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Town 2-1 Burnley
Saturday, 10th Nov 2012 17:20

DJ Campbell’s late goal saw Town to a 2-1 victory over Burnley in Mick McCarthy’s first home game in charge of the Blues. Daryl Murphy got Town’s first home league win in 11 games — the last came back in March — up and running just after the break with a controversial header, but a Danny Higginbotham own goal put the visitors on terms before Campbell’s 87th minute winner.

Central defender Tommy Smith was handed his first start of the Mick McCarthy era in the new Blues boss’s first home game as Town manager.

The New Zealand international went to right-sided centre-half with Luke Chambers moving to right-back, where he often played for Nottingham Forest, with skipper Carlos Edwards moving into midfield.

Guirane N’Daw also returned to the XI with Lee Martin suspended and Andy Drury dropping to the bench. Prior to kick-off, the crowd observed a minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday.

Town had most of the ball in the opening couple of minutes but on four Burnley midfielder Chris McCann struck game’s first shot wide of Stephen Henderson’s goal from 25 yards.

The Blues had a better chance on six when DJ Campbell was played in on the left of the area and hit a shot which Clarets keeper Lee Grant batted away. The Blues kept the ball and eventually N’Daw’s strike flew over from 30 yards.

Burnley frontman Martin Paterson was played in on the left by Dean Marney in the 12th minute and Henderson came off his line quickly to block from the former Scunthorpe man.

A game which had hardly been a classic briefly came to life on 26 when Campbell exchanged passes with Richie Wellens, the on-loan QPR man breaking into the area and turning a low effort goalwards from 10 yards, forcing Grant to make a sharp save to his left when the ball looked destined for the corner of the net.

Campbell and Murphy interchanged on 36 to put the Irishman through on goal but a linesman’s flag was raised before he scuffed past the post. At the other end, Brian Stock volleyed well over from 25 yards.

Town had enjoyed one or two long spells of possession, as had the visitors, but with neither keeper overly tested.


In the 39th minute the Blues were thwarted by what seemed a harsh decision by referee Mark Brown. Cresswell had crossed from the left, Murphy’s shot had been deflected into the air and keeper Grant dropped the ball, which was bouncing towards the line.

Before Murphy could add the final touch, Mr Brown blew his whistle despite their having been little if any contact with the Town frontman. Jason Shackell had cleared the loose ball but Murphy may well have got on to it had the whistle not been blown.

Ross Wallace shot well wide in the 43rd minute and there was little further action before referee Brown brought what had been a scrappy period to an end.

The half-time scoreline wasn’t unfair, although Town will have felt aggrieved by the referee’s decision to stop play for the apparent infringement on Grant.

Aside from that incident, Campbell and Wellens carved out a decent chance for the Blues that the Clarets’ keeper did well to save, while at the other end Henderson stopped impressively from Paterson. Charlie Austin — scorer of 20 goals in 17 games so far this season — was yet to really threaten.

Six minutes into the second half it was the visitors who were complaining to the referee after Murphy put the Blues in front in an incident not dissimilar to the one in the first half.

Shackell could only loop a cross from the right into the air and Grant seemed to run into the Irish striker, who had his back to goal as he flicked the ball home with the back of his head.

The grounded Grant and his team-mates protested at length to the referee, who consulted with the linesman before confirming that he had awarded the goal, the first the Clarets had conceded since Sean Dyche took over as manager.

Murphy had appeared to stand his ground as Grant looked to punch the ball, but some referees may well have given the decision the other way. Mr Brown may well have had the incident in the first half in his thoughts when he made the call.

McCann shot wide for Burnley just before the hour, then Wallace was booked for an off the ball kick at Cresswell right in front of the linesman as Danny Higginbotham cut out a ball aimed towards the Scottish winger.

