Saturday's win over QPR was the convincing and authoritative performance that we have been crying out for, ever since the first day blip against Preston.

The victory over Reading may have been more eye-catching but there was a sense that we caught the Royals on a bad day.

In contrast, the in-form Rangers looked on their game and we managed to stand toe-to-toe with them in the first half and then overpower them in the second.

Both teams looked good in possession but it was Town with the extra grit and determination of players like David Norris and Veliche Shumulikoski – the men to do the dirty work that is necessary to grind out wins in this division.

Now we are starting to see why Magilton fought so vigorously to get Norris into a Portman Road and how his energy and aggression were missing ingredients in Town's midfield.

Shumi also seems to have been reborn in recent weeks. With the arrival of Ivan Campo to play the midfield anchor role, it looked as if
the Macedonian's time in Suffolk could be running out.

But in the last two home games, Shumi has been our star man, shielding the defence and breaking down opposition attacks, while looking more than comfortable with the ball at his feet.

The contest between Shumi with Campo for this role is a mismatch.

While the experienced Spaniard seems to be yards off the pace, the mobile Macedonian is at the hub of the action.

Shumi and Norris' endeavour has freed up Owen Garvan and it is no coincidence that Town have suddenly started to create a plethora of chances, it's just a pity we have been so profligate in front of goal.

In recent weeks Jon Stead, Pablo Counago and Kevin Lisbie have both shown the good and bad sides of their games and the debate will rumble on who should spearhead our strike force either with, or without, the versatile Jon Walters.

While at the back, Richard Wright and Gareth McAuley look like they have put their early season nerves behind them and are growing in stature with every game.

For all this promise, Town have not won back-to-back games since February.

With trips to unfashionable clubs like Blackpool and Doncaster in our next two games, we have the perfect opportunity to draw the top six places into our grasp.

If not, it will be back to the pits for more tweaking and fine tuning.