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

EssexTractor added 19:54 - May 9 Pip50 ...realistic supporters do not deny the " lack of quality" and all would love to be Barcelona -esque but your " drivel" vocabulary is inappropriate tonight and actually insulting to many fans. One match, One Cup tie, of course it might not happen but then again it just might....as I recall Liam Brady et al finding out in 1978! (PS Brentford not Brentwood)
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essex57 added 20:12 - May 9 Timmyh away form not too good? What about Brentford boxing day to start with
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WashbrookBlue added 20:17 - May 9 Pip50...so 21 teams in the Championship other than the three that get promoted should not be proud of their teams then? You are the modern transactional football supporter personified. The limitations of this team are there for all to see and have been at various times all season long but now, after today, if all you can go do is moan and carp then you are a pretty sad bloke. Go support forest., Blackburn. Wednesday, Birmingham. Bolton, leeds, derby, wolves and see what they say. Honestly, this is your team, right?

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bohslegend added 20:17 - May 9 @noelthedub
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essexbluey added 20:26 - May 9 Moveing forward bit by bit. Great noise today bring on next week.
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halsteadblue added 20:52 - May 9 How can anyone in all honesty not feel immensely proud of what MM,TC,all the players, supporters,and everybody associated with this great club have done this season.Best season for as long as I can remember,and it`s not over yet.....I`m so proud to be a blue write now it hurts........COYB.
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Vancouver_Blue added 21:06 - May 9 Watched on the telly from Vancouver at 4.15am. During the first half MM gave Bart a right old mouthful, you didn't have to be a brilliant lip reader to see what Mick called him. I didn't see the incident, but did anyone else?
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cornishblu added 21:34 - May 9 ....wow just back in Cornwall after a great day out...did we play brilliantly...no ..but we more than match the boys from carrot road ....great to see us play better football and a 1-1 result actually keeps our feet on the ground...ready for a one off game. We have to be confident going into the next one...pressure is now on them . Need a ref that can stop their dirty tactics and penalise them for mouthing off at the ref . Mings had one of his best games for ages .....only negative for me is the continuing worrying lack of confidence that Tommy smith is showing ....it's one games lads that could change your lives forever ...step up and have the confidence in your ability ....we,ll sing our hearts out for you COYB

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blueherts added 21:56 - May 9 PiP50 so you just throw in the towel. I hope you don't coach or motivate for a living! Drivel - go and support 'Brentwood'
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solentblue added 22:28 - May 9 "Brentwood" Hahahahaha
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essex57 added 22:29 - May 9 Pip 50 if it upsets you so much dont bother to watch
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TimmyH added 23:25 - May 9 @essex57 - just look at the stats mate - compared to teams around us or even just below our away form in general is not as good, I think we're about 8/9th in the league on away form. How many games have we won away this year?
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solentblue added 23:47 - May 9 Surely next Saturday's game has to throw form out of the window? Maybe we are 8th/9th on season-long away form...but that means there are at least two or three teams better away than us who have no further interest this season. Couldn't give two hoots about perceived style, quality etc...maybe Norwich are and should be favourites, maybe player for player their squad is better, maybe Mick puts too much stock in hard work and other intangibles, but I for one couldn't care less if it means we're here, now, with a chance. It's been too damn long, that long that I'd forgotten how the playoffs bring the best and worst in Town fans. It's gonna be a long week!

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Warkys_Tash added 23:53 - May 9 @TWTD PHIL. This wonderful site hs recently become littered with annoying adverts & pop-ups that appear at every page turn, please remove!!! Its making it unsuable :-(
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Warkys_Tash added 23:57 - May 9 Exeter Blue, I would like to think you are right but I was looking and all I heard was a chorus of 'dig a hole...' Just saying..
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MonterreyBlue added 02:18 - May 10 I was really pleased with MMs team selection, little bit more ambitous and good on him for that. Dont think it quite worked tho, Bru had a pretty quiet game..... If we can just match the scum in midfield, we will do them in the next game. Wouldnt be against putting Freddie on the wing and playing 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 when we are attacking, maybe Ando on the other wing, or Parr.... Just floating ideas lol but if we can just play a bit more football around there box, i think they are dodgy at the back. Final thought but the pressure is on Nodge now and i have this sneeky feeling they are gonna bottle it 😉 Today, the attitude, spirit, effort and desire..... The support.... we should be very proud. Forever Blue

