Ross Halls takes a look at a classic encounter against Southampton ahead of the Blues' trip to the Saints this weekend....

We throwback to the Premier League clash against the two sides when George Burley's team put in another impressive away display in the top flight in April 2001. 


Sven-Göran Eriksson arrives at The Dell and is mobbed by autograph hunters.Sven-Göran Eriksson arrives at The Dell and is mobbed by autograph hunters. (Image: Pagepix) The game was live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, with England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson in the stands watching on. 

This was the Saints' final season at the Dell, after 103 years, as they moved to the St Mary's Stadium the following campaign. 

Town went into this game sitting third in the table, while Southampton started their post-Glenn Hoddle era after he moved on to take the managerial vacancy at Spurs. 

Marcus Stewart stabbing the ball home to opening the scoring for Ipswich Town.Marcus Stewart stabbing the ball home to opening the scoring for Ipswich Town. (Image: Pagepix)The Blues opened the scoring just after the half hour mark when Hermann Hreidarsson played a pass into Jamie Clapham, who took the ball into the area and put in a low cross which Marcus Stewart met at the far post. 

The forward was having a impressive campaign and scored his second goal of the night in the 68th minute after another superb team move.

Jermaine Wright took a short free-kick out to Hreidarsson on the left, who strode past several defenders and sent in a perfect cross for Stewart, who headed home.

Marcus Stewart grabs his match ball after completing his first top-flight hat-trick at the Dell. Marcus Stewart grabs his match ball after completing his first top-flight hat-trick at the Dell. (Image: Pagepix) The Blues wrapped up all three points when they were awarded a penalty after captain Matt Holland was fouled in the area.

Stewart stepped up and confidently scored with a chip down the centre of the goal to complete his hat-trick and become the first Town player to score a treble in the top flight since Kevin Wilson in 1985.

It was a memorable night in Hampshire as Town fans started dreaming of European football once again. Of course the Blues would end up finishing fifth that season.

Town XI: R Wright, Bramble, Clapham, McGreal, Hreidarsson, Makin, Holland, Reuser (Venus), Scowcroft (Armstrong), Stewart (Burchill), J Wright.