For the second week running a Ben Pringle goal was the difference between the sides as the Blues beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at Portman Road. The on-loan Fulham man, the scorer of the only goal at Huddersfield last week, turned the winner home off the post in the 63rd minute after good work from Kevin Foley.

Daryl Murphy and Jonathan Douglas missed out due to injury with Luke Hyam and Kevin Bru coming into the starting line-up, while Andre Dozzell, aged 16 years and 308 days, was on the bench for the first time.

The Blues started in a 4-4-2 formation with Bru on the right and Freddie Sears and Brett Pitman up front.

Forest threatened first in the third minute, Bialkowski doing well to get down to his left to push Nelson Oliveira’s header wide from Ben Osborn’s left-wing cross. From David Vaughan flag-kick, Gary Gardner headed straight at Bialkowski.

Dexter Blackstock picked up the game’s first yellow card in the seventh minute for catching Christophe Berra with an arm.

On eight, Sears broke away through the middle and found Pitman but Forest keeper Dorus de Vries was able to claim his low shot from a tight angle on the left.

Town were taking control of the game and in the 12th minute a long spell of Blues’ passing in the Forest half ended with Bru threading in Sears on the right of the area and de Vries pawing his shot wide at his near post.

But Forest came back into it and in the 18th minute Bialkowski made another terrific save when Pitman surrendered possession midway inside the Blues half with only Berra and Tommy Smith back.

Blackstock fed Oliveira and the on-loan Benfica man curled a shot towards the left corner of the Polish keeper’s goal, but the Town number 33 got across superbly to push the ball around the post.

Both sides had had chances in an entertaining first quarter of the game which had swung one way and then the other and on 22 Sears brought the ball forward before hitting a shot which de Vries palmed away.

Ryan Mendes was sent away on the right of the Town area on 24 but Berra got across to divert the ball behind. From the corner taken by Vaughan, the visitors went close to going in front when skipper Matt Mills powered a header off the top of the bar.

Town threatened on 28 when de Vries punched away Bru’s curling right-wing cross ahead of Pitman and the ball fell to Foley 20 yards out, but his shot went well over. Soon after, Pitman sent over a low cross from the right but the Forest keeper was able to claim comfortably.

Berra reached a high ball before De Vries virtually on the goal-line on 33 following a corner but the keeper was able to claim before the Scotland international could get in a second header.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 36th minute when a ball forward sent Gardner through on goal but Berra did well to get across to dispossess the on-loan Villa man."

What had been an entertaining half lost its momentum somewhat in a quiet final 10 minutes but just before the fourth official indicated an additional minute, Forest should have gone in front. Osborn crossed from the left and Gardner headed over from a few feet out when it seemed easier to hit the target.

Seconds later, the referee’s whistle ended what had been a well-contested half in which both sides had had opportunities, although with the visitors having had the better of the chances, and in which the again excellent Bialkowski had been the busier keeper.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles replaced Bru ahead of the second half with the on-loan Arsenal youngster a more natural wideman than the Mauritius international.

Three minutes after the restart, Pitman required treatment after he was caught late by Eric Lichaj, much to annoyance of the rest of the Town players. Referee Andy Woolmer gave a freekick but kept his cards in his pocket.

Town started to dominate, passing the ball around confidently and winning it back whenever they lost it. However, without creating an opening.

On 58 Foley shot over from distance, then a minute later Osborn scraped a low shot not too far wide of Bialkowski’s right post.

On the hour mark Michael Mancienne, who played for Town boss Mick McCarthy at Wolves, was booked for a foul on Sears midway inside the Forest half. Pringle’s freekick came to nothing.

A minute later, Oliveira smashed a shot across the face of goal with the visitors now looking more threatening.

But on 63 the Blues went in front. Foley picked up a headed clearance and took it into the area on the left and found Pitman. The striker returned it to the midfielder, who played a low ball across to Pringle, who turned a shot past de Vries and into the net off the post to claim his second Town goal and his first at Portman Road.

The visitors looked to hit back and on 67 Mendes broke away on the right but hit his shot from too tight an angle and Bialkowski claimed with the ball having already gone out of play.

In the 69th minute Pitman forced de Vries to bat away a powerful strike from the right with the loose ball just evading Hyam.

Two minutes later, the former Bournemouth man saw another strike deflect into de Vries’s arms after the Blues had cut out a Forest counter-attack and launched a break of their own.

On 73 Hyam and Oliveira clashed as they tussled for the ball, provoking a brief melee on halfway. Referee Woolmer booked both main protagonists.

Maitland-Niles shot over from distance, before Forest made a 77th minute triple substitution with Jorge Grant, Deimantas Petravicius and Chris Cohen replacing Oliveira, Mendes and Bojan Jokic.

Four minutes after coming on Grant was booked for catching Foley with a high boot as the pair challenged for a bouncing ball in the Town area following a corner.

Town had held on to their lead with relative comfort as the game moved into four minutes of injury time in which Luke Varney replaced Pitman and then Paul Digby took over from goalscorer Pringle.

Forest tried to launch a late push for an equaliser in the closing couple of minutes but despite having a lot of the ball never seriously threatened a determined Blues backline and referee Woolmer’s whistle confirmed that the three points were Town’s.

After a first half in which Forest had the better chances, the Blues were much the better side after the break.

With no Murphy to hit early with high balls, Town were perhaps forced to keep the ball more than has been the case and dominated possession for long spells in the second half.

They worked hard to create an opening, which eventually came with the excellent Foley playing a vital role in making the chance for Pringle, who once again finished clinically when his chance came.

The result sees the Blues stay ninth in the table but now just a point off the top six - plus goal difference, although with a game in hand - with Sheffield Wednesday having lost 1-0 at home to Rotherham. Town next travel to bottom-placed Bolton on Tuesday.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Knudsen, Foley, Hyam, Bru (Maitland-Niles 46), Pringle (Digby, 90), Pitman (Varney 90), Sears. Unused: Gerken, Tabb, Dozzell, Touré.

Forest: De Vries, Lichaj, Mancienne, Mills (c), Jokic (Cohen 77), Mendes (Petravicius 77), Gardner, Vaughan, Osborn, Oliveira (Grant 77), Blackstock. Unused: Evtimov, Wilson, O'Grady, Tesche. Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire). Att: 20,658 (Forest: 1,088).

Photo: Action Images

HackneyBlue added 11:03 - Mar 6 Witchesaswell-yes you saw a different game to me,for the first time this season the centre backs linked with the midfield,Foley linked well with other midfield players and we tried to keep the ball,a lot better than the usual hoofball crap we had suffered previously. With DM,DMc,CS,TB and RF all missing i was pleasantly suprised,well done.
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markwill45 added 11:26 - Mar 6 A great win. Dissboy must be gutted we didn't lose along with the other doom and gloom so called supporters on here. These people would not support Barcelona, they would have nothing to post or moan about. Here comes a minus score. Confirms the boo boys hate our team winning. MUPPETS.
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markwill45 added 11:28 - Mar 6 Super mick, super mick, super mick.
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Orraman added 11:36 - Mar 6 Must admit I was not too excited when Kevin Foley arrived but his display yesterday really brought some football back to PR. He was always looking to pass and then be ready to accept a return pass. He was demanding balls from our defence which did away with the need for hoof ball. A really good midfield display ably supported by Luke Hyam. Surely MM now sees that Freddie must play up front, preferably with Daryl Murphy who will also benefit from more balls played to feet, with his holding and heading ability a bonus when long balls are sometimes necessary. And must mention another outstanding performance from Bart. Although not perfect yesterday's game was very enjoyable after the dross of the last few months and shows that there is indeed some football skills at PR. Shame is took enforced changes to deliver this.

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Dissboyitfc added 11:51 - Mar 6 Markwill... did you read my post? i notice you marked me down. You do realise i posted a positive in fact several positives. The difference between you and me is this, when things are not right i say and when things are right i say also.(Forums are designed for that very purpose). You on the other hand are just a one dimensional poster, you just come on here looking for an argument! lets just celebrate the 3 points and the very promising refreshing game of football that we witnessed yesterday. no need for anything else!

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Dissboyitfc added 11:53 - Mar 6 orraman...spot on, intelligent post which sums up yesterday perfectly!
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markwill45 added 11:56 - Mar 6 Blue boy is calling me negative lol. I think your looking in a mirror. You are the negative grumpy so called supporter. Moan. Moan. Moan. Your wife must think your a nag, bless her xx
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markwill45 added 12:00 - Mar 6 Dissboy FYI I hate slagging off the team I support unlike yourself. Fair weather supporter. I follow the team win or lose and don't think it's helpful being negative all the time. As for me looking for arguments. I think I think that is your speciality.(in an empty room with yourself lol)
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 12:14 - Mar 6 Foley is signed as a defender, a replacement for Parr. Its interesting to see him being so effective in midfield, he has some real pedigree and we have him signed until the end of the season.
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Gazelle added 12:44 - Mar 6 A little bit worried about our lack of goals, only 10 in 10 games this year and will we go the season never scoring three at home. Could cost us if it comes to the crunch.
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Dissboyitfc added 13:00 - Mar 6 markwill, perhaps you could use a quote where i have slagged my team? i have had very strong views on the type of football, a type of football i despise and that has no place in a professional match. I have been very passionate in my views, football is about passion thats why there are more posts when we lose. people dont tend to have to much to say when they are contented with something, Human nature is the way it is. One last point i have never resorted to calling anyone names on this site, i suppose that is the way some people use to get their points over, i prefer intelligent debate myself. I hope like me most people are enjoying their sunday after a pleasing home win and improved performance.

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planetblue_2011 added 13:30 - Mar 6 Yes a good result yesterday and a better home performance. Think with the injuries we have it was a very good win. Foley played well and so did the master Pringle, hope we can sign him up or sort something out the end of the season. Think we can still make 6th after these 2 good wins. Keep it up town....
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Elto added 13:35 - Mar 6 While it was a much improved performance I can't help thinking it was down to Forest not pressing high up the pitch. We all know our defenders are not great on the ball but capable enough under no pressure. Nobody tracked Foley either so that helped. We looked good against Leeds for the same reason. No need to hoof. Which, with no Murphy, was a great relief. Let's hope Lennon hasn't got time for homework. Still, it was much better and maintains hope. COYB.

