Ipswich Town: Two years since Bersant Celina's goal against Crewe

Paul Cook's Blues were already 1-0 up against League One basement boys Crewe when, in first half stoppage time, the mercurial Celina produced something extraordinary.

First, he killed a long pass from George Edmundson stone dead, on the run, with a defender obscuring the flight of the ball as it approached.

READ MORE: Stuart Watson on Kieran McKenna's first 100 games

Then he lofted a perfectly-weighted chip over the backpedalling Crewe keeper who, despite still being in his six yard box, could do nothing to prevent the ball finding the net.

It was a moment of magic in an otherwise unconvincing 2-1 win, and rightly went on to be crowned Town's goal of the season.

Watch the wonder goal here...

Boss Cook said:  "What a goal! It was a goal worthy of winning any game and lighting up any stadium.

"That's one that people will be talking for a long time. I think that's what everyone should leave the stadium talking about.

"I've been in lots of stadiums all through my life and that's one of the most special goals I've ever seen.

"When he got it I was thinking 'just take it to the corner' and see us in at half-time 1-0 up! But he produces that moment of magic that probably only he is capable of producing."

It was Celina's 12th goal for Town, and 27th strike of his career.

Bersant Celina celebrates his wonder goal (Image: Steve Waller)
He said: "I think this was my best so far. But I know I’ve got some more stuff in my locker.

“I’ve worked on this many times before. When you’re a kid you always try stuff like that so it’s good to see it come off in a game and with a win.

"It was a good first touch then a split-second decision to shoot. Thankfully it went in. I just felt like the keeper was off his line.,

“I knew as soon as it left my boot that it was going in. It was the first time I’ve scored at this end (South Stand) and that was on my mind because I’ve never scored at Portman Road in the first half of games.”

Celina's goal is rightly considered one of the greatest goals ever scored at Portman Road - here's a look at the other contenders. 

Bersant Celina started his career at Manchester City (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Celina, now 27, is currently on loan at AIK Solna in Sweden, where he's yet to score in nine appearances this season.

He's also played for Kasimpasa in Turkey (one goal in 18 games) and Stoke City (no goals in eight games) since departing Town in May last year.

He's still under contract at French Ligue 1 club Dijon, but hasn't played for them since May 2021.

You can watch what Stuart Watson and Andy Warren made of Celina's wonder goal here...