Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Ipswich Town 2-2 Lincoln City - Match Report
Saturday, 7th Jan 2017 17:22

Tom Lawrence saved Town’s blushes with an 86th minute equaliser, his second goal of the game, as Vanarama National League leaders Lincoln City came within four minutes of a famous third round FA Cup upset at Portman Road but had to be content with a 2-2 draw. The Imps went ahead through Theo Robinson in the seventh minute, Lawrence levelled four minutes later before the Lincoln striker netted his second on 65 and the Imps looked destined to win it until Lawrence’s late goal rescued Town.

Boss Mick McCarthy made five changes with Dean Gerken, Jonas Knudsen, Andre Dozzell, Freddie Sears and Grant Ward all starting.

Skipper Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse dropped out of the squad having been doubts with knee problems, while Myles Kenlock also missed the game having suffered a calf injury at QPR.

Also not in the 18 was striker David McGoldrick, who is understood to have suffered a groin injury in training on Friday, while another frontman Leon Best was ill.

The Blues bench included 17-year-old left-back Pat Webber, who signed from Worthing at the end of last season, 19-year-old central defender or right-back George Fowler, who is from Ashfield near Debenham, Irish U19 international midfielder Adam McDonnell, 19, who made his league debut at Derby on the final day of last season, and strikers Shane McLoughlin, 19, an Irish U18 international, and England U18 international Ben Morris, 17.

Christophe Berra skippered in Chambers’s absence, while Lincoln named an unchanged team.

Town started brightly and won two early corners, but the 4,838 travelling Imps in the Cobbold Stand quickly had something to celebrate with their side taking the lead with their first chance of the game in the seventh minute.

Nathan Arnold sent over a teasing low cross from the right and former Derby striker Robinson got in between Adam Webster and Emmanuel to divert the ball past Gerken from close range.

But the Imps lead wasn’t to last for long. On 12 Lawrence picked up the ball just inside the Town half and brought it forward to the edge of the area unchallenged before hitting a low shot which went under Lincoln keeper Paul Farman and into the net to level the scores and settle more than a few nerves around Portman Road.

While it was a great run from Lawrence, who has now scored four goals during his loan spell from Leicester, Lincoln will be disappointed not to have got in at least one challenge and Farman will feel he should have done much better.

Neither side threatened again until 25th minute when Pitman hit an effort from distance, which flew well over.

Lincoln had been having more of the ball but without creating an opportunity, while the Blues had been very wasteful in possession with Dozzell having been unable to get into the game.

Imps midfielder Arnold hit a low effort from the left of the area which Gerken saved comfortably on the half hour, then moments later, following a freekick, the Blues keeper grabbed a dangerous bouncing ball in the area ahead of Robinson. The former Ram claimed he had been fouled as he went after the ball but referee Lee Probert showed little interest.

On 33 Berra made an important interception from a Bradley Wood cross from the right after a quickly taken freekick not far inside the Town half.


The visitors continued to have most of the ball, however without Gerken being forced into further action, and on 35 an Alan Power shot from the edge of the box deflected over.

Town began to have more of the ball as half-time approached and in the 43rd minute Dozzell hit a low shot which deflected just wide from the edge of the box after good work on the right from Emmanuel.

The resultant corner on the left led to another flag-kick on the right from which Pitman tried to replicate his overhead kick against Bristol City but failed to get any power on it and Farman claimed.

Neither side created a further opportunity before the whistle was greeted by cheers from the visiting fans and a few boos from the home support.

Town had started brightly and then quickly got themselves back on terms after the potentially serious blow of the early Lincoln goal but subsequently struggled to impose their superiority on the Imps.

Lincoln had subsequently been on top but without being able to create a chance from which they might have regained their lead.

The Blues had started to press more towards the break with Dozzell getting more involved but overall the non-league side will have been much the happier going off at the break and Town needed a much better second half to avoid a replay or worse still a giantkilling.

Soon after the restart Knudsen slipped on the Blues left gifting the ball to Robinson but the Danish international quickly got back to block the Lincoln striker’s cross.

The visitors threatened again in the 50th minute after a Knudsen cross from the left was cleared, Berra eventually cutting out Arnold’s cross. Soon after, Gerken grabbed a curling Robinson shot from the edge of the box.

The Town keeper was forced into a more serious save in the 56th minute when Terry Hawkridge fed the breaking Arnold after the Blues had lost possession on halfway but Gerken was out quickly to block and Berra cleared the danger.

Powerful Lincoln number nine Matt Rhead headed into the arms of Gerken on the hour, then soon after Dozzell played the ball into Sears’s feet inside the area and the ex-Colchester man hit a shot on the turn which flew only just wide.

On 62 Gerken put Bru under unnecessary pressure with a quick throw from which Lincoln quickly regained possession but the keeper comfortably claimed Sam Habergham’s shot from the right.

The visitors had looked the more threatening side throughout the second half and in the 65th minute they went back in front. Berra, under pressure from Rhead, headed Imps skipper Luke Waterfall’s long ball behind him and into the path of Robinson, who gleefully smashed home his second goal of the game to send the visiting fans wild.

With sections of the Town support singing ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ in the direction of manager Mick McCarthy Lincoln continued to take the game to the Blues with growing confidence, while the Championship side were unable to keep hold of the ball or put the Imps goal under any pressure.

Lawrence hit a 30-yard freekick over from distance in the 74th minute as the Lincoln support taunted the Town fans with chants of ‘Championship, you’re having a laugh’.

Town finally began to put the visitors under some pressure as the game reached the 80-minute mark. Ward brought the ball into the area on the right and fed Pitman, who turned his shot well over.

With nine minutes remaining Jack Muldoon replaced two-goal striker Robinson, whose last visit to Portman Road saw him score as Derby beat the Blues 2-1 in October 2012, a game which led to former Town manager Paul Jewell’s departure the following day.

On 83 Lawrence crossed from the left and Farman did well to get down to his left to keep out Dozzell’s flicked header.

Aside from that Town hadn’t looked like getting back on terms until another brilliant Lawrence strike saved the Blues’ blushes. The on-loan Leicester man picked the ball up midway inside the Imps half and smashed a low shot which flew past Farman to his left.

Having got back on terms, Town now went after a winner, Lawrence and Sears exchanging passes on the left of the area before winning the first of two corners.

But there was another big scare for the Blues in the final minute when Lincoln broke quickly and, with a blatant trip on Berra having been missed by the officials, Alex Woodyard broke into the area from Arnold’s pass, however, Emmanuel did superbly to get back and use his strength to dispossess the Imps midfielder.

Seconds before the whistle Berra won a header from a Knudsen long throw on the right but Sears’s looped effort towards goal was straight into Farman’s arms.

Loud boos greeted the final whistle from home sections of Portman Road, while the Lincoln supporters celebrated the draw which might well have been an even more famous win but for Lawrence’s equaliser. Manager McCarthy was also booed as he made his way to the tunnel.

Having failed to impose themselves in the first half, the Blues were little better at the start of the season and worse once yet another defensive error had led to Lincoln’s second goal.

The Blues gradually started to make some headway but it took a piece of individual magic from Lawrence, quickly emerging as Town’s player of the year, to save what would have been considerable embarrassment and a first FA Cup defeat to non-league opposition since the January 1960 loss to Peterborough United at the same stage.

From there the Blues might even have won it with the Imps finally put under some pressure but were unable to claim a winner which would have been very harsh on the visitors, who might even have grabbed a third goal on the break but for Emmanuel’s interception.

The teams, who both go into the fourth round draw at 7.10pm on Monday ahead of Cambridge United’s tie with Leeds United, will meet again at Sincil Bank a week on Tuesday when the Blues will have to be much better if they are to avoid an embarrassing replay exit.

Town: Gerken, Emmanuel, Webster, Berra (c), Knudsen, Bru, Ward, Dozzell, Lawrence, Sears, Pitman. Unused: Bialkowski, Fowler, Webber, McDonnell, Douglas, McLoughlin, Morris.

Lincoln: Farman, Wood, Habergham, Waterfall (c), Power, Rhead (Long 90), Hawkridge, Raggett, Arnold, Woodyard, Robinson (Muldoon 81). Unused: Walker, Marriott, Miles, Fixter, McCombe. Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire). Att: 16,027 (Lincoln 4,838).


Photo: TWTD



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



ThePinkMist added 21:53 - Jan 7
I'll stick by Mick. All the great managers of this club had bad spells where people called for their heads. I'll support him until he's no longer with us.
-21

Blue_Moses added 22:00 - Jan 7
PIP50... Sears certainly wasn't playing up front today.
0

norfolkbluey added 22:00 - Jan 7
I didn't think it could get much worse but it has!!!
Tom Lawrence will not rue the day he came to our club as he will appear to be the best player at the club. Shrewd loan but a shame about the tactics from the manager.
We could have lost!....Good or bad only time will tell.
2

righty added 22:18 - Jan 7
Pinkmist are you sadist or just know nothing about football to say you support this moron of a manager he is so arrogant he won't walk away .
I always thought Jewell was useless but this Dino knocks him into a cocked hat



11

BrettenhamBlue added 22:22 - Jan 7
Positives
Still in the FA Cup
Good performances from Webster and Emmanuel
Very good performance from Lawrence
Negatives
Miscommunication at the back time and time again
Gerken poor performance
Berra and Knudsen really poor performance. Just yelling at each other over and over again and blaming each other for getting beaten
Miscommunication between Gerken, Berra, Bru, Knudsen, Webster, Emmanuel
Good passing and entertaining play by Lincoln
Made Lincoln look like a class team
Lack of Chambers and Bialkowskis leadership self-evident
Made Robinson look like Roberto Baggio from the 90's
Limited creativity
Pittman needs to keep it simple
McGoldrick injured yet again
We just got mugged by a non-league team and now have to go to their place and look for a win.
We need new players ASAP. Money needs to be spent.
Lincoln fans got it very right when they mocked us about our championship status.

15

BrettenhamBlue added 22:34 - Jan 7
Norfolkbluey
Think you've forgotten about Bart there. Lawrence will be good competition for Bart but Bart is ahead at the moment.
0

Davidwb20 added 22:57 - Jan 7
I have supported this club for 46 years. It was sad to see fans arguing with each other in the North stand. I agree with most comments if we want MM out we need to stay away because he is to stubborn to walk away! If he was a proper bloke he would end our misery now! Good luck to Lincoln they outplayed a mediocre team today.
13

MicksZzzTactics added 22:59 - Jan 7
AYE @PJISAG, WE DO NEED PLAYERS ASAP!!!
BUT TIRED OF THESE SEEMINGLY PRETTY POINTLESS "TOWN LINKED WITH" STORIES??? :
NO??? :-) WELL THEN HERE IS THE LATEST RELIABLE 1 FROM THE (OLD) RUMOR MILL:

"TOWN LINKED WITH".......... WAIT FOR IT.......... WAIT FOR IT............ STEVE DALEY!!!

A real premium "proper bloke", as not only does he hail from Yorkshire but as near perfect icing on our dino's cake also just happens to be a former Wolves player too, yummy yummy!!!
'Dangerous Steve', now age 63 (did I mention that already? :-) lol) is of course most notoriously known for once upon a time way way way back, having the rather dubious honor of being the-would-become-flop (or as an Observer article from 2001 later dubbed it: "The biggest waste of money in football history!") that broke the English transfer fee record .... with an then astronomical "lofty" £1,437,500 price tag! :-)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.... as best you can dear fellow embarrassed Town fans!
4

Davidwb20 added 23:02 - Jan 7
Make a stand stay away MM out!!!!!
6

chilli added 23:48 - Jan 7
LIncoln are kind of my 2nd team as my Mrs is from there and have watched them a couple of times so went along today thinking I'd be happy whatever the result. Guess what though, I wasn't. Even though I wasn't expecting it, I wanted Town to win that or at least make the effort to turn up like some of us stupidly still do. I know tiresome it is to have people watching you while you 'work' but please show a little bit of respect to those who pay you. (Lawrence excepted)
On the way out I heard a little lad say, " we haven't lost yet though have we Mummy?"
Prophetic, I thought.
And congratulations Lincoln.
Ps. ITFC- I'll be back when we have an owner who shows some ambition. If I'm not dead by then.
7

armchaircritic59 added 00:01 - Jan 8
Just one or two thoughts on what appears to be an increasingly serious situation at PR, from someone who hasn't attended a football match for some time, though i did for a few decades, going back to the season after we won the Division 1 championship under Sir Alf.

Firstly, if you had a "favourite" restuarant, whose quality of food went from Haute Cuisine to awful, would you still keep going back? Loyalty is a two way thing. Of course, i appreciate that you don't normally pay for 20 something meals in advance at said establishment! I think that's what's known as a captive audience. I wonder how some football clubs would get on if it was only "pay as you watch"!

Secondly, and i've said it more than once on here, i believe the buck stops at any football club with its owners or directors. They are after all the people who hire the managers that sign and play the players.

Thirdly, talking of players, and i can't comment on individual players that i no longer see. We are talking professional footballers here. Surely they MUST have a sound grounding in the basics of the game ? I.E. ball control, passing, and awareness of others etc. I'm not expecting every player to be a combination of Iniesta and Messi, but the basics surely have to be a given? Would you employ a plumber who didn't know what a stop cock was or a U bend?

I welcome any feedback on these comments, even if you disagree. It would be nice however if they are constructive and non abusive!

From someone who still cares for the club, and hopes one day to see them back in the top tier, before he's in the bottom tier, if you get my drift!
13

dubblue added 00:48 - Jan 8
Always look on the bright side of life........

At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live without you leading our side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how you proved me wrong
And I grew bored
And I learned how we wont get along
And so you're still here
As we watch each week in fear
I just tuned in to see you with that sad look upon your face
Marcus should have changed that stupid lock, I should have known you would not leave your key
If I'd known for just one second you'd continue to ruin our team
Go on now, go, walk out the door
Just turn around now
'Cause you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to win with douglas
Did you think you'd fool us
Did you think we'd lay down and die?
Oh no, not us we will survive
Oh, as long as we know you not going to stay with us anymore

Ho hum, bye Mick
12

trevski added 01:57 - Jan 8
MICK NEEDS TO GO. Great play by Lincoln and they made it feel like a cup final. Why put a load of youngsters on the bench? MM obviously had no intention of bringing them on. I got really excited when I saw Morris and Fowler on the bench (shame no Patterson :( ), was hoping they might get a bit of a run out. I didn't actually watch the game but a mate of mine who is a Lincoln supporter was there and kept showing me clips :P Great work as usual by Lawrence though (shame he aint a permanent player :( ). We need a complete reshuffle of the squad again and people playing in the right positions (according to Sky Sports he was playing Knuds on the right????). Suppose we might be showing an interest in Robinson now :P or just the entire Lincoln squad
5

Minneapolis_ITFC added 03:12 - Jan 8
Unable to submit anything that hasn't already been mentioned. Don't know what happened there today - game at home versus a team from a league that aren't even professional, and even then were mere minutes away from an elimination. Like it or not, and whether the opposition played well or otherwise, that is totally unsatisfactory.

Of course McCarthy should leave - long before now in actual fact - but we realize not a damn thing will be done - particularly with an owner who seems as clueless and oblivious to everything as the manager himself.

What is it with this club and the FA Cup. Since the win in '78 we've only reached the semi-final one further time, and two or three last eight appearances, the most "recent" being 1993. Add to that, no Town squad has featured in Round Four since 2009 if correct and today, just inflicted further embarrassment on our overall record since victory near 40 years back.

Perhaps the final insult from it all was reading post-game that Lincoln City may indeed be favorites to win the replay game (!)

Didn't know whether to find amusement from that or sadly concur that they very well may be right in their assessment.

As futile as it is - Mick McCarthy do the honorable thing and resign - while there's still some pride at this once proud club side.
14

geminimustang added 05:09 - Jan 8
MM has been starved of funds since he joined ITFC.My belief is he thought he was good enough,experienced enough to get ITFC challenging with a budget of 2 washers and a bottletop and he would achieve promotion.However,times have moved on,parachute payments and fair play haven't helped.MM should only resign if ME doesn't back him by the end of January.No Manager coming in has a chance without some quality players coming in.Credit to ITFC for coming back twice yesterday but even beating Lincoln only delays the inevitable in the next round.New Investor required at PR is my view.
-3

geminimustang added 08:05 - Jan 8
Reading some comments leads me to believe that hypocrisy is alive and well on this forum.My analogy is that you go work and do your best but your colleagues and customers believe you to be useless.You go home,discuss with your family and hand in your resignation the next day to benefit all.How about a reality check?You wait until your boss decides to make you redundant and gives you a pay-off.I've no problem with people wanting MM to go,though i disagree.However,don't ask him to do what you wouldn't.
-8

50yearsablue added 08:42 - Jan 8
I've been supporting the club for 60 years and, until the beginning of 2016, never thought I would say I would rather be somewhere else or watching paint dry. We've had some poor times over that period and some bad managers too but I didn't lose my enthusiasm, realistically consider not going or giving up my season ticket. It is disturbing too that so many from my era are totally disillusioned with our method of play and the boring, uncreative, rigid style that we have. I actually believe we have some good players but it is patently obvious to all except those who run the club that McCarthy is past his sell by date. Be worried ITFC, many stalwarts like me are not going to renew under this regime, there appears to be no concern over this and a weasly words 5 point plan is not going to be the epiphany that turns everything around. Very worrying days indeed
11

