QPR 2-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Monday, 2nd Jan 2017 17:01 Pawel Wszolek netted in the 83rd minute as the Blues opened 2017 with a 2-1 defeat at QPR. The home side went in front via Idrissa Sylla’s goal on the half hour before Tom Lawrence smashed in a brilliant equaliser for the Blues, who will feel they should have taken at least a point from the match but were again left rueing defensive mistakes.
Josh Emmanuel replaced Grant Ward in an otherwise unchanged Town XI, which lined-up in a 3-5-2 formation.
Emmanuel started at right wing-back with Myles Kenlock at left wing-back with skipper Luke Chambers, Adam Webster and Christophe Berra the three centre-halves.
Cole Skuse, Kevin Bru and Tom Lawrence were in central midfield with Brett Pitman again partnering David McGoldrick up front.
QPR made two changes with Jordan Cousins and Ariel Borysiuk taking over from Sandro and Yeni Ngbakoto in midfield. Irish youngster Ryan Manning, who trained with the Town academy as a schoolboy, made his senior home debut.
The game started frantically but with neither side being able to create an opening. QPR wideman Jamie Mackie was probably fortunate not to pick up an early yellow card for a late challenge on Webster, who was playing in the centre of the Town defensive three.
In the 10th minute Pitman took a nasty kick in the face from Ariel Borysiuk on halfway but was OK to carry on after treatment. Referee Tony Harrington had waved play on with Lawrence breaking into the final third but the on-loan Leicester man was crowded out, although believing he had been fouled.
Town, in their Barcelona-style third kit, threatened for the first time in the 13th minute when Lawrence sent in an under-hit freekick from the left and McGoldrick’s header looped over the bar.
But the Blues were getting on top and were having most of the ball. On 14 QPR keeper Smithies was forced off out of his goal to his left to paw away a Pitman flick intended for Bru.
Then, from the resultant corner, the ex-Huddersfield man did well to get down to his left to save McGoldrick’s well-struck shot from a tight angle on the right.
On 17 Lawrence played Emmanuel in on the right of the box, the youngster crossing towards Pitman from the byline but a defender blocked.
The game switched to the other end with QPR winning a series of corners but without turning them into a significant chance.
McGoldrick threatened again in the 27th minute after Skuse cut out a QPR attack on the edge of the Town box and sent the Irish international striker away. The Blues number 10 tricked his way past Joel Lynch before hitting a shot which the former Huddersfield man managed to get back to block. A subsequent cross similarly found Lynch in its path.
But despite the Blues having had the better of the game’s few chances, the home side took the lead on the half hour.
Berra misjudged a James Perch long throw from the right, his header looping into the box behind him, and escaped Webster to powerfully volley past Bialkowski from close range as the ball came over his shoulder.
From Sylla’s perspective it was a fantastic strike but from Town’s it was a goal which shouldn’t have been conceded.
Soon after the goal Sylla underwent treatment for a head injury and was eventually replaced by summer Town target Conor Washington.
Deep in four minutes of injury time largely as a result of the Sylla injury, the Blues won a freekick on the left midway inside the QPR half. Lawrence’s initial ball into the box was returned to him and his subsequent cross found Chambers at the far post from where the skipper smashed a shot high and wide from a tight angle when he ought to have sent a low ball across the area.
The Blues hadn’t deserved to be behind at the break having had the better of the half overall, keeping the ball and moving it around confidently at times, and having created most of the period’s few opportunities.
The change of system had allowed Emmanuel and Kenlock to get forward on either flank, while the back three had been largely comfortable.
But Smithies had only really been tested by McGoldrick’s effort at his near post. At the other end Sylla’s goal - which was brilliantly taken but as so often recently came as a result of a series of Town errors - had been the only QPR chance of note.
Presumably in order to address the lack of chances, the Blues switched Emmanuel for Grant Ward ahead of the second half as they moved back to 4-4-2.
Three minutes after the restart the Blues got back on terms with another goal of the season contender to compete with Pitman’s winner against Bristol City on Friday.
Skuse played the ball to Lawrence in space 25 yards out and the Wales international slammed a superb strike past Smithies and into the net off the inside of his right post.
Two minutes after the goal Ward played in Pitman but Grant Hall was able get across to force the bouncing ball out for corner before the striker could get it under control.
The half had quickly developed into an end-to-end affair and Washington forced Bialkowski into his first save of the afternoon with a shot from a tight angle on the left.
Smithies again saved at his near post from McGoldrick in the 53rd minute, this time down to his right, then the Town frontman crossed from the right for his strike partner Pitman, who headed wide but having strayed offside.
On 66 Kenlock confidently skipped in from the left, nutmegging Perch, before hitting a low cross-shot which Smithies pawed behind.
Three minutes later, Jonathan Douglas replaced Bru with boos from some in the 2,324-strong Town support greeting the Irishman, while the home side switched Manning for Abdenasser El Khayati. With 14 minutes left Jonas Knudsen replaced Kenlock.
Two minutes later, McGoldrick sent Lawrence away as Town counter-attacked quickly but the 22-year-old was unable to repeat his early strike and shot well over.
