Town’s winless league run stretched to seven games as the Blues drew 0-0 at home to Cardiff City. Daryl Murphy went closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Bluebirds keeper David Marshall tipped his header from a Kevin Bru corner against the woodwork.

Jonny Parr replaced the injured Jonas Knudsen at left-back in an otherwise unchanged Town side, the Norwegian having taken over from the Dane early on at Nottingham Forest last week after he suffered a hamstring problem. Knudsen is expected to be fit for Tuesday’s home game against Bolton.

Manager Mick McCarthy lined his team up in a 4-3-3 formation with Murphy, Freddie Sears and David McGoldrick all up front as they were at Forest.

The Bluebirds made two changes from the team which drew 0-0 at home to Bristol City on Monday with Joe Ralls and Sammy Ameobi replacing the injured Kagisho Dikgacoi and Craig Noone, who dropped to the bench.

Suffolk-born former Blues academy schoolboy Stuart O'Keefe was also amongst the Cardiff subs.

The visitors had most of the ball in the early stages but without threatening Dean Gerken’s goal.

On nine Town claimed a perhaps ambitious penalty when Kevin Bru’s strike was blocked by Fabio after a well-worked move down the left involving the Mauritius international and Murphy amongst others. Two minutes later, Ameobi was booked for a foul on Parr.

As the game hit the 15-minute mark Murphy came within a whisker of opening his goals account for the season. Kevin Bru sent over a corner from the right and the Irishman flicked a near-post header which Marshall tipped on to the upright. The loose ball fell to Sears at a tight angle but the ex-Colchester man blazed over.

A minute later Icelandic international midfielder Aron Gunnarsson, who had a trial with the Town academy as a schoolboy, struck a powerful effort from the edge of the box but Gerken did well to get down to his left to push it behind.

Cardiff continued to take the game to the Blues and on 22 Christophe Berra cut out Ralls’s low cross from the left.

Town began to take charge and in the 27th minute, shortly after Ainsley Maitland-Niles had seen a strike blocked on the edge of the box, Luke Chambers fed Sears to his right and the striker’s low cross was diverted towards his own goal by Sean Morrison, keeper Marshall doing very well to keep it out.

Fabio suffered an injury as Cardiff had sought to defend the cross and the Brazilian was replaced by Scott Malone in the 31st minute.

Three minutes later Parr’s mis-hit clearance led to Sears breaking away into the Cardiff half before he was halted by Matthew Connolly’s foul, which saw the defender join team-mate Ameobi in referee David Coote’s book. Cole Skuse laid the freekick off to McGoldrick but his shot curled wide.

McGoldrick seized on a loose Cardiff pass on 39 and sent Murphy away towards goal but last season’s 27-goal Championship top scorer took an extra touch and Morrison got across to block his shot. Maitland-Niles was first to the loose ball and sent it back over from the right and Sears eventually hit a 25-yard shot which was straight at Marshall.

Two minutes before the break Ralls had his name added to referee Coote’s book for a foul on Bru the, as the game moved into injury time, Tommy Smith joined him somewhat harshly for following in Murphy’s hooked attempt at goal as keeper Marshall claimed following the second of two Town corner.

The scoreline remained level at the break with the Blues having got on top after making a slow start.

Town had had the half’s two best chances with Murphy unfortunate not to have broken his duck for the season with his header and Morrison lucky his keeper prevented him from scoring an own goal.

Neither side made a change of personnel at the break, although with the Blues now at 4-4-2 with Maitland-Niles on the left and Sears on the right.

Chances were rare at either end in the opening minutes with both defences remaining solid. For Town, keeper Gerken claimed a couple of crosses safely, while Berra made important interceptions or blocks as Bluebirds strike pair Joe Mason and Alex Revell looked for goal.

In the 61st minute Gerken reacted superbly to save from Ameobi, getting down to his right after the on-loan Newcastle man turned Malone’s cross goalwards from six yards.

A minute later, Murphy headed on to the roof of the Cardiff net from Chambers’s right-sided cross.

Maitland-Niles turned a Murphy cross from the left over in the 72nd minute after McGoldrick had won the ball midway inside the Cardiff half. The Blues were on top but unable to create too many clear-cut chances, while the visitors were a danger on the break.

A minute later, after one of those counter-attacks had led to a corner, Gunnarsson shot well wide at the far post.

Murphy was sent away on the right of the area on 76 but a defender got across to block. Chambers subsequently sent over a cross but again it was cleared.

The Cardiff backline dealt with another cross from the right, this time from Sears, before Bluebirds sub Craig Noone stooped to head wide beyond the far post from a cross from the left.

On 79 Bru was booked after referee Coote adjudged that he had dived when he went to ground as he skipped past Morrison in the area, much to the anger of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Two minutes later Murphy and Maitland-Niles were replaced by Brett Pitman and Tommy Oar. Soon after, Revell was booked for a wild lunge on Smith which hurt the Cardiff man more than the Blues defender.

With just over five minutes of scheduled time remaining, Peter Whittingham was booked for a cynical foul on Pitman as the Blues sub broke away from him. Bru’s freekick was headed clear and as Cardiff went on the counter-attack Skuse was cautioned for a foul.

In the 88th minute Noone volleyed well over when unmarked from Whittingham’s freekick on the left, something of a let-off for the Blues.

In injury time Revell’s looping header was no problem for Gerken and neither side went closer than that to breaking the stalemate, Town’s second 0-0 at home in succession, something they last managed in December 2009.

Having come close twice in the first half, albeit once via Cardiff defender Morrison, the Blues never seriously tested Bluebirds keeper Marshall in the second half, while Gerken - Town’s man of the match - made a number of important saves, the best the stop from Ameobi, who really should have taken the opportunity.

The Blues have now won just one of their last 10 in the league and have drawn their last four matches at Portman Road, where they haven't won in five. They have also scored one goal in five matches.

Cardiff have kept four clean sheets in four successive games and have lost just four of their last 24 league matches.

Town, who are now down to 14th following today’s results, have another chance to get back to winning ways when second-bottom Bolton visit Portman Road on Tuesday.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Parr, Berra, Smith, Skuse, Bru, Maitland-Niles (Oar 81), Sears, McGoldrick, Murphy (Pitman 81). Unused: Bialkowski, Malarczyk, Emmanuel, Douglas, Coke.

Cardiff: Marshall (c), Peltier, Morrison, Connolly, Fabio (Malone 31), Ralls, Gunnarsson, Whittingham (Pilkington 88), Ameobi (Noone 75), Revell, Mason. Unused: Moore, Tamas, O’Keefe, Kennedy. Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire). Att: 17,169 (Cardiff: 222).

Photo: Action Images

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 18:45 - Oct 31 Fortunately the crowd at the match today didn't share the negativity shown on here by some. They instead showed great support of both the team and manager. Yes we are struggling to find form at the minute but today was an improvement on the last couple of games and we looked more like our old selves, hard to beat and actually a shape to us. Parr for me has to continue in the side, he isn't the most talented player going forward but can defend and works his socks off. Knudsen for me has been poor. Gerken had a good day today so credit where its due , but I don't think he is the long term answer however. Very disappointed with Didz today, but the back four all played better than of late. Bru, Skuse. AMN and one other would be my midfield four on Tuesday (maybe start Oar) Would like to see us use Sears and Murphy up front Tuesday, Sears is wasted out wide and Murphy just needs a goal and needs to play through this spell. Must do better but could be much worse, and has been. Onwards and upwards. COYB

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thebeat added 18:46 - Oct 31 Oh whats the point in commenting........all the faults are still there no matter how many times we point them out....We all know what they are bar the person that matters.
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jas0999 added 18:58 - Oct 31 Fair result. Neither team deserved to win. Reality whether people like it or not is we aren't good enough. Too many players who peaked last year and aren't at the races this, whilst Fraser apart the new signings have offered little. Interesting to note that MM has had a couple of digs about budget in recent weeks 'best team considering budget' and 'interesting to see who could do better with the budget I have'. For once I agree with Mick. Looks unlikely further investment is forthcoming and sadly I personally don't believe the invested in wages spin. I wouldn't mind, but yet again match day tickets priced at the maximum. As with every game this season. As a season ticket holder I feel sorry for those paying top price for low quality. Lots of hoof again. I am disappointed with Evans. Can't fault him for investment up to Mick, but to rip the fans off week in week out is not acceptable if he continues to be one of the lowest spenders in the division. This club isn't moving forward. More average stuff today. Evans needs to reconsider his strategy in my opinion, but accept many on here disagree!