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NoelTheDub added 03:15 - May 10 Ta bohslegend We dont see eye to eye over the season but we are together with our club.A great day all round and still in with a good chance thats what its all about.I think Mick was brave today in his selection and it payed off IMO.Roll on next week and hope for more of the same enjoy weekend talk next week..
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battyblue added 05:56 - May 10 We have lost Varney who i felt was our secret weapon for this game and the time he was on the pitch he was causing them problems and winning headers in there half,the only one i can see to replace him is Ambrose from the start with Mcgoldrick coming on last twenty if needed and up to it which i doubt he is or he would have been used yesterday, got the hardest task of winning at Narrrrich now can we do it i have my doubts but sincerely live in hope.

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battyblue added 08:11 - May 10 There was some good performances today Ming's showed the passion today,Skuse gave his all and more but we need to play Sears and Murphy as strikers not defenders they need balls played to feet in Sears case anyway week after week they are expected to score from scraps play to there strengths its the only way whats the point of punting the ball up-field when they are defending in our half.Mick says why change things they have worked all season but have they i dont think that is the case i would say 50/50 a lot of games defending to deep has been our downfall also playing our style of energy sapping chaseing every ball with none stop running the players naturally run out of steam for last fifteen twenty minutes but willall this be enough to beat Norwich that is the question.

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Pip50 added 08:23 - May 10 My apologies I had forgotten this was a children's forum. Somebody a paying customer I might add has a differnt opinion to the blinked and the retort is a bunch of insults. Can anyone tell me our product in 2015 has been of a quality to justify this out pouring of belief we can triumph looking ahead. To my friends above .. No I don't expect Barca type football stringing 5 passes in a forward motion will do, and yes I live in a "motivational" sales environment. Our ethos is tell it how it is!

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exeterblue10 added 08:38 - May 10 To be honest Warkys_ Tash i was surprised when I thought I saw their fans applauding (looked like it from where I was sat but I'd purposefully got seats as far away from them as possible!). I take it back, looks like I overestimated the carrot crunchers capacity to behave like normal folk. (Just saying)
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solentblue added 09:16 - May 10 Pip50 - no, probably not, in answer to your product/quality question, and at times the inability to maintain possession has been frustrating. It has, however, got us to where we are - a chance, whether or not realistic, at promotion. I don't think you, I or anyone else is looking further ahead than next Saturday.
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Fat_Boy_Tim added 10:21 - May 10 Did anyone see the stat just before Parr and Tabb came on? We'd had 25% of the ball for the previous 10 minutes. If your midield isn't keeping the ball to that extent then they are probably knackered. It was a good decision as they were going to score if it continued. Not conceeding is as good as scoring in a 1st leg.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 10:27 - May 10 Pip50: You are, of course, entitled to your opinion and should definitely not be abused for it. I think your problem in the eyes of many (most?) supporters is that you seem, as you admit yourself, to be treating football like any business transaction: "product ...quality," paying customer," "'motivational' sales environment." Most of us introduce a shamelessly emotional element into the equation - we stick by the team, often against our better judgement; we are proud of a "workmanlike" performance, even if it lacks finesse; and we just can't help disliking Norwich, even though at our age (at least in my case) we should be well beyond such neanderthal reactions. Like you, I do wish we could pass the ball a bit more, but unlike you, I accept things at the moment for what they are and dare to dream. I even continue to pay Marcus' excessive prices to get to PR whenever I can. There will always be different ways of supporting your club and who is to say which is the most valid or the most sensible. I do note that you obviously haven't stopped going to PR yourself, so maybe despite your analytical approach, you too are not completely "rational"? -:)

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warktheline added 11:41 - May 10 For me, all the pressure is now on Norwich. Many Town fans will be second guessing McCarthy's approach to second leg, and I'm no different. Don't think Neil will give a tuppence, and this could be Norwich's Achilles heel! The two best footballing sides were promoted, and if you want to confirm the stats with TimmyH please do, but did either of them beat us this season? The point I'm making is this, Norwich are far from impregnable, and to underestimate us may prove costly. McCarthy been around the block a few times, Neil hasn't. For Town fans to be writing off our chances surely is premature, and dare I say it, foolish . The one thing predictable about football is its unpredictability!

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