Ipswich Town 2 Gillingham 1IPSWICH Town, who reached the play-offs last season, got their Coca Cola Championship season off to the best possible start when they came from behind to beat Gillingham at a hot Portman Road this afternoon.

By Nick Richards

IPSWICH Town, who reached the play-offs last season, got their Coca Cola Championship season off to the best possible start when they came from behind to beat Gillingham at a hot Portman Road this afternoon.

Goals from Richard Naylor in the 35th minute and a gem from Dean Bowditch in the 46th minute were enough to give Joe Royle's side three points – more than they had after six games last season.

It was Town's fourth 2-1 victory in succession having won three home pre-seasons friendlies by a similar score.

And it was the first time they have beaten Gillingham at home in the League since September 9, 1953 when they won 6-1 in the old Division Three South.

New signing Kevin Horlock was an inspiration in midfield while Jason De Vos, also making his debut, helped give Town a resolute look at the back after conceding a goal to Paul Smith in the 23rd minute.

Darren Bent and Bowditch were lively up front used mainly on the flanks and Town had the chances to have scored more goals particularly in a second period where they had virtually complete control.

Read the full report in this weekend's Green 'Un… plus

Ian Westlake's new weekly column

Darren Bent on Town's key player

Colchester's historic start to the season

Hadleigh's Archie Arnold on his fight against injury