A brilliant Brett Pitman overhead kick four minutes from time against his old club saw Town to a 2-1 victory over Bristol City at Portman Road. Kevin Bru gave the Blues a 1-0 half-time lead, but the Robins hit back through Tammy Abraham seven minutes after the restart before Pitman’s superb strike sealed a much-needed home win for Town.

Boss Mick McCarthy made four changes to his side with Bru, Myles Kenlock, Grant Ward and David McGoldrick all starting, while Jonas Knudsen, Freddie Sears and Andre Dozzell dropped to the bench and Jonathan Douglas was left out of the 18.

Town, operating in a 4-4-2 system, started brightly but had been unable to create a chance before Josh Brownhill hit a bouncing freekick through to Bartosz Bialkowski in the 12th minute, which the Blues keeper claimed comfortably.

On 15 Pitman skinned his man on the right but his low cross was cut out ahead of McGoldrick.

A minute later, a freekick on the Town right was cleared out to Kenlock, who sent in a cross, which Pitman stabbed to McGoldrick as the visitors’ defence hesitated. The Irish international curled his shot wide as Pitman claimed he’d been fouled.

Robins striker Tammy Abraham broke through on goal in the 17th minute but Town skipper Luke Chambers got across to muscle the on-loan Chelsea man off the ball as he looked to shoot.

Grant Ward, who had made a lively start to the game, sent McGoldrick away on the right of the box in the 19th minute but the Blues’ number 10 shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Brownhill shot through to Bialkowski three minutes later, but Town were still on top, however without having been able to carve out the opening which might lead to a goal.

The Blues continued to dominate as the game reached the 30-minute mark with Bristol City unable to get out of their half. However, crosses were being cleared before they reached Town players, while a Bru shot smashed into a defender.

But in the 39th minute the Blues went in front. Following a corner on the left, Webster won the ball midway inside the Robins half and played a clever pass ahead of Lawrence on the left of the area. The on-loan Leicester man took a touch before sending in a cross which Bru turned into the net at the near post, the Mauritius international’s first goal of the season.

Bristol City quickly looked to hit back but Lee Tomlin’s shot was blocked by Chambers having been found by Abraham.

The goal forced the visitors into a more attacking outlook but they were unable to force any further openings before the break, while Town made a couple of potentially dangerous forays forward on the counter-attack which ultimately came to nothing.

Two minutes before the end of the half Pitman was booked for a push on Robins defender Hordur Magnusson.

The Blues deserved their half-time lead having dominated, passing the ball around patiently in midfield in spells. However, until Bru’s well-worked goal it had looked like the half might end goalless with few chances having been created.

At the other end, Bialkowski dealt with a couple of difficult bouncing balls from distance, but otherwise had been untroubled by what had been a poor Bristol City side.

The Robins made two changes ahead of the second half with Taylor Moore and Joe Bryan taking over from Mark Little and Scott Golbourne.

The visitors started the half brightly and three minutes after the restart Luke Freeman, scorer of a superb volley in the game at Ashton Gate, beat Kenlock on the Blues’ left and hit a shot which Berra diverted wide.

The Robins kept Town pinned in their own half and in the 52nd minute it came. Sub Bryan crossed from the left, Berra collided with Bialkowski as the Blues keeper sought to claim the ball and Abraham stabbed home his 15th goal of the season.

Town looked to hit back immediately, Ward heading to Robins keeper Fielding after Berra had nodded Lawrence’s freekick back into the box after it had been punched to the back of the area. Soon after, Brownhill was booked for a foul as Ward broke.

Having made a slow start to the half and lost their lead, the Blues were struggling to reassert their earlier dominance but just before the hour Marlon Pack inadvertently sent a right-wing cross looping off his own cross-bar. Pitman reached the loose ball first but his overhead kick was easy for Fielding.

On 66 Callum O’Dowda replaced Magnusson for the visitors, the Icelander having suffered a hamstring injury.

Two minutes later, McGoldrick fed Ward down the right and the former Spurs man moved the ball on to Lawrence, who hit a well-struck shot which was too close to Fielding.

The Blues made their first change in the 72nd minute with Dozzell replacing goalscorer Bru.

On 74 Abraham turned and shot over for the visitors, but the Blues began to get back on top with Dozzell making an immediate impact making two incisive passes which led to Town chances.

First Lawrence broke to the edge of the area and hit a shot which Fielding saved, then Webster brought the ball forward from deep and hit an effort which deflected wide.

From the resultant corner Town claimed a penalty for handball but referee David Coote wasn’t interested. Soon after Sears took over from Ward.

The Blues continued to press and another clever Dozzell pass found Pitman, who turned the ball inside the Sears, who was breaking in on goal. A mix-up between Fielding and his defenders allowed the Town sub to get on the ball with the keeper out of his ground but his shot on the turn was blocked by Robins.

Moments later, Sears was fed by Kenlock on the left and stabbed at goal but without troubling Fielding, then seconds later Pitman cut it back to the former West Ham man from the right but the ball hit the striker on his standing leg and bounced out of play.

Town kept up the pressure and Dozzell found McGoldrick with another excellent pass but the Blues number 10 shot wide.

The home side had created enough opportunities to reclaim their lead and when the second goal finally came what a goal it was.

Sears was sent away down the right by Lawrence and sent over a deep cross to Pitman at the far post, from where the former Robins striker smashed a brilliant overhead kick into the net, the Jersey-born frontman’s fourth goal of the season.

McGoldrick was swapped for Luke Varney with a minute of scheduled time remaining and the Blues saw out the additional minutes with little trouble - aside Lawrence picking up a booking for a foul on O'Dowda - to record an important home win.

Having gained a deserved lead in the first half, the Blues surrendered the impetus by conceding a bad goal, as they have on so many occasions this season.

But they gradually got themselves back on top with Dozzell making a huge difference when he came on, the 17-year-old making the most significant impression of his senior career so far.

The winning goal when it came was worthy of winning any game and will have particularly delighted Pitman coming as it did against his former club, who have now lost eight of their last nine.

The win moves the Blues up to 16th with few Championship sides in action this evening, now only two points behind Norwich, who play Brentford tomorrow.

On Monday Town travel to take on QPR, who have lost their last six and face Wolves at Molineux tomorrow.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Webster, Berra, Kenlock, Skuse, Ward (Sears 78), Lawrence, Bru (Dozzell 72), McGoldrick (Varney 89), Pitman. Unused: Gerken, Emmanuel, Knudsen, Best.

Bristol City: Fielding, Little (Moore 46), Flint, Magnusson (O’Dowda 66), Golbourne (Bryan 46), Freeman, Brownhill, Pack, Tomlin, Wilbraham (c), Abraham. Unused: O’Donnell, Paterson, Reid, Engvall. Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire). Att: 15,640 (Bristol City: 470).

Photo: TWTD

Minneapolis_ITFC added 02:17 - Dec 31 Let's address it as it is. A victory over very poor opposition that may just see themselves in League One by end of season, not to mention eight losses in nine games if correct before start of play. Three minutes the difference between victory and McCarthy receiving further castigation. In all probability two teams on show that are going to offer very little in the weeks and months ahead in terms of ambition and achievement. We have to be realistic about the situation - however - victory brings a tangible sense of relief and after the recent setback at Ashton Gate, the players responded quickly and kept their focus after the opposition goal to bring the team three valuable points. Just what was needed with a Cup game against awkard opposition immediately ahead and the need for improved confidence and self-belief.

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milliem added 02:25 - Dec 31 Walk_the_Wark - You are just another endless whinger who's got nothing positive to say no matter who is the manager. Here's a good idea: follow Whitton United. If you and another 99 deadbeats ( not withstanding the usual rabble that post on here pretending to support Town) went and watched them they wouldn't be struggling in the lower reaches of the Eastern Counties league.

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londonroadblue added 03:12 - Dec 31 wheres bishop? is he injured or just can't get in the squad?
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geminimustang added 03:34 - Dec 31 "londonroadblue added 03:12 - Dec 31 wheres bishop? is he injured or just can't get in the squad?" Bishop is injured-ankle.
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BrettenhamBlue added 05:02 - Dec 31 To add to ArnieM's comments - agree that Kenlock should retain his place (until he proves otherwise). Criticism of Bart a bit harsh - he does make the odd mistake but he's been beyond unbelievable this season, even better than last.
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martin587 added 07:09 - Dec 31 Well done lads,now keep it going.Its pointless if you loose the next game.LOL.!!! 😁😁
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Mick_Mills_Tache added 08:07 - Dec 31 3 points is 3 points, however, I wouldn't get carried away as its Only Bristol City. They've only got four points from the last thirty and, funnily enough, three of those were against us. Is it a coincidence that Evans comes out with all this spiel about youngsters and all of a sudden, Knudsen drops to the bench and Kenlock starts and Dozzell gets a few more minutes under his belt?Is it a further coincidence that Douglas is dropped from the 18 (again) and we not only score but, also win (again)? I bet Mick hates that so, so much! Haha. Mick still needs to go.

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dirtydingusmagee added 08:23 - Dec 31 3 welcome points albeit against a poor team. Good to see Dozzel get some time he showed enough to get more opportunities by all accounts. ,certainly seemed to make an impact .This was a game were expected to win though so shoudnt get carried away.I don't think McCarthy will achieve anything but looks like we are stuck with him .
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grumpyoldman added 08:31 - Dec 31 To those who mentioned the petition has only 300 signatures, have you bothered to work out how many have already voted with their feet? During the MM reign how many fans no longer bother to go to attend PR? I personally have not signed the petition but will not go to PR until he has left, I do not sign petitions mainly because those with the power take little notice of them.

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DurhamTownFan added 08:47 - Dec 31 Douglas and Knudsen will be back in for the next game. This changes nothing for me. I'm pleased that we've won and tried to play some nice stuff, but it is going to take more than one game against the bottom side to erase the last four years of appalling football!
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bluelady added 08:47 - Dec 31 Ok I have been a fan for many years and Monday was up there with the worse games ever. 4 things really bugged me 1. Mcgoldrick and ward two of our better players who take teams on not starting. 2 Douglas 3. Pitman is not a lone striker he quite frankly looked like a Sunday league player, sad because as a poacher he is a very good player just doesn't have pace or Ariel prowess. 4. Dozel is a talent but with no cameo appearances this season and still a little lightweight he isn't ready to start but should be used for cameo appearances to change games. I wanted Mick out Monday I had seen enough. However it's clear he isn't going so I went last night and got behind the team and manager and I have to say in my opinion Mick got his tactics spot on. Ok City have lost 9/10 but it's mainly by the odd goal they haven't been trounced. At times we played some half decent football, and I am all for long ball when it's a pass that can split a defence. We did look nervous (not surprising) we did hoof at times and I thought Bart had his worse game in ages but Mick started a team that works, attacks and had 65 per cent of play first half perfect at home. Pitman looked a different player with Mcgoldrick beside him. Mcgoldrick showed why he must start, Ward had a great 60 mins before fading and for once substitutes changed the game and won it for us so having skated Mick I am going to give him massive credit he for once looked like a manager who may just know what he is doing. 'Now Evans it's your turn, back the manager financially bring in a Murphy replacement and an expeeneiced centre mid player to compliment Skuse and we may just have something to build on. I hope this is the start of an improvement and not another one off game followed by dross. Whilst it wasn't anything out of this world it was a decent and most importantly gutsy performance where the lads looked 1, bothered and 2, a cohesive team. Happy new year!

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prebbs007 added 08:58 - Dec 31 Papers over the humungeous cracks. Dinosaur MUST go !!!
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obj124 added 09:01 - Dec 31 A much better performance from the boys today and let's face it .... mick got it right today , team selection was spot on attacking from the word go and the subs he made we inspired . Incredible performance from Dozzell and Sears to set up the second . Had Mick been making team selections and subs like this throughout the season we and he would not be in the position he is in now . Yes it might only be Bristol City but had it not been for one mistake and their keeper it could quite easily have been 3/4-0 . I have to say Chambers put his best performance of the season in so far and even played a few ground passes however it is still clear we need a new right back , other than that Kenlock had a great game and hopefully he keeps his spot . Bialkowski had very little to do tonight so well done the defence . Skuse showed just how important he is in that holding role and had a good game and then the other three in midfield ( Ward , Lawrence and Bru ) all played very well and showed that we can actually play some good stuff and keep it on the deck . Pitman , well the finish speaks for itself and McGoldrick made some good runs and showed his creativity . So let's keep this going same again Monday please Mick and we could get a little run of form going . COYB !

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BlueNomad added 09:10 - Dec 31 I actually went to watch a game of football and enjoyed it. End of!
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Warkys_Tash added 09:11 - Dec 31 Suffolk & Good, Tomlin would be a very good shout. For everyone else who says Evans needs to dig deep - and I don't disagree with the those people -However, McCarthy has already said we can't buy Lawrence for £2-3M in the summer. So realistically who are we going to buy in Jan? Any decent player worth having won't come to a club that is 15th with no chance of promotion & with unhappy fans & an owner who believes in FFP - even though he admits it's not working! And remember what McCarthy said in August - this is the best squad he has had since he has been here. So what has gone so wrong?

