Town’s Championship play-off semi-final against Norwich City is delicately poised after the first leg at Portman Road ended 1-1. Jonny Howson put the visitors - who host the second game next Saturday - ahead in the 41st minute but sub Paul Anderson hit back for the home side in first-half injury time.

Kevin Bru and Luke Varney returned to the Town side with Jay Tabb and Jonny Parr dropping to the bench, alongside David McGoldrick, back after his niggly thigh problem.

Bru joined Cole Skuse and Teddy Bishop in a midfield three with Varney on the right of an attacking trio with Daryl Murphy and Freddie Sears.

In front of a sell-out crowd of 29,166, the Blues started positively from the kick-off with a move down the right ending when Tyrone Mings headed Bru’s cross to Norwich keeper John Ruddy.

Town almost claimed the lead in the eighth minute when Murphy seized on a mistake on the edge of the area and took the ball to the byline before crossing low to Sears, whose near-post effort was blocked by Ruddy.

The ball looped to Varney and the keeper did well to paw his goal-bound header away from goal, Steven Whittaker clearing the danger.

Two minutes later Norwich had their first serious chance, Graham Dorrans playing a short freekick from 25 yards to Bradley Johnson, whose low shot flew well wide of Bartosz Bialkowski’s left post.

On 19 Cameron Jerome was lucky to avoid a booked for arriving late after Blues skipper Luke Chambers had cleared.

The Blues had enjoyed the better of the game overall but on 20 the Canaries came close to going in front.

Whittaker crossed from the right and Howson headed wide when under pressure from Chambers. Despite the attentions of the Town captain the ex-Leeds man will feel he ought to have done better.

The visitors were beginning to get on top and on 23 Alex Tettey hit a 25-yard strike which hit the outside of Bialkowski’s left post, hit the stanchion and cannoned across the back of goal with some fans thinking it had gone in.

Norwich threatened again a minute later, Dorrans sending over a cross from the right which Johnson nodded wide.

Town were forced into a change on the half hour when Varney was stretchered off having undergone lengthy treatment on the pitch after appearing to turn his ankle with no one else near him. Anderson took over on the right of the front three.

The sub was immediately into the action, getting his head to Bishop’s right-sided cross at the near post, but sending the ball high and wide.

The impetus moved back towards Town and on 38 the Blues’ 27-goal Championship top scorer Murphy had his first sight at goal, the Irishman’s flicking his header wide from Chambers’s cross.

Town continued to keep up the pressure, another Chambers cross from the right leading to the first corner of the match. Soon after, Anderson shot wide from distance.

Despite the Blues having been in the ascendent, the visitors grabbed the lead in the 41st minute. Jerome fought off Tommy Smith as they battled for a long ball which had been flicked on on the Norwich left.

The ex-Cardiff man took the ball on then cut it back to the untracked Howson, who hit a low shot into the corner of the net. As the Canaries celebrated skipper Chambers and other Town players protested about what they claimed had been a foul on Smith in the build-up. The New Zealand international will probably feel he ought to have done better.

Town looked to hit back in six minutes of injury time, Mings seeing a 25-yard freekick deflect wide off the wall.

And in the fourth minute of added-on time the Blues levelled. Sears latched onto a weak defensive header by Russell Martin and took the ball on into the area before hitting a low shot which Ruddy should have held on to.

However, the ex-Cambridge United man allowed the ball to bounce out to Murphy but blocked his point-blank effort. However, sub Anderson was on hand to slam the ball into the net from the edge of the six-yard box.

Both teams came close again before the break, Smith heading Bru’s cross from the right over at the far post, then Nathan Redmond burst into the right of the Blues box before hitting a shot which Bialkowski saved, Smith clearing the loose ball.

Overall, the half-time scoreline was a fair reflection. It would have been harsh on the Blues had they found themselves behind at the break after having spells on top and having gone close through Sears and Varney early on.

