Ipswich Town: Leif Davis on 2-1 win at Derby County

Ipswich Town match-winner Leif Davis spoke with pride after his side showed grit and resilience to secure a hard-fought victory over Derby County at Pride Park.

The Blues had taken the lead through former Derby loanee Lewis Travis but failed to build on their advantage despite creating a host of opportunities.

That inability to find a second goal allowed the hosts back into the contest, with Derby equalising from the penalty spot after Azor Matusiwa brought down Bobby Clark, leaving Rhian Brewster to convert.

However, Davis ultimately proved decisive late in the game, rising to power home a header from Kasey McAteer’s cross to clinch all three points for Ipswich in the East Midlands.

Reflecting on the moment, Davis admitted the win felt particularly significant. “We really needed that,” he said. “It’s been coming for a while. We’ve shown strong form at home and now we need to take that on the road as well. Hopefully this is the start of it.”

The full-back was quick to praise the collective effort, highlighting the determination shown by the entire squad. “The lads were excellent today. They worked tirelessly, dug deep and stuck together as a team,” he added. “That’s what it takes to pick up three points.

There’s a great spirit in the group, and the players who came off the bench were outstanding again. That’s what it’s going to require week in, week out.”

Ipswich responded impressively after conceding the equaliser, refusing to let the momentum swing permanently in Derby’s favour. Davis believes that resilience was a key takeaway, particularly given the club’s recent frustrations away from home.

“They started to build momentum, especially towards the end of the first half,” he explained. “It’s a tough place to come — passionate fans, a hostile atmosphere — but that’s what football is all about. That passion is why people love the game.”

Davis also expressed sympathy for Matusiwa, whose foul led to the Derby penalty, while praising his overall performance. “I felt a bit sorry for Az because he was excellent again in midfield,” he said. “He’s really settling in and looks like he’s been here for years. I was disappointed for him, but I’m glad I could help him out with the winner.”

Not known for scoring goals — especially with his head — Davis joked about the rarity of the moment. “I don’t even think I’ve scored a goal off the floor!” he laughed. “All my goals have been along the ground, so I guess I need to keep this up. The delivery was perfect. I saw the goalkeeper move early and just tried to glance it in.”

When asked about his last headed goal before the winner, Davis recalled a distant memory. “Probably League One at Oxford,” he said. “That was the game where I couldn’t even see the ball.”

The goal celebration carried extra meaning, as Davis revealed he is expecting a baby girl. “I’m buzzing — we’re having a little girl,” he said with a smile. “It’s the next chapter of my life, so I had to do that celebration for her.

“My partner kept telling me I had to do it the next time I scored. I promised I would.

I couldn’t do it before because one goal went down as an own goal and another was an equaliser, but this time felt perfect. It was the right moment.”