Richard Chaplow netted a dramatic winner in the fifth minute of injury time as Town won 1-0 at Watford, who had started the day leading the Championship, to climb back into the play-off places.

Boss Mick McCarthy made three changes from the team which beat Bolton 1-0 on Tuesday with Kevin Bru replacing Teddy Bishop, who has sore shins, in midfield.

Luke Varney and Chris Wood came into a three-man attack alongside Daryl Murphy, while Jonny Parr, who was a doubt having taken a kick on Tuesday, missed out and Sears dropped to the bench.

Michael Crowe, 19, was the sub keeper with Dean Gerken not risked having been knocked unconscious at Middlesbrough last week and Paddy Kenny ill.

Watford made three changes from the team which beat Wigan 2-0 in midweek. Miguel Layun, Daniel Tozser and Odion Ighalo replaced Gianni Munari, Matej Vydra and Gabriele Angella.

Neither keeper was particularly troubled in the early stages. Bartosz Bialkowski spent more time dealing with inflatables blown onto the pitch from the 2,200-strong Town following behind his goal than Watford attacks.

Town, who had started brightly, had the ball in the net in the 10th minute when Murphy fed Varney but the on-loan Blackburn man was offside.

On 12 Adlene Guedioura skipped away from Bru midway inside the Town half before unleashing a powerful shot which flew just over Bialkowski’s goal.

Three minutes later, Tyrone Mings surrendered possession inside his own half, allowing Watford to break towards the Town area. Mings was fortunate to see Ighalo’s shot strike Tommy Smith before the left-back cleared the danger himself.

For Town, Murphy saw a promising effort from the edge of the area blocked, then for the Hornets Troy Deeney headed wide from a cross from the right.

On 28 Murphy picked up his first booking of the season for a late tackle on Guedioura, although the Algerian seemed to make a lot of not very much.

Two minutes later, Joel Ekstrand, the Watford player whose wild lunge forced Jonny Williams off with a groin injury from which he is still to return at Portman Road in November, twisted awkwardly and appeared to injure his knee.

The Swedish defender was treated on the pitch before eventually leaving on a stretcher with Gabriele Angella replacing him. Angella’s first contribution was to catch Wood with an arm and pick up the game’s second yellow card.

Varney, playing on the right of what was now a 4-4-2 formation, forced Heurelho Gomes into his first serious of the afternoon on 41, bringing the ball in from the flank and hitting a powerful shot from the edge of the box that the keeper pushed past his post.

A minute later, Guedioura broke through on goal from the Watford midfield and seemed certain to score until skipper Luke Chambers slid in to block superbly.

But it was the Blues ending the half the stronger, a Bru cross from the right following a corner taking the Hornets several attempts to clear, then the Mauritian international screwed an effort from distance well wide.

Neither side threatened again before referee Andy D’Urso blew his whistle to signal half-time.

Town manager McCarthy will have been delighted by the half-time scoreline and his team’s performance.

After an evenly balanced opening, the home side started to string a few passes together but never particularly threatened Bialkowski’s goal until the Guedioura chance that Chambers blocked.

But by that stage the Blues were starting to get on top, forcing set pieces and with Varney in particular looking a danger on the right.

Eight minutes after the break Tyrone Mings picked up his 10th booking of the season for pulling back Marco Motta. The Blues left-back will now be suspended for the next two games.

Five minutes later, Watford swapped Daniel Tozser for Ikechi Anya, then on the hour Paul Anderson replaced Varney on the right of the Blues’ midfield, the loanee receiving warm applause from the Town support after his most effective performance since joining the club.

Chances had been few and far between in the opening 20 minutes of the second half but on 67 the ball fell to Guedioura on the right of the area after Watford had worked their way back into the area following a corner but the midfielder shanked his volley wide.

The home side were on top, however, with Town spending most of their time defending in their own half. But when the Blues broke forward Murphy and Wood appeared to be developing something of an understanding.

Sears replaced Wood, who like Varney had had the best game of his loan spell, in the 74th minute with the Blues now putting the Hornets under pressure for the first time since the break.

Two minutes after coming on Sears forced Gomes to save down to his right with a 25-yard strike which looked set for the corner of the net. From the resultant flag-kick, Chambers nodded Jay Tabb’s cross over.

Watford went very close to going in front in the 79th minute when Deeney out-muscled Chambers down the Hornets left and sent over a cross which Ighalo diverted over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box.

The home side were again beginning to put the Blues under a bit of pressure, Deeney screwing a shot well wide from the edge of the distance. However, the game quickly moved to the other end of the field and Murphy laid the ball off to Tabb, who shot well over from 25 yards.

As the game moved into its final scheduled three minutes Chaplow took over from a clearly exhausted Bru.

Deep into injury time Tabb was booked for a foul on Motta with the game looking certain to end in a goalless.

But suddenly Sears out-fought Ben Watson on halfway as they chased Tabb’s ball forward and brought the ball forward before cutting the ball across to fellow sub Chaplow, who slipped past Gomes and into the net for his first Town goal right in front of the Blues’ support.