The Norwich goal came against the run of play at that point in the game, although they had been on top up to the lengthy interruption for Varney’s injury and also had chances, Tettey and Redmond both having gone close.

Three minutes after the restart Dorrans was booked for a foul on Anderson as he broke down the left.

Goalscorer Anderson had a difficult opportunity on 50, chasing after a Skuse ball to the left of the area, but the former Bristol City man mis-hit his shot deep into the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

On 54 Murphy headed Bru’s corner from the right over, then four minutes later Jerome was booked for tripping Berra.

Johnson, a scorer in the regular season derby at Carrow Road, turned and shot from 25 yards on the hour but Bialkowski was untroubled and claimed down to his left.

Town were shading a tight second half and on 67 Bru sent over a cross from the right towards Sears at the far post but the ex-Colchester frontman couldn’t keep down what was a difficult header.

Norwich created their first chance of the second half in the 70th minute, Redmond finding Johnson in space on the left but Chambers got across to deflect his shot wide. Moments later, the Canaries switched Dorrans for Wes Hoolahan, then two minutes later, Jay Tabb took over from Bru for Town.

The visitors were having most of the ball and increasingly looking the more threatening side and on 74 Chambers blocked another Johnson effort, somewhat painfully with his groin. Bishop made way for Jonny Parr on 77.

Tabb sent Murphy away down the left a minute later, the Blues striker cutting in but seeing his shot blocked.The loose ball ran out to Tabb, who appeared to be fouled as he looked to get in a shot, but referee Anthony Taylor, who was lenient, perhaps too lenient, throughout, felt otherwise.

Johnson headed wide from a Redmond corner with the Canaries still on top, then at the other end Murphy cut in from the right but saw his strike blocked. On 84 Anderson was booked for a trip, then two minutes later Gary Hooper replaced Jerome for Norwich.

On 87 Martin Olsson clearly caught Sears with an arm off the ball but none of the officials spotted the incident, although it was caught by Sky’s cameras. Soon after, Tettey fouled Anderson, the sub sending in a dangerous ball from the freekick but Martin cleared.

Bialkowski tipped a looping Redmond header over in the final minute of scheduled time, prior to the fourth official indicating three additional minutes.

Neither side was able to add to the goals in injury time and the teams will now go to Carrow Road with the tie level next Saturday lunchtime.

A draw was a fair result on the balance of the game, both sides having had spells on top during each half and the two managers will be happy enough with the result.

Following the final whistle the players and staff gathered midway on the pitch to applaud the home support, a gesture which was warmly appreciated by a Portman Road crowd now looking towards what’s a huge second leg at Carrow Road next week.

Ipswich: Bialkowski, Mings, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Skuse, Murphy, Varney (Anderson 30), Bru (Tabb 72), Sears, Bishop (Parr 77). Unused: Gerken, S Hunt, N Hunt, McGoldrick.

Norwich: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson, Tettey, Howson, Dorrans (Hoolahan 70), Redmond, Johnson, Jerome (Hooper 86). Unused: Rudd, E Bennett, R Bennett, O'Neil, Odjidja-Ofoe. Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire). Attendance: 29,166 (Norwich: 2,085).

Photo: Action Images

WeWereZombies added 16:06 - May 9 Not just a game of two halves but two pints as well - the pleasing effect of the Tribute was somewhat dampened by Howson's lucky strike but I was glad I had kept hold of a few dregs when Anderson scored shortly afterwards. How are we going to win at the Carrotpatch if we have to let them score first before they lose concentration enough for us to pull them apart? Play 5-2-3? Second half was more unfamiliar - another Cornish beer, but new to me - Trelawney, only 3.8% but interesting. Not as complex as Adnams' Mosaic but a good pint. Glad we didn't lose obviously but almost convinced that the Kieron et al theary that taking a draw to the away leg will be a positive psychological effect. No sitting back trying to protect a lead. Any suggestions for what beer to drink to achieve this?

