ONE of our non-league managers recently gave me a blunt, honest interview about the joy and satisfaction of proving doubters wrong.

He told me there was little more gratifying than "shoving words" down cynics' throats.

The same mentality presumably applied to Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert and his players following Saturday's impressive, enterprising 4-1 victory against Burton.

One swallow doesn't make a summer but those within the bubble could, justifiably, have left the ground with a sense of smug satisfaction.

Critics, myself included, have been quick and strong in terms of voicing their concerns, lately.

Some negativity has been justified and it would be naive and foolish to don tinted glasses and suggest everything is rosy.

However, in the context of this game, Town's performance was a breath of fresh air. Creative, inventive and just what the doctor ordered.

In fact, it was the most I've enjoyed a game at Portman Road for months. Possibly years.

It reminded me of past times when, as a young reporter, I'd frantically scribble down notes during a match, often struggling to keep up with the chances created.

Sadly, it hasn't been like that lately (and not just because we use laptops rather than notebooks now).

To me, games have been less eventful, with less attacking, front-foot football.

At best, pedestrian and unmemorable. At worst, simply turgid.

Saturday was a throwback to happier times and admittedly poor opposition were ruthlessly, mercilessly torn apart.

Town could have plundered seven, eight or nine goals, let alone four. Double figures is no exaggeration.

There was barely a weak link and it was the polar opposite to the recent shambles against Peterborough.

Posh were much better than Burton.

However, regardless of the opposition, Town have now set the bar high and, without doubt, they have the talent to trouble any side in League One.

The key is consistency and, with that in mind, the ball's in their court.

They have a dozen games left and eight are at Portman Road.

Only three are against sides currently residing in the top ten - the home clashes with Fleetwood (eighth) on March 3, Coventry (second) on March 7 and Portsmouth on March 21.

Others, on paper, look very winnable and not least the visits of lowly Southend and Bolton in early April.

Again, it would be jumping the gun to get carried away, based purely on Saturday's euphoria.

Town have plenty to prove, do and achieve before their campaign can be considered a success.

However, what we witnessed at the weekend gives us heart they can do it; that they have the tools and mentality to realise their goals.