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

carlo88 added 18:30 - Apr 19 Due to location that was only the second time I've seen Town live this season (the first being Barnsley on SKY which was probably the worst match I've ever seen us play.) Thought we were really good, dynamic and inventive until we went 3-1 behind, just two very bad defensive mistakes. Was surprised to find myself very impressed with Nouble on the wing too. Hyam and Williams were everywhere. Not over yet, reckon Blackpool will give one last push against Brighton on Monday.

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bluelodgeblue added 18:31 - Apr 19 sorry guys we are work in progress don't try and live the dream before its ready!!
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carlo88 added 18:32 - Apr 19 Due to location that was only the second time I've seen Town live this season (the first being Barnsley on SKY which was probably the worst match I've ever seen us play.) Thought we were really good, dynamic and inventive until we went 3-1 behind, just two very bad defensive mistakes. Was surprised to find myself very impressed with Nouble on the wing too. Hyam and Williams were everywhere. Not over yet, reckon Blackpool will give one last push against Brighton on Monday.

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cjwinthesun added 18:37 - Apr 19 A five hour flight yesterday to get to the game ....... Was it worth it? Well 4 games I have travelled to see this season and only one point to show, but yes it was worth the trip. Although we probably did not deserve a win the score flattered Watford. Great support from the travelling masses until we went two goals behind. However if it had gone 2-1 Ipswich with the header then I am sure we would have had at least a point. We played ok as a general summary and at times passed the ball well. The dream is not yet over. Hyam covered a lot of ground and when Williams took players on he looked good. Shame he will not be with us next season, wherever we play. I wouldn't be as critical of Skuse as many. His first touch particularly on his chest is excellent, although today a number of passes went astray. Our back four, although not totally dominant did well except for letting 3 goals past us! Murthy spent more time wide right than I expected. I have read with interest posts over the last few weeks about Nouble. Mixed feelings about him today. For a big guy he doesn't present the physical threat I expected and seemed to have trouble dealing with defenders who were 'all over' him. Did well to create his one shot, but way over when he should have at least forced the goalkeeper to save. Back to the sunshine tomorrow but will be with you on Monday via Ipswich Player - it does work! COYB

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blueboy1981 added 19:08 - Apr 19 Play Off's there for the taking today - failed the Acid Test I'm afraid. No good glossing over it.
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blueboy1981 added 19:15 - Apr 19 ............ MM's tactics, substitutions, and comments - leave me lost for words at times - like today !
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warktheline added 19:48 - Apr 19 Nice to see you back blueboy, we obviously don't agree on much, but at least you give your own honest opinion on all things relevant, unlike some on here who sit on the fence and hedge their bets. Must admit to being surprised with starting 11, but that said, I thought we played well up to going 3-1 down. We are good enough to finish top 8, I have no doubt about that, as for play-offs, well that really would be a big bonus. Don't think we have enough quality to upset Wigan, QPR, etc over 2 games. Anyway I'm confident about getting the result against B'mouth and will wait and see where that places us Monday evening.

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theobald1985 added 19:53 - Apr 19 pump it up to murphy must have been the pre match team talk today. we could have been so much better. poor tactics today
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AbujaBlue added 19:53 - Apr 19 Disappointing, but anything is still possible. Typical that a featured match on the Football League Show will be of us losing!
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blueboy1981 added 20:06 - Apr 19 warktheline - ....... been away to warmer climes for ten days - nice couple of wins whilst away, all credit to MM and all for that - but, today it was all there for the taking, and that's fact - we failed when it really mattered - I have to say I am not surprised at the result, because as you have correctly said - we are Top 8 just about, and maybe the Play Off's could find us wanting to be honest, for more than one reason. Let's hope for better next season - who knows ? - the Play Off's may just be a better proposition then - only time will tell !! .............

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wayway added 20:15 - Apr 19 I had a dream last night, I dreamed that Evans sold the club to an Arab racehorse owner from Newmarket and he gave us a new manager who plays football the Ipswich way, a top class keeper, a top class right back, a top class central defender, 2 top class midfielders and a top class striker. Then he consigned the likes of Gerkin, Smith, Hyam , Green, Tabb, Nouble etc to the Conference where they belong. Snore on!!!

