x

Red Card Harsh - Harvey - Ipswich Town News

Morecambe manager Jim Harvey felt that the 18th minute sending off of defender Jim Bentley ended his side's chances of defeating Town in the FA Cup tie at Portman Road. Bentley was dismissed for pulling back Pablo Couñago as the forward ran in on goal.

A disappointed Harvey said: "That was game over when we had James sent off. It was very harsh. It killed the game as a contest.

"I thought the ball was going towards the corner flag and I would like to see it again.

"We were disappointed but let it get away from us through no fault of our own. It would have been interesting if we'd had 11 on the field today but with 10 it was inevitable.

"We all feel for James [Bentley]. It was a big occasion for him to come here and I don't think he's experienced much like this before.

"But he's a huge character and he lives for his football so for him to feel he's let everyone down is a devastating blow.

"I even sent one of my players who wasn't involved into the dressing room to see if he was coping, and he's taken it very badly."

Despite the result Harvey was pleased with his lads' display: "We came back into it strongly after they scored and we weren't overawed. For over an hour they were getting frustrated and our football was excellent.

"It was an even contest and until they got the second one we were well in the game. There were some tremendous performances.

"But it was all taken away from us very quickly by the referee and we're left very deflated by that - the result doesn't reflect the majority of the game."

Joe Royle, perhaps with one eye on the Shrewsbury-Everton result, was just happy not be on the end of a defeat: "I'm relieved not to be on the end of a giantkilling. In the end we won comfortably but no one wants to be a statistic they keep showing for years afterwards, so I'm happy to be in the hat.

"It was an awkward game. The sending-off made it more awkward. I don't know why but trepidation sets in.

"You never know because there were a few tears around the country. We can't come out of that with glowing praise but we did a professional job. Realistically by the end we could have won by a lot more goals."

The draw for the next round will be made at 1pm on Monday.

What to read next:

Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.
Stanislas Appointed First-Team Coach as Town Add Set-Piece Analyst
The Blues have appointed former AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and West Ham winger Junior Stanislas as a first-team coach.
U19s Beaten in Second Game at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s were beaten 3-2 by Slovan Bratislava in their second and final group game at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Town Continue Pre-Season at Aberdeen
Town face Scottish Premiership Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their second public friendly of the summer this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Women to Start WSL2 Season at Southampton
Ipswich Town Women will open their first ever second-tier season with a WSL2 away game at Southampton on Saturday 6th September (KO 2pm) with Nottingham Forest the first visitors to the JobServe Community Stadium, the Blues’ new home, the following weekend.
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.