Tommy Smith’s first of the season was sandwiched by two own goals as the Blues beat Millwall 3-0 in their first home game of the campaign. After a goalless first hour, Shane Lowry diverted an Aaron Cresswell ball past Lions’ keeper Stephen Bywater in the 63rd minute before Smith powered home a trademark header on 70 and Mark Beevers inadvertently converted an Elliott Hewitt cross with seven minutes left on the clock.

Left-back Cresswell’s return at left-back in place of Tyrone Mings is the only change from the side which faced Reading in last week’s Championship opener at the Madejski Stadium.

Jay Tabb was fine to start despite suffering a shoulder injury in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup defeat at Stevenage.

Millwall included ex-Town loan keeper Bywater from the beginning, while Andy Marshall was on the bench. There was no place in the 18 for Lee Martin, and Liam Trotter missed out having undergone knee surgery earlier in the summer.

Prior to kick-off, as it was the FA’s Sir Bobby Robson Day, there was a minute’s applause to pay tribute to the legendary former Blues boss. A number of Robson’s players had also spoken about Robson on the PA.

Town dominated the early stages and should have gone in front in the fifth minute when David McGoldrick escaped behind the Lions’ backline from Cole Skuse’s pass but took the ball too wide as he tried to take it past Bywater, who stuck out a hand and claimed. The Blues frontman will feel he probably should have scored.

Millwall had more of the game as it moved towards the quarter of an hour mark but without threatening Scott Loach’s goal.

On 17 the Blues went close again, Cresswell sending in a freekick from deep on the right and McGoldrick headed down and just wide at the far post.

The Blues continued to have most of the ball but without really threatening until the 28th minute when Luke Chambers headed a Carlos Edwards corner from the left over from inside the six-yard box when he seemed certain to score.

McGoldrick again went close in the 34th minute when he twisted and turned his way past two Millwall defenders on the Town right before hitting a shot which deflected past the post and beyond Daryl Murphy.

A minute later, James Henry, the subject of a rebuffed Town offer in the summer of 2012, shot wide of Loach’s right post with the Lions still to test the Blues keeper.

Edwards required treatment for what looked like a two-footed Lowry tackle in the 38th minute, although referee Graham Salisbury disagreed, then a minute later Shaun Derry got his name in Salisbury’s book for a foul on Tabb, having previously been spoken to by the official after a clash with Skuse.

The Lions were lucky not to be reduced to 10 men in the 45th minute when Chambers was clearly caught in the face by a flailing Steve Morison arm as the pair prepared to challenge for a ball from deep. Referee Salisbury was evidently in a very lenient mood and showed only a yellow card.

Just before half-time, Edwards fed Hewitt on the right but his cross was cut out just ahead of Murphy.

Town had had more than enough chances to be ahead at the break with McGoldrick and Chambers both likely to have been thinking that they should have been on the scoresheet as they made their way down the tunnel.

Overall it had been a very scrappy half with Millwall showing little attacking endeavour and appearing there for the taking.

There was danger in the Blues penalty area two minutes into the second period when Richard Chaplow crossed from the left and the ball deflected across the six-yard box, fortunately ahead of Morison. At the other end, Murphy cut in from the left but his low cross was put behind.

After Hewitt had crossed onto the roof of the Millwall net, McGoldrick played a ball in behind Dan Shittu for Murphy but the Nigerian defender did well to get back to tackle, referee Salisbury surprisingly awarding a goalkick.

Millwall, who had shown rather more attacking ambition since the break, came close to going in front in the 57th minute when Derry crossed from the right and Chaplow headed wide at the near post.

The Lions threatened to go ahead a minute later when Henry beat Cresswell and crossed to the far post, but fortunately for Town just beyond Chaplow.

Hyam shot over after a Hewitt long throw was cleared to the edge of the box as game moved towards the hour mark with the Blues starting to get back on top.

And a minute later, they went in front. Cresswell beat Jack Smith down the Town left and sent over a low ball, which a diving Bywater palmed on to Lowry, who was unable to avoid bundling the ball over his own goal-line.

Soon after, Town switched Tabb and Edwards for Paul Anderson and debutant Ryan Tunnicliffe.

Loach saved from Chaplow in the 66th minute but with the flag already raised, then Millwall sub Jermaine Easter left Cresswell in a heap in the centre circle well after the ball had gone. Referee Salisbury and his linesman both missed the incident much to the annoyance of the Town players and management with assistant boss Terry Connor remonstrating with the Lions’ bench.

Moments later Easter claimed a penalty after going to ground inside the box but after little if any contact from Cresswell.

Town made it 2-0 in the 70th minute. Anderson sent over a freekick from the right and Tommy Smith rose above Shittu to power a header into the roof of the net from six yards out.

Tunnicliffe wasn’t far from a debut goal in the 78th minute when played in on the left by a McGoldrick flick. The on-loan Manchester United man’s strike was deflected wide off Shittu. The midfielder hit another effort after the resultant corner but failed to significantly test Bywater.

In the 83rd minute it was 3-0. Hewitt crossed from the right, Anderson stooped to head goalwards and may have got a touch but Millwall defender Mark Beevers behind him inadvertently added the final touch.

Christophe Berra replaced Cresswell for the final five minutes, Tommy Smith moving to left-back, before Lions sub Scott McDonald forced Loach to save down to his left after doing well to latch on to a ball over the top. Henry lashed the loose ball over.

Town should have made it 4-0 in the 87th minute when Murphy played in Tunnicliffe but the loanee was thwarted by Bywater. Moments later, Hewitt was booked.

Overall, there was little doubt that Town were the better side. There was only one team which seemed interested in winning the match in the first half, although the visitors showed more intent in the early stages after the break.

The Blues may have had some good fortune with two of their goals, but over the 90 minutes they created — but failed to take — plenty of chances.

After two defeats in the opening two games manager Mick McCarthy will be delighted to win so comfortably and get some points on the board.

Town: Loach, Hewitt, Chambers, Smith, Cresswell (Berra 85), Edwards (Anderson 63), Skuse, Hyam (Tunnicliffe 63), Tabb, Murphy, McGoldrick. Unused: Gerken, Veseli, Berra, Taylor, Nouble.

Millwall: Bywater, Smith, Lowry, Shittu, Beevers, Derry, Bailey, Chaplow (Feeney 66), Henry, Keogh (Easter 53), Morison (McDonald 72). Unused: Marshall, Dunne, Robinson, Abdou. Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire). Att: 17,183 (Millwall: 935).

Photo: Action Images

Lennyboy added 18:12 - Aug 10 Good result. Poor Murphy had shittu all over his back from the start, try saying that with a straight face. Skuse was really good as was Tunnicliffe when he came on. The ref was absolutely awful as were the assistants, but I have seen worse. Great to start home season with a win, can't speak now...wifes really pleased. Ha Ha. COYB.
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Lennyboy added 18:17 - Aug 10 Also a bit surprised we only had 17,000 odd there, but some may be on holiday I suppose. Reduce the ticket price ME and we could fill the stadium.
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Garv added 18:22 - Aug 10 Woooo!
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southcoastblue added 18:22 - Aug 10 So happy this evening - listened on the net, so you can not get a totally fair reflection of the game. What I could understand is that it was the sort of game we could of gone on to lose a season or two ago and not won comfortably 3-0, especially after nil nil at the break. I know it is only the second league game of the season but today was a massively important win as it settles nerves and confidence after the two results in the week. Skuse sounds like a very sound addition. Can anyone at the game confirm this and comment about the team in general. Todays win is a perfect leaving present as I deploy to the high seas until xmas but shall be observing TWTD as much as possible to monitor the Super Blues. IN MM WE TRUST COYBs

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algarvefan added 18:23 - Aug 10 Win at home and draw away and we're up..........simples!!! Great win today but still feel we need that 20 goal striker to tip the balance and turn chances into goals.
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neillrumsey added 18:25 - Aug 10 Excellent result today against a Milwall side containing some quality players. I think that once they gel they could be a difficult team to beat but today I felt that they were always second best to the blues. Town looked very strong defensively and Skuse who looks an acomplished player and Hyam both were solid in the middle. McGoldricks move,ment is excellent and for me he has that extra quality but we need to find him a partner as Murphy again failed to turn up an only looked interested after the break. We need a striker with pace. Tunniclife will be a great addition as he made two excellent late runs and will be disappointed not to have scored. He has genuine pace and also showed intelligent movement both on and off the ball. Three points and a clean sheet will boost confidence... good afternoons work..

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tractorboy1999 added 18:27 - Aug 10 We deserved the win today hopefully this is where out fight for promotion begins. COYB!!
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ONENIL78 added 18:31 - Aug 10 17,000...people voting with their feet..springs to mind
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EssexTractor added 18:39 - Aug 10 Truth is I guess not many Town fans would have heard of Cole Skuse last season or had him on their most wanted list but he looked a very accomplished tidy player today, with time.always an asset. Tommy Smith and Luke Chambers continue to impress as dominating Championship central defenders. Aaron Cresswell undoubtedly has ability to play at a higher level and how good it was to see he and Elliot Hewitt constantly going forward. Although Hewitt made a couple of errors and was caught out of position more than once how refreshing to see our young players being encouraged to play in such a manner.David McGoldrick is class and a pleasure to watch. He may not be a 20 goal man but defenders will be more perplexed by him than he of they.I was surprised that Daryl Murphy received adverse comments on Radio Suffolk after the match.His task today was as much making Danny Shittus afternoon as uncomfortable as possible and against one of the Championships biggest most intimidating defenders Daryl did just that .Playing to Micks instruction I would suggest I thought both Carlos Edwards and Jay Tabb had quiet games, maybe just the way the ball rolled for them today. It was good management by Mick to give the three subs the game time he did and Paul Andersons was as good and proper a free kick as as been delivered for some time.Scott Loach had few scary moments, but for me the only adverse comment I would make today was of the performance by Luke Hyam. I was underwhelmed by his casual strolling around display. On today's showing Skuse will be an automatic midfield choice. Personally I believe MM and TC need to instill into Luke a more dynamic approach to his game. I think he he has the ability to do it, has he the attitude to be more proactive and less reactive. A good win but and it has to be said against an awful non-footballing team.

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TractorBeezer added 18:46 - Aug 10 Well done lads. Listened on Ipswich Player and really appreciate the fact that our full backs are taking the ball to the byline and whipping in dangerous crosses. Had to laugh at the call-ins. First caller had a bit if a moan that it wasn't such a great performance and then the second caller had a moan about the first caller moaning. Some things don't change! A settled team from the beginning can only enhance our chances to succeed. Thanks MM and TC fir getting it right.

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SamWhiteUK added 18:48 - Aug 10 Couldn't believe callers on Radio Suffolk said we didn't have a good game - we were by FAR the better footballing side, creating plenty of chances, much less hoofball and much more creative, in-to-feet play; plenty of potential to be an attractive game broken up only by some scrappy fouls, from both sides. Must say I was particularly impressed with Cole Skuse, he battled for everything and won 90%, chased, headed, generally bossed the midfield. Having praised one player though, I can't say there was anyone that I was disappointed by. Tunnicliffe looked decent when he came on, Anderson created one (arguably two), a successful day for debutants, although Anderson was over the opposite side to me when he came on so I can't comment too much on his all round game. Generally a good, solid all round performance, and besides a couple of scares, never looked like conceding. We play like that every game and well be top ten, if not top six, without a doubt.

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WashbrookBlue added 18:50 - Aug 10 After seeing such a lacklustre display at Stevenage, delighted to get points on board. Sooo important to do so after two backward steps and qpr next week. Agree with Skuse mom view. Back four really solid which always gives you a platform and a chance. This is the MM philosophy clearly and we can expect more of the same. Question marks remain about ability to penetrate and unlock, don't expect much entertainment on the road, but at home the key will be to score enough to beat the odd goal against. Do we have the pace and guile up front? Jury out. McGoldrick is silky and classy but can hold onto ball too long and has an irritating habit of not striking his shots cleanly. Murphy works hard - it was his chase of a lost cause that won us the free kick for Tommy's header - and he will chip in but does he have the consistent power and pace? Feel Taylor will have big role to play, just not quite yet. Hyam criticism a bit harsh, they had a midfield full of gnarled experience (Derry, Bailey, Chaplow) and he did his fair share of the ugly stuff. Feel we need to focus on each game at a time rather than get ahead of selves with overegged expectations that just heighten the disappointments along the way. The overall trend is forward, lets settle for that for now.

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Jonox123 added 18:59 - Aug 10 Yessss!!!!! Well done Ipswich, bit disappointing to hear two own goals! but didn't concede and probably should of scored a few more!
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Pessimistic added 19:00 - Aug 10 Important victory yes but once again we relied on own goals and a centre half to get on the score-sheet to triumph. Still worried sadly.
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muccletonjoe added 19:02 - Aug 10 Maybe 3-0 a bit flattering , but some major plus points for us in skuse and hyam in the engine room , people criticising luke on that showing , sorry cant even begin to understand it. Tunnicliffe another very good introduction and I thought Anderson had his best showing to date
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TractorBeezer added 19:14 - Aug 10 I have no problem with own goals. It's not as though they were lucky...they were a direct result of our full backs whipping in dangerous crosses that were difficult to deal with. MM seemed happy with them too.
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runaround added 19:24 - Aug 10 First half Millwall stopped us from playing to a certain extent without creating anything themselves. Our front two were at times isolated from the midfield although we still created the odd chance. Second half Millwall threatened briefly but then we regained the initiative and once we had scored result was never in doubt. Skuse was the stand out player for me with excellent work, Chambers, Smith & Cresswell were solid, whilst Tabb, Murphy & McGoldrick worked hard as always. Anderson & Tunnicliffe also had good cameos. 3-0 flattered us slightly but you have to make the best of luck and can only best what is in front of you. We won & everything seems that little bit better after a win! Roll on QPR & Leeds

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jas0999 added 19:26 - Aug 10 No doubt in my mind that we deserved to win this game. Okay, the performance wasn't stunning - but three points, three goals and a clean sheet at home is more than acceptable! Typical MM like performance and would have thought it was an interesting half time team talk - after a poor first half (both teams). First goal was of course crucial. On a less positive note, I am really not convinced that our strikers will score enough goals ... both decent players; McGoldrick with some skill and touch - Murphy with brute force ... but together, I'm not sure. Anyway, no complaints today - great result - but three games without a striker scoring is a concern.

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Fatcatevans added 19:26 - Aug 10 Get real pessimist my friend. Own goals only happen as a result f attacking pressure. I'd be happy to accept two every week. As for Smiths goal, excellent delivery and great finish. you seem hung up on forwards scoring. It's a team game.
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wkj added 19:41 - Aug 10 Skuse and Hewitt played really well. Although he made a couple of errors hewitt is a more than worthy replacement for Stearman
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halsteadblue added 19:44 - Aug 10 great result,never had any doubt we would get our season started today against millwall,early days I know but have every confidence in mick and terry and the boys,already looking forward to going to loftus road next sat sure we will take great support as usual.............coyb
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wkj added 19:48 - Aug 10 Pessimistic; I suspect you may not have seen today`s match in person; if you did you must not have been in the Northstand. The first own goal was cheeky as it was played off of the Millwall defender much like players earn corners; it was very ingenious play by ITFC and he knew exactly what he was doing. The third goal easily could have been given to Anderson but was ultimately not. Yes today was scrappy in parts but its a new team and they need to Gel. Skuse and Hewitt played well and its got to be said that although Skuse isn't neccesarily and attack minded Midfielder he plays the ball intelligently and doesn't give it away like a hot potato; Much like we have seen in recent years.

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Keaneish added 20:03 - Aug 10 Thought we were comfortable throughout today. Millwall played nto our hands. Chambers and Smith were flawless once again - in truth, we have a solid back four with great understanding and goals in them. Its been long tim since we've said that! Skuse was class today, but saying that, him and Hyam aren't the perfect duo at present. i'd like to see Tabb along side him at times during this season. Murphy and McGoldrick - goals will come. Surprised Taylor didn't get a run today though. All in all - very positive. Great platform to build on and a team which will get better over the course of the season. Strength in depth is a problem though. Millwall to go down? Quite possibly. Lomas to last the season? Possibly not! If your fans are singing 'you don't know what you're doing' after 3 games, you're in trouble....

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tractorboyz82 added 20:11 - Aug 10 Well done boys ok performance first half great second half think we still need that creative midfielder and don't think murphy is the man to play with mcgoldrick worked hard but couldnt even beat shittu for pace.cresswell is a premiership lb no doubt best player on the pitch hope we can keep him.think we could nick three points at QPR coyb
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Mark added 20:31 - Aug 10 > Reduce the ticket price ME and we could fill the stadium. Unfortunately prices are going up 52% for the next game.
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