2

TractorCam added 16:09 - May 9 Very well done Town! Played very well and game could of easily gone either way. All to play for 2nd leg, really hope Varney is ok
3

62WasBest added 16:16 - May 9 At being unpopular, I hope we win and get into the Premiership, especially for those younger fans who weren't around for our glory years, but if we cannot beat Norwich I hope they go on to get promoted. Personally, being old-school", I think the third placed club should go up on merit anyway , having got more points than those below over the course of the season. But we are where we are, so COYB. You can do it even in Norfolk, if you play at your best.

1

happybeingblue added 16:21 - May 9 skusey was top man today... wish daryl had looked up in second half when bearing goalwards as freddie could have been played in. still first half frantic second half bit more subdued ... both teams seemed a bit leggy second half
2

oldegold added 16:23 - May 9 Very proud of Town today and a great atmosphere like the old days and every one was "up" for it - the team, the town itself,the stadium. Analysing the match itself, our hard-working boys worked their socks off but we paid for our tactics of safety first and the occasional attack. Norwich should have been taken to the cleaners today but man for man they have the extra class, speed and enterprise and showed it today even if they were not brilliant but they showed that they can "boss" the match. We are a tough and resilient team but no more and whilst I hope in a big surprise next Saturday, if we play safety first soccer then it will be along ad hard afternoon. Would love our manager to take for once the shackles off and play 3 strikers and just go of broke. Agree with a previous comment that when Tabb and Anderson ( who was good today ) came on,I understood that mm was not going to break the habit of a lifetime and start playing free flowing but contain instead. We need to be brave and break with convention...I think we can do it but we need to be daring and go for it. Bru and Sears looked off the pace today but Skuse worked like a trojan as usual. Teddy could be the star next Saturday if given the chance to go at them.COYB!

2

ibisblue added 16:33 - May 9 Well so much better than our previous two meetings with Norwich this season... and we are definitely in with a great chance to nick this... Good to see Chambers doing well (not been convinced in previous games I've seen this season), and Anderson got in graet positions despite not doing much until the one he put in... All in all, a great team performance and I'll be watching again out here in Bangalore next Saturday with greater hopes than I'd thought! COYB....

3

Minneapolis_ITFC added 16:33 - May 9 Obviously disappointed not to have taken a win from today but they will have started as favorites before start of play. Therefore a draw is a good enough score but we're going to have to go and win at their place now in order to reach the final - a tough task but it can be done. Whatever occurs in the return it's been a very good season, the best for a decade, and to win now at Carrow Road will make it all the more better. Think the other game was a draw also with Bees and Boro so both games hang in the balance. Let's go to their crappy ground in the second game, play to our abilities and pull of something of an upset. Would really enjoy beating them in front of their own little supporters and denying them a place in next seasons EPL. PS 62wasBest , would not want Norwich promoted regardless of how you feel, not today, not ever. Yes they may have deserved it or played some good soccer over the course of the season but the animosity towards them denotes that I wish them misfortune at every, and any, opportunity. IF they beat us in the second game then 100 per cent hope that either Boro or Brentford beat those... in the final event.

1

BlueMachines added 16:55 - May 9 Well I for one enjoyed that! Thought we competed all over the pitch and did ourselves proud. Bru and Skuse immense. Bring it on next Saturday!! It's gonna be tough but who knows!!
4

jas0999 added 16:55 - May 9 A fair result. What was pleasing is despite their squad and extra money, I didn't think they were any better than us. Whether we can go to their place and get a result, who knows. Thought we defended very well, but it was at the expense of attacking intent. we are still in the game. Thought Skuse did very well in midfield, along with Bru. Not quite sure what Tabb offered and was surprised by that change. However, overall a decent result - for both sides I suspect.

2

essexccc added 16:56 - May 9 Atmosphere, especially in the first half, was superb today, and described as "initimidating" I believe by neutral media. How long since that was the case? The returning thousands, often maligned on this site, certainly contributed and the usually empty area at the Sir Bobby end of the Cobbold Stand gave great support to us in the Sir Bobby lower. The performance and result, both matching Norwich, were important as I feel both our team and support didn't believe we could match them before the game, on the evidence of the previous two matchesnthis season against them. That has now changed. The only thing they did better than us today was foul and they often got away with it. I agree with all who made Cole Skuse man of the match today. I think he was superb. I do admire fans who say they would like Norwich to go up if we don't. I am 58 years old and hate them more now than I have ever done. I loathe everything about them and if they went into the Conference never to return (as I thought they might, when Colchester got 7 at their ground a few years ago) it wouldn't bother me. Fingers crossed for next week.

7

SloughBlue added 17:14 - May 9 Just back to sunny Berkshire after a thoroughly enjoyable day!!!!!!!The pre match and first half atmosphere reminded me of the great days of the 70s.We certainly deserved a goal(or 2)first half and how edgy were Norwich management,players,fans.Superb fight back and just remember how much they've spent compared to us and we certainly matched them all the way.Slight blip second half where we sat back and stopped playing ball on the deck.I thought Skuse was easily man of the match(how he has progressed this season)Shame Sears found different role difficult to adapt to but ran miles chasing down the opposition.We needed a stronger ref who could see what was going on off the ball.Certainly still believe we can achieve next week.Thanks to MM/TC/Players for this season and for remaining on pitch at end;definite signs of superb team ethos.Still believe Wembley is achievable.

4

EssexTractor added 17:16 - May 9 Great atmosphere and a good team selection, sad for Varney, but then Anderson provided an admirable substitutes performance, good enough I feel to retain that place for next week. He does have energy, his work rate is commendable and he does go forward. Other notable individual today was Skuse who I really doubted until the last couple months, but in truth has been invaluable of late and got himself into vital positions albeit more in a " stopping " role than a " creating" role. And that as we all know is our shortcoming. The ability to really create from midfield. Everyone tries really hard but against top opposition and we have to admit NCFC do fall into that category, we lack comfort composure and creativity which means that front men Murphy and Sears have only scraps to feed off even more so when up against strong uncompromising defenders. It seems inevitable that Hoolahan will start next week so task one is to find a way to negate him. But here's our strength, " our team spirit" which will not be in doubt, although our concentration level will need to be at its highest., and money on Christophe Berra getting another MOTM For I am sure the Canaries will really fancy their chances but history shows that favourites often fall in the play offs so I do believe that our battlers can fend off the yellow peril that inevitably will drive forward until that one moment of real quality from a Blue shirted hero takes us once more to Wembley.

7

TimmyH added 17:18 - May 9 Well had a feeling it would be a draw as I couldn't see us being beaten 3 times on the bounce and in all fairness they haven't been that much better than us other than the first game to merit 'three in a row'. Today a bit of a nervy encounter with not that much between the 2 sides with Norwich predictably controlling the possession although not that much difference between the teams when it came to goal attempts (few). Strangely at times they were just as poor as us with their passing in the final third although the majority of our decent attempts did come from the long ball. Thought Skuse and Chambers were the better players for us today and again Mings never seems in control of the ball or knows what to do with some of his passes. A lead today and I personally felt we would have a reasonable chance of progressing but a draw will have to make do - and as others have said we've still got a fighting chance but it will be another ball game at Carrot road and our away form other than the Watford 'steel' has not been good this year! - I don't think we've done enough today but fingers and everything else crossed for next Saturday.

4

exeterblue10 added 17:23 - May 9 Well done Town for a thoroughly deserved draw and for keeping our season well and truly alive. I was expecting a gulf in quality but we more than matched them for effort, playing with real fire in our bellies, and never really let them got going. That Norwich had to resort to so many fouls (too many of which went unnoticed) says a lot about how we handled them. If we can do the same next Saturday who knows? And great atmosphere today too, fantastic to see the place rocking.

