Huddersfield came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with the Blues at Portman Road. Tommy Smith put Town ahead in the 21st minute, Christophe Berra made it 2-0 on 55 but Nahki Wells pulled one back via a contentious 70th minute penalty and then equalised eight minutes from time.

Smith, Teddy Bishop and Luke Hyam returned to the Town side for Jonny Williams and Kevin Bru, who suffered knocks at Cardiff on Tuesday, and the suspended Tyrone Mings, who picked up his fifth booking of the season against the Bluebirds.

Skipper Luke Chambers switched to right-back with Smith coming in at the centre of the defence and Jonny Parr moving to left-back.

Neither side threatened seriously in the opening minutes but on 13 the visitors, who lined-up in a 3-5-2 formation against the Blues regular 4-3-3, ought to have been ahead through former Canary Grant Holt, who had already been on the end of boos from the home support.

Huddersfield right wing-back Tommy Smith blocked a Parr clearance midway inside the Town half and fed Jacob Butterfield, who in turn played in Holt on the left of the area. Dean Gerken advanced and Holt tried to lift it over the Blues keeper but scuffed the ball well wide.

It was a very lucky escape for Town who had been well and truly carved apart and a bad miss from a Terriers perspective.

The visitors were made to rue that miss in the 21st minute when the Blues went in front with their first shot on goal.

Bishop - who had hit the first defender with two earlier corners - sent over a flag-kick from the left and returning Town centre-half Tommy Smith nodded home from close range at the near post to record his first goal of the season.

There was a scare for the Blues on the half hour when one-time Town trialist Wells nipped in as Gerken waited for a Conor Coady ball forward to reach his hands on the edge of the area on the Town left. Berra did well to prevent the Bermudian getting on to the loose ball and Gerken gratefully claimed.

Huddersfield had an even better chance on 34 when Paul Dixon brought the ball forward after seizing on an aimless Tommy Smith header on halfway and played into the area towards Holt.

The former Norwich man left the ball for Wells, who found himself in on goal six yards out but hit his shot at Gerken’s feet and then headed his instinctive rebound over. Whether the ex-Bradford man was onside was questionable.

The Town goal had led a charmed life but on 42 the Blues were close to increasing their lead. Bishop’s freekick from deep on the left flicked off Daryl Murphy’s head and hit Smith and struck the post and the Blues defender was just unable to add a final touch before Terriers keeper Alex Smithies grasped hold of the ball.

As the half moved into injury time Huddersfield threatened again, Butterfield hitting a distance effort which Gerken pushed away to his right for a corner.

The Blues were more than a touch fortunate to find themselves in front at the break, the visitors having played the better football and created the best chances,

The Terriers really ought to have gone in front via Holt prior to Smith putting Town in front with the Blues’ first chance of the game, while Wells twice had decent opportunities to equalise.

Town threatened first after the break, McGoldrick making the most of some hesitancy in the Huddersfield defence and cutting a ball back from the left towards Conor Sammon but a defender blocked.

Three minutes later Skuse, Bishop and Hyam exchanged passes on the right and carved out an opportunity for Sammon just inside the area but the Irish international looped his shot well over.

Town had started the second half the stronger side and on 55 they increased their lead. A corner from the right was cleared to Parr midway inside the Huddersfield half.

As the Terriers’ defence rushed out the Norwegian found McGoldrick on the left of the area from where the striker cut the ball back to Berra, who turned home his fourth goal of the season from a couple of feet.

Holt headed a Dixon cross from the right over just before the hour. Moments later, Chambers sent over a ball from the Town right towards Murphy, but Mark Hudson headed behind.

On 63 the Terriers swapped Lee Peltier and Jonathan Hogg for Sean Scannell and Harry Bunn as they looked to get back in the game, switching from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2.

Three minutes later, Coady cut in from the right and shot well over, then at the other end Smithies was out quickly to head clear as McGoldrick chased after Chambers’s ball forward. On 89 Hyam was booked for the latest in a series of fouls.

The Terriers pulled a goal back in the 70th minute from the penalty spot. Chambers was penalised for apparently fouling Holt as Butterfield’s cross came into the area from deep on the right.

