Debutant sub Noel Hunt netted an injury time winner as Town beat Charlton 1-0 at the Valley to end the Addicks' unbeaten home record and climb to second in the Championship table. Hunt, who had come off the bench in the 84th minute after signing on loan from Leeds on Thursday, shot home from the edge of the box after a David McGoldrick cross had been half-cleared.

Jonny Parr and Jay Tabb came into the Town side for the suspended Christophe Berra and injured Kevin Bru.

Parr started at right-back with skipper Luke Chambers moving into the centre of the defence alongside Tommy Smith, while Tabb took over from Bru in the middle of midfield, with Teddy Bishop, who has been suffering with a hip flexor problem, missing from the 18.

The Blues lost Luke Hyam to an achilles injury sustained in the warm-up and Stephen Hunt was a late addition to the starting line-up.

New signings Noel Hunt and Sean St Ledger were both on the bench, despite the central defender appearing to have picked up a knock during last night’s 1-1 U21s draw with Millwall.

Charlton included former Town academy schoolboys Nick Pope - a Portman Road season ticket holder as a boy - and Morgan Fox from the start, while ex-Blues loan keeper Stephen Henderson missed out with a shoulder injury.

Town, shooting towards their large following in the first half, forced a corner in the opening minute. Hunt whipped the ball over from the left and Daryl Murphy headed only just wide ahead of Chambers.

The Addicks created their first chance within a minute, Callum Harriott fed Johann Gudmundsson in space to his right and the Icelander scuffed over when he ought to have done better.

On four Anderson, who was playing on the right of midfield with Hunt on the left and David McGoldrick dropping deep behind main striker Daryl Murphy, forced Pope into an early save with a low 25-yard strike which the keeper claimed at the second attempt.

The game quietened down a touch after a frenetic start, but on 14 Harriott shot wide of Bartosz Bialkowski’s goal from distance.

Charlton were having the better of it and a minute later Jordan Cousins cut in from the left and hit a shot which was blocked. The loose ball fell to Harriott, whose strike was well saved down to his right by Bialkowski.

Harriott brought the ball in from the right and hit a shot straight at Bialkowski on 23 with the home side on top and looking very much the more dangerous team.

A minute later, Harriott threatened again, tricking his way into space past Tyrone Mings and Tommy Smith before shooting across the face of goal.

Fox hit a deflected effort through to BIalkowski on 28, then at the other end Murphy took down a long ball then struck a powerful shot from the edge of the box which Pope rather uncomfortably bundled behind.

On 33 Hunt whipped a very dangerous freekick across from the left which only just evaded Murphy amongst others. Had any Town player added a touch and they would have been in front.

A minute later Bialkowski did well to keep the scores level, the Polish keeper rushing off his line to block from Francis Coquelin at point blank after Chris Solly had cleverly threaded the on-loan Arsenal man in on goal.

In the 38th minute Hunt and Skuse played a well-rehearsed freekick from the right 30 yards out across to the left to McGoldrick, who struck a low effort which flew just wide of Pope’s left post.

The Addicks were still looking the more likely scorers and two minutes before the break Harriott fed the breaking Solly, who hit a shot which Bialkowski blocked.

As the half moved into its final moments, Parr crossed from the right and McGoldrick forced Pope into a sharp save down at his right post. From Hunt’s corner, Murphy headed the ball back across goal and Smith sent an overhead kick wide.

Town would have been happiest to go in level at the break, the home side having been on top for the most part with Bialkowski much the busier of the two keepers.

Despite that, the Blues were never entirely out of it and created one or two opportunities of their own with inexperienced Charlton keeper Pope not always looking entirely comfortable.

McGoldrick curled an early second-half effort well wide before Mings almost scored a Goal of the Season candidate, bringing the ball in from the left past a number of defenders before lashing a right-foot shot only just wide.

The Blues left-back was in defensive action within a minute after Chambers got under a header and the ball fell to Igor Vetokele on the edge of the box. The Charlton top scorer looked to be in on goal until Mings got across to nod the ball away from him.

On 62 Chambers did well to get in ahead of Vetokele from Solly’s right-sided cross, however, Town had largely been on top since the break.

Three minutes later, McGoldrick played in Murphy on the left and, after the Blues’ top scorer’s return pass had been blocked, he curled a right-footed shot which deflected just wide.

At the other end, Smith blocked from Gudmundsson after Harriott had made a swift break through the middle.

McGoldrick was presented with a chance in the 70th minute when a Hunt freekick from the right hit a Charlton defender and landed at his feet just inside then box. Fortunately for the home side his instinctive shot flew straight to Pope.

Charlton had an even better opportunity moments later when Vetokele cut the ball back from the left to Harriott, who failed to make significant contact. Hunt slid in to take the ball away from Gudmundsson at the far post. Soon after, the Icelander shot over from distance.

Town switched Hunt for Conor Sammon and Charlton Johnnie Jackson for one-time Town trialist Lawrie Wilson in the 77th minute, just prior to Vetokele scuffing a shot through to Bialkowski.

Wilson threaded Vetokele in on goal on 79 but Parr got back quickly to get ahead of the rather leaden-footed Angolan international.

New loan signing Noel Hunt was handed his Ipswich debut for Anderson with six minutes remaining, then George Tucudean took over from Harriott, moments after the 20-year-old had sent a shot well over.

McGoldrick hit a low shot which failed to test Pope on 88 then a minute later the Irish international created an even better opportunity for sub Sammon. McGoldrick played in Sammon on the left of the area but Andre Bikey got across to block as the on-loan Derby man unleashed a shot he had perhaps delayed too long.

As the game moved into injury time Sammon missed a Parr cross from the right which struck the unsighted Murphy behind him before being cleared. The ball eventually dropped for McGoldrick, but his volley flew wide.

Deep, deep in injury time the Blues went in front. Mings found McGoldrick with a superb cross-field pass. The striker’s ball across the box was cut out and fell to debutant Noel Hunt, who took a touch before hitting a low shot across Pope and into the corner of the net.

The loan signing from Leeds, without a goal since netting for Reading in an FA Cup tie in January 2013, while his last league goal came in October 2012, ran over to celebrate with his brother Stephen and the rest of the players on the Blues’ bench.

There was no time for Charlton to hit back and the Town following of almost 2,500 were soon celebrating the Blues’ third away win of the season.

The home side were the better team in the first half, but Town improved after the break, although Charlton also had opportunities.

However, it was the Blues who were pressing towards the end and in injury time and Sammon probably should have done better with his opportunity.

Despite his lack of recent goals Hunt, who was wearing a numberless shirt having suffered a nosebleed shortly before netting his goal, took his chance confidently when it fell to him.

The result moves Town up to second in the table just one point behind leaders Derby, who were beaten 2-0 away against Leeds United, who are at Portman Road next Saturday.

Charlton: Pope, Solly, Fox, Bikey, Ben Haim, Gudmundsson (Bulot 90), Cousins, Coquelin, Jackson (Wilson 77), Harriott (Tucudean 85), Vetokele. Unused: Etheridge, Gomez, Onyewu, Ahearne-Grant.

Town: Bialkowski, Parr, Mings, Chambers (c), Smith, Skuse, S Hunt (Sammon 77), Tabb, Anderson (N Hunt 84), McGoldrick, Murphy. Unused: Gerken, Bajner, St Ledger, Clarke, Henshall. Referee: Darren Bond (Lancashire). Att: 16,613.

Photo: Action Images

BlueHennee added 00:23 - Nov 30 I can't understand the negative stuff that gets posted. Oh well, each to their own..... Personally I like to look at the positives - 2nd in the table - wow! Grinding out results - COYB; a team that works HARD - people slag off Jay Tabb & Stephen Hunt but they both ran their backsides off & always give 100%. It's so much better watching Ipswich play this season. We're starting slowly in the 1st half of games but then finishing strongly. This seems a better way to play than what we were starting like a train, playing pants in 2nd half & defending deep in last 20 minutes with all the subs being defensive changes. Look at MMs subs today - can't get more positive than finishing with 4 strikers on the pitch at the end. If that's not a sign of intent then nothing is! Whole team works really hard - whoever comes on & whenever that is: Conor Sammon may not be to everyone's liking but he runs his heart out when he comes on. Last 15 minutes was exciting - we kept pressing & felt more like scoring than conceding!! Plus, got to congratulate long pass from Mings finding McGoldrick leading to goal which was sublime! COYB - most excitement in years & when McGoldrick finds his shooting boots again we will be unstoppable!!

