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Sixteen years of hurt have finally been laid to rest for the home side. A curse that had lingered for longer than most forgotten places was broken in conclusive fashion as East Anglian rivals the visitors were beaten 3-1 and generally outclassed in the hosts' first triumph in fifteen derby matches.

Decisive Strikes and Pivotal Displays

Goals from Cédric Kipré – the standout performer – the skillful Jaden Philogene and Clarke were the key turning points of the match, with the away team's risky offensive play another factor. But the presence of Marcelino Núñez, who found the net against Ipswich for the Canaries in the previous derby two seasons ago then finalized a £10m move to Ipswich in the summer, was felt all match. Featuring on the front of the matchday program and in the chants of the home fans, even as he started the game on the substitutes' bench, this was a transfer troll that ultimately achieved the intended outcome.

Game Summary and Key Incidents

After a peppy mood in and around the stadium before the kickoff, the first thirty minutes was as disjointed as chip paper. But the hosts took the lead in the 32nd minute with a cleverly executed dead-ball situation. The delivery came from Philogene: a looping cross that found Dara O’Shea at the far post. O’Shea nodded the ball down to the center of the box and, after something of a scramble, it came to Cédric Kipré who controlled it and slammed the ball into the goal.

This was what the home crowd had been after and the team looked in a strong position to kick on, but Norwich fought their way back into the match. A number of turnovers by the away side ended with one finding Crnac who burst behind Leif Davis to win a set-piece. Fisher's cross was directed at Darling at the back post, but was headed out to Schwartau who hit a low shot straight back at the target and, via a slight touch, past a stranded Alex Palmer.

The Canaries were euphoric and Ipswich’s fans became a somewhat restless. This was a story they had seen repeatedly before, while the Ipswich's performance was amplifying worries over a scratchy beginning to the campaign following relegation. But one consistent factor during the early fixtures has been the prolific streak of Jaden Philogene, and he was set to strike again.

Philogene’s Stunning Strike

The away team were playing triangles in the centre of the park with the clock having just reached to the stroke of halftime when Schwartau’s fellow Dane, the engine-room player Mattsson, inexplicably let the ball pass between his legs and through to a waiting Philogene. From there the attacker wasted no time. He advanced direct on target and, after two touches, unleashed a rising drive from 25 yards that clipped the top of Kovacevic's fingers but burst into the upper net of the goal. His reaction – a taunting chant with his hands in his head – may need refinement.

Second Half Events

At the interval the Ipswich legend Magilton came on to the pitch to urge the supporters to keep believing, and pledged that Norwich’s advanced backline would produce more opportunities. Soon enough he was vindicated. Ipswich were more and more able to spin attackers into the gap left open by their rivals' advanced full-backs. George Hirst ought to have netted from a similar chance three minutes after the restart, but mishit his shot when one on one with the keeper. Given with a identical situation of an opening on the hour Hirst opted against shooting at all and crossed the ball into empty space.

Núñez’s Influence and Clarke’s Clincher

With a quarter-hour to go both teams made a number of substitutions but attention were on a particular player. Núñez came on to the pitch to a round of loud singing and within minutes he had made the decisive contribution the storyline had anticipated. The visitors were trying to hustle into some offensive play, but a forward burst from Harry Darling ended in a poor touch and Jens Cajuste stole the defender before rolling the ball instantly to Núñez. The Chilean needed just an moment to read the play and spun a ball over that defensive line into his teammate Azón on the left flank. His driven shot went past the goalkeeper and on to a post, but Jack Clarke (another sub) was on handy to tap the rebound home calmly.

Final Moments and Celebrations

The final quarter-hour were a battering for the visitors but there was no further embarrassment to be endured. Not during active play. At the full-time whistle, as the stadium erupted, Núñez was given his own lap of honor of the stadium, accompanied by the lenses. Stroking the team banner and displaying a sign of a tweet from a opposing fan demanding a Núñez statue at Norwich's ground, the player appeared to be having the moment of his career.