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Surco72 added 19:26 - Oct 31 After the recent performances I couldn't be arsed to do the long journey or spend money on high prices so took the family to watch Bath v Harlequins and what a choice it was , great entertainment , cheaper prices for everything and smiles on my children's faces who all said when can we go back . Love Ipswich but sounds like I didn't miss much again and it will be a while or something needs to change before I will return . And it doesn't take investment to get players to pass the ball on the floor just coaching , it's MM s side and he must stand next to the results , not good enough

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essex57 added 19:37 - Oct 31 Gerkin mom back four solid miles played some nice touches felt sorry for Freddie ploughing a loan furrow on the wing Murphy has carried on from last Xmas very poor Didz never been a great fan of floats around and doesn't achieve much get our forwards sorted and we will start going forward again. Overall enjoyed the game against a team that don't give much away looking forward to tues

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prebbs007 added 19:37 - Oct 31 Boring woeful useless tosh. Mr stubborn still picks shocking out of form and out of position favourites. Murphy is a joke wins nothing creates nothing and couldn't score in a brothel. Chambers still worst full back in division smith can't make a 5 yard pass Skuse is terribly out of form Sears stuck on wing even Didzy was poor. Attendances falling rapidly and that pile of awful cr&p won't help. We are going to be in a relegation scrap if we continue like that. It was Cardiff for god sake. Cardiff !!! And we never looked like winning .... What a joke !!!

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blueboy1981 added 19:42 - Oct 31 Credit where it's due - Gerken did his job today, no complaints there - Bru and Parr, are able Championship players to anyone with a Football eye - they did their bit today, as they always will. Chambers at least tried to overlap, as a decent Fullback should be able, and encouraged, to do - shame he wastes the final ball into the box all to often. Sears - one of the most (if not the most effective)strikers in the Championship, and he gets played out of position,and totally wasted. Can't see him being content with that for too long to be honest. What a waste .... ??? when we need GOALS, because, played correctly, he can / will provide them - make no mistake. Long way to go still to the end os season - but current form MUST be reversed - otherwise a relegation fight will be hovering yet again. In all honesty - at present there is little to suggest otherwise - other than for those who continuously search for crumbs of fruitless comfort.

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Keaneish added 19:44 - Oct 31 I actually switched from the North Stand today to the Britannia (still called those in my eyes) just to really watch the game properly with a decent view and see what was really going on and two major things stood out for me: 1 - The 4-3-3 switch to 4-4-2. Why on earth after lining up with a positive attacking formation, presumably with a game plan do we switch back to counter act Cardiff's obvious 4-4-2 system? A ropey 5 minute period at the start with Mills and Ameobi finding space in the holes left in the wide areas and Mick bottles it and reverts to type to cancel them out. Why are we doing this? Why aren't teams changing their system to counter act us at home? Why change up so quickly? Did we even have a plan after watching them Monday night? Cardiff always play the same way and thats what we come up with? Like for like? Really poor. 2 - Cole Skuse How on earth his 100th performance in a Town shirt today hasn't got a mention on here yet is beyond me. It was joke. He set the tone with his first three passes by kicking the ball out. He doesn't demand it off the back four or anyone for that matter, he's never on the front foot, he dithers on the ball and slows play down, his long balls always have too much on them and he constantly failed to pick up Mason dropping in the holes. Absolutely woeful. The game is dictated in the centre of midfield and his lack of energy, dynamism and complete lethargy set the tone throughout the side. He's got to boss that midfield and rally people around him not give a weak limp wristed clap every 2 mins. Needs to be dropped. Not playing anywhere near the level that role demands. Thought Tommy, Berra, Chambers and Gerken did well today. The rest were completely forgettable. I can't wait for Bishop to come back.

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Keaneish added 19:46 - Oct 31 *Ralls not Mills!
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warktheline added 19:50 - Oct 31 @jas0999, agree with you. Obviously we don't know if McCarthy has a budget or what it entails, but he's been here 3 years now, and maybe taken us as far as he can considering circumstances. One thing I do find worrying is McCarthy's impressive track record of getting teams out of the Championship, but yet again we find another manager faltering in attempts to take us to the next level. Investment again hasn't been forthcoming, and yes before people shout money doesn't guarantee success, believe me I'm fully aware, but I highlighted Burnley's signing of Andre Gray weeks ago, and look now where they sit in table and goals scored by him! All teams need that touch of class, and McCarthy deserved considerable investment, especially when you acknowledge his management team plucked Mings out of no mans land, and consequently sold him on for 8 million! As for today's result a bore draw wasn't no surprise, go check Cardiff's track record over the last 25 games or so!

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blueboy1981 added 19:55 - Oct 31 essex57 ........ you really are an acquired taste - for once I agree with you (partially anyway) - Didz (as you call him) is a talented player, BUT, all too easily brushed aside and 'floats around'. Very capable of that crucial pass / thro' ball though. How you enjoyed today's game is beyond me completely - yes, marginal improvement perhaps - but, dropping yet another TWO points at home doesn't make me ENJOY a game. You make it obvious that you are 'a forever happy chappie' with whatever is served up to you at Portman Road, irrespective of cost, value for money, quality etc; etc; Just don't ever expect everyone to be so easily contented - because MANY are not.

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StochesStotasBlewe added 19:56 - Oct 31 Several posts tonight that hit the nail on the head. Once again a very poor game & performance. The inability of our back 4 to pass the ball with any degree of comfort is frightening, consequently, it,s hoofed aimlessly. Sure, they block, tackle, head the ball etc but............Gerken was perhaps our best performer & I,m not normally his biggest fan. Thought 2nd half the crowd really tried to motivate the team, alas not reciprocated by the players. Could be worrying times ahead if things don,t improve very soon.

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blueboy1981 added 20:10 - Oct 31 ........ after the vocal support the crowd gave McCarthy in the second half of today's game - I hope McCarthy will pull his finger out, stop being stubborn - and NEVER come out with a statement again that he will do the 'opposite to what the fans call for' . Very few Manager's would have got the rendition of constant vocal support that was there for ALL to hear - and this was during a continuation of 'far from satisfactory' results - and NO entertainment. Hope the man appreciated it - he got what he asked for - now let him provide us with what WE require, that's if he's capable of course ........... !!! .... ???

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goat_man added 20:19 - Oct 31 Please please bring back Royle! The last 13 years have been appalling. We truly are the most predictable, spineless and boring team in the world.
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dannyrr added 21:11 - Oct 31 A disappointing game. Gerken pulled off some good saves. Murphy doesn't look like he has any confidence to score even when he should have. As usual the changes were made at 77 minutes - Mick has a stopwatch that has an alarm that goes off at 77 minutes and he doesn't know how to change it. The players know it the fans know it and the fu**in opposition know it. The game changed with the substitutions but it should have been made earlier. These draws are pulling us closer to the bottom end of the table instead of moving up. Sears is not a winger use AMN and Oar. Play round pegs in the round holes. We need to find winning ways before the confidence goes and the numbers attending dwindle.

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Stato added 21:27 - Oct 31 My worst nightmare is that we get a 1 nil win over Bolton and the in Mick we trust brigade start quoting how close we are to the play offs.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 21:37 - Oct 31 Over for today's match and the one on Tuesday. Was expecting the worst after the last few results, but while it was hardly inspiring, it wasn't completely dire. (Compare Sheffield Wednesday, 0-3 a few seasons back). We lack creativity and penetration and it's hard to know why. While Murphy is not cutting it at the moment, you'd have thought one of our other three strikers could have stepped up to the plate. But at least there was plenty of effort. Great support trying to lift the team. Pathetic away support if the 222 figure was correct. Hope for more of same on Tuesday from the crowd, but not too hopeful about what will go on on the pitch. Such is life for a Town supporter. A few goals to take home would be nice. COYB!

