Norwich 2-0 Ipswich as it happened

1. Norwich complete league double over Ipswich
2. Bradley Johnson fires in superb opener
3. Scrappy Lewis Grabban goal doubles lead
4. Norwich up to third, Ipswich slip to sixth

PA

Well, that will do for us this afternoon. If you get a chance to take a look at Bradley Johnson's thunderbolt, it's well worth a watch.

For the yellow of Norfolk, the beer will taste a little sweeter tonight. For the Blue side of East Anglia, disappointment today but still plenty to play for in the final 12 games of the season.

Thanks for your company.

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy tells Sky Sports: "Two goals are the difference. There wasn't a lot in the game.

"Norwich have a squad as good as most. Alex Neil has them going.

"I don't think there was too much in it today though. We're three points off second - the league is bonkers. I think it will maybe be the lowest score for going up."

Some reaction from Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy on the way...

Here's the updated Championship table - it makes good reading for Norwich fans.

And it's by no means the end of the world for Ipswich...

BBC

Norwich City boss Alex Neil tells Sky Sports: "It's the most important result since I've been here.

"We worked hard. It was difficult because of the way Ipswich set up. There's a discipline and a determination about us.

"I didn't think it was a great game, but most importantly we won it."

Want to relive the game? Take a look at BBC Sport's match report here.

This is not a disaster for Ipswich, regardless of how awful their fans will feel tonight (they've now lost four consecutive derbies).

But this squad, with barely any money spent on it, is still right in the play-off mix. They're sixth and just two points behind their local rivals.

That's six wins on the spin now for Norwich, and seven undefeated.

When Alex Neil took over in January, the Canaries were down in seventh. Now they are third, one point off second-placed Middlesbrough.

Can they be stopped?

Ex-Ipswich captain and BBC Radio Suffolk summariser Mick Mills: "It's been Norwich's day today. We've got to get it out of our system. We've got another game on Wednesday and we go again."

Norwich City goalscorer Bradley Johnson tells Sky Sports about his superb opener: "Sometimes they go into row Z. I've scored a few goals and I only thought of hitting it. If we carry on what we're doing, I'm sure we'll be up there."

Former Norwich striker and BBC Radio Norfolk summariser Iwan Roberts: "They look a confident side now. It was a carbon copy of the Wolves performance [two weeks ago]. As a defensive unit, Norwich were superb. And up front, their quality shone through."

FULL-TIME

Empics

The final whistle goes and Carrow Road switches to party mode.

The expected barrage from Ipswich just hasn't come.

In fact, most of this injury time has been played in the Town half.

The visitors have a free-kick in a good position though.

Cameron Jerome's contribution lasts just 30 minutes as he goes off and on comes Gary Hooper.

He made Norwich's second goal though - so it's not a bad day's work.

Cameron Jerome is down receiving treatment to his foot.

The board goes up and we will have four added minutes.

Ipswich need something very, very special.

There are 27,005 at Carrow Road - and that's a record in the all-seater era for the Canaries. It shows you just how big this game was today.

The final few minutes all looking comfortable the home faithful.

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Patrick Giles: Following the text at Wellington airport on the way to Melbourne. Time is going backwards. Come on City!

Chris Wood used to bang these in for fun a couple of seasons ago.

Jonny Parr's cross finds him 10 yards out but he mistimes he header and sticks it over the Norwich bar.

Tyrone Mings hooks down Jonny Howson and gets a yellow card for it.

Half tiredness, half frustration in that challenge.

Russell Martin gets sight of goal at the back post from the free-kick, but flicks into the side netting.

Ipswich aren't quite banging the door down, yet, but they are certainly pressing the door ball aggressively.

Norwich make a change, with Wes Hoolahan coming off and Graham Dorrans heading on.

Freddie Sears is once again the man coming close for Ipswich. Jay Tabb fools the Norwich defence by slipping in Sears from a free-kick.

The forward hooks goalwards from a narrow angle and Seb Bassong has to head clear from under his own bar.

Chris Wood is on for his Ipswich debut. The Leicester City loanee, who has goals in him, replaces Daryl Murphy.

A chunk of sustained pressure from the visitors comes to an end and Norwich survive.

The Canaries have to hold on for 12 minutes to make it an East Anglian double this season.

Promising signs for Ipswich. They send in a free-kick and Freddie Sears and Luke Varney almost get shots away.

Jonny Parr finally does and Alex Tettey throws himself in the way to deflect it wide.

Bartosz Białkowski has kept Ipswich in the game.

Jonny Howson releases Cameron Jerome, his first few touches are good, but the Town keeper judges everything perfectly and blocks the shot with his leg.

The Canaries have decided they will sit deep now and try and see out the last 20 minutes.

It's almost like they're saying to Ipswich "see if you can get past us then".

If Town are to do it, they will need a spark or a moment of magic.

Russell Martin has got away with one during that Freddie Sears chance.

Luke Varney has looked to charge in on the attack, but the Norwich defender has clipped the forward off the ball. Referee didn't spot it.

Ipswich meanwhile bring on Jonny Parr for Kevin Bru.

Freddie Sears has impressed me today. He wriggles and jinks his way towards the Norwich box and draws a save from John Ruddy.

Ipswich need more of that.

Empics

Mick Mills is spot on there. A puzzling goal that most of Carrow Road took a while to realise had gone in.

They're delighted though. Ipswich need a response, sharpish.

Ex-Ipswich captain and BBC Radio Suffolk summariser Mick Mills: "I'm not quite sure how that ball has ended up in the net. It's a freak goal."

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Lewis Henderson: Alex Neil on his way to making sure the Premier League's Scottish manager quota is up again. What a job he's doing at Norwich.

Chris: Don't know how this season got turned around for City, but it's giving me goosebumps every match now.

GOAL

If Norwich's first goal was sublime, this was the opposite. Not that anybody in yellow cares.

Cameron Jerome instantly gets involved and fires in from the edge of the area.

Lewis Grabban and Tyrone Mings gets in the way of the shot, it hits the Town defender and then Grabban before trundling in.

The second half doesn't have as much of the zip as the first half. It's certainly more methodical.

Norwich make their first change, removing the wide pace of Nathan Redmond and bringing on the hulking figure of Cameron Jerome.

Wobbly defending from Norwich.

Jay Tabb swings in a cross from the left, and Seb Bassong fails to deal with it confidently.

Freddie Sears is ready to hit the loose ball, but strikes a defender. A promising sign for Big Mick's men.

Luke Varney gets a talking to from the referee following a collision with Seb Bassong.

The Ipswich forward had a look at his opponent before jumping into him while going for a header.

Proper derby stuff though, and nothing more than that.

Former Norwich striker and BBC Radio Norfolk summariser Iwan Roberts: "The Norwich defence looks solid, but you just know that Ipswich will come again."

Lewis Grabban has been lively today. He finds a bit of space outside the Ipswich area and swings a left boot, but it's a tame effort.

Moments later he bundles over Christophe Berra in a one-on-ne chase for the ball. Good defending from the big Scot.

Norwich are prodding it around in Ipswich territory, and Wes Hoolahan springs Lewis Grabban forward.

His cross is snuffed out by Christophe Berra though and Bradley Johnson headers the corner 16 miles over the bar.

Tyrone Mings brings down Nathan Redmond, who was looking to spin away.

It's a pretty smart foul to give away by the Ipswich full-back, with Redmond ready to head into space.

A nervy moment for Bradley Johnson. His clearance spins up and over his own goal. Town can't make anything from the corner.

KICK-OFF

A half-time change for Ipswich. Luke Varney comes on for Richard Chaplow, so that looks like one to add a bit more of a presence in the final third.

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Nick Jay: Ipswich need to hold the ball up better and play through the lines or I can see a resurgent Hoolahan continuing to run this.

MuzzH: Good depth to this norwich squad! Dorrans and Jerome hopefully will make an appearance! Good game so far.

Keep your opinions coming using #bbceaderby on Twitter.

PA/BBC

And what a superb strike it was. Bradley Johnson's goal remains the difference in the East Anglian derby at Carrow Road.

Will it be enough for Norwich to secure three points?

Looking ahead...

There's hardly time to breathe in the Championship. The relentless schedule continues with a full fixture programme in midweek.

There are eight games on Tuesday and the top two clubs face sides fighting against relegation, as leaders Derby go to Brighton and second-placed Middlesbrough host Millwall.

Four more matches follow on Wednesday, with Norwich at home to struggling Wigan and Ipswich travelling to in-form Leeds.

Ipswich fans may be taking a glance at their bench and wondering what their options are.

Chris Wood, signed on loan from Leicester on Friday, could be the joker in the pack. He scored 22 goals in the 2012-13 campaign, remember.

Join the debate at #bbceaderby

Lewis: It's amazing what effect a fiery Scotsman and some dynamite in Bradley Johnson's left boot can do for Norwich's form!

Kieran Walsh: Supporting my Canaries from Oklahoma and it sounds like it was just another usual wonder goal from Johnson. No biggie.