The Blues were by now sitting back, allowing the home side to take the game to them and looking to catch them on the break but were still looking the more likely winners.
McGoldrick had another chance with seven minutes left on the clock after Lawrence had cut the ball back to him from the left but the striker blazed over.
But Town’s failure to take chances such as that one was to prove costly in the 83rd minute when QPR went back in front.
Nedum Onuoha played a hopeful long ball forward, Webster allowed Wszolek to get behind him and the Pole rounded Bialkowski before tapping home. Once again it was a goal which owed a great deal to a Town defensive error.
In three minutes of injury time McGoldrick scuffed a shot through to Smithies and Town were still pressing at the final whistle, the QPR keeper claiming a long Knudsen throw from the left as time ran out.
It was a game which the Blues would probably have been disappointed to have drawn let alone lost, having been on top for the most part and having had the better of the game’s opportunities.
However, the overall performance was let down by defensive errors which led to both QPR goals and - aside from Lawrence’s excellent equaliser - a lack of clinical finishing at the other end.
The result sees the Blues drop a place to 15th ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against Lincoln City at Portman Road with their next league game at home to Blackburn the following weekend.
QPR: Smithies, Bidwell, Hall, Lynch, Borysiuk (Onuoha 58), Cousins, Mackie, Wszolek, Perch, Sylla (Washington 38), Manning (El Khayati 69). Unused: Ingram, Ngbakoto, Shodipo, Sandro.
Town: Bialkowski, Emmanuel (Ward 46), Kenlock (Knudsen 76), Chambers (c), Webster, Berra, Skuse, Bru (Douglas 69), Lawrence, Pitman, McGoldrick. Unused: Gerken, Dozzell, Sears, Varney. Referee: Tony Harrington (Cleveland). Att: 15,136 (Town: 2,324).
Photo: Action Images
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heathen66 added 17:17 - Jan 2
Forgot to say
Again well done to the travelling support...you deserve better !!! |  | |
Ipswichbusiness added 17:20 - Jan 2
One step forward one step back equals no progress.
Management claims to be in the business of promoting youth and an academy, yet again Douglas is brought on rather than Dozzell and the result is all too predictable. When will McCarthy go? |  | |
Dissboyitfc added 17:20 - Jan 2
He does himself the team or the fans no favours with his stupid negative tactics.
JUST GO MICK!!!!!!!!! |  | |
martin587 added 17:23 - Jan 2
This manager should be struck off.!! Substitutions a total disgrace.How can Douglas not be in the starting 18 against Bristol then play today.On paper the team looked good but lacked few ideas.Caught twice by a terrible marking,nothing in midfield.Why did Dozzell not at least start.MM out otherwise this team will rot.I'm so p@@@@d off,now a boring journey home,once again. |  | |
prebbs007 added 17:24 - Jan 2
Will you act now Evans ?????
2,500 fans stood open mouthed and astonished as the dinosaur made the most rediculous substitutions and cost us the game.
It's an absolute disgrace that this idiot is allowed to continue.
We should have won this game easily and with ANY other manager would have done. Dozzell had to come on. We were on top and just had to be brace but no the utter pr1ck takes off the outstanding Kenlock for the terrible Knudsen and reverts again to donkey Douglas.
That is enough. Fark Off you past it berk. Do not let this retard take charge of our club for one more day sack him tonight today totally proved what an idiot he is. Even you must see this now Marcus. Do it. Get rid. Give us hope.
Absolutely disgusted | | |
Vizslaraner added 17:24 - Jan 2
Pack your bags and do us all a favour before we become even more of a laughing stock! Shocking, just shocking yet again! |  | |
Viking1759 added 17:26 - Jan 2
Avid Town fan but FFS enough is enough, was listening online as I live in Doncaster and thought here we go when Douglas came on, total game changer as it seemed we was on top and looking for the winner!
I have had enough now of this debacle called ITFC someone sort it ASAP
I will be at Huddersfield though! | | |
thecheek added 17:29 - Jan 2
All the criticism directed at MM after this is fully deserved.
This isn't a case of fans being wise after the event - when those subs were made everyone was expecting the worst and sure enough that's what happened.. |  | |
Brownie added 17:30 - Jan 2
Subs changed the game for them.
MM totally negative. Needs to go end of story.
McGoldrick excellent but so annoyed now can't type anymore! |  | |
Bluetone added 17:32 - Jan 2
Dozzell comes on as a sub in the last game we win and he was MoM so today he's is left on the bench and "Chase me - chase me" Douglarse comes on. It has to be McCarthy wants to be sacked and pocket a settlement cheque.
That must be the only reason for such a stupid banal decision | | |
Seasider added 17:32 - Jan 2
It was so encouraging to see this starting line up;but he couldn't wait to change back to his favourite 4-4-2,even though it appeared to be going well,with the goal down to an error by Berra.
However things were still going well against a poor QPR side,and a cracker from Lawrence to equalise,and then lo and behold on comes his favourite Douglas.Half way through the second half he decides to play for a draw,and caps it by bringing on another favourite in Knudsen.
