Town’s play-off hopes suffered a blow as they were beaten 3-1 at Watford. The Hornets, outsiders for the top six themselves, were ahead through Albert Riera at the break, but Anthony Wordsworth equalised five minutes after the restart, however, two goals in three minutes from Gabriel Angella and Lewis McGugan sealed the three points for the home side.

Boss Mick McCarthy made three changes from the team which beat Doncaster last week with Wordsworth, Aaron Cresswell and Frank Nouble coming into the side for Tyrone Mings, Paul Anderson and Stephen Hunt.

Anderson, who has been suffering with a hamstring problem, dropped out of the 18, as did former Watford keeper Scott Loach, who woke up with a back problem.

Hunt and Mings were on the bench, along with third-choice keeper Michael Crowe and strikers Paul Taylor and Jack Marriott, who was recalled from loan at Woking on Friday. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake missed out with a hamstring injury.

The sell-out Blues away following behind the goal spent their time throwing around a huge variety of inflatables as they waited for kick-off and were in fine voice as the game got underway.

Town, with Wordsworth in a central midfield three and ahead of him Murphy and Nouble to the left and right of Williams, started brightly, Nouble winning an early corner which came to nothing.

Murphy hit a low shot through to Watford keeper Manuel Almunia in the eighth minute after a long spell of Town passing down the left.

The Blues continued their early pressure and on 12 the home side eventually scrambled a Williams freekick from the left behind ahead of Chambers at the far post.

From the resultant corner, Wordsworth’s under-hit pass led to a Watford break which was cut out by superb Cresswell challenges on first Mathias Renegie and then McGugan.

But in the main Town were still on top and on 14 Williams forced Almunia to parry a strike from the edge of the 18-yard box, the loose ball somehow avoiding several well-placed Blues players.

However, despite Town having been on top, the home side went in front in the 21st minute. Former Liverpool man Riera brought the ball inside Chambers from the left and, with no one closing him down, curled a shot beyond Dean Gerken and into the corner of the net.

The Blues immediately went looking for an equaliser, Williams tricking his way into space on the left of the area, but hitting his cross beyond his team-mates. Soon after, Wordsworth flicked a header wide from Nouble’s left-sided cross.

Town eventually cleared the increasingly influential Riera’s mis-hit shot across the face of goal in the 35th minute, then Cresswell diverted McGugan’s cross from the left wide with the Hornets looking the more dangerous side but with the Blues still having a lot of the ball, albeit largely in unthreatening areas.

On 38 Wordsworth screwed a shot wide from distance and the Blues were unable to threaten again before the break.

Having started on the font foot, the Blues had been on top until Watford’s goal. From there, the home side grew in confidence with Town looking rather lacking in ideas in the latter stages of the half.

Town created an opportunity within a minute of the restart, Williams feeding Nouble, who shot wide from an angle on the right of the area. Two minutes later, after Cresswell had sent in a freekick from the right, Murphy scuffed a shot at a defender when well placed.

Troy Deeney struck a 48th minute shot through to Gerken but two minutes later Town were on terms. Following a throw-in on the right, Nouble crossed low and Wordsworth slammed in his first goal of the season right in front of the Blues support, fans and players celebrating together.

Town survived a lengthy spell of head tennis in their area after Nouble appeared to lose sight of a high ball after a corner in the 53rd minute as the Hornets looked to restore their lead.

The Blues were looking the more dangerous side and in the 58th minute Murphy robbed Daniel Tozser midway inside the Hornets’ half and brought the ball in on goal before being robbed by Joel Ekstrand.

A minute later Williams reacted angrily to what he claimed was a stamp by Riera, referee Gary Sutton speaking to them both but keep. When the ball had gone out of play Angella shoved Williams over and picked up the game’s first yellow card.

On 61 Town were within inches from going in front. Williams crossed from the left and Hyam flicked a header which Almunia brilliantly tipped onto the bar with Murphy unable to get on to the loose ball.

But two minutes later, the home side restored their lead. Tozser sent over a freekick from the left and Angella powered a header beyond Gerken.

Two minutes later it got worse for the Blues. Tozser tricked his way into the area on the right and cut back along the edge of the six-yard box. The ball deflected out to McGugan, who struck a low shot across Gerken and into the net.

Having gone two goals in front the Hornets began to dominate with Town pinned back in their half. On 70 McGugan was booked for a foul on a breaking Skuse. On 77 the former Forest midfielder curled a shot not far wide of Gerken’s left post.

Town switched Wordsworth for Paul Green for the final 10 minutes, while Watford swapped Almen Abdi for Cristian Battocchio.

Smith blocked from Deeney after the Hornets striker had got away from Berra as they challenged for a bouncing long ball, then Tozser was booked for what looked a high and late challenge on Williams.

Nouble headed wide prior to Hunt and Taylor taking over from Hyam and Williams, who looked to have been hurt by Tozser’s earlier foul.

Hunt hit a looping shot just over as the game moved into injury time, while Hornets sub Sean Murray volleyed just over shortly before the whistle.

Having got back on terms, the Blues looked the more likely winners - with Hyam unlucky not to net with his header - until Watford, who always looked sharper in the danger area, netted their two quick goals.

Thereafter, Town never looked like getting back into it and remain eighth, one point from the play-offs ahead of Monday’s home game against AFC Bournemouth.

Watford: Almunia (c), Angella, Ekstrand, Hoban, Faraoni, Abdi (Battocchio 80), Tozser, McGugan (Murray 85), Riera (Pudil 83), Deeney, Ranegie. Unused: Bond, Belkalem, Merkel, Doyley.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Berra, Smith, Cresswell, Skuse, Hyam (Hunt 85), Wordsworth (Green 80), Williams (Taylor 85), Nouble, Murphy. Unused: Crowe, Mings, Richardson, Marriott. Referee: Gary Sutton (Lincolnshire). Att: 16,615.

Photo: Action Images

LankHenners added 17:08 - Apr 19 Poor defending cost us today unfortunately. Also disappointed that we didn't show enough fight firstly after we equalised, and then again when we'd conceded the third. Anyway, on to Monday where hopefully we can get 3 points! COYB! Also, Hyam's header was saved excellently - he did a great job at getting to it but the 'keeper made a fantastic stop. No scapegoating of him please.

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Bluetone added 17:10 - Apr 19 Substitutions made too late to have any impact.
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boysinblue added 17:11 - Apr 19 Knew we'd lose this, just the kind of game we usually lose. Why MM has such a phobia of making brave substitutions is beyond me. I mean Green for Wordsworth?! Gimme a break! Also taking Williams off?? Sometimes I despair. Oh well our rivals all dropped points yesterday so we're still in it. COYB.
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TractorBoy666 added 17:12 - Apr 19 Well before this game I thought a loss wouldn't be the worst thing in the world but having got the equalizer so early in the second half and with Hyam hitting the bar with a header, that's hard to take. Credit to Hyam making runs forward, I'd start him as the only defensive player on Monday as we only need the one defensive player. It's nowhere near over yet, big game against Bournemouth so lets give the lads one last push! COYB

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clive_baker added 17:13 - Apr 19 Beaten by a better side. Results went our way though and I still think 9 points will get us in the top 6. So better start on Monday against Bournemouth and see what the table looks like after that!
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town1328 added 17:14 - Apr 19 Obviously a blow to our play-off chances but because of other results this weekend we are still in the mix and others will still drop points! A lot of twists and turns to come but still believing! COYB
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town93 added 17:15 - Apr 19 Were much the better team before the 2nd and 3rd goals for them, was disappointing how we had no reply to going behind again. Although sounded like Nouble played well, much prefer him as an impact sub. The subs were too late and a poor choice. Missed opportunity, but still only 1 point behind 6th. Must win game on Monday now!!
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jcITFC added 17:15 - Apr 19 You b*stard Almunia. What a save from Hyam's header. Would've been a completely different story if that went in at 1-1
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tractorfact added 17:17 - Apr 19 i feel like Bill Murray waking up to that same song ye again "I got you babe" predicted it and yep on comes that song again ffsake ................... .
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bluefeast added 17:20 - Apr 19 Gutted today.
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TimmyH added 17:25 - Apr 19 Nothing's really changed, we're still 1 point behind the play-off spot but have to say a bit disappointed with the result but not surprised as apparently we have only beaten them once in 19 games - diabolical! As per the QPR and Wigan games the defense was at fault by and large and cannot afford any more more slip ups and feel 7 points from the next 3 games and we have a chance. But who knows it's a crazy league, who would have thought that the main contenders for that 6th spot before this Easter weekend all would have not won! Must win on Monday now...

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Lightningboy added 17:33 - Apr 19 Still in with a decent chance with 3 to go,I think most of us would've taken that at the beginning of the season..sadly another 1st half without scoring again today,that has hindered us big time this season..Huge game monday now. We can still do this!
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RedDust added 17:35 - Apr 19 Watford HAPPENED to score 3 goals today.. they never threatened they HAPPENED to score and i'm at a loss how they did. By far the worst performer today was Mick Mcarthy, his tactics were awful and he is responsible for a real chance to make the playoffs just slowly sailing off into the horizon. for the whole game the attacking tactics were the same, have speculative long balls from defence or midfield pumped up to murphy who happened to be situated on the right wing all game when he was billed as our only central striker and generally employ a remote front line. Skuse was non existent today and could of been substituted for a more attacking threat like taylor and look to force the game on watford. ITFC was just long ball all game. Wordsworth was taken off for green???? a tired Wordsworth is likely to score or create something more than Green!! Mick waited till the 83rd minute to bring on taylor and hunt, i think we had been 3-1 for about 10mins by then..... waiting 10mins to make an attacking substitution absolute sh*t tactics Mick

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NoCanariesAllowed added 17:36 - Apr 19 A result that reminds us why 8th place would still represent a great finish for this side. But for the opening 20mins then that spell when we scored the equaliser and hit the bar, I'd admit Watford were the better team today. They don't mess around when they've got the chance to run at you and we just didn't deal with it. Quite glad it wasn't 4 because it felt like it was going that way and could've been terminal for our goal difference. Never mind Andy D'Urso on Monday - he probably won't be any worse than the officials today, who I felt made countless wrong calls on possible Town corners and throw ins as well as Watford handballs. Doesn't help either that Watford were behaving like their classic selves at time today, the usual time wasting, pushing our players about and generally being bloody annoying without being punished for it. Not making excuses though, we just weren't good enough and fell badly flat after each time Watford took the lead. Felt MM was too reluctant to shake it up as well, though not that I could really suggest what would've made any decisive impact in this one. Ultimately I suppose we have to look at it as our opponents not capitalising on our defeat this weekend rather than us failing to capitalise on theirs. Truth is that we're probably all about the same from 6th to 13th and are all failing to really grab hold of that last playoff spot no matter how close we all are. It'll just be whoever picks up one more point here or there. On that basis, I don't think you can fancy us any less than you could before this weekend started. Makes Monday undeniably huge though. Just gotta keep it alive for as long as we can and fate might be kinder to us than our rivals again. I dunno. Bloody hate Watford.

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Seasider added 17:38 - Apr 19 Still in with outside chance,as it has been case for lot of season. Pleased that Woody started and scored.Think Skues should be dropped as since his injury not impressed me but I am not the Manager.Certainly don't need two defensive midfielders in must win game on Monday. Rather cautious and late substitutions and as usual Taylor not given enough time on pitch to influence result. Whatever happens now this has been a good season for Ipswich compared to last few years,although football at times rather dour have obtained results ;so mustn't be too down hearted.

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Michael11 added 17:43 - Apr 19 We've all been saying how we're too happy with drawing away from home, well that never happened today. Wordsworth got a good equaliser and we saw 3 points up for grabs and attacked, which was brilliant to see. Unfortunately, this one time, we probably should have taken the draw. If Hyam's header goes in at 1-1 then there's no way we would have lost that game. Two sloppy defensive errors then cost us. If we can show the same attacking mentality as early second half but with our usual solid defence, then we can definitely win our last 3 games. Keep the faith!!!

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mrmorisato added 17:50 - Apr 19 Mick needs money to spend on the midfield. This was just so disappointing :( who's to say that we'll beat Bournemouth on Monday is anyone's guess :( Town are just not ready for Premier league football.
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RedDust added 17:50 - Apr 19 #WeAreIpswich no no no no no it's #WeAreLongball
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bluemagic74 added 17:57 - Apr 19 It aint over till the fat lady sings and I cant hear her so come on town, Monday here we come and a must must win home game with hopefully a win 4 Burnley who will be promoted and therefore make it an easier game on us. COYB!!
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bluemagic74 added 18:02 - Apr 19 Just heard mm said on radio suffolk that was are best performance of season, I wasnt there but didn't sound like it 2 me??
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runaround added 18:03 - Apr 19 Absolutely gutted! 3-1 is very harsh on us but the Watford hoodoo strikes again, they just seem to have to turn up to beat us! We were for an hour better side but were undone by a good individual goal although Skuse & Chambers allowed him far too much room. At one all there only seemed one winner but we were denied by a top class save then fell asleep at a set piece. Looked as though Murphy or Skuse gave the guy a free header 5 yards out then 2 minutes later some ricochets fell to their guy in front of goal & it was game over. We can still do it but are now reliant on Brighton messing up

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:08 - Apr 19 Not happy of course, but I expected us to lose today. Watford + TV was never going to be a lucky combination. But chin up lads and lasses! We played ok, and there was a good away following. If Hyam had scored, the result might well have gone our way. If we beat B'mouth, then we're back in with a chance. And whatever happens, this season is better than expected, so COYB!

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roytheboy added 18:14 - Apr 19 Very disappointed and disillusioned by Mick's tactics (or lack of them) today, at 3-1 down with around 30 minutes of football to play he should (in my opinion) have made instant alterations and attacked the game heavily for the last half hour, what was there to lose by doing that ? we just might have managed to get a point which could be crucial at the end of the season, I congratulate Mick for the way he has turned our fortunes round of course however i find it difficult to understand why he left the substitutions so late and indeed why Paul Green was one of them, anyway roll on Monday, let's keep positive and really get behind the team (and the Manager too).

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Markthehorn added 18:24 - Apr 19 Fair points made. Think you had more of the play first half (we let teams do that) and certainly came out firing after the break. Alumina's save/header off the bar then our quick 2nd and 3rd killed the game. Thought Williams looked very good for you. I think Brighton will take that 6th spot. Very good support and best of luck for the last 3 games. If you don't get promotion least you'll have your local derby back..

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jas0999 added 18:29 - Apr 19 What is it with Watford! It's also ironic isn't it? Most of the season we have gone away from home, tried to frustrate and defend. This Hasn't been well received by TWTD posters and rightly so. Today, when a draw would have been a decent result, we went and attacked and lost! That's football! Disappointed by the poor result, but agree with TimmyH. Not a lot has changed, although out of our hands now. Must win game on Monday though. Whatever happens, we have to improve in certain areas in the summer. We struggle against teams with pace, whilst keeper wise we are lacking.

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