On 62 Wellens found Edwards to his right, the skipper having become more involved in the second half, and the Trinidadian brought the ball into the area before opting to try to pass to Campbell to his right rather than shooting himself and Shackell intercepted. Moments later, Nigel Reo-Coker tried to play Campbell in but overhit his pass.

In the 65th minute Burnley swapped Brian Stock and Wallace for Marvin Bartley and Junior Stanislas, the former West Ham cutting in and hitting a shot over soon after being introduced. On 76 the Clarets swapped Marney for Sam Vokes as they went to 4-4-2.

Austin almost found Vokes with a knockdown from a cross from the right on 78, Henderson claiming confidently. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas replaced the evidently tiring Wellens in the 79th minute, the former Arsenal man joining Campbell up front with Murphy moving wide.

The visitors got back on terms in the 80th minute. Stanislas sent in a cross from deep on the left after a freekick had been half-cleared and Higginbotham, under pressure from Vokes, flicked the ball into his own net off the underside of the bar.

The goal, and the manner in which it came, was a bitter pill for the Blues to swallow with the Clarets not having looked particularly threatening

On 81 Reo-Coker was booked for timewasting when he hit a shot after the referee had blown his whistle for an offside. Four minutes later, Paterson was yellow-carded for a foul on Cresswell.

With three minutes remaining, the Blues restored their lead. Emmanuel-Thomas sent Edwards away down the right with a well-weighted pass. The skipper held off Bartley before drifting a cross to Campbell, who deftly sent the ball across keeper Grant and into the net with the outside of his right boot for his fourth goal in seven games for Town.

Two minutes later the on-loan QPR striker made way for Bilel Mohsni to rapturous applause from the home support.

The Blues saw out the final minutes of scheduled time and five additional minutes comfortably before Portman Road erupted, just over seven months after their last home league victory. The players appeared similarly delighted and relieved, some of them winning in front of the Portman Road faithful for the first time.

Overall, it was a gritty performance from the Blues rather than a great one, but that was what was required against a similarly dogged Burnley side. The second goal was a rare moment of quality.

The victory takes Town up to 22nd in the table, two points off Barnsley in 21st although with the Blues having a significantly worse goal difference, but with Mick McCarthy looking to have Town finally moving in the right direction.

Town: Henderson, Edwards, Chambers, Higginbotham, Smith, Cresswell, Reo-Coker, Wellens (Emmanuel-Thomas ), N'Daw, Murphy, Campbell (Mohsni 89). Unused: Loach, Hewitt, Drury, Scotland, Chopra.

Burnley: Grant, Lafferty, Shackell, Duff, Trippier, Stock (Bartley 65), Marney (Vokes 76), McCann, Wallace (Stanislas 65), Paterson, Austin. Unused: Jensen, Edgar, Ings, Mills. Referee Mark Brown (East Yorkshire). Att: 16,297 (Burnley: 455).


Photo: Action Images



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timspencero added 18:17 - Nov 10
I have to say, it really does make a massive difference having a manager bark instructions. From my old Sunday league games, when my brother came to watch I was a much better player, so much more insight and you HAVE to work harder all game. My boss gave me his Chelsea ticket mid week (boo) next to dug out, and it was fascinating seeing dimatteo telling his players where to be. On one occasion he was yelling to mata to pick up his man - he didn't and chelsea nearly conceded. the look on mata's face. Obvs doesn't change everything, we still got tonked at palace. But I do believe it's important. well in boys
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RedDust added 18:19 - Nov 10
im excited of the idea of making chambers perminant RB, signing higginbotham in jan and getting an equally good new CB too! that would feel pretty good!
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rob_friday added 18:24 - Nov 10
Good performance. Think we'll miss Wellens if he goes back. He has an excellent football brain. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come from N'Daw now he is nearing full fitness. Edwards is so much better on the wing and it sounds like the two CB's played well today. My worries are the two full back positions as Chambers is not a natural and Cresswell has not been as solid as last year, and also the GK - I don't think that Henderson is any better than Loach so see no reason for him being here. Up front Campbell is a very good striker at this level and Murphy is solid if not spectacular. I would like to see Mohsni given a game to see what he can do. But overall a great win and up the league we go!

