Matt Holland was beginning to think he could only score away from home.

The Ipswich Town skipper had not struck on his own patch since the 4-1 home defeat against QPR last year.

But he's been having rather more success on his travels around the country with the Town.

The Republic of Ireland international midfielder has scored eight times on away trips this season.

But he got the perfect early birthday present - he's 26 today - with the final goal in the 3-0 win over relegation-fodder Port Vale.

Holland's tenth strike of the season added to earlier efforts from James Scowcroft and David Johnson.

It was his 49th career goal and he's planning to break the half-century before the season's out.

He said: "The manager was saying at half-time we needed to punish Port Vale by scoring more to boost our goal difference.

"Our physio Dave Williams joked we couldn't rely on me to score because I've only been getting them away from home.

"So I think I surprised him as much as myself when I got our last goal, but it was nice to get one in front of our own supporters. Goal difference could be crucial come the end of the season so it was important to try and knock a few in.

"Manchester City have to play Blackburn and Birmingham in their final two games so it's not going to be easy for them.

"If we can win our final few fixtures then I believe we can still go up in second place."

Holland's room-mate on away trips was also among the goals with his 18th of another successful season.

Striker David Johnson recovered from his spat with Jim Magilton at West Brom to score Town's second, but he's only interested in promotion.

Johnson said: "If I don't score again this season it won't matter. All I'm interested in is making sure we go up into the Premiership."

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