Ipswich claim derby win

A Mexican masterclass from Giovani dos Santos ensured Ipswich saw off local rivals Norwich 3-2 to send the Canaries a step closer to relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship.

Bryan Gunn's visitors had forged ahead thanks to a fine header from David Mooney but Alan Quinn fired the home side level after an inspired touch from the on-loan Tottenham youngster sent him clear.

Giovani then converted a contentious second-half penalty to cap a performance of Premier League quality which illustrated why Spurs were willing to spend over £4million to bring him from Barcelona last summer. Substitute Jon Stead then hit a late third to confirm a costly defeat for Norwich, who grabbed a last-minute consolation through Sammy Clingan.

Norwich are a point adrift of safety with just two games remaining and could be left to rue the soft penalty decision for Giovani's goal if they find themselves in League One next season.

But the visitors started well and had already gone close through Alan Gow before they took a 16th-minute lead. Clingan whipped in a free-kick from the right and Mooney was left unmarked to send a fabulous header beyond Richard Wright and into the far corner from 15 yards.

They were pegged back in the 25th minute though as Pablo Counago turned Gary Doherty on the left touchline and fired a splendid crossfield ball to the edge of the area where Giovani showed real class to volley a deft lay-off perfectly into the run of Quinn. The midfielder did not have to break stride as he lashed home under the body of David Marshall with his left foot.

It appeared inevitable that Giovani would eventually create a third goal and he did so on the hour mark. After floating in off the wing he sent Kevin Lisbie clear with a beautiful pass and Marshall rushed out to narrow the angle. Lisbie hurdled the challenge and after waiting for an age referee Niall Swarbrick pointed to the spot.

Giovani stepped up and calmly rolled the penalty into the bottom corner to the delight of the home crowd.

Norwich poured forward in search of an equaliser but it was Stead who grabbed the goal in the 88th minute. Lisbie flicked on a long ball to send Stead clear and he showed admirable cool to side-foot past Marshall from eight yards.

Swarbrick then awarded the Canaries a penalty in stoppage time after Quinn appeared to climb on Alan Lee and Clingan fired home to ensure a nervy finale.