Uefa Cup 1982 1983 Ipswich Town As Roma

First Round, Second Leg

Portman Road
Wednesday, September 29, 1982
Attendance: 17751

Referee: Mr V Christov

 In the face of their mountainous UEFA Cup first round second leg task gallant Ipswich Town gave the sort of spirited show that would have done justice to the legendary Sherpa Tensing himself. The East Anglians excited the home fans with an effort full of all the spirit and determination they could muster and in the 54th minute that summit of a possible place in the second round came into clear view when Steve McCall put them two goals ahead.

The Italians were rocked but just when it looked as though the "Roman Empire" was about to fall about their ears Aldo Maldera rifled in from just outside the penalty box with what was their first real on target effort. Ipswich, who had been given the lead in the 41st minute by the transfer seeking Gates, were then faced with the prospect of having to score three times to win the tie as away goals count double in Europe. Terry Butcher, playing up front as Town threw caution to the wind, pulled back another with a header in the 71st minute, but the Italians held on to go into the draw for the second round in Zurich tomorrow. So for the second season in succession Ipswich go out of the competition they won in 1981 at the first hurdle. And what is even more galling for them is that this time they do so sadly rueing two defensive errors from
the first leg in Rome which they lost 3-0.