Strike pair David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy were on target as the Blues beat Millwall 2-0 at Portman Road. McGoldrick put Town in front in first half injury time and Murphy added the second in the 63rd minute.

McGoldrick, Tyrone Mings and Cole Skuse returned to the side with Luke Hyam, Tommy Smith and Kevin Bru all dropping to the bench.

Skipper Luke Chambers moved to centre-half alongside Christophe Berra with home debutant Jonny Parr at right-back and Mings on the left. Dean Gerken continued in goal.

In midfield, another home debutant Teddy Bishop kept his place in the centre of midfield with Skuse returning having been unwell for the game against the Rams. Paul Anderson was on the right and Jay Tabb on the left.

McGoldrick, who missed out at Derby with a dead leg, returned alongside Murphy up front. There was no place in the 18 for returning midfielder Darren Ambrose, who signed a short-term deal on Thursday.

Former Blues skipper Carlos Edwards started at right-back for Millwall but Lee Martin missed out with a knee ligament injury. Another former Blue Ed Upson and one-time Town loanee Ricardo Fuller were on the bench.

Murphy struck an early shot well wide before a spell of Millwall pressure ended with Jermaine Easter heading over.

The visitors continued to have most of the ball and went within inches of going ahead in the ninth minute.

Scott McDonald played in Scott Malone down the left and the full-back cut across to Martyn Woolford eight yards out, however, Gerken saved his former Bristol City team-mate’s effort with his foot. The loose ball fell to Easter, who slammed a shot on to the bar and high into the air, Gerken subsequently punching before Skuse finally cleared the danger.

Easter hit a shot straight at Gerken on 14, while the Blues presented little further threat aside from a number of low crosses which came to nothing.

Mathias Renegie headed wide in the 23rd minute after the ball had been played back in from the left by Malone, no one having managed to get on the end of an Edwards cross from the right after the former Blues captain had beaten Mings.

As the game moved towards the half-hour mark, Millwall’s Shaun Williams required treatment after a challenge by Mings on halfway, one which angered the visitors’ bench.

Town gradually started to look a bit more dangerous, Anderson flicking a Parr cross into Lions keeper David Forde’s arms, then soon afterwards Berra headed over from a corner.

On 33 Anderson seized on a poor Millwall clearance midway inside the Lions’ half end fed McGoldrick to the right. The striker returned the ball to the midfielder but the ball seemed get caught under his feet as he screwed his shot well wide.

Millwall had another chance to go in front in the 41st minute after Skuse had lost out on halfway, probably having been fouled. Ranegie brought the ball forward and played it wide to Woolford, who shot into the side-netting from a tight angle on the right.

A minute later, the Blues carved out what was their best opportunity up to then. Parr fed Bishop as he broke forward into the area on the right and the midfielder laid the ball wide to Anderson.

The winger crossed to Murphy who didn’t make a clean contact with his header, but Forde was still forced to claw the ball away as it threatened to bounce up into the top corner.

A minute into first half injury time the Blues went in front. McGoldrick did well to get on to Mings’s long clearance before bringing it inside and feeding Bishop, who was tripped as he broke towards the area. The loose ball fell to McGoldrick, who skipped past Alan Dunne and hit a shot across Forde which took a deflection off Mark Beevers, leaving the keeper helpless.

There was no time for the Lions to hit back before half-time and the Blues went in a goal to the good, which flattered them on the balance of the half overall, although they had looked more of a threat towards the break.

Millwall had played the better football for the most part and will rue having failed to take their opportunities, Easter and Woolford both having had chances to put their side ahead earlier in the half.

The Lions switched Jack Powell for ex-Everton winger Magaye Gueye ahead of the second half.

The Blues threatened early on, Anderson finding Parr on the right and the Norwegian cutting in but failing to find a Town player with his low ball and subsequent header.

Beevers did well to cut out Murphy’s low cross just ahead of McGoldrick in the 49th minute, although referee Carl Berry awarded a goalkick, much to the Town striker’s frustration.