Good photo as well by the way!
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VINNIEBLUE added 18:25 - Nov 10
We still look fragile, but we will get stronger with each game, win lose or draw, MM is playing the players in their best postions that they are equiped for. So slowly but surely the team as a unit will become stronger as each games passes. Also we did not capitulate when they scored which is also a good sign. Big Mac, enjoy tonight, we all will.
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Edmunds5 added 18:37 - Nov 10
Excellent result well done Mick and the lads, sqaundered another lead and I had that "here we go again" feeling, but to come back again along with keeping a lead at Birmingham shows we're started to get in the habbit of seeing games out. Other results went our way aswell which was handy. Sounded by reports that N'Daw was excellent in front of the back four today, he's starting to be an important player for us, and as for DJ! what a guy!
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suffolkpunchdrunk added 18:38 - Nov 10
Cracking photo, cracking result.

So happy to see Edwards in midfield.

We must do all that we can to keep DJ C.

I can drink my lager and eat my curry with a large smile on my face tonight!
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tractor57 added 18:41 - Nov 10
Yes! I can watch the football league show tonight
Again! 2weeks in a row.. Yay!
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CharlieITFC added 18:43 - Nov 10
As much as I agree with everything everyone has said, and I too am delighted with the 3 points. I feel some of the comments about jewell are harsh. Yes, edwards was never a right back, but, if jewell had put chambers right back, and played two left footed centre halves, all he would of got was stick from some posters. He couldn't win.
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blueblood66 added 18:52 - Nov 10
Gritty, dogged and did the ugly things well. Lomg may that continue as it means we will win more thean we lose!
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ChestnutSe added 18:55 - Nov 10
No Martin = 3 points.

Team looked much more solid with Murphy up front (he won loads of headers).

N'Daw & Reo Coker were solid in midfield & Smith was a Titan at the back against Austin.

Good well deserved win. I was confident we would win with 11 players instead of 10 plus a passenger.

