MATT Richards today vowed to beat the boo-boys after his treatment by some fans marred an otherwise splendid day for Ipswich Town.The 22-year-old left-sided player was jeered as he left the field to be replaced by Danny Haynes in the 78th minute of yesterday's 1-0 win over Championship leaders Birmingham at Portman Road.

By Elvin King

MATT Richards today vowed to beat the boo-boys after his treatment by some fans marred an otherwise splendid day for Ipswich Town.

The 22-year-old left-sided player was jeered as he left the field to be replaced by Danny Haynes in the 78th minute of yesterday's 1-0 win over Championship leaders Birmingham at Portman Road.

It was only a tiny minority, but it dulled an otherwise brilliant start to the New Year thanks to a 90th minute Gavin Williams goal.

Richards had been booed during the game after a couple of errors and the England Under-21 international has been left wondering what he has done to upset a section of the crowd.

This is not the first match Richards has suffered verbal abuse and he put on a brave face.

He said: “I am not going to let it affect me. I am above that. To be honest, I am not sure whether fans were being sarcastic to me or cheering the arrival of Danny (Haynes).

“As far as I am concerned it is over. It is in the past.”

Richards started the match because Williams was named one of the substitutes to save his painful groin from further stress.

“It was a very important win,” added Richards. “To beat the leaders and keep a clean sheet will be brilliant for our confidence.

“We deserved our success and it was a perfect way to start 2007.”

Ipswich take a break from Championship football until they travel to Sunderland on January 13 with an FA Cup tie at League Two Chester this Saturday.

To gain six points from four difficult Yuletide games was a reasonable return with the best saved to last.