Jamie Mackie’s 14th minute goal was the difference between the sides as Reading defeated the Blues 1-0 at Portman Road. The Scotland international was given time to shoot from 25 yards and his effort just crept inside the post, while the Blues never really looked like getting back on terms.

Town boss Mick McCarthy named an unchanged side with new signings Richard Chaplow and Luke Varney on the bench.

Teddy Bishop, who signed a new contract until 2018 yesterday, was on the right of midfield with Daryl Murphy up front wearing a mask to protect his nose, which he broke at Fulham last week.

The 21-goal Irishman was the first player to threaten when he brought the ball forward from halfway having been found by strike partner Freddie Sears in the sixth minute.

Murphy looked to return the ball to the ex-Colchester man but it ricocheted back into his path off a defender and he took it on into the the box before hitting a right-foot shot which failed to test Adam Federici in the Reading goal.

Three minutes later Kevin Bru unleashed a well-struck 25-yard effort which Federici saved down to his left with the Blues starting the stronger of the two sides.

On 13 Murphy broke away down the left and held off Alex Pearce before crossing to Sears, who flicked his header well wide. Moments later, after good work from Bru and Tabb, the ex-West Ham youngster hit a shot straight at Federici from the edge of the box.

Despite the Blues having had the better of the early stages, the Royals went in front in the 14th minute via their first shot of the game.

Tyrone Mings stood off Mackie and allowed him to shoot from 25 yards, the ball creeping into the corner of Bartosz Bialkowski’s net with the keeper likely to feel he might have done better.

Two minutes after going behind the Blues felt they ought to have been awarded a penalty when Murphy’s cross from the right struck Pearce on the arm. Spot-kicks have certainly been awarded for similar incidents in the past.

The Royals went close to going two up when Mackie beat Mings down the Reading right before cutting the ball across to Hal Robson-Kanu, who shot well over when he should have done better.

Town weren’t too far away from an equaliser in the 21st minute when Sears sent over a deep cross from the right and Tabb, facing his old club on his 31st birthday, headed wide from a tight angle.

There was another scare for the Blues in the 29th minute when Robson-Kanu played a chipped pass over the top for Mackie, whose first touch on what was a difficult dropping ball took it through to the advancing Bialkowski.

The Town players claimed another penalty in the 36th minute when Bishop fed in Mings on the left and the full-back sent over a cross to the far post from where skipper Luke Chambers nodded down to Sears, who turned his shot against Pearce. Referee Eddie Ilderton indicated that he felt the ball had struck the ex-Norwich loanee’s thigh.

Three minutes later Pavel Pogrebnyak sent Robson-Kanu away on the left but the Wales international failed to find Mackie with his cross with the former QPR man in acres of space breaking into the Town box.

On 40 Simon Cox hit a shot on the turn which scruffed through to Bialkowski, then at the other end a Sears effort from inside the box was blocked.

In the penultimate minute of scheduled time Sears again failed to get enough on a cross from the left, then Bishop skipped his way into space in the area but failed to trouble Federici with his shot. Neither side threatened again before referee Ilderton brought the half to a close.

Town had started brightly and had created a couple of openings before Mackie’s against-the-run-of-play goal. From there the Blues’ performance had deteriorated somewhat and with the Royals having carved out a couple of openings from which they might have increased their lead.

Three minutes after the restart Mings played a ball into Sears’s path on the left of the area, but the striker hit his shot wide.

On 50 Nathaniel Chalobah forced Bialkowski to save down to his left from a 25-yard freekick.

Town should have made more of a 53rd minute break after Sears had sent Murphy away down the centre. The striker cut back inside but couldn’t find space to shoot. Tabb eventually moved the ball on to Bru, whose effort from distance was straight at Federici.

Tabb had another chance to score against his old club - as he did on the opening day of last season - in the 54th minute after Sears had flicked on a long diagonal ball from the right to the left of the area. The midfielder slid in but cut the ball between the far post and his on-rushing team-mates.

