A FAMILY took Ipswich Town to their hearts last night -- despite Wanderers' defeat.

A year ago, Martin Hunt, aged 28, and his six-year-old son Matthew were killed returning from the play-off second leg between Ipswich and Bolton.

Last night, family members made the poignant trip back to Ipswich.

Martin's sister Mandi, aged 27 and brothers Damion, aged 26, and Leon, aged 23, went to the game with their aunt Ruth Crawshaw and Leon's girlfriend Charlene.

There, they said thank you to everyone for all the support they had received.

Mandi said: "Both clubs have been absolutely brilliant.

"We want to say thanks to everyone for the messages, we really appreciate it and it's helped our mum a lot."

Last year, Mandi and her brothers travelled back to Bolton in a different car.

Then, two hours after they arrived home, a policeman knocked on the door and told them the news.

Leon said: "The whole of football unites when something like that happens.

"This could have happened to anyone, anywhere, but it happened to us on the way home from a football match.

"That is the big difference, so people want to care, they want to help."

Last night was difficult for them as they made their way to the ground, and they were very conscious that the circumstances surrounding the game were the same.

Leon said: "It's exactly 52 weeks to the day, in the same circumstances, for the same fixture. History is repeating itself."

The family has had support from as far away as Belgium, and at last Sunday's match, Ipswich Town fans left flowers in memory of Martin and Matthew at the Reebok Stadium.

Mandi said: "People don't know what to say to us, but there is nothing they can say to make it easier.

"Knowing people are there and people care is a fantastic help.

"When the flowers were left on Sunday, it was appreciated. For people to even contemplate how we were feeling, to remember to take flowers and ask the club if they can put them down, it's incredible."

Despite last night's result, Mandi, Leon and Damion said Ipswich Town would always hold a special place in their hearts.

And the family wishes Ipswich all the best whether they are playing in the First Division or Premiership next season.