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PinstripeBlue added 01:08 - Nov 30 I haven't read all on here but I cannot remember celebrating like that for a long time. Yup I cracked my knee on the seat in front, but it was worth it. Shame we won't b getting 3 points at the Valley next year in the prem x
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Matthew_Crush added 03:37 - Nov 30 ANOTHER GREAT WIN ,,, THINGS ARE LOOKING REALLY GOOD ! LETS JUST HOPE WE CAN KEEP THIS GOING !
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trumpy added 07:22 - Nov 30 "Why do we need to sign Hunt".I hope the humble pie tastes crap!
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Pip50 added 08:43 - Nov 30 I sat in the Charlton end with a couple of Charlton mates. Got to say our away support was pretty sublime.
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warktheline added 08:54 - Nov 30 Top of the morning to one and all Town fans. I can't stop looking at the Championship table.
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runaround added 08:59 - Nov 30 Almost the perfect football day. We were missing a lot of central midfielders & that showed at times as we struggled to dominate apart from the first 10 mins & late on once Sammon came on when we looked by far the more dangerous. Charlton had pace but no end product but we defended superbly & as always worked hard. That result was the type of result that gets teams promoted. It was a cracking atmosphere & was great to go back into London afterwards & see the other results go in our favour. Loving it

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ArnieMsBigToe added 10:17 - Nov 30 I have not been a great fan of Tabb either. I have to say he was fantastic today. Personally, I think he's better than Hyam. Great tackling and better passing than Hyam. I can't remember Tabb missing a pass today. 2nd place!! Wow!!
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karls_dad added 10:52 - Nov 30 2nd!! and we have achieved a;ll of this without ever scoring more than 2 goals, that i find flaming incredible!, All we need now is for Mc goldrick to find his scoring boots boots again, it has to come and then we will be really flying, i keep looking at the stats, the goal difference etc, jeez we are doing well!
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Ipswichbusiness added 12:24 - Nov 30 I was one of the Hunt signing sceptics; I love being proved wrong! Skies and Tabb are good players at this level in their own ways, but when I see both together in central midfield I begin to suspect that the team is being set up for a draw.
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Walk_the_Wark added 13:02 - Nov 30 @Langdon. I was just putting you right on your comment. I don't think any MM detractors ever said that McCarthy couldn't get us promoted. McCarthy has a system and approach which is proven at Championship level. He is an excellent man manager also and a likeable chap. I am as pleased as anyone that we are doing well- just looking at the bigger picture. In answer to your question, my heart sank when McCarthy was appointed as there were more appropriate options available. I will enjoy limited success under McCarthy as much as anyone, but in terms of the clubs long term ambition of becoming re-established in the Premier League, McCarthy is not the answer

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neillrumsey added 13:43 - Nov 30 Fantastic result once again. Never say die attitude paly right up until the final whistle and there's always a chance of nicking it. As I said Noel Hunt was by far the better of the brothers until injuries appeared to affect him. You don't suddenly become a bad player and MM obviously sees an opportunity to get something out of him for free. Shrewd management would suggest. Another tough home game against Leeds who are hitting some form but confidence is so high the games cant come quick enough. COYB

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ChrisFelix added 13:43 - Nov 30 Remembering the goal Kevin Lisbie scored at Portman Road against us In 2001,which started our decline under George Burly this was sweet revenge. Again I never liked MM before he joined Town, but after Keane & Jewell he was the best man to turn us around. Long term I believe he was never given a chance to establish Wolves in the top flight, but at least kept them up after winning promtion. So pleased that the best keeper at the club is now playing

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bugledog123 added 14:56 - Nov 30 Somehow everything feels better today! COYB!
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Hunterssecondball added 16:02 - Nov 30 Walk_the _Walk. "looking at the bigger picture" means exactly that, and, in my opinion, you are not. Have you conveniently forgotten to look at what's staring you in the face when you look at the bigger picture ? This current achievement has been done for 10k. In the real bigger picture of the premiership, should we get there, is a multi million pound windfall and a very happy multi million pound owner. If you think that someone of MM's calibre and experience will operate with the same parameters as you seem to think he will when / if we get to the premiership, as he is now, then may I suggest you go to "spec-savers" so you can see the real "bigger picture" I hope you don't mind me "putting you right" as you did with @Langdon. Enjoy the footy :)

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runningout added 16:24 - Nov 30 hope we'll be singing 'Noel Noel' come xmas...........
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Bergholtblue added 16:56 - Nov 30 How Bikey didn't get a red card for his forearm smash on Hunty I will never know. Got away with it because he patted him on the back after and said sorry.
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Langdon_Blue added 19:20 - Nov 30 Walk the Wark. Please give us the name(s) of the proven Premiership Manager(s) that you feel was a more appropriate option at that time. Which Manager was available to us, that we could afford, who had a better Premiership record than McCarthy and was happy to try and work miracles on free transfers and loans (oh okay and not forgetting a kitty of £10k for buying players)?. Maybe not you, but many 'boo boys' on TWTD repeatedly state that McCarthy will never get us out of this league, that of course might well still be the case but I doubt not one true fan would want to see the back of him at the moment. Since he arrived, almost from day one away at Birmingham, have we only improved in every area.

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GTRKing added 19:49 - Nov 30 Was a great win and to top it saw David McGoldrick and Cole Skues in Vodka Revolutiuon. They are top blokes and we chatted for a bit.. Feel happy as that made my weekend..... :)
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Steelmonkey added 21:18 - Nov 30 Another superb result, well done the lads, dream debut for Noel Hunt. Is he the first Noel to play for us at Christmas time? COYB's.
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oldegold added 22:38 - Nov 30 Whilst I have never been enamoured by the lack of free-flowing,attacking football under MM and at times squirmed at our route 1..hoof it up style of play at times,I have to admit that the game at The Valley required a muscular and physical approach against one of the stronger Championship teams so hats off to him, as we got the right result and matched them in all departments and did not allow them to boss us.

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PinstripeBlue added 08:05 - Dec 1 We all hear different opinions when at the game, I'll share this one from a posh bloke in block D on Satdee half way thru 2nd half, If Charlton win 1-0 they will deserve it, if ipswich win 1-0 they will deserve it and if it is a 0-0 that would be the right result" quality. Then at then end he said "we definitely deserved that" wow, I bet he is never wrong!
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chepstowblue added 15:21 - Dec 1 Well i knew that i would be vilified for my honest assessment. I have a mind of my own and whilst i can be constructively critical of my team no-one is happier than me at present and no-one should ever question my support for this club that ive followed since 1974. A 426 mile round trip didnt stop me from missing a single home game from 97-2010 and from 2000-10 i didnt miss a single away match. If i want to say that our results are papering over the cracks and that the style of football isnt Barcelona-esque then i shall. I also recognise that there is a fantastic work ethic and team spirit flowing thru this group and we are getting the maximum out of them. I went suitably bonkers when we scored in the 94th minute and for the record i shant be changing my allegiance to any other team that play in blue. The truth of the matter is.....i will still be following my beloved ITFC long after my critics have either lost interest,discovered girls or alcohol and no doubt i didnt see you at Wigan on a cold monday night. Please dont argue with me as youll be horribly out of your depth.

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Blue041273 added 17:40 - Dec 1 chepstowblue "It is so uninspiring to watch. Does hard work really make up for the fact that our ball retention is woeful, we are 1 paced, 1 dimensional, offer no option to the man on the ball, static, unimaginative." Your words. In what way can this be construed as constructive criticism? I wouldn't doubt your commitment in supporting the club but such a joyless assessment when the rest of us were in a delirious ecstacy was wrong on every level, not least because your 'honest assessment' isn't even accurate and wouldn't warrant a rational discussion in the post match analysis in the pub. I wouldn't want to be in the seat next to you if we ever play poorly and lose. And clearly, if after that assessment, you can't imagine that there may be a few of us happier than you with our current form, you are seriously deluded.

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PJH added 18:23 - Dec 1 chepstowblue. I have been supporting ITFC for about 15 years longer than you apart from a 15 month period when they were known as RKIT. I know that we will never again reach the heights of the 1981 side when we arguably the best side in Europe or 1962 when we were shown to be the best side in England but what MM TC and the players and staff are producing at the moment is,in it's own way,just as exciting. Footballwise it does not compare with some of the teams over the last 50 odd years but for me and no doubt to a lot of those too young to have seen the "greats" it seems that we are in a potentially special period. I was not at Wigan(or Cardiff) but have been to every other league game this season. If promotion is the end result let us all enjoy it whether watching it is "uninspiring" or not.

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