Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Town 0-1 Burnley
Saturday, 19th Oct 2013 17:16

Scott Arfield’s second half goal saw league leaders Burnley to a 1-0 victory over the Blues, their first win at Portman Road since January 1970. The midfielder stooped to head home in the 80th minute of a tight and keenly contested encounter.

Mick McCarthy named the expected unchanged line-up for the fifth game running with the only switch of personnel in the matchday 18 Jack Marriott coming on to the bench in place of Anthony Wordsworth. Championship leaders Burnley were also unchanged.

Clever work on the left from David McGoldrick conjured the first opportunity in the fifth minute. The striker found space for Ryan Tunnicliffe on the left and eventually received the ball back from Daryl Murphy inside the area, but ex-Canary Jason Shackell got across to block as the Blues’ top scorer looked to shoot.

Town had the better of the early stages of a game played on a wet surface with drizzle continuing to fall. Burnley’s only significant foray forward had been an early break down the left from Michael Kightly but his cross was easily cut out by Cresswell.

The Blues continued to have most of the ball but without threatening. At the other end, Dean Gerken had little trouble with Scott Arfield’s weak 22nd minute effort, then Christophe Berra did well to take the ball away from Danny Ings as the striker looked to take it down and past him on the edge of the area.

On 28 Hyam won the ball midway inside the Clarets’ half, Cresswell eventually crossing into the box where it fell to McGoldrick eight yards out. The striker tried to find space to shoot but could only scuff an effort goalwards which was cleared by Shackell. At the other end, Sam Vokes shot high and wide from a tight angle but having strayed offside.

Burnley right-back Kieran Trippier did superbly to reach a David Jones ball down the right in the 31st minute, his low ball flashing across the area.

Blues keeper Gerken suffered what appeared to be a knee injury in that incident as he and Vokes collided and, having received treatment on a couple of occasions, was eventually forced off, Scott Loach taking over in goal and making his first appearance since the Leeds defeat in August.

On 40 Kightly intercepted from Berra on the Burnley left but his low cross was cut out by Luke Chambers. Two minutes later, Paul Anderson headed past the post from a wayward Burnley clearance.


Just before the break Cole Skuse twice came close to opening his Town goals account. First he slammed a loose ball inside the area into Trippier's face inside the six-yard box, then Tunnicliffe teed him up 20 yards out and his strike flew narrowly past Tom Heaton’s left post.

Town just about had the better of the first half, although without having tested Heaton significantly. At the other end, the Blues backline had largely managed to nullify the threat presented by 19-goal strike pair Vokes and Ings, with Kightly, who was plucked from non-league Grays Athletic by Mick McCarthy during his Wolves days, the main threat down the left.

Soon after the break, Berra reached a Cresswell freekick from deep on the right but could only guide his header into Heaton’s midriff.

Anderson threaded Murphy through on the right of the area but Shackell got back to force the Town striker away from goal and eventually the ball out of play.

On 53 Vokes was sent away on goal by Scott Arfield but Chambers similarly got back to make a vital saving tackle and then clear the danger.

Four minutes later, McGoldrick flicked the ball into the path of Cresswell, but the left-back’s strike hit Shackell, referee Graham Scott waving away Town’s handball protests.

Burnley’s Dean Marney was left in a heap on the hour after he and Tunnicliffe chased a ball out of play and he collided with the advertising hoarding after appearing to slip on the Fieldturf surrounding the pitch. After treatment, the former Spurs man was OK to carry on.

Anderson shot wide from the edge of the box, then Skuse just failed to find McGoldrick with a flick over the Clarets’ backline from a similar area.

The game was evenly balanced. For Burnley, Ings tried to take a ball into feet past Berra but the Blues defender was alert to it. The resulting corner was cleared but quickly returned and Kightly hit a low shot after cutting in from the left, which Loach saved comfortably.

McGoldrick hit another strike wide in the 64th minute with the Blues still not testing keeper Heaton often enough.

The sides continued to largely cancel one another out and clear cut chances were rare with McGoldrick’s 75th minute looping header too high to threaten Heaton’s goal.

With 10 minutes remaining, Burnley went in front. Town half-cleared a cross from the left and Trippier returned the ball from deep on the right. Arfield had got away from his man, who looked to have been Hyam, who had only recently undergone treatment for a knee problem, and flicked a header beyond Loach and into the net.

McCarthy switched Jay Tabb and Frank Nouble for Anderson and Murphy as the game moved into its final five minutes with the Blues not particularly threatening to get an equaliser.

A minute and a half before the end of scheduled time, Shackell dispossessed Tabb in a dangerous area on the left inside the area, then Ings wasn’t far away from netting Burnley’s second as the match went into three minutes of injury time, his 25-yard shot flying past the angle of post and bar.

Late on Berra was thrown forward as an extra frontman and twice almost sent McGoldrick through on goal, but referee Scott’s whistle came soon afterwards to condemn McCarthy’s men to only their second home defeat of the season and Burnley’s first win at Portman Road in more than 43 years and only their second in their history.

The win and QPR's 2-2 draw at Millwall increases the Clarets' lead at the top of the table to two points with their start to the season now their best for 116 years. Town remain in 11th but now seven points from the play-offs.

It was a game in which the defences were largely on top and which could have gone either way. A draw might have been a fair reflection but Arfield took his side’s chance when it came, while all too often Town failed to make the most of their opportunities with Heaton tested too rarely.

While disappointed to lose, and probably with the manner of the goal, Mick McCarthy is unlikely to be too unhappy with his team’s display against the division’s surprise leaders.

Town: Gerken (Loach 39), Chambers, Berra, Smith, Cresswell, Anderson (Tabb 85), Hyam, Skuse, Tunnicliffe, Murphy (Nouble 85), McGoldrick. Unused: Hewitt, Mings, Edwards, Marriott.

Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee, Marney (Edgar 88), Vokes, Ings, Jones, Kightly (Treacy 82), Arfield. Unused: Cisak, Lafferty, Stanislas, Long. Referee: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire). Att: 16,062 (Burnley: 670).


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



TractorCam added 17:26 - Oct 19
Very frustrating, Burnley were very good defensively and we found that difficult to break that down. However, once they took the lead, we should be subbing off LUKE HYAM for Tabb and putting Tunnicliffe down the middle as that way we then have creativity in central midfield, bit pointless taking off Anderson as that isn't changing the set-up, which we needed .

Need to win our home games, unless we can sort out our away form, Bolton away we should be perfectly capable of winning, COYB!
0

LankHenners added 17:30 - Oct 19
Could have, probably should have, been more adventurous in the last 20 minutes. Today again showed that we need to take our chances and need to be more creative in the final third. 11th isn't bad and hopefully when Taylor comes back he can add a bit more energy. Onwards and upwards!
0

TimmyH added 17:35 - Oct 19
Starting to get a bit fed up with 'Mick is unlikely to be too unhappy with his team's display' as written in the above text - we've heard this too many times this season and we always seem to be on the wrong side of getting the points justified (in this case probably a draw).

So that's the 3 points gone from this game (MM's mentality at present being a home game) and only 2 from the last 3 and in all probability at least 4 points in total spurned from the last 3 games. What now that the team has lost at home? we HAVE to win away next weekend? not sure we're capable of it.

Would be nice if Mick could clear the air about the Ireland job as this might start effecting the players.

Disappointing result.
0

ChrisMakin2012 added 17:41 - Oct 19
Can we sell Frank Nouble now?
0

muccletonjoe added 17:43 - Oct 19
Nothing very special about this game or Burnley , but they just about edged it . Down to 15k home supporters even when playing league leaders. Manager needs to sort himself out on ALL levels
0

Elizabeth added 17:46 - Oct 19
I think the decision to take the Ireland job should be made sooner rather than later. I feel that this may have an adverse effect on the team with all this speculation! If it does happen can we then appoint someone who is in for the long haul! Too much chopping and changing will bring no success to the club.It worries me regarding a replacement. Who is actually out there with any quality to steer Ipswich in the right direction? Terry Butcher will you come back....
0

kuyski added 17:56 - Oct 19
unhappy day
0

Walk_the_Wark added 18:04 - Oct 19
I thought people on here would be satisfied at 'only losing 1-0' to Burnley... Please go Mick. Cheers
0

neillrumsey added 18:09 - Oct 19
At half time I spoke with some optimism regarding our performance which was good in parts particularly down the left. McGoldrick was as ever quality but was needing to come deep for the ball as he was gettihng little help from Murphy who was AWOL. Half time we could and probably should have been two up with Skuse having a great attempt and McGoldrick misfiring when on the edge of the 6 yrd box. Second half as so often this season we failed to tuen up and Burley looked the more threatening side. For me they showed more desire to win the game and we lumped the ball long with little idea. We have no creativity and no pace which must be addressed soon. Why weren't substitutions made earlier and why not give Marriott a chance as he has pace and an eye for goal. Nouble poor again but Tabb should be considered as a starter in centre mid for the next game. Loach needs to practise kicking as the defense looked very nervouw second half. Bad day at the office second half with Chmbo and Berra looking very shakey. Must do better or mid table at best...
0

runningout added 18:09 - Oct 19
If we are going anywhere, we should never be satisfied! Even after victory!
0

marco007 added 18:11 - Oct 19
Yeah same olds, same old and every time we have a test we fail miserably. Is it any wonder that fans numbers are plummeting when we have to put up with this dross. England U21's were far more entertaining and are 100%'more creative than our dull, insipid performance.
Yawn, yawn, yawn.....I need a break :(
0

Walk_the_Wark added 18:12 - Oct 19
running out- I agree. But I bet Mick will say 'I was very satisfied with the performance. We took our eye off the ball for the goal- Oh well, they're the league leaders'. And i wouldn't mind betting that MM has been given a mid-table finish as target for this season. And if he stays that's exactly what will happen
0

blueboy1981 added 18:12 - Oct 19
..... if you are going MM - then GO - hopefully we can then introduce a bit of flair to the side.

Berra up front (at home) in desperation - I ask you ? ............ soon be down to 14K at home.
0

ArnieM added 18:18 - Oct 19
WE lack the clinical finishing required to capitalize on our often greater possession % . We are too slow up front , too slow and pedestrian in midfield and once again are "making do" with a player being played out of position at RB.

New striker with pace. Tunnicliffe in centre and Taylor out wide please
0

georgelamming added 18:19 - Oct 19
Personally I think Micks in-desicon about the Ireland Job is showing a certain amount if disrespect for Town fans. Also, how are the players expected to perfrom confidently when they're managing is quite literally, hmming and harring over the possibility of leaving? I like to think he will have reassured the players one way or another over his intentions, although it is looking increasingly likely that he would very much like to be offered the ireland job.

He has given us solid defenders which we have lacked before his arrival, for that we will always be grateful, but if a manager could come in and add a bit of flair and creativity to the defenders and hardworkers we've already got, surely that would be better than now.
0

TractorBoy666 added 18:35 - Oct 19
We didn't deserve to lose the game today, but for me Skuse was man of the match, really enjoyed watching him today. I haven't a clue why Mick puts Nouble on every time we need a goal, instead it's like we've accepted defeat. Mariott deserved a chance like today when we are losing. As a lot of others, I would like this Ireland job speculation cleared up rather quickly because it's only going to effect the players. Overall, disappointed with the result of course, because lets be fair, Burnley will end up around mid-table.
0

Chicago_Blue added 18:38 - Oct 19
I know I may get slated for saying this, but I really do feel the need to vent. We lack someone who can unpick defences and make a difference. Not saying he's the man to do it, but was surprised to see Wordsworth not included. Was pleased that Marriott came in, buy why bring on Nouble? Luke Hyam: Well, he lost his man for the goal and doesn't offer enough for me. Treats the ball like a hot potato at times and is the most over-rated player I've seen here for a long time. If he wasn't a local lad he'd have been slated by many more I think.
0

RegencyBlue added 18:42 - Oct 19
I thought we played some good football at times today but the old problem of not taking our chances when on top in games raised its head again. In addition I was disappointed at the reaction of the players once we went a goal down.

There were still ten minutes plus stoppage time left and we should have had a real go. Instead the heads went down and it was obvious there would be no come back. Pointless substitutions on 85 minutes from MM didn't help either!
0

runaround added 18:45 - Oct 19
Burnley came with a game plan, to press us from the front, defend well, hope to nick a goal then see the game out. They did this perfectly. Both teams play in a way but they are high on confidence and it showed. First half we shaded but rarely threatened after the break. There seemed to be a blatant handball in the build up to the goal but we still allowed the guy a free header.
I feel we were found out today & I do fear it's the start of a bad run, the win at home & draw away strategy falls down if you don't win at home & we just seem scared to try & win tight games but surely it's better to try & win rather than settling for a draw as that way the best you can hope for is a draw?
0

Ipswichbusiness added 18:47 - Oct 19
This was a poor result in a little run of poor results. We need to put a couple of wins together otherwise we can forget about the play offs
0

ericclacton added 18:48 - Oct 19
Inane performance, that is all.
0

Jimmy86 added 19:03 - Oct 19
We didnt really deserve to lose the game today, but lose we have. This is the result of not having enough clinical goal scorers in the starting 11 or indeed on the bench. I echo the sentiments of many regarding the uncertainty surrounding MM and the ireland job and also agree with whoever said it lacks a bit of respect towards us fans. Also agdee with chicago blue regarding hyam, not gonna knock him but just feel if he wasnt "one of our own" he would get slated. Cant for the life of me understand why burnley are top coz werent anything special. Ref was a joke too!!! Have to wim a few away games now i guess coyb
0

jas0999 added 19:05 - Oct 19
Disappointing and frustrating result. Didn't think we deserved to lose the game, yet didn't really do enough to win against a well organised Burnley side. A draw would have been fair ... but we have said that many times already this season. The reality is we have lost or not won games where the result should and could have been better. The lack of creativity in midfield is still a concern, whilst up front I thought Murphy had another poor game. Thought the defence lacked any confidence in Loach when he came on and still think we need to sign a decent keeper (although no blame attached for the goal today) - as ours are both below average at best.

Still think this will be a mediocre season. We will see some good, some average and some poor. Time will tell.
0

brittaniaman added 19:10 - Oct 19
WE seem to be to cautious in our play today !! the ball is in Burnleys half and instead of going further forward we pass it back and then it finishes back to the goalkeeper, and this happened more than once in the game ???? the two subs left should have come on earlier, because we were not seeing the game out we were actually chasing the game !!!
0

JustSpivvyChops added 19:15 - Oct 19
The performance today was straight from the Mick McCarthy school of boring football (what did you expect? our manager is Mick McCarthy) when you grind out points people can't argue too much, but when there's zero entertainment and you earn zero points...............well, I imagine there'll be a lot less people worried about him taking the Irish job now.

We are what we are, a lower mid table Championship side and that's where we'll be again at the end of the season with or without boring Mick.

0


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024