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blueherts added 20:49 - Apr 19 Yes we are 'still in the hunt; but most of us can see that a Top 8 finish will be a good season Agree with Blueboy re the MM comments - not sure we were that good today For their third goal from our position I thought the lad must have skilled his way thru our defence Having seen the goal it seemed Skuse and Cresswell just let him through Not even a challenge ! Outside of JW we do not possess a midfielder capable of forward momentum Right hand side we got done again - missed Anderson At 3-1 with 20 to go the game cried out for some attacking intent Loved to have seen Marriott and instead we get Green !!! What ! Listen we are 'still in the hunt' and sure some twists and turns to come Again today we played a team with ALOT OF RESOURCES and some big salaried players We have done well this season - results wise and be great if we can build on it next season in Champ playing Scummers and love a trip to Brentford But whilst we can still mathmatically do it lets hope >>>>

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riley26 added 21:29 - Apr 19 If Brighton can take 6 points from there final 3 games then with their goal difference advantage we are going to need to win all three. Nothing to lose now, will be disappointing to come so close but let's face it a top six finish would be a major bonus as opposed to an expectancy. Today just felt like a case of it's not meant to be. Monday should still be an exciting game. COYB

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warktheline added 22:14 - Apr 19 Blueboy....you always have to go one better than me, I spend 4 glories days with family at Bognor Regis, then you tell me you've just come back after 10 days in warmer climates! Been too quiet on forum.
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blueboy1981 added 22:21 - Apr 19 ......... nothing at all wrong with Bognor - hope you enjoyed it.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 22:24 - Apr 19 Disappointed today, but not surprised, Monday is now sh#t or bust. Lets go at it with all guns blazing.
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blues1 added 22:40 - Apr 19 wasn't the best performance today. but then it was far from the worst neither. and although it has to be said the defending for the 2nd and third goals was poor,,the player who scored their 2nd goal shouldn't jave even been on the pitch at the time. a poor referee, and his assistant at our end no better neither, have to say also that mms substitutions were poor. when wordsworth went off he should simply have brought taylor on, and probably Marriott too and just gone for it. was no point bringing on a defensive midfielder when we were 2 goals behind. may just as well have gone for broke. had nothing to lose at that point.

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Jimmy86 added 23:16 - Apr 19 What's disappointing today is the fact that yesterdays results went for us big style and so it was ours to throw away or build on and we threw it away, which is unfortunate. To concede 2 goals in 3 mins isn't good enough when we are in the position we are in. Monday is now a must win and i think it will go down to the wire, but today we slipped up. We tend to win the next game after being beaten so fingers crossed for mon, will be difficult what with bournemouth having an extra day off, but dont write off COYB

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coolcat added 23:29 - Apr 19 Agree with riley26, just wasn't meant to be today. However, blues1 glad the referee/assistants errors were mentioned here. Wasn't sitting too far away from where Johnny Williams was pushed over by the Watford player. Was more annoyed about them than anything. Still, have to move on and look for a good result Monday.
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martleshamitfc added 23:54 - Apr 19 3 wins - simple :)
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itfc1981 added 00:57 - Apr 20 Oh bugger! said in thick Yorkshire accent.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 08:41 - Apr 20 Definitely not all over by a long shot, even though we've made it quite a bit harder. Strange things happen in the last games of the season, as yesterday's PL results showed. I don't even think L'pool are home and dry yet, but the next most important points to be gained apart from our own are three by the Reds this afternoon at Carrot Road. Back to the Championship: Pressure is also on Brighton to perform, and one or two others - even Forest - could be back in it. So keep the faith! And if we don't reach play-offs this year, we'll be back for another attempt next season, hopefully beating the Budgies on the way.

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Jimmy86 added 08:52 - Apr 20 Just seen the football league show and the 2 goals we conceded in the second half were so poor. Not like us at all and was more like the jewell era. The 2nd was a free header, the 3rd was more or less a tap in, berra didnt move when the ball nicked off smith, disappointing
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delias_cheesy_flaps added 08:54 - Apr 20 As a team we don't have the depth of quality, we are still a work in progress and should do better next season if we can add more quality players to the squad and hopefully play an entertaining brand of football.
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BlueHennee added 10:11 - Apr 20 Why change a winning formula? 2 wingers 1st half - beat the opposition down then pile strikers on 2nd half & smother the opposition!! Anderson injured but we could have used Henshall. Like Nouble but he is not a 90 minute player - always better when he's watched the game unfold & only has to run for half the game. What the hell sort of negative change is 'Paul Green lost the ball again' coming on for 'attack minded Wordworth'????? Paul Taylor gets 5 minutes? No Marriott? 3-1 down surely it's defense off & pile strike force on???? Very disappointed. Missed opportunity again. MM must realise its a game of 2 halves & just because the changes he often makes produces an improved 2nd half performance does NOT mean putting out that same team to start the next game!!! Bench should be part of the plan. Prime example - look at a 4 x 100m relay team: where are the best runners 1st & last. Important not to run out of steam!! Disappointing result & tactics. There we are - 1st post, look forward to any comments!!

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