The two previous meetings of the clubs this season had been won by the away side, and this game followed the same pattern with the Ipswich side taking the honours. After 15 minutes, Dominic Arnold outstripped the home defence and Dougie Mustoe narrowed his angles well to save, but Mustoe was powerless shortly after when Arnold's cross was misjudged by a defender and Ben Taylor turned the ball in from close range. Taylor nearly doubled his tally heading against the post from Micky Adams' cross. Stanton came back strongly and only desperate defending prevented an equaliser before halftime.

Chris Leys doubled Achilles lead on the hour outjumping the centre half to head home Kieran Donovan's inviting cross. Stanton replied immediately through Ian Chapnel as a long throw-in caused confusion in the Achilles ranks. Stanton threw players forward but could not find the quality to test Ross Charters as Achilles makeshift defence came under increasing pressure in the later stages of the match.