Town came close to adding to their lead in the 54th minute when Skuse found Mings with a sweeping pass left. The full-back’s cross eventually fell to Murphy six yards out but the Irishman failed to connect as he looked to stab towards goal and the danger was cleared.

The Blues had been much better after the break with Mings finding acres of space down the left, but on 57 Gerken had to get down quickly to save Malone’s low cross from the left.

On 63 Town deservedly doubled their lead. Mings won a corner on the left and Tabb’s deep flag-kick found Berra. The Scottish international’s header was blocked on the edge of the six-yard box and fell to Murphy, who stabbed into the roof of the net for his second goal of the season.

Gerken did well to tip McDonald’s 20-yard freekick over on 66 before Millwall introduced two former Blues, Ed Upson, the scorer of the winning goal in the 2005 FA Youth Cup final, and ex-loanee Ricardo Fuller. Easter and Woolford made way.

Soon after, Mings, who had received treatment after Town’s second goal, was replaced by Smith and Hyam took over from Bishop, who was warmly applauded off the field.

Gerken saved low to his left from Lions skipper Dunne a minute later, then McGoldrick had an opportunity to make it 3-0 but screwed his shot well wide after Murphy had deftly turned the ball into his path inside the area. Moments later, McDonald cut in and shot over for the visitors.

Murphy headed wide from Anderson’s cross from the right as the game moved into its final 15 minutes, then Gerken claimed an Edwards shot from an angle on the right at the second attempt.

Conor Sammon replaced Anderson for the final eight minutes, prior to McGoldrick seeing a 20-yard strike deflect only just over.

Millwall were looking vulnerable on the break as they looked to get back in the game in the closing stages and on 88 McGoldrick had another effort blocked.

In injury time, Berra picked up the game’s only booking for a foul on Fuller, Gerken just about keeping out Upson’s freekick from the left. Neither side threatened again before referee Berry blew his whistle.

Despite Millwall having been the better side in the first half, the Blues ultimately deserved the three points for their much improved second half display.

While the Lions missed opportunities in the first half, Town had chances to add to their two goals during the second, in which they played some of their best football of the season.

The result takes the Blues up to 14th in the table on eight points ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Brighton, who lost 3-2 at Brentford today.

Town: Gerken, Parr, Mings (Smith 71), Chambers (c), Berra, Skuse, Bishop (Hyam 71), Tabb, Anderson (Sammon 82), McGoldrick, Murphy. Unused: Bialkowski, Bajner, Bru, Henshall.

Millwall: Forde, Edwards, Dunne (c), Beevers, Malone, Powell (Gueye 46), Williams, Woolford (Upson 67), McDonald, Easter (Fuller 67), Ranegie. Unused: King, Briggs, Webster, Upson, Onyedinma. Referee: Carl Berry (Surrey). Att: 16,190 (Millwall: 1,329).

Photo: Action Images

battyblue added 18:54 - Sep 13 Good Three points several plus points from the game maybe one minus in midfield you know who i believe Ambrose needs some game time on Tuesday instead of Skuse,on another point Paul Taylor sent in the cross for Rotherham to equalize against Bournemouth.
2

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 18:54 - Sep 13 Good win after a slow start. I gave Mings some stick after the Norwich game but I thought he was very good today, along with Chambers, Berra, Bishop, Tabb and Didz. Feel sorry for Hyam and Smith being left out although I undersrand the reasons. Same team on Tuesday apart from Hyam in for Skuse.
1

Steelmonkey added 19:09 - Sep 13 Well done lads just heard the result. Couldn't get to PR today as in Spain but will be back for the Brighton game. Coyb's
0

blueboy1981 added 19:30 - Sep 13 Great 3 points - after being very much second best first half, during which we could easily found ourselves 0 -2 down. Mings and Bishop - top performers, but others didn't disgrace themselves either. Skuse ???? - I think MM needs to get the Size 11 out he mentions in the EADT today, if anyone needs it Skuse does. What does MM see in him ??? - another inept performance today, to add to several previous. McGoldrick is class as we know - create chances for him, and he will capitalise on them - more flair in midfield will do just that. Looking forward to seeing if Ambrose can still do the business in that department - if he can, we could really move forward, coupled with the current young influence in the team !! Well done all - good 3 points against a useful team, and good Manager.

6

blueboy1981 added 19:33 - Sep 13 ....... confident handling from Gerken today too - deserves a mention.
3

DerryfromBury added 19:54 - Sep 13 Tyrone & Teddy MOTM. . For some reason they didn't all turn up for the 1st half, but were a different squad after the break. Good result and a much needed 3 points. Same on Tuesday evening Lads, please. Goes someway to make up for the idiot who thought it cleaver to key the side of my car whilst parked at rear of Zest (former malting's) night club.
0

runaround added 20:11 - Sep 13 We really needed that win & deserved it in the end although Millwall were better than us for first quarter of match. First time I've seen Bishop & was very impressed, also Mings was excellent, the front 2 worked well together whilst back 5 was solid after a nervy start. I watched Skuse closely today & although he made a few decent interceptions he offers us nothing with the ball at all & nothing going forward. I really feel Hyam could be more effective in that role but Mick picks the team not me! Roll on Tuesday night for more of the same from ITFC would love to see Bishop again & possibly Ambrose

-1

StowTractorBoy added 20:20 - Sep 13 Makes me smile when we win and posts state Millwall were a poor team. In spells during the first half they were an excellent team and had we gone behind I think we would have struggled. Scott McDonald was by far the best player on the park in the first half but fair play to our boys, as we took the game by the scruff of the neck and in the end were worthy winners. Its a long time since we had a breath of fresh air like Teddy Bishop. Liked him at Crawley and loved him today. He looks forward and even in tight positions he finds his man. Mings was also immense today although he needs to improve on his final ball. Balance of the team look right today although like others felt a bit sorry for Tommy Smith at being left out. Tabb got through lots of work today and has been an unsung hero so far this season and long may it continue. After a slow start things looking better now just hope we can keep the momentum going against Brighton.

8

thebeat added 20:22 - Sep 13 Thought Bishop and Mings were outstanding today. McGoldrick was focused and him and Murph linked well together, even Tabb wasnt bad. Only minuses for me were Skuse and Anderson. Skuse i know for a fact is struggling with a foot injury and has been since day 1 of the season, hence his poor form. Anderson offered nothing again today and his corners were awful. Id bring Hyam and Hewitt in for those two in Tuesday.

3

warktheline added 21:20 - Sep 13 Well said Blueboy. Let's hope Bishop, Mings and maybe,one or two more youngsters, can continue to add energy and positivity to the team. Must say it was well overdue to split the Berra-Smith pairing up. Always preferred Chambers at centre back, along side with whoever it may be. Mick won't change his 442 formation, therefore these tough decision need to be made. We are capable of taking another 3 points midweek, and if we do, the picture will most certainly begin to look better.

0

thebeat added 21:20 - Sep 13 So i get minuses for not licking every single players butt? For pointing out 2 facts that Skuse is poor due to carrying an injury and Anderson did nothing? Unbelievable!
-6

whizzkid added 21:25 - Sep 13 Well, a win is a win. First half was pretty bad and I thought we were poor and frustrating (again). Second half we were much brighter, and overall just about deserved the win. Berra very good, Bishop good (so, bearing in mind his age and experience, extremely exciting and encouraging) and McGoldrick looked fitter and sharper. But we still only played well for half a game, so no bunting outside Whizzkid Towers yet.

4

BillBlue added 22:10 - Sep 13 thebeat - yes I was surprised to see you had two minuses for those two comments and I actually took the trouble to look at who had placed the minuses. As you say - unbelievable!
0

Langdon_Blue added 10:05 - Sep 14 Thought Gerken made some great saves yesterday. First time i've seen Bishop and thought he looks a real prospect. Pleased with the win, but at £47.50 for me and my boy in the Upper South Stand is not value for money at this level and why football is now an occasional occurance rather than the habit it used to be.m Just cannot justify that amount of money and I guess why the crowd was a poor 16k.

3

warktheline added 11:03 - Sep 14 Always the same on this forum, when we win, all is quiet, when we lose. .....all hell breaks out.
-1

HALLSJ added 11:22 - Sep 14 The cost that Langdon Blue refers to is why the crowd is so low. At Derby my son & I who us 17 paid £38 for both we live in the potteries therefore with travel a fame at Portman Road would cost us over £120 be realistic who would pay that, it wouldn't cost much more for a home Barcelona game from here.
2

PJH added 12:02 - Sep 14 I think that the emergence of Teddy Bishop now makes the prospective short term signing of Jonny Williams unnecessary.Although Williams is at the moment a better player and obviously more experienced, I do not think that he and Bishop could play in the same team and signing and playing Williams for three months would hold back Bishop's development. I also thought Tabb was really good yesterday as a few seem to recognize.

0

NoelTheDub added 13:42 - Sep 14 Whats clear from all on here is young Bishop and Mings are the sparks we needed as going forward is at most times on their minds.I think we need one more like them at the expence of Skuse or even Tabb and we might surprise a few.I didnt agree with Parr at RB but after a poor start by all he was ok.By all accounts our defense is solid and good to see some players looking to go forward which takes pressure of them.This league is as open as ever and been positive is the only way and great to see some young blood who will make mistakes at times.IMO get Luke in and Skusey out worth a punt.Well done Mick and the lads good shift from your biggest critic.....

0

bluemagic74 added 13:45 - Sep 14 Great day and must go to toilet more often as every time I do we score, more of the same Tuesday please and the league will look mush better and I think it could be a good time to play Brighton..COYB BOY'S
0

rgone added 15:04 - Sep 14 TRACTORLEGEND ??? Everyone is entitled to their opinion - that's the point of a message board but what you said about Skuse is just plain wrong. You said "Skuse- not great first half had an outstanding second half distribution was fantastic" Over half of his passes went to Millwall or out of play - fact. I appreciate there is an anti-Skuse bandwagon at the moment but I have seen him as the weak link for months now. I guess what Mick Mills said on Radio Suffolk makes sense - that Mick McC wanted experience next to Bishop, so didn't go with Hyam - but to use the word "fantastic" is plain daft !

0

wayway added 20:54 - Sep 14 Good God, two of Boring Billy's (superstars) on the bench. I thought Hyam was only in the side because he dug his garden and Smith because he washed his car. Are they not doing a good enough job!!!
-3

Casbo added 21:31 - Sep 14 Funniest moment on Saturday was seeing Connor Sammon on his backside three times in about a minute. Great loan signing Mick. He is so much better than Frank.
0

SamWhiteUK added 01:28 - Sep 15 Anyone saying Anderson did nothing was obviously watching the wrong game - he worked his socks off, covered every square inch of the pitch, and linked up well with Parr down the right. Some of his corners were admittedly poor, but he also has a good delivery in open play that created a few chances. He came off because he was blowing out his a*se after helping out in every position bar goalkeeper. Definitely a contender for MoM for me though, if he'd scored, everyone would be singing his praises. He did the hard work and the nitty-gritty which unfortunately for him seems to have gone largely unnoticed.

-2

NeverGoingUp added 16:17 - Sep 15 I can't believe how excited people get over a win against a team that might even be poorer than ours (if thats possible). Another loss tomorrow. Another Mid-Low table finish for Ipswich. Sorry in advance for being realistic.
0

thebeat added 20:58 - Sep 15 SamWhiteUk sorry but footballs not about running around like a headless chicken. Anderson lacks quality, he's just a workhorse. He's had one good half since he came here at home to Reading. He doesnt have the ability to beat his man so he needs to cross early which he never does, he just lays the ball back inside to the midfield. League 1 at best
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls