x

Iorfa: An Important Win - Ipswich Town News

Defender Dominic Iorfa says it was important that the Blues returned to winning ways against Bolton Wanderers at Portman Road on Saturday having followed victories in their first four Championship games with back-to-back defeats to Fulham and QPR. A rarity from Cole Skuse three minutes after half-time and David McGoldrick's fourth of the season on 89 saw Town to a 2-0 win against the Trotters and up to fifth in the Championship.

"It was a tough game and they slightly edged the first half,” Iorfa said. "But we took our chances and were better in the second half and in the end we deserved the goal which sealed it.”

The on-loan Wolves man felt Skuse’s opening goal three minutes after the break was the game's pivotal moment.

"Skusey saved us,” he admitted. "Although it took a big deflection it went in and that changed everything.

"We had a good start to the season then it was disappointing to lose two in a row, so it was important to win.”

Iorfa, 22, started on the left of a back three against Bolton before switching back to his more regular right-back role, having played in a central defensive pairing with Jordan Spence at QPR last week.

"I have played in three different position since I have been here,” he reflected. "So I have shown the gaffer whatever he wants to do I can play there and that shows my versatility.”

The England U21 international, who had Town’s best chance in the first half when he headed wide at the far post from a corner, is still to score a senior goal for either the Blues or his parent clubs and is keen to open his account.

"I want to add goals to my game so I’m working on that,” he said. "I’m getting into positions but not finishing.

"I should take lessons of Didzy, he is a seasoned veteran and is brilliant at taking goals.

"That is what he is all about and the goal he took was brilliant. He is a special player and he got a goal and assist so it was a great day for him.”

Iorfa says the side benefited from the return of skipper Luke Chambers at the centre of the defence.

"Getting Chambo back was great,” he added. "He is a leader and that showed. He is massive in the dressing room and you need that.”

The Blues, who have a game in hand on everyone else in the top half of the Championship, are next in action against leaders Leeds United, who they trail by two points, at Elland Road next Saturday.

Bolton skipper Jem Karacan felt the table-propping Trotters had some ill fortune against the Blues.

"You don’t get the breaks when you are at the bottom,” he said. "They have a shot deflected and it goes in, but when we have a shot deflected it goes to the keeper.

"We can’t rely on luck, we have to do it for ourselves. We have a chance to do that on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup at West Ham and I know our lads are well up for it.

"I went there to watch the Olympics but now I’m looking forward to playing here for the first time, hopefully it will inspire us.”

He added: "It hurt when they scored because at that point I felt we were better than them.

"It hurts as the skipper, and it when we missed a couple of chances before they scored again. We need to be better at scoring, and better at keeping them out.”

What to read next:

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.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.