Joe Royle would have been content if just one of his second-half substitutions paid dividends.

For two to come up trumps - injecting much-needed quality in the side - was the stuff of pure fantasy for the Ipswich Town boss.

Skipper Jim Magilton, rested after playing in every League and cup match this season, had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds when his trademark radar-accuracy helped turn the game.

Fabian Wilnis was fouled down the right-hand side, and when Magilton curled in the pinpoint free-kick, Richard Naylor was well-placed at the far-post to head beyond Lee Grant.

Then, midway through the second half, Kuqi surged down the right and pulled back a low cross for Tommy Miller.

The midfielder went for positioning rather than power and steered a low, first-time effort inside the far post.

He made another decisive contribution in the 90th minute.

Martijn Reuser whipped over a free-kick which squirmed under grant.

With the ball about to roll over the line, Kuqi applied the finishing touch to put the gloss on a resounding home win.

Published Monday January 5, 2004

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