Mick has tried to address the RB issue (hope Elliot is a long term answer) but if he picks Martin again he will go down in my estimation. We have put up with Martin for 3 and a half dismal seasons. Please please let him go
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townietilidie added 19:14 - Nov 10
YES YES YES !!! Get in boys ... Never felt so happy over a 2-1 win . Been such a long time coming and today has shown that a bit of common sense and good management can win us football games . The crowd we're fantastic the only downside was the attendance figure . Now please Mr Evans and Mr Clegg do something to get more people into PR as still too many empty seats .A reduced family package ticket deal ? Under 16's £ 3 ? Something to get the seats full please . IMWT... COYB !!!
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This_girl_is_blue added 19:16 - Nov 10
Love Mick's straight talking ways! We think Look East are sh**** too Mick so we're with you on that one! Well done lads, great match.
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StowTractorBoy added 19:20 - Nov 10
A fantastic result against a very good and well organised Burnley side who make no mistake are no mugs. I too feared the worst when Burnley scored but how many times do the opposition make a substitution and change the game. Stanislas did more in the first few minutes of his appearance than Austin did the in the whole of the match. Credit to Tommy Smith for keeping Austin under wraps and to Higginbotham who own goal apart I thought had his best game for us to date. Cresswell still not his old self but the boy never gives up so hopefully he will get back to his best. On the goalkeeping front I thought Henderson did OK but his kicking was a bit suspect and he does not deliver the ball as quickly he he should. Unfortunately we have 3 goalkeepers on our books none of whom in my opinion are up to the mark something I am sure MM will eventually address. Biggest priority now is to do a deal for DJ the problem is QPR definitely need a goalscorer and I know its a different league but he could be the answer - I hope not as he has done brilliantly for us. Thanks players and MM for making Saturday night a happy one.
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wkj added 19:30 - Nov 10
The look of surprise on the Brunley lad in the picture is priceless... I had a similar look on my face when the reality set in we actually scored 2 goals in a home game! MM's Blue and White Army! 2 Points from safety and a buzz about town, GET IN!
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TangoAlphaNovember added 19:44 - Nov 10
Fantastic effort from the whole team. I had forgotten what PR and the goal celebration tune sound like it's been so long and how brilliant is the feeling when you are making your way home after A WIN. Very interesting to get a good look at N'Daw. He seems to be a strong,no frills,no nonsense hard player.He highlights the need for more height in our squad. Thought Edwards was outstanding today ...he rarely has a poor game and his work ethic and commitment should be an example to any youngster. I am desperate to see young Hewitt in action...it's been a long road back for him but great to see him on the bench. Mohsni, I hope, will be given more game time soon he looks a bit lively and showed some quick footwork today.A good level of effort was maintained today for the full 90 minutes and the lads played with confidence . Thanks MM and welcome to Portman Road.
THIS_LADY_IS_BLUE...what's that about Look East???????????????
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ericclacton added 20:06 - Nov 10
Just got home ,really enjoyed the game Carlos was brilliant Ndaw brilliant Chambers looked happier at RFB a really well earned victory, now going to pour myself a large one cheers everyone COYB.
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TimmyH added 20:08 - Nov 10
Just seen the attendance and once again little over 16,000! you'd think with a newly installed manager and the club offering a discount on another game if they came today would have boosted the figures, but sadly not. Oh well they missed out on the first home win since March and a gutsy performance from the boys, well done Mick - keep it up!
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superblues81 added 20:16 - Nov 10
COYB - Keep this up and well be out of bottom three in no time!!
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marcus9 added 20:21 - Nov 10
at the game today all looked a lot better thought henderson was a bit dodgy the attendance was very poor but i think ticket prices are way too high £60 for two adults the club should take a look at that. but overall things are looking up must sign campbell and the more i see of moshni the more i like him good touch for abig man.
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Ipswich24 added 20:37 - Nov 10
Just being there and getting the feeling of a win will do for me. standout performers for me NDaw and man of the match Tommy Smith gets a lot of stick myself included, but to keep the top scorer in Europe quiet and prevent him from scoring is huge achievement well done Tommy now prove you can do that every week.
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runaround added 21:09 - Nov 10
Very important result. Now we need to build on this. Many players put in their best performance in a long time
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86wsblue added 21:22 - Nov 10
very happy man,gonna be nice to be able to read the sunday papers again for the second saturday in a row.
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86wsblue added 21:37 - Nov 10
charlieitfc.wake up and smell the coffee because the dismal jewell days are over.
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Daleyitfc added 21:43 - Nov 10
That's what happens when you leave out Deadwood Martin. Ditch him permanently now.
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hogster1970 added 21:58 - Nov 10
well what a dogged steely performance and well done on the win, thoughtbthe second half performance desereved the 3 points, every one put in a great shift,

a few lows for me though

henderson, why is he playing ahead of loach, is beyond me, his kicking is poor and never reases the ball quick for a quick counter attack even though players eg aaron was screaming for it,

when cressy was in space no one looked up and gave him the ball and again even though he was screaming for it, it took 20 mins before n daw did and half the ground cheered for it lol

wellens if you are placed a s a left winger then bl@@dy act like one eg keep wide and mark your player all to often in the first half he was in the center circle and not in the left channel, leaving us exposed , that cant happen, i do like him but thought carson would have done a better job there

thought chambers done a ok job at right back but again drifter inside and quiet often left his man in acres of space so needs to watch that.

as said though smith done well marking austin out of the game,

and edwards done well on the right

so hopefully onwards and upwards but leicester next sat is going to be tough, a draw would be like a win there i feel
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