Town boss Paul Jewell again bemoaned his side’s tendency to concede “calamitous goals” after Doncaster left Portman Road with a 3-2 victory. The Blues manager praised his side’s second half character as they pulled two goals back but felt they’d left themselves far too much to do with their first half display.

Jewell said: “With the goals we’re giving away we’re giving ourselves mountains to climb at the moment. We did it at Peterborough, against Southampton, Millwall and again today. We’re giving calamitous goals away and when you do that you’re always going to be up against it.

“When we’re bad, we’re hopeless,” he conceded. “ We just look so vulnerable and every time they went forward they almost scored a goal.

“I think we showed a bit of character in the second half, even though at 3-1 we wanted to be more on the front foot, but I don’t think it was as bad as the [Peterborough and Southampton] games. We showed some character in the second half.

“But the first half performances and the way we concede goals is killing us. We’re making basic errors. There are experienced players out there, as well as one or two young ones.”

The Blues boss outlined the failings on each of Doncaster’s goals: “Every goal you concede is a bad goal but the first one’s from a freekick, which doesn’t get cleared, gets crossed and Diouf gets a free header.

“The second one is a cross from the right under no pressure, another a free header. The third one, the two centre-backs get in one another and the game’s over almost. It’s not the midfield, it’s not the forwards, it’s the team as the whole.

“When we’re not controlling games, we’re getting done. There are plenty of teams that haven’t controlled games that have got a 0-0 or a 1-0. And we, at the minute, because it’s not going our way, we get done at the back.”

Freekicks and corners are also a problem: “It’s not just a defensive point of view, it’s set plays as well. We switch off at set plays. When we got to 3-1 and everyone’s got their man for set plays, they could have scored two goals. That’s just down to basic poor defending. That might not be a defender, that might be a midfield player, it might be a forward player.

“Even if you’re playing not very well, as we were in the first half, we’ve got to be able to get in at half-time at 0-0 or still be in the game.

“At 3-0 you don’t give up but you give yourself a mountain to climb. Our goal difference tells you that we don’t defend very well.”

Jewell wasn’t using the switches of personnel as an explanation for the alarming drop in form: “All those things we were doing three weeks ago have just disappeared for whatever reason, through confidence or whatever.

“Perhaps we made a few changes through injury, but we’re not going to use that as an excuse. Some of the goals we’ve conceded, not just today but this season, are not of the standard of a decent Championship team, or a bad Championship team even.”

Doncaster boss Dean Saunders was delighted with the win but admitted he was worried at the end: “We played really well today, although George Friend’s missed four open goals, so I’m a bit disappointed at what happened right at the end because if there had been another five minutes on the clock, you never know, they could have forced the ball over the line somehow, got a lucky break.

“But I can’t complain. Those were two great crosses from Coppinger, he worked his socks off and played really well and the finishing from Diouf and Billy Sharp was great. It was a good three points for us, we needed it.”

Rovers striker Sharp, whose new-born son Luey died last week, thanked Town fans for their applause after his goal and when he was subbed via Twitter: “Just like to say a big thank you to all the Ipswich fans for the ovation they gave me when I scored and got taken off.

“Will never forget that moment today at Portman Road. Ipswich Town fans unbelievable, never seen anything like it.

“And another thank you to all Blades fans, heard about the minute's applause on 24 minutes, very special, I scored on 24 minutes too,” said the former Sheffield United player and boyhood supporter.

Photo: Action Images

ChestnutSe added 21:45 - Nov 5 I agree that Priskin and Healy were not totally to blame today. No service from a rubbish midfield. But neither have done anything of note during their entire Town career. Neither will ever cut it. The same can be raid of Martin. He runs about like a headless chicken and puts in some rash challenges to show how much he cares. Critically though he cannot beat a defender, go past and get a good cross in. That's all I want from a winger. The fact he can't head a ball is not a problem if he could just manage the winger thing. Overpaid, overrated and overtime

0

Keaneish added 21:46 - Nov 5 And Ingy, take note of Richard Naylor throwing his body at the ball and man today. He put you to shame. Come back Naylor!
0

AlpineBlue added 21:59 - Nov 5 I was proud to be a Town fan when many of us applauded when Sharpe scored the 2nd. Not many fans would do that. Can't imagine that happening at Upton Park somehow. But hearing people calling for a managers head after THREE defeats is pathetic. Next week we won't lose.
0

bluearmy4life added 22:03 - Nov 5 Alpine blue I admire your optimism. But we have to make massive changes to get in the top six then cement are place. After 11 signings ish we still need more as we are still not strong enough in all areas including midfield where we have some massive names in are team.Whilst the six game unbeaten run was great we have been thrashed too many times under PJ which hurts.

0

poggie added 22:06 - Nov 5 Sorry ... on a completely different note ... anyone know why there wasn't a minute's silence today for remembrance sunday??
0

irishtim added 22:11 - Nov 5 we are deluded if we think current set up will get us anywhere. Burley loves this club bring him back with matt holland we have seen enough crap.
0

s6blue added 22:23 - Nov 5 just a joke jewell -- utter joke
0

broomfield123 added 22:26 - Nov 5 Is john duncan working at all. Seriously fair play to town fans for there warmth towards biily sharp
0

beetlebum added 22:27 - Nov 5 Calamity Jewell is taking us down on the Deadwood Stage. Whip crack-away!
0

wherescounago added 22:32 - Nov 5 Just had a quick flick through the numerous comments, let's face facts there are some huge problems at the Club from the top downwards. If Mr Evans was so passionate he would be seen and lead from the front and not rely on his puppet Simon Clegg, who does not know the game, to make inane comments. Our Manager is not getting the best out of what he has here for whatever reason and we have players who probably through no fault of their own do not have the ability to perform at this level anymore. In short we have too many over the hill players who lack the will to win, a Manager who thinks by making silly funny remarks will endear him to us and an out of contact Boardroom. Irishtim is right lets get someone in who cares, be it Burley or someone else, if that does happen let's hope the board also takes a serious look at this self.

0

h32 added 22:36 - Nov 5 AlpineBlue - you are most definitely on another Planet - hopefully you'll wake up in the morning in the REAL world.
0

Blue041273 added 22:37 - Nov 5 How anyone can be proud of ITFC tonight beggars belief. The performance was dreadful. The first half was abysmal, possibly the worst half of home football I've ever seen. The defense was shocking; if we could drop all four for the next match I would be happy. The midfield was even worse; none were fit to wear the shirt. Up front Priskin was pointless. While subs Martin & Carson brought a bit of effort to the party if not that bit of class JET did not disappoint - useless as usual. We can write this off as a bad day but the reality remains. We are no better than we were this time last year or the year before or the year before that. Whether or not PJ should go at this time is immaterial; the players we've/ got will determine our future. Their performances in the upcoming games will now show if they are behind PJ or not. If they can't raise themselves to actually give a damn then PJ will have to go along with the players who have let us all down. After today we know who they are!

0

ClassyCranson added 22:45 - Nov 5 jas0999 is spot on with his comment. Today is a tipping point for me with regard to Jewell's tenure as manager of the football club. Whilst I have previously supported the manager this is no longer the case. His after match comments recently have not been wrong they have been embarrassing. Whilst I do not think Jewell will be dismissed in the short term, I find it hard to believe that the owner will back a manager in the January transfer window that falls so short of what is required. Jewell's decision to stick with Leadbitter in the team never mind as captain, not realise that the team is woefully short of pace and to be so tactically poor is bad enough but the team just seems so lethargic and lacks a cutting edge. Why is Jimmy playing in such a defensive role? Sharp and Coppinger were different class today and it is shame that we could not sign either or both of them up in the summer. Whilst I think a young hungry manager is the possibly answer, I would love the next manager to be Terry Butcher. Terry Butcher - Ipswich fan, Ipswich player, Ipswich captain, Ipswich legend.

0

h32 added 22:49 - Nov 5 After so many dismal seasons, we desperately need someone who is capable of turning this Club around - it needs to be either a proven Manager OR someone who has this Club at heart, in other words true ITFC pedigree. Suggestions of a Burley/Holland partnership would certainly be an option - no one would ever need to doubt their commitment to the cause. True Blues if ever there were. That would be a welcome quality to have at the Club right now. I hope Holland will eventually

0

h32 added 22:51 - Nov 5 ..... decide to pursue a career in Management - I'm sure he would do a great job.
0

Garv added 22:54 - Nov 5 Keaneish you will regret saying that my friend trust me on that.
0

hogster1970 added 23:09 - Nov 5 well jewel your coments on the defence for the goals conceded were true, but its time you need to look at yourselve i think every ipswich supporter in the ground was mega disapointed with the starting 11 line up, i can see why priskin started if scotland is injured, but wtf healy omg and again no pace and width, and reece if he is a good right back well that makes edwards look like marradona in his prime, why was edwards dropped ffs, only your selve to blame, i did feel sorry for healy though wasnt his fault and no wonder he went off with a monk on. we stated to look reasonable when carson came on and with him and martin bombing down the wings we sort of started took dangerous, but didnt get the balls enough. and can i say well done to town fans for cheering sharps name and when he scored he said a big thnk you to us all, was a touching moment to be fair. bl@@dy sort your self out jewel we all know are bet formation why cant you

0

JesusStockwell added 23:22 - Nov 5 What a load of sh*te, enough said! Anybody want 2 cheap forest away tickets?
0

churchmans added 23:34 - Nov 5 does anybody agree with me that bullard last season for us was awesome playing in a central attacking midfield role! why the phuck has he been playing as a holding midfield player i did not renew my season ticket this year and thank god i didnt i admire the supporters for there dedication and support for putting up with this crap. but i cant go to every game and coming away feeling robbed,angry and peed off i play golf instead. my next game will be reading at home and i dont hold up much hope.

0

broomfield123 added 23:44 - Nov 5 Not a bit of harry monk between the lot of um. As for priskin and leadbetter I think their dads left the best bit of um on the bedsheets
0

sirburley added 23:47 - Nov 5 alpineblue-dont care if burley does sleep with wags,he is town through and through,he wouldnt sleep tonight after that performance.I agree sacking Jewell now would be a rash decision,i was just saying that i preferred burley at the time with butcher as assistant,we wouldnt of lost to bottom of the table opponents with them in charge,fact!Today and the last three performances have been dire,if you dont agree with that you obviously aint been watching

0

algarvefan added 01:26 - Nov 6 Whilst I agree that the management and team selection have been poor today and it is easy to point the finger at PJ, the truth is it's the players (most of who earn in a week, what I earn in a year) who have been p*ss poor. The team has no natural leader on or off the field and the attitude and commitment of players is appalling. I can't see it getting any better, any time soon either, I feel sorry for Marcus Evans, he may as well have poured his money down the drain. Get George Burley back or Terry Butcher & Mark Venus.....we need someone in charge who loves the club.

0

Lammy added 01:31 - Nov 6 I thought we played better against Southampton
0

BrettenhamBlue added 01:38 - Nov 6 Its nothing short of a miracle that we are where we are in the table with the team we've got. Lets just be thankful that we are not fighting relegation-thats where we deserve to be....
0

BrettenhamBlue added 01:41 - Nov 6 btw- 2-3 was a good result. We should have been 5 or 6 down at half-time. 2 of the saves from Stockdale were nothing short of world class. The back 4 were a joke. Absolute disgrace.
0

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls