Plymouth supporters usually have ample reason to excuse themselves the 327-mile trip to Portman Road. Down the years their team have rarely performed well in Ipswich, two wins from 24 visits telling that story succinctly enough. It is an enervating journey, all the way from one perceived outpost to another, and the rewards simply do not tend to match the effort.
Never mind the history. On Saturday more than 2,100 will travel to Suffolk and this time belief will pulsate through all of them. Steven Schumacher’s side are five points clear at the top of League One, seven ahead of their third-placed hosts having played a game more, and are superbly set to correct a 13-year absence from the Championship. If they take the points, promotion will start to feel nailed on. The opportunity is worth all those hours on the road.
