Football: Albion inflict late Suffolk sucker-punch; SPORTS ROUND-UP Action Replay DATE IPSWICH v ALBION.

Byline: BRIAN HALFORD

WHEN Albion visit Ipswich Town next Saturday there will be a fair few quality players on display.

But, with respect, they can hardly compare with the stars who were on parade when the teams locked horns at Portman Road back in 1983.

And that day the two teams served up a real treat for the 16,611 lucky punters.

Albion knew they faced a tough test from an Ipswich side at the peak of its powers under Bobby Robson. But they struck the first blow on 14 minutes when strike-pair Garry Thompson and Cyrille Regis linked to send Romeo Zondervan through to open the scoring.

Ipswich struck back twice in three minutes just before the break. John Wark converted a penalty and Eric Gates swept home Trevor Putney's cross. But the Baggies hit straight back to level it up at 2-2 in injury-time.

What a goal it was. Regis controlled the ball brilliantly on his chest then volleyed home the 100th goal of his career.

A pulsating contest remained all square until the 71st minute. Then England centre-forward Paul Mariner pounced to make it 3-2. Albion dug deep, though, and with three minutes left Mick Perry headed home.

With seconds to go a Regis breakaway was ended by a Terry Butcher foul. Thompson took responsibility from the penalty spot and made no mistake.

Albion's fans embarked on the long trip home - cheered further by news from Molineux. Wolves had been drubbed 4-0 by QPR, John Gregory hitting the opener.

CAPTION(S):

TON-UP... Cyrille Regis fired home his 100th Albion goal at Ipswich.