Dan Marsh: One goal at the start of the second half and it is Ipswich's for the taking #COYB

David Gilks: For the first time in many years, I'm optimistic about clawing back an away win in the derby.

Have Norwich got what it takes to hold on? Or will Ipswich fight back in the second half? Get in touch using #bbceaderby on Twitter.

Ex-Ipswich captain and BBC Radio Suffolk summariser Mick Mills: "We're not out of this game by a long shot. There's very little between the two teams and very few chances.

"Tommy Smith, Christophe Berra and Cole Skuse have got to deal with Lewis Grabban and Wes Hoolahan a bit better.

"When Daryl Murphy, Freddie Sears and Richard Chaplow get themselves in the game, we look quite capable, but we've got to do a little bit more there."

HALF-TIME

The whistle goes to signal the break and what a goal it was that separates these local rivals.

Bradley Johnson's firecracker from 18 yards was as delicious as it was thunderous.

Town have not been overrun, but they may have to find a different approach, rather than the direct mentality.

It took 45 minutes to come but we have our first fiery moment.

Daryl Murphy goes in shoulder-to-shoulder with Seb Bassong. The City defender goes to ground and Irishman Murphy is less than happy.

It's a matter of seeing this through to half-time for Norwich, and they look like they will do it untroubled.

Town go long again and the excellent Steven Whittaker deals with it this time.

Ipswich have a few goes at clunking it forward, but none of them come off.

Norwich are a little deeper now and look reasonably happy to head clear from the edge of their area.

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Guy Britton: Good goal for Norwich, get ready for a monumental response! COYB

Thoughts on the first half so far? Use #bbceaderby on Twitter.

This time Wes Hoolahan has a swing from outside the area, but it's easy for Town keeper Bartosz Białkowski.

Ipswich, though, are showing a bit more composure going forward.

Big Mick is scribbling something down on a piece of paper - doubt it's his shopping list.

Freddie Sears and John Ruddy do battle again.

This time the former West Ham striker is 18 yards out, cuts in on his right foot and forces a sound stop from the Canaries keeper.

Ex-Ipswich captain and BBC Radio Suffolk summariser Mick Mills: "This game is really livening up and turning into a good match. Both teams were feeling the occasion a bit, but since Norwich opened the scoring, Ipswich have responded nicely and are picking the ball up in attacking areas. Daryl Murphy and Freddie Sears are getting themselves on the ball quite frequently now."

Bradley Johnson, bless him, gets a tad excited. He finds himself in space 25 yards out and tries to relive his glory.

This time it squirms wide.

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Oh this should be 1-1.

Daryl Murphy springs away on the wing and gets the ball across to Freddie Sears.

He cuts inside and just has to beat John Ruddy, but the England keeper makes a great stop by rushing off his line.

Mick McCarthy's side have had a spine of steel this season, and they're going to need a bit of that now.

They've looked powerful and direct, but Norwich's high pressing is causing them problems.

It's only Ipswich fans who will tire of seeing that goal.

It's Bradley Johnson's 10th of the season - that's his best ever haul.

Former Norwich striker and BBC Radio Norfolk summariser Iwan Roberts: "What a strike! We know he's capable with that left foot. It's a really good ball back and Bradley Johnson doesn't need asking twice. There was no way the Ipswich goalkeeper was getting a hand to that shot."

GOAL

What an absolute ripper.

Lewis Grabban gets away down the right-hand side of the penalty area. His pull-back bobbles all the way through to the edge of the area and Bradley Johnson barely breaks his stride before slapping in a left-foot rocket from 18 yards.

Carrow Road rocks with delight.

Lewis Grabban is narrowly offside from a Bradley Johnson through ball. Fair play to the Norwich fan sat just behind the linesman - he nods his head in agreement.

"Just off," he mouths to his mate.

Former Norwich striker and BBC Radio Norfolk summariser Iwan Roberts: "Alex Tettey has had a quiet opening but he's a vital player for Norwich in that anchor role. It's important he doesn't go too far away from Bassong and Martin, and allow Ipswich to thread the ball through to their forwards."

Bradley Johnson catches Luke Chambers late, but no card this time.

Norwich are eager to press up and force Ipswich into playing the ball quickly - Town look like they're just about comfortable with it.

Alex Neil the livelier of the two bosses so far, just about.

He's about five yards further from his bench than Mick McCarthy, who is still bellowing out the odd order.

Ex-Ipswich captain and BBC Radio Suffolk summariser Mick Mills: "It's definitely a yellow for Skuse but it's unlucky. It's one of those where the ball is at kicking height and he's got to go for it."

Ouch, Bradley Johnson stoops to head the ball in the middle of the park, but gets a Cole Skuse boot in his face for his troubles.

The Ipswich midfielder goes into the book.

First proper chance of the match, and it falls to Norwich.

It's actually great defending from Ipswich. Jonny Howson's hooked cross finds its way through to Lewis Grabban, but Christophe Berra nips in perfectly to stop the striker from converting from five yards out.

Ex-Ipswich captain and BBC Radio Suffolk summariser Mick Mills: "This is a decent and confident start from Ipswich, apart from a couple of early scares."

It's a pretty frantic start. Richard Chaplow and Jay Tabb work well together to win an Ipswich corner.

The Canaries get it clear - and there's a rare moment to have a breather. If this pace continues, some players will be needing a nap at half-time.

Norwich fans want a penalty, none given.

Tommy Smith just gets a toenail to the ball with Lewis Grabban heading to the by-line.

Town scramble away the corner and Jonny Howson hits a speculative effort wide.

Big Mick definitely seems to have set up to contain Norwich's midfield, with a narrow four across the middle.

Jay Tabb gets a sniff with a half-volley from 25 yards, but it trundles straight to John Ruddy.

Former Norwich striker and BBC Radio Norfolk summariser Iwan Roberts: "It's not a bad tactic from Norwich in the opening 10 minutes - turning the Ipswich defenders around. No defender likes running towards their own goal, especially with the pace Norwich have in attack."

Route one from Ipswich, and it almost comes off. Daryl Murphy flicks on, but Freddie Sears uses his hand to control.

That might be an effective option for Town.

Lewis Grabban almost gets through down the right channel, but Tyrone Mings is across well to hassle him off the ball.

KICK-OFF

A few hit and hopes to get us underway and a couple of long throw-ins.

Town make progress down the right side but it's out for a goal kick.

My goodness. The noise at Carrow Road is thunderous. A rendition of 'On The Ball City' rings out - it's believed to be the oldest song in football, don't you know?

Fasten yourself in. Here we go...

Ex-Ipswich captain and BBC Radio Suffolk summariser Mick Mills: "It's very difficult to say you enjoy these games but they are the ultimate fixtures. The fans for both clubs are superb and it's a really noisy atmosphere.

"As a player, you long for this type of occasion."

Listen live on BBC local radio

@cgoreham

Unfortunately, there's no commentary on the BBC Sport website.

However, if you're based in East Anglia, you can listen to the game on BBC local radio - as well as following our live text commentary of course.

BBC Radio Norfolk (95.1 FM, 95.6 FM, 104.4 FM) and BBC Radio Suffolk (95.5 FM, 95.9 FM, 103.9 FM, 104.6 FM) will be providing live commentary from Carrow Road - BBC Radio Norfolk's commentary team, which includes for Norwich striker Iwan Roberts, have been in position for some time.

Join the debate at #bbceaderby

Former Norwich striker Grant Holt: Telly ready, cup of tea in hand, now time to watch the match. Fingers crossed for @NorwichCityFC today.

Where's that form book?

Getty Images/BBC

Both sides are somewhere near red hot right now, but Norwich are slightly redder and slighty hotter.

The Canaries have won five on the bounce, and seven of their last nine. Town have three victories from four games.

'Derby winners can chase automatic promotion'

Former Norwich defender Danny Mills

Football Focus

"It was a strange appointment when Alex Neil came in as manager at Norwich. It came very much out of left-field.

"He's got the players playing. Cameron Jerome has got 17 goals this season, but Lewis Grabban and Gary Hooper have backed that up.

"They've got three players scoring regularly. The game is all about momentum. Whoever wins that has the chance to kick on, cement their place in the play-offs and maybe chase automatic promotion."

Tight at the top

Here's how the table looks after Saturday's action...

BBC

Only two of the top eight sides in the Championship won on Saturday, meaning the winners of today's East Anglian derby are guaranteed to rise to at least third.

It's also worth noting that seventh-placed Brentford and eighth-placed Wolves are just one and two points from a play-off spot respectively, so today's losers will be anxiously looking behind them at the chasing pack.

In the words of Big Mick, "it's bonkers".

Former Norwich striker and BBC Radio Norfolk summariser Iwan Roberts: "You can't be over-reliant on one person. Norwich have four players with more than 10 goals or near to it. I can't remember that in my time of being involved with Norwich.

"Ipswich have probably relied a little bit on Daryl Murphy. It's great if other people, especially from midfield, can chip in with some goals.

"You won't win the league if you win today, but it will be a huge blow to momentum if you lose the game."

Derby debut for Alex

Norwich City boss Alex Neil, like his counterpart Mick McCarthy, has also played for Barnsley.

But he hasn't featured in any of Big Mick's other illustrious derbies.

"As someone who grew up in Scotland, the Glasgow derby has always stood out for me. I know exactly what derbies are all about," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"We know what it means to the fans - it's their biggest game of the season. What's at stake in terms of the league makes it even better."

Read more views of players, ex-pros and fans right here.

Big Mick's philosophy

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Derby day schmerby day? Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy reckons local rivalry plays little part in the commitment of players.

"I'd like to do a survey and see how many players are from Norwich and Ipswich in these two teams and find out if they understand the passion of the East Anglian derby," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"It's more about passion for playing football I think. It never bothered me if I was playing in Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday, Celtic v Rangers, Man City v Man United or anything.

"There's always a bit more because the fans insist on it, but my team give it every week."

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Ipswich midfielder Teddy Bishop: Gutted to be missing the game today but I've got faith in the boys. COYB !!!!!

Highly-rated teenager Bishop misses today's derby game because of injury.

Magic Murphy

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Norwich, be warned. Daryl Murphy is having the time of his life. He had never scored more than 13 in a campaign until this season.

The new Neil

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When Alex Neil replaced Neil Adams as Norwich City boss in January, it proved pretty convenient for supporters.

A lot of the songs didn't have to change - "Neil, give us a wave" and "Let's all wave at Neil" are just two examples.

But there were quite a few people doing a bit of Googling of the Scot to find out who he was - and in fact the first result you would have got was for a London-based estate agent.

With seven wins from his first nine games, the former Hamilton manager has won over sceptics quickly - but take a look back at this article on the 33-year-old's managerial philosophy.

Tale of the tape

Other

Ipswich edge the overall head-to-head, but recent history is not on their side, Town have not beaten Norwich in their last three meetings - and they have not won at Carrow Road since February 2006.

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Former Norwich forward Darren Huckerby: So the most important #EastAnglianDerby in years is here, today the only thing that matters is the win! #Ncfc

Ex-Norwich striker Dean Ashton: Just the small matter of "The Old Farm Derby" today! 2-0 to @NorwichCityFC I'm going!

Former Ipswich full-back Fabian Wilnis: Big East Anglian derby this afternoon. Good luck Ipswich. A draw wouldn't be bad, but with a win I would be absolutely over the moon.

Chaplow chance for Ipswich

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Richard Chaplow will make his first Ipswich Town start, as one of two changes from the midweek win over Birmingham.

But new signing Chris Wood, on loan from Leicester, has to make to with a spot on the bench.

On-loan Millwall midfielder Chaplow joins Jay Tabb in the side, with wide men Paul Anderson and Jonny Parr dropping out.

Ipswich Town starting XI: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Mings, Berra, Smith, Bru, Skuse, Tabb, Chaplow, Sears, Murphy.

Substitutes: Gerken, Parr, Clarke, Anderson, Benyu, Varney, Wood.

Tettey starts for City

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Let's get straight in with some team news. Just the one change to the Norwich City side that came from behind to beat Blackburn on Tuesday.

Alex Tettey comes into midfield to replace Graham Dorrans. Lewis Grabban, with four goals in as many games, starts up front.

Norwich City starting XI: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin (c), Bassong, Olsson, Tettey, Johnson, Redmond, Howson, Hoolahan, Grabban.

Substitutes: Rudd, Turner, Jerome, Hooper, Andreu, Garrido, Dorrans.

Join the debate at #bbceaderby

So, how's this one going to go? Feeling confident Norwich fans? Will Big Mick bring Ipswich derby day delight?

Give us your thoughts on Twitter using #bbceaderby and we'll use the best ones right here.

Why is today so important?

Let's put the intense rivalry between these two teams, separated by 45 miles, to one side for the moment.

There is the small matter of two sides trying to claw their way into the Premier League.

Results yesterday were pretty good to both clubs and a win, should we get one, would put either of them third in the table, and just a point off the automatic promotion spots (Ipswich could actually go second if they win 6-0).

The last time this fixture had this much riding on it was in March 2004, a game which Norwich won 3-1.

It's a game of two halves

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Time to brush off that big book of footballing cliches folks.

Who wants it the most? Form goes out the window. It means so much to the fans.

It's derby day in East Anglia and we'll be bringing you every 50-50 challenge, every thunderous tackle and every bragging-rights-inducing goal.