4

blueboy1981 added 09:42 - Dec 31 ....... where do some of these posters come from ? - the likes of milliem, Gcon, DirtyOldNodger, etc; are obviously from another planet (not sure which one), and cannot communicate with earthly people.
3

Help added 10:10 - Dec 31 This performance just points to a couple of things Dont do your prediction until you know the team sheet. Two, Will MM keep the same team for the QPR game, I hope to be proved wrong, but we know he wont and Douglas will be back as will Knudsen and Dozzell, Kenlock will disappear again. Remember we are away to QPR so 1 up front pack the rearguard and go for the dont lose. We will see

3

budgieplucker added 10:47 - Dec 31 For me it's about having the right energy and pace in the team. Whilst Didzy and Pitts provided valuable contributions, we looked far more threating once Freddie was introduced to his natural role. Immediately their back four were unnerved. Kenlock provides that energy down the left far more than Knudsen has done. Kevin Bru likewise in midfield. To put some perspective behind this we need consistency, all credit it was a good performance. Mick though is the man of the dossier and has the habit of picking a team to spoil the game and neutralise the opposition. There I think is the problem, hence not being able to develop a consistent style of possession based football to try and dominate games. As somebody has already pointed out the possession stats tonight show we had the bigger share of the possession whereas so often this season we have surrendered too much possession and very cheaply by the aimless hoof. I can buy into the ME plan but it does need from time to time some booster funds. So building on this Marcus show your real intent make a bid for Tom Lawrence in the January transfer window. Tammy Abraham looks a great prospect now 15 goals in something like 30 appearances for Bristol, now perhaps I am getting too carried away with this ME plan in investing in Hungary young players.

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runaround added 10:49 - Dec 31 Didn't go as had other plans but glad we won & played well by the sounds of it. This needs to now continue every match now
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TimmyH added 11:08 - Dec 31 Folks it's all about consistency and 1 result doesn't make that against a poor out of form Bristol City even if we can't get a decent run of results McCarthy could at least be more consistent in his team selections i.e. not bringing back Knudsen at drop of a hat, keep putting McG on the bench every other game, bring the dreaded Douglas back now and then (he should be nowhere near the starting 11) - for me Kenlock, Emmanuel, Dozzell, McG need to be starting regularly Pitman and Sears top. Do it McCarthy!

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heathen66 added 11:17 - Dec 31 Criticism of Bart is very harsh bearing in mind he has been our motm for at least half the games this season and last. Once I got home from the game and sat the replay on SSNHQ it was obvious that he was impeded by Berra who just jumped into him. Like many people on here this has not changed anything, as I still believe that we need a change of manager. It seems that only when Mick becomes desperate he seems to move from his normal philosophy, and plays a more attacking 4-4-2,plays Kenlock and Bru. Interestingly On Sky this morning Mick is defending himself with regards losing the dressing room, quantifying he has never lost a dressing room in 30 years. Obviously someone has more bottle than Brenner Wolley and has asked mick a question he does not like, although I would therefore say there is no smoke without fire !!!.

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Papa added 11:29 - Dec 31 5 wins from 7 when Douglas hasn't played. If he hadn't played a game all season we might be looking good!
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Lukeybluey added 11:38 - Dec 31 Milan Duric. We should sign him up as a replacement for murph. tall strong can assist score the odd goal.
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paddypowell added 11:52 - Dec 31 gd win witha bit of luck we could have had at least 4 goals but 2/1 will do as with 4 goals the doubters wouldnt have been happy anyway
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RoyalAscotBlue added 12:05 - Dec 31 Chambers at fault for the Bristol goal. No surprise there then. Seems we are completely stuck with Mick, but we do not have to be stuck with captain calamity at right back. I would actually welcome the sale of Webster at this point... 3 or 4 million for him from a premiership team would be good business. Then we could spend 1 million on a decent right back and move Chambers to his natural position. Evans would be happy with the financials and the most glaringly obvious issue with the team would be resolved. We do not need a new striker half as much as we need a proper right back. Pitman, Sears and Didz are all very capable of scoring goals, but only when they play in their best positions as part of a balanced team.

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