3

NoelTheDub added 17:29 - May 9 Great result today keeps us in it which is very important.Delighted to see Mick playing Bru and Varney out wide they are not wingers but they are forward minded players also we played a good bit of football on the deck and really looked a threat going forward with plenty of lads getting in the box.I think we got scrappy towards the end as soon as Parr and Tabb came on as we settled for our 1all.The ball is in their court next week to come at us and it could play into our hands.Well done everyone today delighted with that shift..COYB.

6

Warkys_Tash added 17:34 - May 9 Well played lads, we were very competition today. Well done Mick & TC for getting the tactics & the temp right. Super cool finish from Ando. We are very much in it. Let's go get a result against those Budgies at Carrot Rud. Their away record is probably better than their home, let's hope we can go do a 'Middlesborough' on them! Spare a thought for poor Luke Varney, he will be a miss. What a terrible injury & notice not one Budgie had the decency to applaud when he was carted off. Get well soon, Luck

5

StochesStotasBlewe added 17:36 - May 9 Nerves completely shattered, beer now wearing off, deserved the draw. Will need to be at our VERY best next Saturday & get in their faces from the off, but we still have a chance so I,ll take that. COYB,s.
3

exeterblue10 added 18:08 - May 9 Warky's_Tash From where I was it looked like quite a lot of budgies in the upper tier were applauding when Varney went off. Just saying...
2

jalapenosteve added 18:13 - May 9 essexccc - bizarrely, not only do I totally agree with your post, but I'm also 58 and also from Essex...
1

Elizabeth added 18:35 - May 9 I feel the whole team gave their all today. Okay it wasn't a classic or silky smooth passing by either team but the commitment was certainly there. I do fear for us at Carrot Road and think that they will just have the edge. I do hope that I am wrong !! Whatever the outcome it has been a " successful " season considering where we were a few months ago.
1

WashbrookBlue added 18:51 - May 9 The overriding feeling today from everyone on and off pitch should be one of pride. Dour game at times? Yes Draw fair result? yes. They have the better quality throughout and especially in midfield ? Definitely yes - just look at the two benches! Buit it was a fantastic atmosphere and we are absolutely still in it. When can you remember the roof coming off the stands like it did when we equalised?! These are the days we have missed and yearned for, so , come on, lets just revel in it even if - as is clearly likely - we end up falling short. We have all commented on the limitations of the team over the season but they got the shot f this on merit and I really do agree with MM that we should be proud and celebrate rather than carp and whinge. Go round the pubs of Nottingham, Sheffield , leeds , Blackburn and Birmingham and see whether they'd rather be like us! So , for me, well done boys not just today but all season long and - maybe just maybe , keep one mopre surprise for us all . COYB ps glad posts have picked out the contribution of Skuse. I have been a critic before but today for me he was absolutely immense.

4

poringlandblue added 19:13 - May 9 1-1 fair result both teams enjoyed periods of domination norwich looking more composed on the ball as expected as we dont seem to be able to keep possession for long. the long ball still bothers me, sears is not going to win aerial battles and murphy possibly won a few headers today. surely his strength is his speed outstripping the norwich defence on a couple of occasions so penetrating balls from midfield is surely what is required rather than the hoof

1

Reecex28 added 19:25 - May 9 Skuse MOM, Mings best game for a while and still in with a shout. Reminds me of when Chelsea won Champions League / They often seemed down and out but their name was on it. Biggest difference from home Scum game early in season - when we scored the immediate support and encouragement 👍
1

alfromcol added 19:32 - May 9 Anyone know if there is a special train being laid on next Saturday?
0

Pip50 added 19:33 - May 9 What drivel is written on here. I'm not proud, I applaud the work rate but the quality for FS. We have no chance in the second leg just look at the odds. I appreciate the gap in finance but Brentwood at least can pass and their budget is minimal Bournemouth & Watford have succeeded playing football yet we continue to play absolute aimless hoof ball. Looking forward to more of the same next year under this management.

-23

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls