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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runaround added 17:47 - Jan 2
One step forward then two steps back. Was a massive chance to push up the table wasted. Didn't go or listen but going on the report it seems we were dominant but couldn't score then Mick changed it to more defensive & low and behold we lose! His risk averse negativity has to stop & if he cannot or will not change then he must be changed. New year same old story. |  | |
dirtydingusmagee added 17:48 - Jan 2
well once again McCARTHY blows it. Pathetic performance by pathetic gutless manager.He really needs to been shown the door.Get a manager with some balls in for f##k sake.What the hell does it take to wake Evans up, |  | |
EssexTractor added 17:48 - Jan 2
Pitiful Radio Suffolk interview
No questions over his substituiions , reasons for?
Only comments from MM indicated that poor defending twice cost the loss so Berra and Webster are to be blamed ..not him....
Nothing about failure to take match by scruff of neck when only one team should have won it!
"We played well , we should have won" then why did we not Mick, why?
|  | |
Pencilpete added 17:49 - Jan 2
We were bossing the game and looking like the team who was going to get the winner until we made 2 very negative changes and once again being negative has cost us again.
it's like groundhog day again and why MM can't see what is painfully obvious to everyone else is completely beyond me.. | | |
Chicago_Blue added 17:51 - Jan 2
As per usual, Brenner kisses Mick's butt, and doesn't ask any awkward questions - scared of annoying him! Poor journalism. |  | |
Surco72 added 17:51 - Jan 2
Even the most avid MM backers must see today his negative , grind out , my proper pro good blokes must play crap ? He can sit in press rooms and pretend all he wants about playing more expansive football and giving the youngsters proper chances but it is always them taken off or dropped no matter how they play . 1-1 against a team with 1 win in 7 and a nervous home crowd with the mom sat on bench from last game and he brings on Douglas who has been poor for two seasons .
MM cannot change and should not be in charge of Ipswich for another game , give a new manager a couple of weeks before next league game and Jan window to sort this team out and get rid of MMs poor dead wood players getting wages |  | |
blueboy1981 added 17:52 - Jan 2
Is this man (so called Manager) really working for this Club of ours ? - when he makes substitutions such as he has today.
It has to be VERY seriously questioned by EVERYONE - as to where his loyalties lie.
We were very likely heading for an away win, back to back 3 pointers, and he totally invites QPR to take all 3 points, which they duly did.
He's on our payroll - but after this lot, he certainly isn't working for our Club. How could anyone think otherwise ......... ????? | | |
blueboy1981 added 17:55 - Jan 2
Chicago Blue ........ it's called Diplomacy - most people in and around Portman Road at this time are reluctant to say what they feel - I wonder why ...... ??? | | |
carsey added 17:55 - Jan 2
Was well impressed with the starting line up and it sounded like we were playing well then McCarthy does exactly what no supporters wanted to see - on comes Douglas on comes Knudsen off go our attack minded young full backs.
Why can this idiot not just accept his mates are not good enough and neither are his tactics. The kids if coached properly are the way forward for this club because we will never have the financial clout to compete with parachute payments and big spending owners.
FFS McCarthy get out of my club |  | |
Carberry added 17:55 - Jan 2
Evans, how is that 5 point plan looking? | | |
delias_cheesy_flaps added 17:56 - Jan 2
Watched the game today and whilst both teams are poor, we (Ipswich) looked like the only team capable of winning except.....
Berra heading a ball backwards towards our goal with no opposition player within touching distance of him.
QPR punting a long ball forward (sounds familiar) and Webster getting outmuscled.
Lawrence's goal was a great finish.
Then we get the first of two appalling substitutions from MM, bearing in mind QPR had already made a defensive substitution at 1-1, he then brings on DCD (Different Class Douglas) and to compound matters further brings on Knudsen with Dozzell and Sears keeping the bench warm.
Although these inept decisions did not contribute to the winning punt forward the momentum we did have was lost, especially as QPR had brought on defender before our two final inspired substitutions!
Just as I was thinking MM was listening to the fans he reverts to type, instead of sticking with his team on the pitch who would (IMHO) have gone on to claim all three points.
In short: AN UNDESERVED RESULT & ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING MAN-MANAGEMENT. |  | |
blue75 added 17:57 - Jan 2
Didn't go or listen to the game. But I can see McCarthy went 4-4-2 at halftime going on the stats and rolling commentary on the sky sports app I was watching we were doing well with 3 cb's. His tactical change must of worked as we scored. Stats showed after that we were losing ground and then the man we were told by the owner was going to play attractive and entertaining football,brought on Douglas to defend the draw!!! Surely the best form of defense is attack!! As the opposition can't scored a goal if the balls in their box!!!! Mark me down for slating McCarthy but deep everyone who marks me down knows McCarthy's bad for this club and should've gone long ago!!! | | |
delias_cheesy_flaps added 18:02 - Jan 2
I forgot to add: WHY is Berra still starting for us, he's a liability, another MM favourite who keeps costing us needless goals and points.
Drop him and let Smith, Chambers and Webster battle it out so our youngsters can fill the left and right back positions. Forget Knudsen in this equation as he's a distinctly below-average player, the same as Berra! | | |
blueboy1981 added 18:02 - Jan 2
Gcon,Milliem, and Co .......... ALL away on Holiday are you ... ??? | | |
htb added 18:02 - Jan 2
Shocking management by MaCarthy, shocking journalism by Brenner Woolley. Both should go as are not fit for purpose. | | |
martin587 added 18:07 - Jan 2
I'm still shaking with anger Mr.Evans.Get this man out NOW.!!!! |  | |
StochesStotasBlewe added 18:09 - Jan 2
And today fellow blues is why this man should be relieved of his duties immediatly. |  | |
prebsa added 18:14 - Jan 2
Where are all the mick lovers from last week now?
I was stupid enough to let myself think that Mick had changed ever so slightly last week with his real positive subs to win the game. This week he chooses to bring on two of our worst players Douglas and Knudsen to try and see out a 1-1 draw. That in truth is disgusting and unacceptable.
Game doesn't even deserve talking about because of what this terrible man is doing.
Mick out now! | | |
H1960 added 18:17 - Jan 2
New year same old story, listened to the second half in the car, all sounded promising enough with us seemingly on top after a great goal from Lawrence, I was thinking to myself about the remaining McCarthy sychophants coming out of the woodwork for a love in on here (they must be decreasing in numbers) Then MM decides to revert to type and commit suicide, on comes different class dougie and top bloke yonas and the rest is history and I am on here moaning as usual ( I wish I could be positive for a change) McCarthys negative tactics have cost us this game and many before it, he will never change and no matter who he has in his squad things will not improve.
He has to go now and be replaced with a young positive manager (not Rowett who is a younger clone of McCarthy) who could then be allowed time build his own squad hopefully backed with some cash from Evans. McCarthy Out | | |
PulhamBlue added 18:19 - Jan 2
Well played to the Blue Boys, a really encouraging performance in the main. However, all the hard work was unravelled by very poor substitutions from MM. I waited patiently to hear on Radio Suffolk why Kenlock was taken off - injury, tiredness? Same for Bru... MM should be asked about the game-changing decisions he makes. Oh, for an adventurous manager. | | |
ChrisFelix added 18:20 - Jan 2
I also thought Wolley bottled it. Pleased when I saw the line up but the fear was there when I saw different class was on the bench | | |
CBMTOBWMMBG added 18:21 - Jan 2
Clearly most people here were not at the game...
Emmanuel substitution was tactical. He played really well but we weren't creating chances and we created loads in the second half
Kenlock was injured, possibly cramp and there was a lot of delay in the decision before he was forced off. Kenlock was excellent too.
Douglas came on when we were being overrun in midfield but although it was an odd call to replace Bru who had a great first 60 minutes Douglas played fine actually.
Chambers has his best match for ages
Overall Town played well and the errors from Webster and Berra ruined a good performance.
I'm no fan of the manager but don't make it up. Watch the match and then comment. | | |
Orraman added 18:22 - Jan 2
So yet another false dawn disappears into the sunset. Felt good about today's unexpected starting eleven but Britains worst manager bottled it at half time. What must this be doing psychologically to Emmanuel, Kenlock and Dozzell. No matter how well they play, and they really are a breath of fresh air in the Portman Rd cesspit, they get dropped or substituted time after time.
How much more are we expected to take from this arrogant, self loving creature. I'm starting to have nightmares where everywhere I look 'different class Douglas' is always right behind me. Luckily, although I am in my seventies I can still run faster than him. | | |
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