Town were beginning to create chances with greater regularity and on 58 Bishop saw a strike from the edge of the box deflect wide. A minute later, after a Tabb freekick from the left had been half-cleared to the edge of the box, the 18-year-old screwed another effort well past the post.

With 25 minutes remaining Blues boss McCarthy switched Tabb and Bishop for Paul Anderson and Jonny Parr, the Norwegian going to left midfield. Two minutes later, Bru was booked for a foul on Danny Williams.

Cox shot through to Bialkowski, then at the other end Murphy fed Anderson, who failed to significantly test Federici with a low shot. The Australian keeper’s time-wasting was increasingly frustrating the home crowd but not yet leading referee Ilderton to take action.

The Blues continued to press and on 73 Anderson cut the ball back from the right to Sears but the striker turned the ball straight at Federici.

On 79, after the Royals had switched Garath McCleary for Robson-Kanu and Hope Akpan for Cox, Varney was handed his Town debut in place of Sears.

With seven minutes left on the clock Varney was fouled by Michael Hector just outside the area but Anderson curled his freekick just over.

Mackie missed a good chance to seal the win for his side in the 83rd minute when he scuffed wide at the far post after McCleary found him following a Reading break.

As the game entered four minutes of injury time Anderson sent over a freekick from the left but Murphy’s flicked header bounced just wide of Federici’s left post.

Federici blocked Murphy’s shot, Reading sub Jake Cooper doing well to get to the loose ball to nod it behind.

From the resultant corner, Chambers headed it back into the danger area, Varney nodded it down and Murphy shot against a defender, the Town players again appealing for a penalty, although perhaps more out of frustration on this occasion.

Soon after, referee Ilderton’s whistle went to confirm the Blues’ second home league defeat of 2015.

Having started on top, the visitors’ goal against the run of play rather knocked the wind out of Town’s sails.

In the second half the Blues huffed and puffed against a Reading side happy to sit back on their lead, but were never really convincing. Reading keeper Federici saw a lot of the ball but without having to make any over-taxing saves.

The defeat and results elsewhere see Town stay in fourth but now five points behind new leaders Derby, who beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-2.

Second-placed Middlesbrough were defeated 1-0 at home by Leeds and Bournemouth in third lost 3-1 to seventh-placed Brentford, who are now only two points behind the Blues, while Norwich, who Town face in the East Anglian derby at Norwich next Sunday, are now fifth just a point behind McCarthy's men.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Smith, Skuse, Bru, Bishop (Parr 65), Tabb (Anderson 65), Murphy, Sears (Varney 79). Unused: Gerken, Stewart, Chaplow, Clarke.

Reading: Federici, Kelly, Obita, Pearce (c), Hector, Chalobah, Williams, Mackie (Cooper 90), Robson-Kanu (Akpan 77), Cox (McCleary 77), Pogrebnyak. Unused: Andersen, Norwood, Blackman. Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne and Wear). Attendance: 21,298 (Reading: 433).

Photo: Action Images

Akaroablue added 08:12 - Feb 22 I can't believe this result! I have had negative comments on my posts since this time last year, when I said who in the mid field will score any goals, I rest my particulars on that one! but nothing has changed, I respect MM but his selections have me baffled. We had a great opportunity to strenghten the team in Jan but didn't. He brings in Chaplow! goal scorer, year right! great to keep us up, but no forward vision for getting us to the EPL. At least my post criticising him referring to that stupid' Bonkers ' remarks has stopped! what a great relieve that is. He does look at this forum.

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battyblue added 08:15 - Feb 22 Hoof ball tactics wont work against the budgies they will win every ball and pass it back up the field again , if we loose at carrot road Mick without putting up a really good fight you may be in for a lot more stick than you have for this match. For gods sake select players in their rightful positions and play it on the pitch through midfield,,it works with Ambrose in midfield i believe we need him there to make things tick with Parr in the starting line up as well two games to save a top six .

