IPSWICH Town return to Championship action this weekend for what could prove a defining match against Queens Park Rangers.

Paul Hurst’s side will be determined to build on their opening victory of a so-far troubled campaign, when they signed off before the international break with a 3-2 success at Swansea City.

It was a result that left them second from bottom in the table, just a point ahead of basement dwellers Hull City.

And crucially, they are only five places and five points behind Steve McClaren’s Hoops.

Matches between these sides always remind me of a glorious victory for Town, just before Christmas 2004.

Darren Currie had a dream debut as the Blues came from behind to claim a thrilling win at Loftus Road.

QPR keeper Chris Day made fine saves from Ian Westlake, Tommy Miller, Jason De Vos and Darren Bent before De Vos scored from Jim Magilton's corner.

However, Paul Furlong smashed in two long-range efforts to put Rangers ahead.

Bent levelled from Currie's cross and the latter netted with a deflected shot from 22 yards.

Shefki Kuqi then volleyed home to seal victory – sparking wild celebrations among the travelling faithful, packed behind that goal.

As the Town players headed into London for their Christmas party, all the post-match talk was of star substitute Currie.

"Darren had a terrific impact on the game,” enthused boss Joe Royle.

“I’ve been aware of him for some years and it came to our notice he was in the best form of his career.

"He has quality. He loves the ball and the ball loves him.

"We upped the pace in the second half.

“They were penned in and it was a question of how many we were going to score.”

Rangers boss Ian Holloway felt the score painted an unfair reflection – but his post-match comments are in stark contrast to the current struggles being experienced by Town’s class of 2018/19.

"They didn’t deserve to win by two goals but there’s no shame in being beaten by Ipswich,” he said afterwards.

"They’re one of the best teams - if not the best team - we’ve played this season."

Town’s team that day was Kelvin Davis, Drissa Diallo, De Vos, Richard Naylor, Fabian Wilnis, Miller, Magilton, Kevin Horlock, Westlake, Bent and Kuqi.

Matt Richards and Currie stepped off the bench, with the unused substitutes being Shane Supple, Pablo Counago and Dean Bowditch.