Match report by Dan Botten
At a freezing cold Victoria Road, Ipswich's second-string preserved their unbeaten start to their season in a lacklustre encounter with West Ham.
John McGreal's firm header from a curving Ulrich le Pen corner put Ipswich ahead on 77 minutes before West Ham's Bulgarian striker Todorov back-heeled the equaliser from a uncleared flagkick with seven minutes left.
More importantly, Marcus Stewart, McGreal and Le Pen all came through unscathed following recent injuries.
The hosts fielded a fairly strong side with the most notable faces being the full-backs Gary Charles and Scott Minto while ex-Liverpool striker Titi Camara partnered Todorov upfront. Marcus Stewart would have been surprised to see recently ‘retired' Helsingborgs keeper Sven Andersson in goal for the Hammers. The giant Swede, who played both games for Helsingborgs in the UEFA Cup, has been taken on trial by Glenn Roeder at Upton Park. The last time Stewart faced Andersson he scored twice — this time round Stewart couldn't find a way past.
The only highlight of a goalless first-half was the performance of Keith Branagan. He brilliantly saved Byrne's penalty after 14 minutes, after Erdum Artun was harshly penalised for bundling over Camara, and then saved well again from Todorov's angled snapshot. Despite two early shots from Stewart, Ipswich forced only save when Darren Ambrose's shot was pushed away from Andersson just before the break. Gary Croft, looking to impress any watching scouts, was booked when disputing one of many dubious decisions by the referee.
The second half saw no changes for Ipswich but continued in mainly the same pattern as the first 45 minutes. Plenty of possession but little cutting edge. Branagan bravely denied Newton before he watched a Camara overhead kick drift wide following a spell of home pressure. The generally innoucous Coinage saw a shot saved before being being booked for backchat, while Artum was also carded for a a challenge on McCann.
Despite the late goals, this game never really hit the heights throughout. It has to be said that the pitch cut up very quickly following the adverse weather and the game on Saturday.
Ratings:
Keith Branagan 8/10
Made three excellent saves and also saved a penalty. Not a bad third choice
Erdem Artun 6/10
Hesitant start, gave away penalty and was later booked. Kept going to the end.
Gary Croft 6/10
Solid defensively but looks a fair way from Premiership standard. Harshly booked.
John McGreal 7/10
Calm and efficient as usual. No sign of injury niggles and scored with a towering header.
Justin Miller 7/10
Skipper for the night and a sturdy performance against vastly experienced opponents.
Nabil Abidallah 5/10
Poor display. Anonymous for much of the game and substituted midway through the half.
Darren Ambrose 6/10
Worked hard and had probably Town's best chance of the night which was well saved.
Tommy Miller 6/10
Battled for 90 minutes and tigerish throughout. Looks a decent squad player but his chance will probably come next season.
Pablo Counago 5/10
Powder-puff stuff. Flicks and dummies abundant but goes to ground too easily. Visibly lacking in confidence — desperately needs a goal, even at Reserve level.
Marcus Stewart 6/10
Comfortable run-out and came through unscathed. No clear chances but worked hard. Should start against Tottenham on Saturday.
Ulrich Le Pen 6/10
Constantly looked for the ball all evening and positive throughout. Looks lightweight and could do with a few more games to build up his fitness. Takes a mean corner.
Subs : Ashley Nicholls 6/10 — 60 min sub for Abidallah - performed capably, Matt Bloomfield 84 min sub for Marcus Stewart, Ian Westlake 90 min sub for Ulrich Le Pen.
Latest Table
Derby County 12 9 1 2 32 14 28
Ipswich Town 10 6 4 0 19 9 22
Fulham 12 6 3 3 28 16 21