The Town skipper was adamant he had been the one fouled but referee Richard Clark wasn’t interested and added Chambers’s name to his book. Wells smashed a low penalty to Gerken’s right and into the net.

The momentum was very much with the visitors after the goal and on 73 sub Bunn latched on to Holt’s flick at the far post and Gerken did well to spread himself to block.

Two minutes later, Town boss Mick McCarthy swapped Jay Tabb and Paul Anderson for Sammon and Bishop and switched his side to 4-4-2. Soon after, Skuse was booked for a foul on Dixon, the Terriers defender having made a lot of the challenge.

With eight minutes of scheduled time remaining Huddersfield equalised. Scannell brought the ball in from the right before laying it back to Smith, who sent in a cross to the edge of the six-yard box from where Wells headed home his second of the game.

The visitors had been on top since their penalty and they continued to press having got back on terms, Wells shooting over after good work from Bunn, who along with fellow sub Scannell had made a significant impression on the game.

Stephen Hunt replaced Hyam with five minutes left on the clock but the Blues never looked like getting back on top with Huddersfield looking the more likely winners in the closing stages. The final whistle was greeted by boos.

Having been 2-0 ahead Town will be disappointed to have drawn their second home game in a week. However, on the overall balance of the game and chances created, they were probably fortunate not to lose having played little better than they did in the second half at Cardiff - aside from a spell just after half-time - and having had few chances aside from the two goals.

The key moment in the game was the penalty, which appeared contentious at best. Had Huddersfield not scored at that point then the Blues may well have gone on to claim all three points.

However, the visitors had been the better side in the first half and showed spirit to come back from what seemed a hopeless position to take the point and may well have gone on to win. The result sees the Blues, who are now without a win in five, drop to 10th.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Berra, Smith, Parr, Skuse, Hyam (Hunt 84), Bishop (Anderson 74), McGoldrick, Murphy, Sammon (Tabb 74). Subs: Bialkowski, Bajner, Clarke, Ambrose.

Huddersfield: Smithies, Smith, Peltier (Scannell 63), Dixon, Hudson (c), Lynch, Hogg (Bunn 63), Butterfield, Coady, Holt, Wells. Subs: Murphy, Ward, Wallace, Robinson, Paterson. Referee: Richard Clark (Northumberland). Att: 16,751 (Huddersfield: 486).

Photo: Action Images

karls_dad added 20:04 - Oct 25 Sum it up easy in two words..........................NO DESIRE!
3

DerryfromBury added 20:22 - Oct 25 WE went back 2 years today 'HOOFBALL at its finest' 3 forward players getting in each others way, we were void of any real passion or ideas. lucky to go 2 up. The best thing to do is to try and forget todays dire performance and focus on next week. I hate to say it, with it only being late October, but its looking like another disappointing season for the fans.
7

Cloddyseedbed added 20:28 - Oct 25 Team looked unbalanced and lacking quality once again and today a severe lack of confidence was evident after Huddersfield scored. Huddersfield were by far the better team all afternoon and the substitutions were players who had pace and had far more quality than we had on offer. Why can't we find a Bunn or Scannell instead of an Anderson and a Tabb. The substitutions we made today were an embarrassment and made the team weaker not stronger. Sorry I still don't get the Skuse/Hyam mix in midfield and I know Bishop was singled out for praise but personally I don't see why on today's showing. Chambers can not play full back we all know that and Parr although left footed was particullary bad today. Both fullbacks were poor, you can't have that in a team on the same day. Midfield appalling, not one of them was good enough, although Hyam as ever gave his all. Why do we have all these players on our books that don't ever look like getting a game, even when we are playing badly, but Tabb, Anderson and Hunt are always there and about. Why give contracts to Collinson, Ambrose and Bajner if they are not good enough or not better than what we have already at the club and are never going to play? What about our 2 speedy wingers we have on our books then in Henshall and Stewart if we are keeping them for the future when is that likely to be? How bad do the other players have to be before other players are given a chance. If Hewitt is not considered good enough to play right back and not in front of Chambers in that position I despair. We had been playing attractive football compared to last season but today at home we are right back to where we were at the start of the season and last season, I thought we were moving forward, but the same old players are now slowly returning to the team and having a negative impact. Please inject some pace and enthusiasm.

16

singaporeblue added 20:38 - Oct 25 Help me out!i have spent thousands keeping the dream alive to be back playing against the big boys who have spent millions.40 odd years through the ups and downs.focus.think.90 minutes.pay me back and make me smile.come on ITFC.push.dig deep....regardless,always a blue
1

bingboast added 21:00 - Oct 25 The defence are usually solid but appear to lack confidence in Gerkin, all these late goals & points lost, lets try changing the keeper it would bring confidence back into the back four.
2

TimmyH added 21:03 - Oct 25 I said before the game (yesterday) Mick was playing musical chairs with the defense and the points made about only 1 change needed to be made in defense are spot on. Skuse and Hyam seem to play well against Wigan in that 'play high up the field and stop them from passing' manner but I've very rarely seen them play well together other than that game, any way really not sure what Skuse brings to the Ipswich team, has here even created a goal yet? Only straw I can clutch at today is that no other team in the division looks remotely good, even the 'poor' Blackburn of last week saw off Forest which we didn't beat when we were playing well - so what does that tell you?

2

runningout added 21:24 - Oct 25 starting to be concerned with Chambers.... hope he bucks up........ Point gained today which is sad.. Recent dropped points after sitting back on low goal leads is coming to light. Confidence is a problem, when it shouldn't be.. As we are a lot better than some of our squad think.. Getting a ruthless streak is a priority
1

PJH added 21:27 - Oct 25 We certainly look a far better team with proper full backs playing at fullback so if Hewitt's loan at Colchester is extended we MUST recall him the next time that Parr or Mings are unavailable.Today was very different from the Blackburn game because that game should have been won comfortably but today we got a point that we did not deserve.Despite not winning in 5 we are still very much in touch and need to be looking at winning at Blackpool next week with two home games to follow for which we will hopefully be back to playing as we were a couple of weeks ago.

5

HALLSJ added 22:05 - Oct 25 For me an ideal target is Jon Walters not in Stokes first 11 particularly would improve us no end
3

Cloddyseedbed added 22:23 - Oct 25 The return of Jon Walters HALLSJ would be an excellent signing, is he available, would he come and could we afford him. Probably not!
1

GiveusaWave added 22:58 - Oct 25 sadly no word from blueboy or ITFC Realist; both of which have been telling everyone on the site about our lack of tactics/lucky league position since the beginning of the season. But criticism of our team isn't allowed. So; I'll keep it bright and positive. 2 good goals from Berra and Smith. We do seem the experts at hoof-ball now. MM was willing to speak to angry crowd at end who were singing "McCarthy out" End of positives.

0

warwickblue added 23:01 - Oct 25 I don't think Sammon played too bad today. ....just saying.
3

GiveusaWave added 23:12 - Oct 25 Agree Warwickblue. Sammon had his best game in a town shirt. Suggests most of the comments here are from people who didn't see the game. Very vocal ITFC crowd at end. Thousands of "moaners" it seems. Come on Hoof-Ball Utd!
0

Walk_the_Wark added 01:32 - Oct 26 Nothing new. Yawn… 4th game in a row we've surrended the lead and lost points. Can we now all agree that McCarthys tactical skills are severely lacking...
6

coolcat added 07:30 - Oct 26 Agree with Kirbmeister. 1 loss in 10, 5 points from the top. An unbeaten run for as long as that doesn't happen by sheer luck. Too much negativity here, which is almost predictable. The team isn't in freefall. They'll pick up again like they always do. We should be getting behind the team.
1

BrettenhamBlue added 07:55 - Oct 26 Just be pleased we are not in the state of Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds and co. They are in SERIOUS trouble. I didn't have high hopes this season anyway, a top 10 place given the cost and strength of our team. We need to play hoof ball as we've signed the right kinds of players to play it. Murphy, Sammon, Bajner: all good at getting their heads on the ball and getting flick-ons to others. Yes, it's as boring as hell but look at Blackpool at the moment who are trying to play passing football. It's getting us results which is the most important thing. Apart from Williams and Veseli (who isn't with us at mo anyway), we haven't got any great passers of the ball. Get behind the team people. MM really is doing great considering the lack of money at the club. Who would you want in instead? The return of Roy Keane?

3

Orraman added 08:51 - Oct 26 So that's 9 points surrendered from winning positions in the last 4 games. Looks a bit like last season. No doubt MM has turned the fortunes of the club around in the past 2 years and we should be pleased that we are only 5 points off top spot at beginning of November but..... MM may be an excellent man manager as proved by the obvious team spirit and togetherness of the players but as a modern tactician he is absolutely woeful. We regularly see teams at PR as well as on TV make inspired substitutions. This was shown yesterday when Bunn and Scannell turned the game for Huddersfield. Who do we get every time - The Three Amigos - Ando, Tabby and Hunty. "He's great, that Tabby"' Micks favourite post match quote. When have either of these three changed a game. Take off any creative players, put them on and change to Hoofball. Where is Cameron Stewart, Henshall and Collinson? Why not Ambrose yesterday?. When I listen to Mick Mills as I drive home after games, he talks so much tactical sense. I know it's probably easy commenting on formations etc from the sanctity of the press box but if Mick Mills can see ways to counteract opponents tactical changes why can't MM see these possibilities. With such a tight division this year all is far from lost but this defensive mindset must stop especially when the team showed some good fluent passing moves yesterday. COYB

5

skinnyman27 added 08:54 - Oct 26 heart breaking result again today, but we have to realise that if not for those late goals we would be right up there. give the boys a break they want to win just as much as we do, but its football, it happens, lets stay positive its still very early in the season and unloke previous seasons we arent out of it already, we can still get play offs easily. mm and tc have done an amazing job for the town, have faith, bet behind the boys and we can get back to winning ways. UP THE TOWN!!!!!!!

2

portmanteau added 12:03 - Oct 26 the moment I saw " MM expecting good reaction... its nailed on... " I knew we would not beat Hudsfld and even at 2- 0 it was behind the sofa stuff and at 2-1 you could bet the house we would concede the equaliser. we always do. MM and sundry players must be stopped from putting out this idiotic PR. our brief spell in the limelight has ended. 4 pts from last 15 tells its own story. but good on you skinnyman27 and other starry-eyed hopefuls though if you had been brought up on a diet of phillips, crawford, dai rees, elsworthy to name only a few of the greats, you would be choking on your yogurts.

0

PattiswickBlue added 12:03 - Oct 26 I'm sorry but if Cameron Stewart is any good he has to be in the squad because the bench yesterday was so useless and Collision has to be in the team because Hes a premiership player
1

roytheboy added 14:30 - Oct 26 Very disappointing yet again, surely we should achieve better than this with three Strikers playing and a usually very capable defence, what on earth is going wrong ? over to you Mick and Terry.
-1

warktheline added 19:40 - Oct 26 Unrealistic knee-jerkers.
-1

blue_moon09 added 20:07 - Oct 26 Predictable responses from the arm chair brigade, stop moaning. its nice to see Town in the top half of the table not losing too many games, and playing alright, its better than it was under Keane and Jewell people have short memories Town could be playing Colchester if it wasn't for MM. see you at blackpool
-1

hairbear added 20:46 - Oct 26 Disappointing but come on people 1 defeat in 10! They flooded the midfield and we couldn't get quality ball to the strikers, hence the "hoof ball". Try to keep a bit of perspective, nahki wells cost way more than our whole squad.
1

skinnyman27 added 21:44 - Oct 26 i totally agree with you portmanteau, unfortuantly i wasnt born then, i have heard about them many times from the old man, as the title of this web site represents, those WERE the days, and wished i was around to see them, but at the end of the day ipswich could be in any leauge in any position and i will always love and support them, they are my home town and will follow them till the day i die. COYB!!!!!

2

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls