Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
McCarthy: Break Affected First Half
Monday, 20th Oct 2014 06:00

Boss Mick McCarthy felt the international break had an effect on Saturday’s first half with both teams playing as if they’d just had a fortnight off. The Town manager thought his side were on top after the break even before the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

David McGoldrick netted his fourth goal of the season from a 65th minute freekick after Matt Kilgallon had been red-carded for the second of two fouls on Conor Sammon, but Ben Marshall curled in a late, late equaliser for the Lancastrians.

“I just thought the game in the first half looked like we’d all had two weeks off and we needed a lung opener,” McCarthy said.

“We were the better team in the second half, not by a great deal on chances, but certainly when they were down to 10 men we should have put it to bed.”

McCarthy was forced into one or two changes of personnel with Daryl Murphy - who hopes to return to training today - missing out with an achilles injury, Luke Chambers and Teddy Bishop through illness and Luke Hyam with a hamstring problem.

Stephen Hunt came in for his first appearance of the season and Kevin Bru made only his fourth start of the season, while Jonny Williams (ankle) and Jonny Parr (groin) have been suffering with niggles during the break.

McCarthy felt Hunt - who writes a column for the Sunday Independent in Ireland - got more into the game as it progressed: “Hunty was great, he got better and better. I think one or two of them looked like they needed a game.

“I’m not making any excuses, I haven’t said anything about players being missing, but Hunty’s come back from a long lay-off and he got better.

“Kevin Bru’s not played a lot, Jonny Williams has been injured, Jonny Parr as well, although you wouldn’t notice because he was up and down like a blue-arsed fly.”

The Town boss also had praise for Tommy Smith, who came back into the side for skipper Chambers: “Tommy’s great, Tommy’s a fabulous lad. I’ve said it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make to leave him out.

“Tommy had a great header, which on another day that might have found the roof of the net.”

Loanee striker Sammon has said the team spirit at Town is comparable to Derby’s last season as they reached the play-offs and McCarthy is delighted with the mood within the camp.

“The spirit’s always a lot better when you’re winning,” he said. “A sure-fire way of putting the kibosh on that is getting beaten three or four times on the bounce. We have got a good team spirit, I think it’s important.”

Regarding Blackburn’s last-gasp equaliser, he added: “All of them battled but after 90 minutes we lost it in the box, we lost it in the middle third and we just let them off the hook.

“I feel for the lads because they put such a lot of effort in. They’re such a good group of lads.”


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



Flewitt85 added 06:29 - Oct 20
Still feel gutted about Saturday! But winning tomorrow will make what happened Saturday feel better.

Last season we lost alot of points from winning positions, just hope this season is not the same! I'm sure it won't be as we look a much more solid team.

COYB!!!!
1

bizman added 06:40 - Oct 20
I thought the referee was absolutely terrible. Didn't let the game flow at all and gave horrendous decisions including the free kick for Blackburns equalizer when it was us that was fouled!?!
0

Wickets added 08:56 - Oct 20
I though it was a needless foul by the usually reliable Berra! bizman
0

brian_a_mul added 09:06 - Oct 20
With the amount of first teamers out I think we got an excellent performance from the team/squad. It was very encouraging to see squad members likes of Bru, Smith, and Hunt stepping up when required.
Bru was very good and putting real pressure on MM for a first team spot. We have fantastic competition in midfield which is vital for any successful team.
2

jalapenosteve added 11:07 - Oct 20
Sorry Mick but Hunt was not great!! He was dreadful from start to finish, apart from a couple of decent corners....
1

braveblue added 11:37 - Oct 20
Hunt was great!!! What a silly comment. Just admit the mistake. MM is doing a good job so no need for this nonsense.
1

Wickets added 13:38 - Oct 20
I thought Hunt had a pretty good second half, except for the late error that helped to lead to their goal.
0


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024