x

Keane Delighted to Finally Be Drawn at Home - Ipswich Town News

Manager Roy Keane was delighted to be given a home cup tie with Town at the seventh time of asking, the Blues having been paired with Northampton in Saturday’s Carling Cup fourth round draw. Overall, Town had had eight away draws in succession in both cup competitions, five in the Carling Cup.

Keane said: "We’re just pleased we’ve got a home draw, we’re surprised we’re at home. I think we were in the last couple of teams that came out.

"We’re glad for the home draw, glad for the supporters because it was eight in a row away. It’s nice, but that game will take care of itself. Our priority now is Tuesday and we’ll need to play better than we did at Scunthorpe.”

Keane previously came up against the Cobblers in the same competition in 2008 when Sunderland boss, his side winning on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Northampton manager Ian Sampson is looking forward to pitting his wits against Keane: "Ipswich have got a manager who demands excellence, just like how he played.

"He called [the 2008 result] one of his worst times in football. Hopefully we can do that again to him. But they won't rest players - it's a big game."

The last meeting between Town and Northampton was in the 1987/88 season, also in the League Cup, on that occasion at the second round stage.

The Cobblers came away from the first leg at Portman Road with a 1-1 draw, Romeo Zondervan having scored for the Blues, but Town won at the County Ground, Mich D’Avray (2), Graham Harbey and David Lowe netting for John Duncan’s men in a game which went to extra time.

In the 1977/78 season the Blues won another second round tie, Trevor Whymark (2), Eric Gates, Paul Mariner and Clive Woods scoring the goals.

Overall, the Blues have won 11 games between the teams (nine in the league), 10 (seven) have been draws with Northampton winning 10 (10).

Carling Cup - Fourth Round
Newcastle v Arsenal
Birmingham City v Brentford
Wigan Athletic v Swansea City
Aston Villa v Burnley
Leicester City v WBA
Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
West Ham v Stoke City
Ipswich v Northampton

Fourth round ties take place on either Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th October.

What to read next:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.