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dirtydingusmagee added 21:40 - Oct 31 i get a down strike from Supersmiler and he is not brave enough to post his take on things ha ha .
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Minneapolis_ITFC added 21:41 - Oct 31 To those that wish to see Royle back in place, I can see what you're saying. Truly the last time I enjoyed following the team and what has there been in the time since ? Very little to make the pulse race or in terms of enjoyment. McCarthy has been better than say Keane and Jewell but is that really saying much ? 7 games since a last victory, another lackluster performance by many accounts, the manager still frustrates and all to easy to say "next game will improve / be better" but hasn't that been mentioned for weeks now ? Ok we didn't lose. McCarthy takes undisputed pleasure in keeping the opposition out (and conveniently overlooks the fact Town didn't win either) so as always, we take what we can from another drab encounter and hope 'next time will see an improvement.' Don't quote me on that. PS What Bossman said. I.e. a win over Bolton next up and all will be right with the world, the crap from recent games will be conveniently swept under the rug. If we really are to achieve something this season then someone in authority needs to make the relevant changes. If that requires McCarthy receiving his pink-slip then so be it.

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GiveusaWave added 21:41 - Oct 31 I didn't see the game so have to rely on others for the report. I did listen to it on the radio and it did sound as if we allowed them to have an awful lot of possession. Commentator said we were under pressure a lot and defence played well. As others have said Gerken was outstanding. It also sounded like we hoofed the ball whenever we could which wasn't exactly entertaining. The good news is the bottom 3 are finding it virtually impossible to pick up points. Even though we are slowly sliding down the table we are still a solid 8 points clear of relegation. The "in Mick We Trust" brigade do seem to be very quiet. Even they are starting to question whether we need a change. MM has done brilliantly to keep us up and take us to 6th last year. But the club may need a change just to get things going again. Our midfield options are woeful. Strikers are out of form. And when your Goalkeeper gets the MOM award at home in a 0-0 :that's not a great sign.

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Stato added 21:51 - Oct 31 I have just read the match report from Preston v Bolton and it sounds as dire as our game. It don't bode well for those looking for a goal or two on Tuesday but fingers crossed we'll see a morale boosting display that lifts supporters and players alike. We aren't going to get an easier fixture all season so a goalless draw won't be acceptable.
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BrettenhamBlue added 22:19 - Oct 31 We need to win against Bolton like BossMan has said. Anything other than a win is unacceptable. It won't paper over the cracks though. We have serious problems at this club. Whether it's to do with lack of finance is hard to say. I won't be spending good money going to this game. ITFC (or Hoof Ball Utd) are hardly good value for entertainment. I'll go for a cold November walk in the woods instead with my dog. Birds, Trees and rain will be way more entertaining than what's at display at ITFC this season. And it's free... Gerken, Bru, Chambers, Berra, Smith, Parr. You all played well. Not entertaining but you did your jobs great.

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Bert added 22:33 - Oct 31 Much improved performance but was never going to be entertaining against a team that put 9 men behind the ball most of the time. Gerks was MoM by a long way with the crowd marginally behind who supported their team and manager as we should. The prophets of doom are unlikely to see much good until they get what they wish for. We all want to see flowing football but this league is not ever going to be the place for it. Digging out results, cutting out individual errors and supplying crisp passes to our strikers will move us up the league with MM. Changing the Manager brings instability with no guarantee whatsoever of a change in fortunes.

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Elizabeth added 23:42 - Oct 31 Another bore draw.. Where are our goal scorers ? We are no better than last year !! Sort it out MM !!
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rinkydinkpanther added 01:13 - Nov 1 On the plus side, Murphy kept another clean sheet. As did Sears, McGoldrick and Gerken.
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