The Town subs and staff rushed along the touchline to join in the celebrations as the grounded Chaplow was smothered by his team-mates.

There was no further danger for the Blues before referee D’Urso blew the final whistle to a huge roar from the 2,200 travelling Town army.

The late, late goal capped what had been a superb defensive display from the Blues with the backline and holding midfielder Cole Skuse outstanding.

Although the Blues survived Ighalo’s miss towards the end, Watford were prevented having a single shot on target in the entire 90 minutes.

The result moves Town - who have now done the double over the Hornets, so long their bogie side - back to sixth ahead of Brentford and Wolves and now just five points off the Hornets in second with seven games to play following the international break.

Watford: Gomes, Motta, Cathcart, Ekstrand (Angella 34), Hoban, Tozser (Anya 58), Watson, Layun (Vydra 78), Guedioura, Ighalo, Deeney. Unused: Bond, Munari, Paredes, Pudil.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Mings, Smith, Berra, Skuse, Bru (Chaplow 87), Tabb, Murphy, Wood (Sears 74), Varney (Anderson 60). Unused: Crowe, Clarke, S Hunt, Benyu. Referee: Andy D’Urso (Billericay). Attendance: 19,038 (Town: 2,177).

Photo: Action Images

Minneapolis_ITFC added 18:12 - Mar 21 This is one strange season, although of course it's the best in years. It days like today the names of Magilton, Keane and Jewell are long forgotten and there's real promise about the club often enough. What I fail to understand is how the team can play badly, give away points to lower opposition and then beat one of the heavyweights at their own ground - and with a deserving performance from what I could ascertain. Yes we're still very much involved, and if we can play like we did today, create chances and beat one of the top two away - then we have the capabilities to finish in a play-off place. I thought after Brentford pulled back a draw earlier it was going to be another frustrating experience, but the team did us proud today. Final word and bottom line - let's put today into subsequent games and show this league what we got. Best chance in 10 years to get out of this damn league - so let's not waste it now. One content - and surprised - tractor

3

Seasider added 18:12 - Mar 21 Rest of the World 0-Ipswich Town 1,what a tremendous result,and great credit to the Manager who started 443 and switched to 442,last game he did the opposite;so it shows he can do it.Also bringing on fresh subs and not 'parking the bus'! I am so pleased for Tommy Smith who I understand had a terrific game today alongside the ever reliable Berra.He has had to put up with a lot of doubters lately. Also Cole Skuse who I think has been instrumental in these last two wins together with Kevin Bru as they were up against arguably the best midfield in the Championship Finally the +3 recent loan signings,none of whom had played much football recently,and who are now playing their part. This should ensure a bumper Bank Holiday crowd on Good Friday,as Ipswich welcome little Bournemouth, who nearly went into conference 5 years ago,to a proper football stadium with a glorious history;we should with a bit of luck have a couple more players back so we can give the table toppers a game!!!

19

dannyrr added 18:14 - Mar 21 What an awesome three points- most would have been happy to take a point today. There's nothing better than a smash and grab. My kids team did the same today with 17 seconds on the clock having just conceded a goal for a draw. Let's get behind the team and serif we can continue to keep picking up points keeping us in the mix. Mick gets it right again well done to all. COYB

1

Steelmonkey added 18:17 - Mar 21 By eck what a bonkers division, even me whippets are flying today.
0

Satt_Man added 18:23 - Mar 21 Boom Mot**r F***kers. Ecstatic. Screamed my house down watching Soccer Saturday. E i e i e i oh. Lets get our voices charged ready for this!!!!
4

Cakeman added 18:26 - Mar 21 I thought after the opening ten minutes we grew into the game and stared to believe again. MM deserves credit for a few timely formation changes and the shuffling if the front line as the game was in progress. This was a huge confidence boosting win and sets us up for the final flurry of matches. For me whilst all played a great part, Varney, Skuse, Chambers and Sears were immense. A cool finish from Chaplow too who hadn't been on the field for long before he scored. Finally a word for the much maligned ref Durso. I thought he did well and stood up to a lot of tricks and Watford play acting very well. He is not going to get every decision right but there are many worse refs than him about including one or two posers in the Premier league.

1

bluetoba added 18:29 - Mar 21 WOW-WEE, I'm beaming in Bali. Watched the Bet365 stream, froze at 94 min 40 secs. Shrugged my shoulders and thought a great point actually. Refreshed page, said 0-1. Someone shake me.
5

irishtim added 18:35 - Mar 21 Well done management, players, and especially the travelling support. Now let's all stick together for the final push.
8

BillBlue added 18:57 - Mar 21 Well what can one say? Emotions 3pm despondent, 4pm quite excited, 5pm absolutely delighted. Three points plus clean sheet, away and to the team I most dislike only second to Leeds. Well done all.
3

Alxn629 added 19:07 - Mar 21 On the way back, still buzzing ! Good match from both teams, great result.COYB.Believe.
1

runaround added 19:09 - Mar 21 Wow what an amazing result. With a number of players out injured, the rest in fairly poor form to go away to the league leaders who are in a great form & our bogey team but we win. That's why football is so good & as fans, results like this make it all worthwhile & should be celebrated. Puts us back in with a chance COYB
1

warktheline added 19:10 - Mar 21 Let's not turn it into a THEM and US evening. We all have differing views on the best way forward for our club. Hats off to you Irishtim, for correctly predicting result to me three days ago....he doesn't say much, but when he does, he's worth a listen!!! Irishtim apart, don't believe many, including me, envisaged today's result. Back four solid, who would of said that, that said, let's not assume all is rosy, but if they continue in this form, I'll shut my mouth about CB and RB situation!!!! I did say when McCarthy recruited Chaplow, Varney and Wood, that all three would play a big part for remaining games of season, it appears so. Many underestimated these signings but all three have been here before in Championship and have the experience to contribute in our pursuit of play offs.McCarthy done well there, on limited resources. 433 or 442, let's not miss the point here, it's the personnel used in the starting 11. Immediate thoughts from most was positive,when hearing Murphy, Wood and Varney. ( Sears extremely unlucky). Hope this momentum and positivity are carried into our next massive game. Mick enjoy your evening, for sure, us fans will!!!!!

11

airliner added 19:11 - Mar 21 Great super mick and the boys
2

StochesStotasBlewe added 19:13 - Mar 21 Opening the red wine soon, great win against the odds. Asked my other half to text me the scores as was out, she wound me up saying 2 0 to Watford on 75 mins, walked home despondent only to get a text from a mate saying great result for your boys. To say my mood changed to ecstatic is an understatement. Great finish from Chaplow, well done to ALL. Happy Saturday night.

7

TimmyH added 19:20 - Mar 21 I know what it was - not the 100% effort by the players, the tactical manoeuvres by Mick on the touch line but by me putting Watford down as a home win on my coupon, I think I'll bet against us in future weeks (I never win). Good saturday evening to come!
1

NoelTheDub added 19:21 - Mar 21 Well done everyone today super result.Clearly 433 was important to start with and i would say surprised them.We gave them a lot more trouble than i though especially up top with our 3 which kept there back four quiet.Reverting to 442 at the end was a good to see and i give MM credit for trying something different.I didnt agree with Sears been left out and as did great for our goal important he plays IMO.CONGRATS TO MICK AND THE TEAM ANYWAY....

2

kidsurello added 19:24 - Mar 21 Absolute class all round today. Hats off to mick for picking 4-3-3 with three strikers! Hats off to the players who were superb today, looked so solid again at the back today like early in the season, even if we had got a draw I would have praised today because I thought we played really well and looked like an all round complete team. Major hats off to Bru and Skyse who I thought were sensational today, Tabb was decent first half but less so when moved to left midfield. But the biggest hats off has to go to the fans. Unreal!! Best noise levels and support I've seen as a town fan. COYB!!!!!!!!!!

2

Jimmy86 added 19:27 - Mar 21 What a bloody awesome result for us and by the sounds of the coverage on Radio Suffolk a thoroughly professional performance, restricting a free scoring Watford side to little clear cut openings!!! 2 clean sheets on the bounce, back to basics. Was good to see Mick start with 4 3 3, he had the personnel to change to 4 4 2 when it was clear we were being over run. Mick got it spot on today with his tactics and subs. He is a good manager, just a shame he is so stubborn. Whilst I don't like to see players get injured, I'd say that ekstrand got what he deserved for the disgraceful tackle on williams at Portman road, KARMA well and truly get him. Brilliant 3 points COYB

4

jas0999 added 19:32 - Mar 21 Pinewoodblueboy - great post; opening red wine. Superb. What type?!
3

dukey44 added 19:36 - Mar 21 Its a week strange!! Bloody rubbish last wk but two clean sheets later mad mad league. COYB Please we been here too long!!
1

Blueulster added 19:41 - Mar 21 What a nail biter of a day. Last minute winner for town and Ireland win the rugby the rugby after a brilliant effort from England..
1

essexbluey added 19:43 - Mar 21 What a buzz i enjoyed the 60 mile trip back to southend. I was nearly pushed on the pitch when the goal went in the crowd went king mental. Bring on bouremouth we have nothing to fear now its do or die.
1

Kirbmeister added 19:52 - Mar 21 Great result. I've always said MM has done well this season but I'm amazed how fickle some of you are. A week ago MM, Skuse, Smith and Tabb were absolutely slated. Now a totally different story. It does make me laugh.
-1

vanmunt added 19:54 - Mar 21 As Jimmy greaves used to say, it's a funny ole game Saint. Great result, well done MM.
1

ShropshireBluenago09 added 19:55 - Mar 21 Well, well, well…Dicky Chaplow who could have predicted that! Hey, we aren't playing great football, but i'll take 1-0 wins for the existing games. Its not pretty but we showed some great defending today and more importantly our midfield played well. Varney played well and Skuse and Bru were awesome. Fantastic COYB!
2

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls