Jack Clarke fires Ipswich to late victory over Sunderland

Jack Clarke fired newly-promoted Ipswich to an opening-day victory with a 90th-minute winner to down old club Sunderland.

A new era at Portman Road got under way with Gary O’Neil in the dugout for a competitive fixture for the first time since he replaced long-serving boss Kieran McKenna in June and with six full debutants on display.

It had been a busy summer for Ipswich with 12 signings made in an attempt to follow in the footsteps of opponents Sunderland, who finished seventh on their own return to the top-flight in the 2025-26 campaign.

This first day fixture looked set to finish all square after Nilson Angulo produced a superb 39th-minute free kick for the Black Cats to cancel out Emersonn’s opener after 24 minutes following excellent play from Julio Enciso.

Substitute Clarke had other ideas and made the most of Omar Alderete’s wayward pass on the stroke of full time to curl into the bottom corner to send Portman Road into pandemonium after they witnessed only a second Premier League home win in 24 years.

Sunderland almost taught the new boys a lesson after four minutes when Trai Hume was given too much time and played in Brian Brobbey, but Leif Davis got back to make a crucial block for Ipswich.

A shaky moment on the ball for debutant Kjell Scherpen in goal followed soon after before O’Neil watched his new-look team settle down.

Emersonn had provided an indicator of his prowess with an early header which caused Robin Roefs trouble and marked his first start with a goal in the 24th minute, but it was all about Enciso.

Ex-Brighton forward Enciso had impressed during a six-month loan at Town last year and provided the first of potentially several highlights this season when he intercepted Luke O’Nien’s pass, dribbled