McCarthy: We Want Clubs to Fear Portman Road Again - Ipswich Town News
Town boss Mick McCarthy wants to turn Portman Road back into a fortress after last year’s disappointing home form was a major factor in the Blues missing out on the play-offs.
In the 2014/15 campaign in which Town finished sixth their home record of 15 wins, five draws and only three defeats was the second best in the Championship behind Middlesbrough’s on goal difference.
However, last year, while their away form was the fifth best in the Championship, at home their record of nine wins, eight draws and six defeats from their 23 games at Portman Road was the ninth best in the division.
So far this season Town have recorded a 4-2 win and a 1-1- draw with Norwich in their two Championship home games.
Looking ahead to this afternoon’s third league game at Portman Road against Preston, McCarthy said: "It’s one of those really awkward, tough games because Preston had a great result away from home at QPR, they played very well [as they won 2-0].
"[U23s coach] Gerard Nash was at the game and we’ve got a report on that and watched them.
"But, of course, the difference between having eight points [going into the international break] is huge to not getting anything or getting one out of [the game].
"Whatever it is, we want to win at home. We want this place to be somewhere where people fear coming again because it was a couple of years ago and last year was different and we had a good away record. I want to get back to dominating teams at Portman Road.”
What to read next:
Town Women at Bristol CityIpswich Town Women visit Bristol City at Ashton Gate this afternoon looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle United (KO 2pm,
live on YouTube.
Swans Boss: Totally Second BestUnder-fire Swansea City head coach Alan Sheehan admitted his side were very much second best as they were soundly beaten 4-1 by the Blues at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Burgess: I'll Put Things Right On the PitchFormer Blues defender Cameron Burgess has told Swansea City fans that he’ll “put things right on the pitch” following the Welsh side’s 4-1 defeat to the Blues at the Swansea.com Stadium in which he netted two own goals.
Walton: Save Was Big MomentTown goalkeeper Christian Walton admitted his excellent second-half save was a key moment as the Blues recorded successive away wins with a 4-1 victory over Swansea City at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Swansea City 1-4 Ipswich Town - Match ReportFormer Blues defender Cameron Burgess netted two own goals as Town romped a 4-1 victory at Swansea City, their second away win in a week. Jack Clarke deservedly gave the Blues the lead in the 36th minute but the Swans levelled with their first serious shot on 50, but five minutes later Burgess diverted a Leif Davis shot into his own net, Ivan Azon made it 3-1 with his first goal for the club on 76, then Burgess slid a Jens Cajuste cross into his own net with nine minutes remaining to complete his and Swansea’s miserable afternoon.