EVEN now, hours after the event, it's difficult to deliver a calm assessment of Wanderers' shattering play off defeat that brought down the curtain on their exciting season in the cruelest possible manner. With a minute of normal time remaining at Portman Road and another visit to Wembley seemingly assured, Jim Magilton's hat-trick goal brought Ipswich their third equaliser and set the stage for Wanderers' extra time heartbreak.

Bolton supporters should have headed triumphantly home, drooling over Dean Holdsworth's two goals -- the second a magnificent free kick -- and the sensational Allan Johnston volley. Instead, the name on their lips was that of referee Barry Knight, who awarded Ipswich three penalties and issued a catalogue of yellow cards against Bolton players -- including two apiece for Mike Whitlow and Robbie Elliott.

Given the doubtful nature of the penalties -- particularly the second -- it's no wonder Wanderers couldn't contain their indignation. Indeed, that not one Ipswich player was booked spoke volumes for Mr Knight's performance. Gallant Wanderers were backed every inch of the way by their most loyal followers. Sadly, those fans were denied the opportunity to salute their heroes at the final whistle by a pitch invasion from the Suffolk crowd, some of whom taunted their counterparts in an unseemly fashion. So the Premiership gates have been slammed shut by forces beyond Wanderers' control. But, with the club astutely run and shrewdly managed by those who share our passion, we can look forward to even greater progress next season. So let's fill The Reebok, help turn it into a fortress and let Big Sam and the lads do the rest.