Amazing game of football, Happy Christmas.

2

Thanks to train wifi a match report is here....It was a great performance matched by the atmosphere, especially in the second half. I was going to pick out a man of the match but today there were 11 of them!

If I was pushed the sheer skill and match winning ability of Teddy Bishop would sadly be eclipsed by the less talented but hard working and sometimes criticised Paul Anderson who ran himself into the ground, in defence Christophe Berra was a rock, how many times did he get in the right position. Part and Chambo were seldom troubled by what looked like a pacy Boro side, and Tommy Smith excellent alongside Berra. In Bart we have a number 1 who can catch, and command his area, the one mistake between himself and Smith was covered by Berra. Tabb was industrious and the thumping header awesome. Bishop showed just how talented he is and the club are sure to face significant interest in the coming weeks. Skuse had one of his best games to date and before being forced off in the second half. Murphy led the line like the proper number 9 he is and McGoldrick once again showing the return to form which he exhibited last week. Bru replaced Skuse and did not make the impact of past games. Ambrose was tidy and efficient and had a couple of decent efforts, and showed just why we need to retain his services beyond his current short term deal, Boro were ineffective and Leadbitters corners have not improved with years! They were also rather cynical and got away with possibly two reds. All In all a splendid Xmas present.

5

FAN BLOODY TASTIC!

2

Parr outstanding, Tabb very impressive, Bishop really is going to be a star. W

1

A very good game from the Ipswich perspective. Defensively we were very sound, Bart controlled his area effectively and we challenged and closed down in all areas of the pitch. Parr was an excellent replacement for Mings and Chambers had a very good game. I liked the fact that with a few seconds remaining in the first half, he took a quick throw-in instead of running down the clock...this led to the brilliant build-up for Tabb's brave header. Skuse and Bish were an effective combo in mid-field and Tabby was a dynamo.and instrumental in both goals. Up front McGoldrick worked his magic and Murphy, while having a quieter game, did the business.
This was perhaps our best performance this season illustrating squad depth, teamwork and periods of brilliance along with a good hoof if necessary! We were obviously playing to win and Middlesbrough never really got into the game.
I think that the ref got the non-penalty and yellow McGoldrick card wrong. Rather than a dive, I think that the experienced McGoldrick anticpated what the defender would do and took full advantage of his lunge by turning that way...still a penalty.

3

What we are now seeing are the fruits of MM and TC's hard work and guile.

This is the best Town team since Magic and Matt strode like titans.

Mings was missed, but Parr is a fair replacement.
Bishop, Didzy, had the ball glued to their feet.
Scuse 'owned' the middle

The only concern was Bart's flap.

Happy days are here again.

3

Despite our fantastic home record I said to numerous people that I would have taken a point before the game so absolutely thrilled with all three. Bournemouth and Boro represent our biggest threats to promotion, both ahead of Derby in my opinion.

I watched Karanka's side comfortably beat the Rams last weekend and they looked very strong in every department. Leadbitter, Clayton, Adomah and Reach seemed to strike a perfect balance in midfield and always looked capable of creating something.

McCarthy initially lined up 4-4-2 with Parr and Tabb forming a left wing axis to nullify the threat of Adomah. The Ghanaian was virtually anonymous and our two banks of four in general demonstrated the work ethic and levels of organisation which epitomise McCarthy's reign. Boro were unable to find the space and time they most likely do against other opposition and their frustration culminated in some fairly dirty challenges.

For all our industry we also produced some quality with Tabb's bursting run down the left and centre, then his header leaving myself and I'm sure many others eating their words. I had written Tabb off in the summer and was critical after the Naaarich game. Long may his form continue as I understand he was also excellent against Bolton. Ditto Anderson and Bishop. The latter looks so natural on the ball, possibly more so than any other player in the squad, although Didz may question that.

Teams in this league will be dreading to coming to fortress Portman Road and will not relish us battling for a point or stealing a win at their own ground either.

1

I cannot recall Bialkowski making a serious save which says everything about Middlesbrough and everything about our defence.

1

Very good game. top all round performance from Town and a fully deserves three points.
McGoldrick, excellent as always, and Bishop the stand out performers.

0

Great game, Town in total Control throughout, poor referee, bottled it by not sending off their defender for a Clear second bookable offence. Hope Hyam is back soon, surely McCarthy must have a better option than the slow has-been Ambrose to turn to in midfield. Great to finally have a solid, confident goalkeeper again!

0