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BlueandTruesince82 added 13:45 - Mar 6 Ben Pringle making me eat my words, keep it up lad! Good result, Forres are resolute with dangerous match winners. This was a banana skin so a good 3 points. COYB
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blueboy1981 added 13:48 - Mar 6 markwill45 ........... another one who fits well with abuse - thro' the absence of substance one can only assume. It's like water of a ducks back to some of us.
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Keaneish added 13:54 - Mar 6 ArnieM - loved reading that point. I've been saying for a long time now that Hyam plays that role better than Skuse and if Foley is the man credited with getting us playing again, I'm all for MM keeping the same side. If Skuse walks straight back into the side it will epitomise everything I think is bad about MM. Here's hoping...
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Seasider added 16:23 - Mar 6 Bit late reading all posts etc as its mothers day. Think Kevin Foley m.o.m jointly with Bart the great. Presume we were entertained by football on the ground because Murph wasn't there;so like Mick Mills hope it is retained when our No9 returns. Both Kevin Foley & Ben Pringle look good acquisitions.It is a long time since I have seen the midfield operate so effectively,and in Foley right from ko had a player talking and organising I hope that the Manager recognises this and puts both Skuse and Douglas on the bench Tuesday,unless he wants to protect Luke's hamstring;as should have been done with Ryan Fraser. All things considered it was a good display which we enjoyed for a change,unlike a lot this season;so hope to see more performances like this from team between now and end of season.

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oldegold added 18:14 - Mar 6 would like to extend a warm welcome to markwill45 in that merry band of so called supporters whose life probably revolves around offending real supporters whose only "crime" is expressing their true feelings about our clue.You can see them now in theeir dimly lit apartments shivering in the cold,fueling their frustrations oof how modern society has left these losers behind...sad

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warktheline added 18:23 - Mar 6 @markwill, your posts lack any kind of depth, and are rather one dimensional! Need I say more.
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dirtydingusmagee added 22:09 - Mar 6 well, i must say i was expecting a draw ,so pleasantly surprised at the result. As much as i like Murphy,his absence brought about a style change ,with Freddie playing in his comfort zone,The overall play was more akin to the start of season,hopefully this will be maintained,A win against Bolton [hopefully not taken for granted by players] and things may be looking a bit more encouraging,it has to be remembered though we are also having to rely on teams above to trip up .At moment top six positions are very fluid .,COYB

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GiveusaWave added 23:30 - Mar 6 Great result but also shocked at how good Kevin Foley is. A true passer of the ball and added an extra dimension to our midfield that we haven't had in years. The last two results have certainly brought back some interest into our season, which I honestly thought was over. Sorry to antagonise Coke supporters, but we now need to try to move him on at the end of the season which will easily free up wages for Foley and Pringle to stay. Obviously we will need to agree a transfer fee with Fulham for Pringle which will be the hard part of the deal.. So my hope in the next few months is the following headline: Ipswich sign Pringle and Foley on long-term deals while Coke moves to Whitstable Town

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markwill45 added 23:37 - Mar 6 Love the feedback minuses. Glad I'm not mick McCarthy with the supporters on here. Armchair fans. Terrible negative attitudes. Keep going Mick luckily these people are not on the board or else we would be manager less. I have noticed if anybody are positive or have a go at the critics on here they are marked down. Portman Road must be so depressing to be at on match days. No wonder we are not top of the league with crap supporters like these. You know who you are. Love you Mick ignore the idiots as I do. Hahaha.

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markwill45 added 01:46 - Mar 7 Pringle, Foley congratulations on the praise your getting on here. But just be assured the supporters are not loyal. Take Murphy everybody was singing his praises last season now the views are a little different. God forbid if we lose again, foley and Pringle will be slagged off and the same old people moaning we need more quality will rise again. It's quite funny how people eat humble pie when we win, claiming they were debating (whinging) when we lose. Man up moaners and get behind the team through good and bad. Become real supporters and stop crying when we lose.

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Keaneish added 06:48 - Mar 7 Markwill45 - you call people armchair supporters but then also in the same sentence state that, ' Portman Road must seem like a depressing place'. Sounds to me like you're not in attendance very much there yourself. Either that or you haven't written your point properly. The club and McCarthy have deservedly come in for a lot of criticism this season and a lot of dedicated members put objective views across. You appear to be another in a long line of fans who don't seem able to see the bigger picture and aren't prepared to debate topics about the club if they have a negative skew, which to me, is counter intuitive to becoming a forum member, no?

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Dissboyitfc added 06:54 - Mar 7 Markwill... to quote your words, "Portman road must be so depressing to be at on match days, no wonder we are not top of the league with crap supporters like these". Does it mean you dont go? because if it does, Thats priceless. I have often wondered why you never pass comment on the games, now i know, its because you dont go!
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