x

Joe: Bent Was Coming Off - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Joe Royle admitted after the game that he was about to replace goalscorer Darren Bent when the front man netted the Blues' winner against West Ham.

Royle felt things weren't going the England U21 striker's way: "I didn't think it was Darren's day. He's had a traumatic week and I didn't think he was there today.

"But he was johnny on the spot - and well done to Richard Naylor, who hit the target and gave him the chance.

"Darren is a fit, fast young boy - and he'll actually be more of a threat away from home. I don't mind the second leg being away.

"We've got the all-important goal and I think we deserve it on our second-half display."

Goalscorer Bent was not aware he was about to be taken off prior to his goal: "I could see someone warming up but obviously I tried to concentrate and keep going, so I'm delighted to score.

"The gaffer showed faith in me today and I'm glad I've repaid him with a goal."

Central defender John McGreal was pleased with the 1-0 win: "I'm delighted with the result.

"A lot of people have written us off but it was a good team performance today and hopefully we can continue on Tuesday.

"All season we've not sat on a 1-0 lead, we've always tried to get a second goal - but a lot of the experienced lads said 'sit tight' for five minutes - we'll settle for 1-0.

"But we've got goals throughout the team and as long as we keep it tight at the back we'll always score."

What to read next:

Hirst: Handball is a Handball
George Hirst felt referee Andrew Kitchen made the correct decision in awarding Town a stoppage time penalty in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
McKenna: We Found a Way to Battle For a Point
Town boss Kieran McKenna felt his side found a way to battle for what he believes could prove to be an important point his side drew 1-1 at Birmingham City and revealed that the club has reported the incident in which Jack Taylor was assaulted by a fan following George Hirst’s late, late penalty to the authorities.
McKenna on Philogene, Cajuste and Hutchinson
Town boss Kieran McKenna has explained why Jaden Philogene, Jens Cajuste and Omari Hutchinson missed tonight’s 1-1 draw at Birmingham.
McKenna: Akpom Deal One All Parties Are Trying to Push Through
Town boss Kieran McKenna says his understanding is that the Chuba Akpom loan move from Ajax is something all parties are trying to push through.
Birmingham City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Birmingham City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
George Hirst’s 95th-minute penalty claimed an unlikely 1-1 draw for Championship favourites Town in their opening game of the season at Birmingham City. The newly promoted home side looked set for all three points courtesy of Jay Stansfield’s goal on 55 until sub Lyndon Dykes handled in the area and Hirst confidently found the net to grab a share of the point.
Birmingham City 0-0 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Town’s opening game of the season at Birmingham City remains 0-0 at half-time.
Birmingham City v Ipswich Town - Chatroom Open
Join us in the chatroom to discuss the game as it unfolds with hundreds of other Town fans.
Ogbene Starts For Blues at Birmingham
Chieo Ogbene makes his first start since October last year and Leif Davis is fit to start at left-back as the Blues get their season under way at Birmingham City (Sky Sports, KO 8pm), but neither Omari Hutchinson nor Jaden Philogene are in the squad.
The TWTD Prediction League 2025/26
With the start of the new season only a few days away, it’s time to register for the TWTD Prediction League 2025/26.