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Comment | McKenna: Players Handling Big Three-Game Week Really Well
at 14:00:26
@JewellintheTown few points with your post that I disagree with - a draw isn't a bad result, winning at home against a poor Huddersfield side who are already relegated (don't mention the mathematically caveat here, the goal swing isn't feasible..) is very much achievable, isn't it.
In our own hands going into the final day - can't ask for much more than that; it'll need to be too, I think, as Southampton are planning for the playoff's now and I'd be surprised if they field a full strength team on Saturday.
We're not going to go up as champions, that's not really been on the cards after Leicester's recent winning spell, so dismiss that altogether - it's a straight fight for 2nd place.
You also mention next season and no getting thrashed, which has little if any relevance to tomorrow's game; the more I read through your comment, the more bizarre it got, I must say.
Hoping for a win, happy with a draw - a sensible stance at this point I'd suggest.
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Comment | Leicester Thrash Saints to Go Four Points Clear
at 08:32:00
Leicester have gone now, that's not up for debate really.
Agree that the Leeds QPR game is massive, I don't want to be a pessimist, but it's very unlikely that we win all three, two very tough away games with both clubs still chasing a slim chance of the playoffs - need QPR to squeeze a point out of Leeds on Friday, then 6 from three will do it.
Those dropped points in the Watford/Middlesbrough home games are even more frustrating now, in hindsight.
Anyway, if's and but's are all irrelevant now - a favour in shepherds bush Friday eve, and three points in Humberside Saturday night, and we'll be rocking and rolling.
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Comment | Norwich City 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 08:38:24
The most abject derby performance for many a year - even the teams thrown together within the dark days of the Marcus Evans era put in more admirable efforts than that, and those sides pale in comparison to the quality and unity we've seen from a Mckenna side over the past two seasons.
I can't think of one player who came out of that with any ounce of credibility - flat from minute one, petty fouls given away constantly, sloppy passes and slow build up play - I don't want to hear the 'look how far we've come, we're top of the league' narrative played again here - it's derby day, it doesn't matter if we're 24th or 1st, the performance and effort levels were way off.
So, so poor.
Throughout the 90 minutes, not once did I think we looked dangerous when going forward - Norwich weren't really even a threat themselves, which makes the result that much more disappointing.
Axel had his worst game of the season, was blowing from minute one and his passing was horrific; it's time for Clarke's return to the 11 now.
Taylor deserves a run in the side at the expense of Luongo - we need a different, more attacking dynamic in the middle, the central midfield pairing were poor on Saturday, change is needed.
We've been very lucky of late, prior to the Norwich game, and performances need to improve ten fold for the last 5 games of the season.
The players owe the fans a response this week, two wins a must now if automatics are to remain a possibility.
People say a lot can change in a week and spirits will lift if we're looking back on six points this time next week, and yes, I agree, to an extent - but it's going to be hard to shake another L in the derby column, from a team that promised so much and failed to deliver.
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Comment | Cardiff City 2-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 08:49:33
Monday morning - nearly 48 hours have passed since, and I've finally calmed down (I think, anyway..)
Football hey.. bloody hell!
The lads look tired now, the intensity that was evident throughout the majority of the season is now pretty much non-existent, and the first half was very laboured, can't recall a real chance of note and Cardiff looked dangerous, especially down our right hand side.
Second half was improved, we dominated the ball albeit without any real chances, and I thought that once we scored, we'd continue to press, but in sitting back and inviting pressure, the inevitable happened - you could see it coming, couldn't you, well, the first goal perhaps, but to concede again was criminal.
Game management, poor marking, switching off - all applicable here.
Defensive frailties are ultimately going to cost a team promotion - the old adage of 'if they score 2, we'll score three' coined by Keegan whilst in charge of Newcastle's great entertainers, is no more apparent than at Portman Road this season - yet, eventually, as it cost them the title back in 95/96, the luck runs out.
49 goals conceded, around the same as QPR & Stoke, who are both fighting relegation.
We can sit there and wax lyrical about how so and so has improved, how one is the 'best left back in the country and should be starting in the Euro's for England' (come on, now guys..) and so on, yet, the prime objective is to not concede goals, and the weaknesses have been apparent on that front from game one.
At the FT whistle, a real mixture of anger and shock (did that actually just happen?) within the away stand - afternoon/evening subsequently tarnished as a result, I wish football didn't have that effect on me, but it does, sadly.
Yet, i guess these things happen, right?
Whether you lose by being 3-0 down at HT (the visit to Deepdale) or in crazy circumstances like Saturday afternoon, the prize on offer remains the same - zero points.
My rationale afterwards was, we've become so used to not losing under Mckenna, that every defeat seems like the end of the world - 'it's over' 'top 2 is gone' 'rubbish performance' - the usual go to's, I myself am guilty of just that, in fact, those phrases formed the basis of my rant as I walked back from the stadium on Saturday..
A real reactionary response, yes, but I and other fans can be forgiven, surely, given the circumstances.
Every team loses, even the very best - very cliche, but it's the response is what matters.
A win and a solid performance vs Sheffield Wednesday, and we'll be back in the top 2 (for 24 hours at least) and firmly still in the hunt with 8 games to go - certain to be a few more twists and turns between now and May too, I bet.
Once this season is over, however it ends, I'm sure we'll sit back and realise just how incredible it's been, when you weigh up all the different variables in play.
In the meantime, the objective stays the same - take one game at a time, and get as many points as you can on the board, whilst hoping those also vying for promotion fail in said objective.
Seems easy, but it never is, is it?
I know one thing, any more afternoons like Saturday and me and football might be done for good you know, although, I suspect, just like a relationship with a toxic ex, it'll always have me coming back for more, however turbulent things might be!
Uppa Towen!
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Comment | Ipswich Town 3-2 Bristol City - Match Report
at 11:47:58
Incredible turnaround and at this stage of the season, the 3 points are all that matters, to a certain degree, although the first 60 minutes were up there with the poorest I've seen at Portman Road this season - perhaps only the QPR game runs parallel to this, from memory anyway.
Pro's and Con's time - let's get the negatives out the way first:
- First half, the forward four were very poor, and any, usual joy we find down the flanks was completely nullified, partly by Bristol City's set-up, but also it had a lot to do with the hold up play.
As much as Moore is a danger in the air, in both performances the past week or so, he's struggled, mainly in holding the ball up for the advancing midfielders to join with the attack (the ball seems to literally bounce off him at times) and with playing the final ball, and his general lack of pace.
Hirst was very effective at that (hold up play) which is why we had so much joy in the first half of the season via Burns, Broadhead/Davis etc.
Mass was off the pace yesterday, anonymous for the majority of his time on the pitch; Taylor looked good when he came on, he hasn't made his mark enough this season but I'd be inclined to include him vs Cardiff - he offers something the other three don't I.E a popping up with a potential goal, and a bit of pace - Travis, Morsy and Mass all very similar in profile.
Wolfy made a few errors, and Cam not quite his usual self; Leif's defensive frailties are the reason he's not a premier league player already, no one can disagree with this contribution going forward, but he needs to improve markedly to make the big step up.
The decision on the penalty taker - now, do we have an official penalty taker? Is it Chaplin? If so, that should be his to take in such important circumstances; if it's up for debate, and there's no confirmed taker, then I can see why Ali would take his chance, although that effort was poor - nerves got to him, quite clearly.
From a positive perspective, the substitutions were well timed and changed the game.
Burns very effective from the get go, has to start on Saturday - both Hutchinson and Sarmiento always look more effective from the bench, although I'd be inclined to start Sarmiento on the left, as Harness was very out of sorts yesterday.
Morsy MOM, was terrific first half, albeit a little reckless with some challenges.
Axel did OK again, few miss timed passes but solid enough at points, although Clarke offers more going forward so back to the Burns/Clarke combo on Saturday please.
Ali is still learning, but you can't fault his work rate; decision making needs to improve sometimes, but again, that'll come in time.
Overall, the tenacity and never say die attitude is always apparent with this time, and that is something that can't be understated - those three points could be crucial come May, we'll see.
Onto Cardiff - team would be Hladky, Clarke, Burgess/Wolfy, Davis, Burns, Morsy/Taylor, Sarmiento, Chaplin, Moore.
Another three points in less crazy circumstances would be great!
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Comment | Town Target Six in a Row Against Bristol City
at 11:48:33
All home games, bar Southampton, you'd expect to be winning now heading into the business end of the season.
Bristol City are on a poor run, a big backlash ongoing from the fans following the derby defeat Saturday - you'd like to think we'll be far too strong, but this is the championship.
I'd bring Harness in this eve, Sarmiento still looks more effective coming off the bench, seems more a 10 than a left winger, still lacking a bit positioning wise.
The rest picks itself, on current form - maybe Clarke comes back in if Axel is struggling with playing a string of games, we'll see.
A professional three points please - come on Town!
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Comment | Millwall 0-4 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 09:01:48
A good win, nice confidence boost heading into Saturday.
Milwall were one of the poorest teams we've faced this season, both home and away, devoid of any real attacking threat and awful in terms of their general set up, I'd be hard pressed to name one player in their squad who I'd have at Portman Road - wouldn't surprise me if they go down.
Clarke very good, toss up between him and Broadhead for MOM - glad to see Broady showing glimpses of his old self, hopefully he starts peaking at what's going to be a crucial point in the season.
Time to knuckle down now for the next five games, so we get an understanding of where we're likely to be as we head into the business end of the season with 10 games to go.
Anything between 10-13 points would be a good return , from three home games and two aways.
Hard to know what to expect with Swansea, although confidence can't be great after the hiding that Leeds gave them; Plymouth away is always a difficult place to go, a point there would be solid enough.
Win the three home games and we'll still be in the mix - Leeds/Southampton both entering more difficult runs, on paper anyway, but anything can happen in this league, still a few more surprises to be thrown up I'm sure.
On we go! |
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Comment | Town Targeting Wimbledon Striker Al-Hamadi
at 14:48:35
@ITFCSG - the teams you've referenced have all recently come down from the premier league, with their squads still fairly intact; in fact, only Piroe of the players listed above has been purchased by the aforementioned clubs whilst in the championship.
The striking options available at present are slim - we'd all LIKE a star, marquee signing, but working within FFP, vs other big clubs, in what is an already saturated market, it makes things tricky - you have to be shrewd, and i think this would fall into that category.
We all know there's a gulf in glass between making the step up divisions, but there's enough success stories to counter this, two of which are in the England squads at present (Ollie Watkins LG 2 Exeter to Brentford, James Maddison, LG 1 Coventry to Norwich etc)
Al-Hamadi is one of the most sought after strikers in the football league at present, with a host of other championship teams interested; he's young, direct, quick and strong, as well as being 6ft 2, with the ability to hold the ball up well.
There's all the potential there for him to make an impact - at 21, he's probably still a bit rough around the edges, but i advise you to watch a few of the compilations of his performances on Youtube/Twitter, as well as seeing what the general consensus is with the AFC fans and fellow LG 2 opposition supporters who's sides have faced him so far this season.
Less of the pessimism, and trust the recruitment team to get it right, hey?
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Comment | Leicester City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 08:51:23
Deserved point in the end, still firm that Leeds are a better all round team than Leicester, especially from an attacking standpoint, anyway.
Issues first half stemmed from the fact that our central pairing is noticeably inferior to that of Leicester's - Travis a bit too slow, and sloppy at points, and Mass definitely blowing whilst tracking back, due to lack of match fitness.
Turning them round I.E playing the ball into the channels was the best route for success, Leicester's defence is shaky when you run in behind or run at the full backs, as they are constantly playing a high line.
Decision making in the final third needs to improve - Broadhead still out of sorts, and made the wrong decision on three or four occasions, as did Clarke.
Sarmiento and Hutchinson looked lively when introduced - if Omari can execute that explosiveness from the start, he'd be worth his weight in gold, but for now he's better coming on and running at tired legs.
For the Preston game (we'll ignore the Maidstone fixture for now..) I'd look at starting Sarmiento on the left, bringing Morsy in for Travis, and keeping the rest of the side the same, albeit, a new striker 'should' be in the squad by then, so whether Jackson remains as the starting forward is up for debate, but I can't fault his work rate and effort the last few games.
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Comment | Leicester Return to Top
at 12:01:29
Leicester aren't the concern, they can do as they please.
The main positive of last night was Southampton dropping points, as with Leeds on Tuesday.
It's the chasing pack we need to monitor, keeping that between 7-12 point gap over the course of the Xmas period will be tricky, so any dropped points from those immediately below should be welcomed.
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Comment | Watford 1-2 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 09:22:54
Six points from two tricky away games is a great return (would of been satisfied with two, to be honest)
Wasn't much between the sides over the 90 minutes in truth, but this team know how to grind out a result when required.
A fantastic time to be following the club, I'd suggest that not even the most ardent of supporters could of predicted this.. seems to get better by the week!
Onto Saturday, the big one - a derby win would be the cherry on top of the cake on what's been an incredible first half to the season.
Burns, Clarke and Broadhead to return to the side, presume we'll also see the usual change in the CB pairing with Wolfy coming in for Tuanzebe, although i thought he was pretty solid last night, aside from one or two mistakes in the first half.
Saturday promises to be a great day..! |
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Comment | McKenna: We'll Have to Be at Our Best Against Millwall
at 14:31:36
@IpswichT62OldBoy - i tend to agree, with the run coming up, the old mantra of 'win your home games, draw the aways' rings true.
Leeds, Middlesbrough, Watford - all tough assignments.
One game at a time though hey! |
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Comment | Hirst: A Lesson Learned
at 09:48:14
Saturday was pretty pitiful all round, no player of note that stood out as having a good game - one to just park and move on.
Two wins this week and everything is hunky dory again - with the run coming up in Dec, a reaction is needed.
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Comment | Additional Sales Restriction For Norwich Tickets
at 14:13:16
Definitely the fairest way of doing it, I guess the only fallback being if you want to go with a friend and/or family, you'll have to wait until general sale (potentially won't even make it that far) given the one ticket per membership guidelines.
We all knew it was going to be a match of high demand, and personally , i feel that if you haven't been to three matches out of 11 or so this season and what, 30 approximately last year, can you really complain if, purchase wise, you're down the pecking order?
It is what it is, I'm afraid.
I myself am hoping on general sale, but then again, i'm also hoping on taking Margot Robbie as my date to my works Xmas party, both of which, seem just as unlikely.
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Comment | Taylor: We've Got to Do Better to See Out the Game
at 12:00:29
Tricky month coming up (although all games are in this league) pivotal that we get 3 points on Saturday leading into the international break.
WBA away will be a very tough game - don't like to be pessimistic, but I'd shake your hand for another point here and now and move on to two winnable home games vs Milwall and Coventry. |
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Comment | Rotherham United 2-2 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 08:55:53
Tricky one to analyse that - conceding so late felt like defeat, 9 times out of 10, he undoubtedly shanks it and it's into the stands, just one of those things guess!
On the balance of play, within the second half certainly, it's hard not to feel aggrieved that we didn't take all three points, although possession aside, we didn't create a lot of clear cut chances during the 90.
Lots of poor finishing, distribution into the box was a little 'hit and hope' and the set pieces were dealt with pretty easily.
I was quite critical of Burns earlier in the season, and in-particular his inability to get round people in the same irk as Broadhead or Omari; but what's become apparent in the past month it that his passing and final ball supersedes every other winger in the squad, his link up play with Chaplin on the edge of the box was pivotal both last year and early this season - be glad to see him back.
Would give Dane a start on Saturday, play him in the 10 perhaps, and give Chaplin a rest - he was pretty wild at points yesterday, could do with break and it would freshen things up - he's the only player immune from the starting 11 shake up it seems at present, and it's hard to judge Dane with intermittent cameos in the last 10 mins.
My starting line up for Sunday, presuming those struggling with illness return to the squad of course...
Hladky
Williams
Wolfy
Burgess
Davis
Broadhead
Taylor (needs a start now surely..)
Morsy
Hutchinson
Scarlett
Hirst
Saturday isn't a 'must win' of course, not quite in that territory yet this soon into the season and with the points buffer.. but it almost feels as if we need it; a performance akin to Hull & Preston at home and we'll be laughing.
COYB.
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Comment | Blues Face Rotherham Aiming to Profit From Game in Hand
at 09:17:52
Massive game this evening, 3 points here and another win on Saturday, and it's a minimum of a 10 point lead heading into the international break.
Potentially more too, if Plymouth can grab something at Elland Road, although Leeds looked great vs Leicester last week, and Plymouth look pretty dire at the back.. would fancy them to score up there though.
With 4th and 5th playing each other, and Preston heading to a tricky away game at Blackburn, points will be dropped within the chasing pack, and that's why it's so key to capitalise and build that little points buffer, before a tricky mid-late December.
The old mantra of 'draw your aways, win your homes' certainly still rings true, which is why the Birmingham draw was satisfactory, especially given the circumstances; yet, although there's never a game that you 'should' be winning in the Championship, this has to be one fixture that falls fairly close to that criteria.
I'd like to see the performance improve this eve, last few weeks have been a tough watch at points, results aside; think the forward line will be mixed up a little, Harness definitely pushing for a start, Scarlett too, after a great cameo on Saturday.
Let's see.
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Comment | Birmingham City 2-2 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 10:51:10
Playing with fire these days, 7 from the last 9 is a little flattering, even the most ardent of supporters can't disagree with that.
Little mix up needed tomorrow perhaps, Scarlett looked lively in the 10/advanced play-maker role, hasn't worked out for him as a lone striker, worth considering now in an alternative role.
Communication in the defence was lacking for both goals, Burgess leaving the ball for the first goal, and Wolfy not following his man as instructed by Clarke for the second, allowing their winger to get the cross in - simply cannot continue to ship goals and rely on scoring 3 to win games.. going to pay the price sooner rather than later.
Having said that, the confidence in the team and the never say die attitude is at an all time high; can't teach or set tactics for that, invaluable.
6 points out of the next two and into the International break on a high.
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Comment | Bristol City 0-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 09:48:45
What's a little laughable about the majority of responses on here, is the narrative that if the team win, no one is allowed to even question a players performance or any negative periods of play - how odd.
To clarify, we're all happy the team has won, that's a given, but there's always room for improvement in any victory, and we're entitled to our opinions - they won't always align, but it's disingenuous to suggest that every victory should herald nothing but praise.
No, I don't pick the team, No, I'm not a better coach than McKenna, but travelling to Bristol on a Tuesday night, crawling into bed at 01:30 in the morning, and analysing all 90 minutes of the game (96 minutes if we're being overly pedantic) gives me and other supporters the right to an opinion.
Anyway, onto Plymouth on Saturday.
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Comment | Bristol City 0-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 09:16:28
Another three points banked, should of put the game out of sight towards the end of the first half and early in the second, the last twenty minutes were painful at times, lots of tired legs out there and probably a little fortunate in the end not to concede, but those wins will be the most crucial come the end of the season - the kind of results you need to grind out.
Ref was very inconsistent with both fouls and incidents which did/didn't warrant a card.
Player performance wise, a mixed bag.
Can never fault Jackson's effort, silly booking and his distribution and final ball was poor; it's either panicked or a bit of a 'pass and see' into the area, without picking out a man - that's where Burns excels in the team, doesn't have the ability to get past players like Omari, but his link up play with Chaplin and the ability to find him within or on the edge of the penalty area has been key a lot this season - hoping the shoulder injury isn't as bad as first feared.
Mass and Sam solid as per, Chaplin and Broadhead both very lively first half, Hirst always a handful and that position is his now in my opinion, Freddie (when fit) a good deputy but Scarlett looks a little lacking - seems out of condition, blowing after a 10 minute cameo isn't a good sign.
Defensively, sometimes a little too cute with the passing out from the back playing style; I appreciate that when it works well, it's great, but everyone was a little guilty of overplaying at times and we were nearly caught out on a few occasions.
Plymouth Saturday, probably going to be buoyed following yesterday's hiding of Wednesday, and with that little bit of spice from the rivalry from last years title race.. should be a good one.
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