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warktheline added 08:29 - Feb 22 @bazza, people that post such folly aren't worth responding to. @skinnyman, totally agree, many on here are like yo yo's . Nevertheless, if you consider team selection, even I, am willing to accept what many are saying about round pegs in square holes! Parr must be at the point of exploding through sheer frustration....he has to start at Right Back, doesn't he? The midfield may not lack industrialism, but it needs more than that, goals and pace, are also part and parcel of the job. When Murphy is scoring, things like dandy, but we have become to reliant upon him, like McGoldrick last season. Don't get me wrong, since McCarthy took over, I've been more than happy with the overall picture, apart from the continued silence of ME, but I really hope Mick addresses these more recent,on the field problems.

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dannyrr added 09:55 - Feb 22 I would be happy to lose if we played a brilliant game and the opposition were much better than us and deserved to win. That hasn't been the case. I do go to matches and I support the academy not an armchair supporter. I would have accepted if we lost against Sheffield Wednesday as we attacked for most of the match and the selection was better. For the first 15 minutes we did yesterday but we lost all desire after their unbelievable goal. I expected Tabb to be replaced by Parr at halftime but he was replaced by Anderson. Parr must be wondering what he has to do be given a start ahead of Tabb. It like comparing apples against oranges. No comparison. Let's make the right choices the right players in the right positions and let's go for the next two wins. COYB

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Lightningboy added 11:09 - Feb 22 Personally I think we're nowhere near good enough for promotion..Mick deserves a hell of a lot of credit for what he's done here in 18 months But I really do think he's at his level in the championship. Not tactically good enough especially in the bigger games (in which we never seem to score)...I like Mick but have known since day 1 that he isn't the long term solution to what our club and it's fans want i.e. attacking,free flowing football and 100% effort win,lose or draw..the latter something I expected from an MM team every week but am surprised at how often that never happens. I expect you to fire your players up Mick to make up for your lack of tactical awareness.

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NoelTheDub added 11:18 - Feb 22 I said before when we signed Varney and Chaplow that the players that got us to were we are should start v Reading but after that yesterday them two lads have to start.We have to be the only team to get players in and leave them to rot on the bench.We have to try different things with this squad its so boring when the same old boring hoofball bull,square peg formation and lack of pace.Please Mick again Im calling for change before it to late and we drop out of playoffs and your usual dross comes out we had a great season with a small squad and no money.Can anyone on here explain to me Micks reason for the Anderson for Tabb sub some plan B that one also Chambers out of position Parr on the bench,Bishop out wide right young Stewart with blistering pace Micks words I remember all stuff a blind man can see if you excuse my pun.Bohslegend Im waiting for your usual attack on moaner Noel but you clearly havent got up yet please explain the square peg syndrome at our club you and Mick can put your heads together thats only one brain I guess.Frustrated beyond belief supporter..

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miltonmowbray added 11:26 - Feb 22 Not a good performance (or advert for Championship football). Struggling to recall one example of a town player taking on and beating his opposite man, or of a successful pass forward to feet. I hope Birmingham weren't watching as we showed very little ability to breakdown a team that grab a fortuitous early goal then park the bus. Let's hope it was just a blip.
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Hegansheroes added 12:08 - Feb 22 Tabb and Anderson should not be even on the pay role. Totally inept but MM's favourites.
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Hegansheroes added 12:08 - Feb 22 Tabb and Anderson should not be even on the pay role. Totally inept but MM's favourites.
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dirtydingusmagee added 12:10 - Feb 22 very disappointing, I thought the Fulham game had got us back on track,sadly not the case.We seem to be going back to square pegs in round holes .Everything was looking good till mid season,players working their guts out for each other,and we seemed good enough to take advantage of the fact we were in a very good position and push on .Now we are still in touch but everything is going back to previous seasons shortcomings .I have not criticised the team or manager so far this season,but the signs are not good.We have gone from perhaps auto promotion to possible playoffs [if we can sort it out .] Being a Town supporter for 50 years i want us to turn Budgies over at every opportunity ,but if things dont change dramatically im fearful of the looming game.Worse still i dread being in playoffs and getting dumped by them .M E cant or wont invest in players it seems so he must take bulk of blame.If we dont make it this season i dont think we ever will unless the club is bought by someone with more money and ambition .

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NoelTheDub added 12:45 - Feb 22 dirtydingusmagee Im a moaner at the best of times and Mick has got results with teams I didnt think you could and yes its been a much improved season on others but at the same time he has got a lot wrong IMO.Do you not agree that Parr,Ambrose,Stewart,should get a better chance,would Sears be playing if Dids was ok I doubt it,should Chaplow have got a runout instead of Anderson and should we continusilly be playing players in positions that they are least affective. Could we be 6 or 9 points better off in this league maybe more IMO..

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crossyIP2 added 13:03 - Feb 22 Bialkowski Chambers Berra Smith Parr Mings Bishop Skuse Bru Sears Murphy Let's play our best players & in there best positions Tuesday night & see what happens?!..... Just a thought.
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Seasider added 14:10 - Feb 22 Few observations. Remember Arnold Muhren saying in first game that he and Frans started at PR, ball was just going over their heads;dont know what he would have made of things yesterday. Wonder if guentchev has seen any of Skinnyman,Wark the line,Essex tractor or PJH @ Portman Rd as none have commented on the actual game which was dreadful. Notice that Elliott Hewitt had 2 assists yesterday for Colchester United but has been pushed out by Manager together with other forward looking players like Stewart, who was at least on the bench,and Jonny Parr who once again he failed to start.Think Henshall may be injured after returning from Blackpool Why cant McCarthy go back to 4.3.3.when we played our best football this season. Believe 2nd half of season teams play reverse fixtures,and it is obvious that stubborn Micks cautious and unedifying style has been found out and combatted easily. Now been following town for over 50 years and have never felt so unimpressed with performances when Town have been in top six before,beginning to wonder whether we will even be in the Play Offs at end of season let alone top two Naturally like all other supporters hope I am wrong and look forward to seeing occasionally a flowing game when Ipswich win handsomely with pass and move football.Hasn't happened yet under MM unless you count the 4.0 defeat of Middlesborough when Mick was ill and TC was in charge.

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BillBlue added 14:41 - Feb 22 Good post Seasider. I actually gave you a pos tick but when it didn't show I checked and I have given you a neg and a pos which is impossible! There is something wrong with the system today because it mucked up one of my earlier ones. Anyway you have one pos from me so please just ignore the neg! It's good to see an old stager still able to go and make intelligent contributions. I started following Town in '52 but of course getting out is now impossible so I rely entirely on people like you to keep me in touch with reality and, even then, I am amazed at the people who are willing to pay a lot of money and sometimes travel many miles to watch rubbish such is currently being offered both in team selection and in tactics, or in the current name 'Hoofball'! I agree entirely with your comments about so many young players not being given an opportunity and for the first time in our history players are being rejected here and doing better elsewhere. It makes you think!

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PJH added 15:06 - Feb 22 Seasider-I must apologise for being an optimistic supporter of ITFC. We are 4th in the league and have as much chance as most of getting promoted. Perhaps we could meet at Norwich or Leeds to discuss the situation? My comment on the result was that it was disappointing and a missed opportunity,I did not realise that a comment on the game was compulsory. I wondered for a while after the Rotherham game if our chance had gone and I wondered the same thing briefly yesterday, then I klooked again at the league table. I do not know if guentchev has seen me at PR or not.

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del45 added 16:09 - Feb 22 Have a look at the current form table last 6 games we are 17 below millwall brigton etc etc leeds 1 norwich 3 how the hell are we still in the top 6 i think not for long with the team selection MM has made in last few games.
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warktheline added 16:54 - Feb 22 @seasider No not at game yesterday, think if you read my second post, this clarifies this. Admittedly, don't get to as many games as I would like nowadays, young family and work commitments, but over the years, believe me, I've been up to Portman rd, and away games on a very regular basis. Style of play is obviously a contentious issue, and having been attracted to supporting Ipswich from Sir Bobby's era, I'm most accustomed to teams playing attractive football....sadly with hindsight we've been mismanaged ,previous to McCarthy's reign. Thus if I'm to be totally truthful, it scares the s**t out of me!!!! What does? My club plunging down the leagues again through another bout of mismanagement, that's why, for now, I'm content with our current position, playing s**t football if need be!

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PJH added 18:00 - Feb 22 Seasider-I should add that guentchev might have seen me at PR anytime in the last 55 years(except for 1 Keane year)as I have missed very few home games in that time. Just because I am not moaning does not mean that I do not go. I am sure that a lot of the moaners on here would be only too pleased to try to get tickets if MM does take us to The Premier League.
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oldegold added 18:05 - Feb 22 I have just read a biography of the late great Bob Paisley,Liverpool's greatest manager in terms of trophies won and apart from his ability to manage players and teams,he had the astute mind to vary his tactics according to the ebb and flow of the game and change strategy accordingly. Watching our game yesterday and having suffered some woeful football under MM,one thing that has remained imbedded in my mind is his total incapacity to change or vary tactics.His game plan simply never changes and plods along in its dull and predictable sterility.The mark of the great manager is demonstrated also in tactical nous and in this area he is devoid of any element of surprise.Players clearly being played out of position,when attack is needed he brings on midfielders, when a more varied style is required he drones along with startling predictability. Norwich are on the rise and with the abysmal tactics thus displayed,we are on a hiding to nothing next week and they will hammer us. Hoofball will not get us anywhere and these 6 months of honeymoon since the derby defeat in August will show up his tactical limitations.Please please please change and play to win and not to contain and go for a draw.

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BlueMachines added 18:19 - Feb 22 @PJH. That last 'if' is getting bigger by the game unfortunately. Oldegold. That post is spot on and is why I get so frustrated. I read earlier in this forum thread that MM is doing the best with what he has got. But that's just it. He isn't. He is doing a fabulous job with what he has, but we could be doing better. A few tweaks to his tactics/selections combined with the work ethic etc that he instilled and we would be clear at the top. Sorry for not being satisfied with 4th, greedy I know, but I just want ITFC to fulfil the potential MM has given us.

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halsteadblue added 19:22 - Feb 22 Jonathan Parr Stats for league games he`s started. Played 15 W9 D5 L1 .Come on Mick please play our best players in their best positions.
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IpswichTilliDie1978 added 19:53 - Feb 22 Disappointed with the result yesterday but at least we only have to wait three days for a response. Mings and Smith both had an off day and I could tell in the first 5 minutes that Mings wasn't going to have a good game just by his mannerism. Parr was fantastic when he came on, I think he is worthy of a start on Tuesday night and Sears looked lively throughout the game. However I do feel we miss McGoldrick, his composure on the ball and tight control really has a good impact on the game. Bring on Tuesday and then the big one on Sunday. Lets hope for 6 points and I feel it would send us back in the right direction and get us on the road again to promotion.

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NoelTheDub added 20:23 - Feb 22 IpswichTilliDie1978 If you can see that Smith or Mings was having an off day Mick waits and waits and waits until we are a goal down and still did nothing.Parr, what on earth does that lad have to do to get a run.A number of our team are struggling for a reason that we all know but Mick persists week in week out very annoying.I would love to see Dids just behind our front 2 but for some reason I cant see Mick taking this gamble.

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bluefeast added 20:55 - Feb 22 These next 7 games define our season ,couldnt really be harder ,lets see what we are made of ,each one a cup final.... Sun 1 Mar 2:05pm Norwich City A Wed 4 Mar 7:45pm Leeds United A Sat 7 Mar 3:00pm Brentford H Sat 14 Mar 12:15pm Middlesbrough A Tue 17 Mar 7:45pm Bolton Wanderers H Sat 21 Mar 3:00pm Watford A Fri 3 Apr 5:15pm AFC Bournemouth H
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EssexTractor added 21:07 - Feb 22 Seasider I suggest you recheck who has and hasn't posted and then tell me what point you are trying to me make?
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