Michael Kightly’s 54th minute goal saw already-promoted Burnley to a 1-0 victory over Town at Turf Moor and ended the Blues’ hopes of reaching the play-offs. Tommy Smith had a first-half header nodded off the line and sub Paul Taylor’s late freekick was well saved, but overall the Clarets deserved their victory.

Frazer Richardson was handed the right midfield role — rather than the central position anticipated before kick-off - with Paul Anderson missing out with the hamstring injury he aggravated in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Paul Green came into the centre alongside Cole Skuse with Anthony Wordsworth missing out with the dead leg he suffered on Monday. Luke Hyam remains on the sidelines with a hip flexor strain.

Christophe Berra was back at the heart of the defence with skipper Luke Chambers moving to right-back. Freddie Veseli was on the bench for the first time since he returned from his loan spell at Bury.

Having confirmed their promotion via a 2-0 win against Wigan on Monday, Burnley, wearing a vintage kit to celebrate their 1914 FA Cup win, struck the game’s first shot in the second minute, Scott Arfield’s effort deflecting wide from Danny Ings’s knockdown.

Daryl Murphy hit the first shot of the game for the Blues, who were wearing last season’s white and black away kit, from the edge of the box in the 10th minute but Ben Mee blocked.

Ashley Barnes just failed to reach Ings’s knockdown in the 11th minute as the home fans began a round of applause in tribute to Robbie Williamson, an 11-year-old boy who died earlier in the week after falling in a canal.

On 20 Burnley keeper Tom Heaton came off his line quickly to claim ahead of Stephen Hunt, but largely both keepers had been spectators.

Smith was booked for a tactical foul on Ings in the 25th minute after Aaron Cresswell had given the ball away midway inside the Blues’ half.

The New Zealand international was close to opening the scoring two minutes later when Kieran Trippier nodded his header off the line and over after Berra had knocked Richardson’s corner from the right back across the edge of the six-yard box.

The Blues were starting to look more dangerous, winning a number of corners. But on the half hour, following one of those Town flagkicks, the Clarets broke quickly but Arfield was unable to direct Kightly’s right-wing cross towards goal. On 33, Gerken claimed Barnes’s shot down to his right.

Burnley skipper Jason Shackell cut out Chambers’s right-sided cross as a rather lacklustre half moved into its final five minutes.

Murphy and Jonny Williams exchanged passes on the left in the 41st minute, the Irishman whipping over a teasing cross to the far post which Richardson couldn’t direct goalwards when under pressure from Kightly.

A minute later, Ings shot in to the side-netting, then Murphy cut in from the right before shooting across the face of goal. The less than exciting first period was brought to a close with no further significant action.

Town probably had the best chance of the first 45 minutes, with Smith’s header goal-bound until Trippier’s intervention.

But overall the Blues never gave the impression that they were a side desperately in need of three points to stay in the play-off race.

At the other end, Gerken hadn’t been seriously tested, although Burnley frontmen Ings and Barnes had had one or two threatening moments.

The home side took the lead with the second half’s first opportunity in the 54th minute. Barnes fed Ings, who took the ball into the area past Chambers before the advancing Gerken blocked, but Kightly, who played for Blues boss Mick McCarthy at Wolves, tapped the loose ball home from close range.

Immediately Blues subs Taylor, Frank Nouble and Jack Marriott started warming up on the touchline.

Ings shot not too far wide from distance just prior to the hour mark before the Clarets swapped Junior Stanislas for Kightly. Two minutes later, after Williams had received what looked like a high boot to the head inside the penalty area, Taylor and Nouble replaced Hunt and Richardson as the Blues moved to 4-3-3.

There was a scare for Town in the 69th minute when Stanislas nodded Dave Jones’s freekick from the right back across the box but Smith was on hand to block Barnes’s shot. Moments later, the Town centre-half similarly got in the way of an Ings strike with the Blues somewhat under the cosh.

Burnley almost went two goals in front in the 73rd minute when Ings crashed Dean Marney’s low cross from the right against the underside of the bar, the loose ball falling safely.

The Clarets were continuing to look the more likely scorers with the Blues rarely threatening Heaton’s goal. On 78 Green did well to intercept Marney’s ball for Stanislas as the home side broke after a Town corner.

The Blues weren’t far from an equaliser in the 80th minute when Heaton clawed Taylor’s curling 20-yard freekick wide after Green had been fouled by Michael Duff.

Williams was booked for a foul on the veteran Burnley defender soon after, then Nouble looped a powerful shot over from the edge of the box, the first signs that the Blues might stage a fightback in the final few minutes.

Nouble curled another effort wide on 88, then in the final minute centre-half Berra, who had by now been thrown forward as an additional striker, flicked Taylor’s excellent right-wing cross just wide.

But the comeback which would have taken Town’s play-off challenge into the final week of the season never came, Brighton’s victory over Yeovil last night having put the Seagulls four points ahead of the Blues.

Overall, it was an underwhelming manner in which to end the push for sixth place, Town having shown little urgency until after the home side had gone in front.

Even after Taylor and Nouble had been introduced, Burnley continued to look the more likely scorers — and Ings was unlucky not to increase their lead when he hit the bar - with the former Peterborough man’s freekick the nearest the Blues got to an equaliser.

Burnley: Heaton, Tripper, Shackell (c), Duff, Mee, Arfield (Wallace 71), Marney, Jones, Kightly (Stanislas 63), Barnes, Ings (Treacy 90). Unused: Cisak, Edgar, Baird, Long.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Cresswell, Berra, Smith, Skuse, Richardson (Nouble 65), Green, Hunt (Taylor 65), Williams, Murphy. Unused: Loach, Mings, Veseli, Tabb, Marriott. Referee: James Linington (Newport, Isle of Wight). Att: 14,574 (Town: 460).

Photo: Action Images

blueboy1981 added 15:25 - Apr 26 JWM ............ How can you justifiably defend today's effort ? - with great difficulty I guess. Lost for words ? - not surprised.
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Keaneish added 15:26 - Apr 26 What's the relevancy of the 'kicking Jonny Williams' comment billblue? I don't get it. Are you one of those fans who gets upset by McCarthy swearing?
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Reece87 added 15:29 - Apr 26 After watching the game although slightly disappointed its been a good season and were obviously rebuilding. I agree with a lot comments expressing their fustration with our playing style but the truth is we have a lot of average players IMO that for me are not really capable of fighting for promotion but we've come close which for me is a great achievement. And like I said before this is a huge transfer window for ITFC, a lot of players need coming in ( and considering the type of players we need its not going to be easy) as do some need going out. Looking forward to next season and hopefully the boys will receive a great reception next week for a great season.

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StanwayBlue added 15:35 - Apr 26 Blueboy1981 - you are a patronising git. I fully understand the difference between moaning and constructive criticism - believe me! Perhaps you would like to tell us what your honest expectations for the season were?
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JWM added 15:37 - Apr 26 Chill out Blueboy and relax... I was never as deluded as you in thinking we had a team that is good enough for the playoffs! All your bleating and teeth gnashing has made for amusing reading this season but I prefer to look at the bigger picture! Mick is doing a great job on limited resources and it's now up to Evans to back his manager with some investment.
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blueboy1981 added 15:40 - Apr 26 StanwayBlue ......... Really ..... !! - I'm not asking you, but telling you - DON'T BE ABUSIVE ..... OK - whoever you are.
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ormey75 added 15:40 - Apr 26 No suprise, total garbage
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oldegold added 15:41 - Apr 26 When I saw the formation my heart sank. MUST win game and we play with only one recognizable striker. MM has done sterling work but if we are to be promoted then we need a sea-change in tactics and no more sterile antiquated football with no strikers...that football went out of the window 200 years ago . Time for a new manager and new approach but thanks MM for steering the ship. Time for a BIG change now as we are treading water after 9 years.

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EssexTractor added 15:45 - Apr 26 Limited financial resources maybe but via a series of results which went our way, with 4 , yes just 4 matches, remaining our destiny was in our own hands. Time for inspirational and proper man/ team management and a play off place was ours and then,as history has shown, any team has a promotion chance. Season ticket holders, occasional supporters, armchair Radio Suffolk followers were all up for it"The Push For The play Offs" heralded the ITFc website. And what has happened since, one point out of nine! So what happened to the desire? Disappointing is the polite word. Worse adjectives are more deserving. Today's team selection defied belief. Richardson , Green , Skuse, Hunt. Four over 30 year olds, two of which are loanees, one a free transfer and one a club less orphan. And they our engine room quartet.! Please tell me how that is "work in progress". Only Williams showed any pace and he of course is also a loanee. Only Taylor showed any goal threat and he is loathed and underplayed by management So where is the real work in progress offensively? Ok Frankie tries but is not a 90minute man Yes football is about opinions, we are all entitled to them and at this moment I cannot see how next season will be any different without a whole new owner/manger mindset.

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BillBlue added 15:45 - Apr 26 Keanish - No, swearing does not worry me, I do not swear myself but was in the Army so in a way became used to it. The reference relates to a state of mind, nothing more. JWM - how do you mean "Over to you Evans" - do you think he would make a better manager than the one we have? As for you looking at the bigger picture - the mind boggles!
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JWM added 15:46 - Apr 26 Yeah silly me Oldegold there will be loads of top quality managers just queuing up to take over a club that will have no money to spend and being lead by an invisible owner who lacks all ambition! Another deluded fool to add to the list!
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Cloddyseedbed added 15:47 - Apr 26 JWM - But Mr Evans can't back the manager with funds because of the fair play rules, that is what we will be told! That is the worrying bit for fans, young and old.
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JWM added 15:52 - Apr 26 No worries Cloddy I just enjoy reading all the hysterical posts! My poor sides are hurting from laughing!
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Luka added 15:53 - Apr 26 Cloddy, you realise ME sponsors Town so could put in as much money as he wanted and just call it sponsorship, or has that slipped your mind?
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fifeblue added 15:54 - Apr 26 It is a sobering thought that in terms of points Town are nearer the relegation places than the auto promotion places, just. Basically, it is a mid-table finish, but compare this with anything under Keane or Jewell. Don't be doom-mongers about the summer or next season. Town are improving.
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bennyitfc added 15:58 - Apr 26 Feel let down today after otherwise feeling proud all season.
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Cloddyseedbed added 16:00 - Apr 26 Luka - It hasn't slipped my mind but I think it has Evans!!
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billlm added 16:01 - Apr 26 watched it thought we played as well as any time lately never came out of the blocks second half wont fair any better next year,i said 8 th at the beginning of the season so close, mm far to negative had opputunitys several times this season to push on, wish we had an eddie howe, not great at the back but flowing forward football thinking oh isn't that Ipswich town
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bluewein added 16:20 - Apr 26 Ah well we lost and didn't make the play-offs. An 11 year old lost his life this week as pointed out by the minutes applause and you're all blubing and bitching. Priorities are sorted I see. Roll on next season. RIP young'un.
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jas0999 added 16:24 - Apr 26 Blueboy1981 - I agree entirely. As I said in my post, unacceptable tactics today. However, I have felt for a long time that we are lacking strength in depth. Poor Murphy was dismal today, but is that surprising after all the running he has done whilst leading the line since McGoldricks injury? We know SEB has injury issues, yet we don't really strengthen that role. It's cost us, along with the below average midfield! Very disappointing today!

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hancockingoal added 16:32 - Apr 26 I have just read all of the comments here having watched the game in the bar at Felixstowe and Walton Utd FC. I say watched the game? Statistically I spent more time reminiscing with Rambo and Russ? The football on the screen played very much second fiddle to the beer and conversation. That I am afraid to say sums up the current state of my beloved 'Towan'. My first league game was on Good Friday 1962 when we drew 2 2 with Arsenal on our way to winning the First Division championship. How can I compare that day with today? The whole fabric of the club and the way the game is played has changed and don't let anybody dare tell me it has changed for the better! Does the air of Nostalga cloud my judgement? I don't think so! Who owns the club? Not the legends that were the Cobbold family and certainly not the fans. Who does? Apparently a ticket tout called Marcus Evans? Who is he? How can we identify with him? Does he even like football let alone support the club he owns! To get to the point, all of you commenting on here, whether you are a fan of the ultra cautious big Mick or even the destroyer that's was Roy Keane, we must realise that the good days are long behind us and those of that were there have only our memories to sustain us!

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bring_back_Wickham added 16:38 - Apr 26 Hancockingoal - you are lucky you even have those memories. Town have been a championship side since I was 1 year old
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TimmyH added 16:39 - Apr 26 @JWM - you can look at the 'bigger picture' next week when I give a points to game ratio from this season to last season under Mick's tenure and see if progress has been made, pretty confident it won't be as good as last season.
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blueherts added 16:54 - Apr 26 Outside of Dids and Williams we are so far off the Top 6 in playing terms it is quite a credit to our resolve - and also maybe other teams ! - that we went to the 45th game When Dids got injured it really did look game over But the last few away games - Blackburn , Boro , Watford and today we were set up 'not to lose ' - I do think we miss Hyam in the middle Skuse has been poor since he has come back Nouble - well , even the Sky guy made a comment about his head down 'playing with his own ball ! Yes a step forward - I think - but we will have to see what happens in the close season Dale Jennings from Barnsley or that type x2 is needed to start with If Henshall has the pace we are led to believe not sure why we dont give him a run along with Marriott next week Go out on a high with some of the 'squad' - some of our regulars look done in

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Seasider added 16:57 - Apr 26 Like Hancock in Goal,I have also been following Town for over 50 years,and to cheer us up watched a 'Big Match'(1979) afterwards. Like most posters on here felt that once again despite his fine words McCarthy played his usual defensive team set up to negate the opposition and bore Town fans watching. Home and away this season the opposition get to play infront of the Town defence and there is no forward passing and movement invariably instead a long ball up to lone striker. Today I thought might be different but sadly it wasn't.Square pegs in round holes,and surprisingly very little'get up and go'considering we still had out side chance of playoffs. However think it was lost during past month when more points should have been garnered,and playoffs were twice in our own hands. Not sure whether we will see any change next season either as he hasn't changed style in previous 17 months. Wish he wouldn't lavish quite so much praise on players like Skuse who was terrible today;but although everyone speaks highly of our Manager,for whatever reason wasn't able to motivate players sufficiently to get us over line.

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