Gazelle added 09:14 - Jan 8
Tommy Smith's comments on Radio Suffolk after the game were interesting when he thought the players won't mind the replay at Lincoln where they won't have the crowd on their backs all the time.
0

senduntd added 09:25 - Jan 8
Michael 11 Did you fail to notice Josh Emanuel? You are so keen on criticising the team you choose not to see anyone else.
1

Hegansheroes added 09:50 - Jan 8
Really disliked the way Berra turned on Emmanuel and blamed him for first goal, actually thought it was more Berra's fault. No doubt who was at fault for Imps second and then Emmanuel made a great tackle to stop even more blushes. If Chambers had played h wouldn't have been quick enough to get back so F O Berra with Chambers , Knudsen, Dougal, etc along with thee everyone wants gone
4

Surco72 added 09:51 - Jan 8
Football management is not like a normal job ans the comparison is ridiculous and yet another excuse to back a completely failing manager and now argument on this website .
Lincoln haven't spent or got more money than us -excuse gone
Lincoln played football through coaching and style ,not MM can't do anything without being backed -excuse gone
Lincoln came to attack and implement their game ,not defend what you have and try to nick one -excuse gone
MM only makes changes from his favourites due to injury but they make the same mistakes over and over which us bound to lead to a lack of confidence , if players are struggling for form give them a break ,Berta a prime example Smith last season .
If two centre backs are winning high balls easily change the tactic bring on a sub , oh you couldn't do that MM cause you only talk about really giving the youngsters a chance rather than doing it unless forced into it .
MM has run his course the longer he stays the more damage he does for the future of the club , look at the mess he left at Wolves . This is now his squad playing his way and it is dreadful , quit the excuses week in week out realise you cannot do anymore and walk away with some pride rather than be sacked again with fans hating you so publicly as you will struggle to get another job
9

Taricco_Fan added 09:52 - Jan 8
As supporters, the only viable form of protest is to stay away. I just wish more would do it. Doesn't make anyone less of a fan but how else do you send a message in modern football?

Enough is enough.
11

richnblue added 09:53 - Jan 8

Didn't go yesterday and really cannot find the energy to go Saturday. Full credit to Lincoln for taking the game to them showing how the ball should be played... on the deck, attack from the back and pass consistently across the pitch..
We won't sign anybody this transfer, will bob along at 18th for the remainder of the season and come the 10th May we will get the "by mutual consent line."
But what we all know is this club needs to change from the top down, but that will not happen because Mr Evans will not get any return on that he has invested.. Rock and hard place...
Seriously considering giving our season tickets up now..
6

martin587 added 09:59 - Jan 8
It's very interesting reading all the conflicting posts on these pages.Lets be honest about this game,we were out played for almost all of the game by a very good team three leagues below us.
Lincoln came here intent on taking the game to us and they did just that.MM set out a team that he thought was good enough to win and we struggled,Once Again.
To be honest there keeper gave us two life lines which we did not deserve.Lawrence was the key player for us and when he leaves he will be very hard to replace.
This club is in a very sad situation,it has lost it's way and identity.
It's hard to attract players to the club.In the past players were queing up to play for our club,not anymore and it's a crying shame.
There has to be a massive shake up sooner rather than later from top to bottom.
Mr.Evans I feel needs to show his face on a regular basis and show us the supporters,he cares.
MM in my opinion has gone as far as he can.He can go know further with what he has at his disposal.The players are lacking confidence and I think don't have a great deal of respect for his style of play.
Support is dwindling at an alarming rate and if you take the Lincoln support away the gate was just about 11k.Ok, it was a cup game but it's not good enough for a club like Ipswich.
I honestly think that if we were to loose next Saturday at home to Blackburn and the replay at Lincoln MM should go.
Sorry,but very sad times ahead for a once great club.
Over 55 years a supporter and it breaks my heart to see what is happening.
9

Hegansheroes added 10:16 - Jan 8
Milne's comments on Radio Suffolk pre match saying the majority of fans are behind MM are laughable. I know too many fans who no longer go for one reason only- MM
12


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024