Rarely can Town have scored so many goals courtesy of their defenders in a season than they have in the current campaign.

Mick McCarthy’s team go into their penultimate game of the season at Burnley today with back four regulars Christophe Berra (5), Tommy Smith (5), Luke Chambers (3) and Aaron Cresswell (2) contributing 15 of the team’s 58 league goals.

Smith admitted that he and partner Berra are in competition for the title of Most Prolific Defender. He said: “I don’t think he would admit it but I think we both secretly would like to get more than the other.

“But as long as the team are scoring goals it doesn’t matter where they come from. We’re all moaning about the midfield not scoring enough goals but Ando has popped up with a couple in the last few weeks. As long as the goals are coming from somewhere, it doesn’t matter from whom.”

Asked if there was some good-natured banter about the defenders outscoring their midfield colleagues Smith added: “I think the gaffer and TC have pointed that out! It was nice to see Skusey breaking forward to deliver the cross for the first goal against Bournemouth and hopefully they can provide a few more goals before we finish.

“Should I be scoring even more goals? I don’t really set a target. It’s just about getting on the end of as many freekicks and corners as I can and hoping for the best.

“I think I’ve set up a couple as well, with flick-ons and things, but I probably could have scored a couple more. Like I say, though, as long as someone is putting it in the back of the net, that’s the main thing.”

Photo: Action Images

ipswichtillidie added 09:42 - Apr 26 Goals from the Midfield 4 next season added to what we already have should see us where we need to be....
2

Lightningboy added 10:08 - Apr 26 The defence have been outstanding this season when it comes to chipping in with vital goals...the midfield on the other hand have been shocking when it comes to goalscoring...we need to find the next Matty Holland this summer.
3

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls