditch - a goal at last.