After that on the back foot,no more attacking,Town pushed back and concedes a winner to QPR with a mistake by the other centre back Webster.
Why take off the best, and offensive left back in Kenlock, and midfielder in Kevin Bru;and bring on his two favourites,and defensive players.Presumably to play for a draw.
THIS SUMS UP MC CARTHY.HE WILL NEVER CHANGE AND HAS LOST THE GAME THROUGH NEGATIVE SUBSTITUTIONS.
He will doubtless blame the two defensive errors and say we created plenty of chances.Yes until the subs.
Ipswich were looking as though they could win this game,even until the changes;but after this;no chance.
Trouble is this negative approach will never gain promotion;but unfortunately he is taking us supporters for a ride,and cocking a snook at the club.
He was sacked from both Sunderland and Wolves;but is taking his money here from the Club;although in my opinion he doesn't give a toss about Ipswich Town,and is just here for the money.Mr Evans presumably does not agree,which is a pity. | | |
grubbyoik added 17:32 - Jan 2
The fans weren't booing the subs .. they were booing Mcarthy for being so negative..
That has well and truely taken the jam out of my dohnut.. if there was any jam left with Mcarthy as our manager.. | | |
tallguy6767 added 17:33 - Jan 2
New year same old Mccarthy shi# !!!
Get out of our Club !!!!! |  | |
ianmarshall10 added 17:33 - Jan 2
We deserved at least a point today after listening on the radio think Mick made the dodgy subs to get a point which most of the town fans would have been happy with before the match. Sorry but Webster's mistake today cost the team what would have been a decent point. Webster will be a very good centre back no doubt about it but think we're more solid with Tommy Smith at the back Town have missed him defensively big time. Other than that sounded like we played well today gutted tho we just can't get going this season. Hopefully a few good players in this window then will see what happens. Follow the town up or down.. |  | |
therein61 added 17:34 - Jan 2
Another false dawn in the big failures tenure what the hell was he doing with the substitutions!!?? turned a side that looked like winning the game into oh god i've got a point keep it, the look on the players faces said it all I cannot believe what I witnessed I left the ground stunned!! enough is enough the man has no credibility left JUST GO NOW AND LEAVE OUR CLUB YOU HAVE LOST THE PLOT BIG TIME. |  | |
Bluesquid added 17:35 - Jan 2
It really does not matter who we sign...Ward, Messi or Ronaldo. Mick will still bring on his defensive favorites in an attempt to seal a point against a tired and poor opposition who were there for the taking.
Mick is the problem.
| | |
grumpyoldman added 17:35 - Jan 2
So we have a right back playing in his natural position, but we need to change the system by taking off a centre back and replacing him with a midfielder. Logic says take off Chambers, Webster or Berra, no way will that happen Emmanuel off and move Chambers to right back, innovative management. Replace a young left back with an error prone experienced regular at the earliest opportunity. Then take off Bru and replace him with another MM favourite, in the process lose to a below average team. If you wanted to write a book on how to fail as a football manager and alienate supporters just ask MM for advice.
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NoelTheDub added 17:39 - Jan 2
Mick you forgot masterclass Dozzell one week you say one thing the next you forget.I can take a defeat any day but when you put it on a plate it hard to stomach.As you will revert to Douglas and Knudsen next game and banish the young and hungry youth policy players to the bench I am hoping it goes belly up so we get the change this club seriously needs. | | |
martin587 added 17:41 - Jan 2
Mr.Evans,I am so b@@@@y angry with this so called manager.MM is ruining this club and if you and your CEO cannot see it what hope do we have as a championship club.Void of Ambition,and not only a plan B,we don't even have a plan A.
Your loyal supporters are wasting thousands of there hard earned money on watching utter c@@p.Please do something about it and get rid of MM.I really am totally fed up with this utter rubbish. | | |
grubbyoik added 17:42 - Jan 2
Listening to his interview.. why can't they ask him about the subs.. the players didn't lose that game .. McCarthy did. | | |
jas0999 added 17:43 - Jan 2
New Year same old. For those celebrating a late win against woeful Bristol, this is yet again a reality check. Unacceptable result against very poor opposition. Mick back to his defensive hold on for a point best. Bringing Dougie on - laughable. Crazy. I could write more, bit some of you will be pleased to know that I can't be bothered! I have little to no interested in Ipswich with this negative manager at the helm and an unambitious owner who spends most of his time spouting spin through Milne. This once proud club, heaped in tradition is now finished. It's a corporate animal of Marcus Evans. Sad times. Dark times. | | |
Cloddyseedbed added 17:44 - Jan 2
That's it for me, you can't keep a manager that does not trust young players and always looks for excuses to shoe horn his favourites back in and give them preferred game time. Whoever we sign in January they will be part bit players for the rest of the season as all the favourite players will need to be played by MM as he trust's and loves them. Mr Evans to implement your plan you need your manager to back it and share the same views, this manager has his views and his views only and he isn't for turning. If we'd have won today I'd have been at the Lincoln game and willingly paid to watch it. Because of the manager we have and his stupid tactics and ego, I will not know be going on Saturday. Enough is enough! | | |
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