Ten-man Town fell to a 3-1 home defeat to Brentford as their now all but faded play-off hopes suffered a further setback. After Bees winger Alan Judge had been stretchered off early on with a broken leg, the visitors went ahead through Sam Saunders before the Blues were reduced to 10 men when Luke Hyam - whose challenge had led to Judge's injury - was shown his second yellow card for a clash with Ryan Woods just before-half-time. After the break Lasse Vibe sealed the win for the West Londoners with two quick-fire goals with Liam Feeney netting late consolation for the Blues.

Boss Mick McCarthy made four changes with Feeney, Tommy Smith, Jonathan Douglas and Brett Pitman dropping to the bench and with Hyam, Kevin Foley, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Luke Varney all starting.

The Blues started in a 4-4-2 system with Foley at right-back and skipper Chambers at the centre of the defence alongside Christophe Berra.

Ben Pringle and Maitland-Niles were out wide in midfield with Cole Skuse and Hyam in the centre and Varney and Freddie Sears up front.

David McGoldrick was again on the bench but there was no place in the 18 for Teddy Bishop, who made his return as a sub against Charlton on Tuesday.

The game started in steady rain and was quickly brought to a halt when Hyam made a strong challenge on Judge, who was close to joining Town in the summer of 2013, leaving the former Blackburn man clearly in a lot of pain and requiring very lengthy treatment on the pitch for a broken leg.

The Blues midfielder looked to have made a genuine challenge and to have won the ball, but his momentum had taken him through the winger.

Hyam was booked with the Brentford players calling for a red, while Judge - who looked to be in the running for a place in the Irish squad for the Euros - was eventually stretchered off to applause from all sections of the ground. Konstantin Kerschbaumer took over in the Bees’ midfield.

Following a freekick after Varney had been somewhat cynically caught by Woods as he broke forward midway inside the Brentford half - far from the only niggly challenge from the visitors - Sears was played in down the right by Foley but Harlee Dean turned the ball behind for a corner.

On the quarter hour, with the game still to settle after the long stoppage, Brentford broke through three on one after Town had surrendered possession on halfway. Vibe found Kerschbaumer but his shot deflected off Berra and into Bartosz Bialkowski’s arms.

The visitors began to get on top but were unable to create an opening until the 29th minute when they scored a controversial opener.

Cole Skuse turned away from Kerschbaumer midway inside the Town half and was tripped by the Austrian. However, referee Phil Gibbs waved away the Blues’ protests and Kerschbaumer brought the ball forward into the right of the area before cutting it back to Sam Saunders, who smashed the it past Bialkowski from 15 yards.

While the Bees may have had the benefit of a poor refereeing decision, they had got themselves on top and had been looking the more likely scorers.

The Blues continued to struggle to make an impact on the game and in the 39th minute the visitors weren’t too far away from a second on the counter-attack, but Sergei Canos, having run from his own half, scuffed his shot wide. Referee Gibbs inexplicably awarded a corner, adding to the frustration of the home support.

On 42 Town created their first significant chance, Sears threading in Maitland-Niles on the left of the area, but the on-loan Arsenal youngster’s shot was too close to Bees’ keeper Button, who saved.

Judge’s treatment led to nine minutes of injury time in which the afternoon got worse for the Blues.

Woods caught Hyam on halfway and the Blues midfielder reacted by shoving the former Shrewsbury man, who pushed him back. Referee Gibbs booked both players and, having yellow-carded Hyam for the challenge on Judge, had no alternative but the show the Town midfielder his red card.

The Brentford players, clearly angered by the challenge which had led to the red card, had continued to bait Hyam throughout the half and it was probably only a matter of time before the midfielder reacted.

Having been reduced to 10 men, Town had their best spell of the game with Knudsen making a couple of strong runs down the left.

Following a corner, the Dane saw a shot blocked, Maitland-Niles crossed back into the box and the ball fell to Pringle, who also saw an effort stopped.

Soon after the referee’s whistle ended a half to forget for the Blues. Brentford had settled better after the early stoppage and were on top when they scored, even if the goal owed much to poor refereeing.

Hyam’s red card was foreseeable and the Town management may well have been planning to take him off at half-time. As it was, the Blues switched Maitland-Niles and Pringle for Jonathan Douglas and David McGoldrick ahead of the second half.

McGoldrick looped an early overhead kick wide, then on 57, as Portman Road found its voice, Sears was sent away on the right but his excellent cross failed to find a team-mate. A minute later, Varney was booked for a mistimed tackle on Woods.

The Blues were getting on top, despite their numerical disadvantage and on the hour Sears sent over another ball from the right, but Maxime Colin cleared ahead of McGoldrick at the far post.

On 62 Varney cut inside past Youann Barbet into the right of the area but lost his footing as he did so, the striker indicating that he hadn’t been fouled.

Play immediately moved to the other end and Canos hit a shot which took a deflection and looped on to the bar, VIbe following up headed on to the roof of the net.

However, the visitors didn’t have to wait too long for a second goal. In the 64th minute Colin crossed from the right and Vibe, ahead of both centre-halves, stooped to head past Bialkowski with Foley appearing to playing him onside.

Four minutes later, it was 3-0. Vibe caught Berra in possession on the right following a Town throw and brought the ball into the area before beating Bialkowski.

Sears saw an effort blocked as the Blues went about trying to get back into a game which was by now realistically out of reach, then at the other end Bialkowski blocked Woods’s long distance effort, then got up to get in the way of Vibe’s follow-up. On 75 Feeney replaced Varney, while Andy Gogia took over from Canos for the Bees.

A minute later, Sears sent over a corner from the left and Chambers’s glancing header bounced across the face and McGoldrick was unable to get an a touch.

Kerschbaumer forced Bialkowski into a save down to his left on 78 having cut into the area.

Town continued to toil and in the 84th minute McGoldrick shot over following a Blues freekick, then a minute later Sears was played in on goal by Knudsen but somehow shot wide when he seemed certain to score.

Feeney shot wide on 87 with the Blues still looking for their first goal since the Blackburn game.

And a minute later it came. Skuse won the ball midway inside the Brentford half and found McGoldrick, who played it to Feeney to his left and the on-loan Bolton man struck a low shot under Button and into the net to claim his first goal for the Blues.

That proved to be the last significant action and boos once again greeted the final whistle at Portman Road, the Blues now having won just once in their last seven games.

After the long early stoppage for Judge’s injury, Brentford settled better and were on top when they scored their first goal which owed much to a poor refereeing decision, although was well taken.

Following Hyam’s red card, which was predictable given the attention paid to him by the Brentford players following the injury to Judge, the Blues were always up against it to get back into the game but made a bright start to the second half, however, the game was killed by Vibe’s two goals.

The win is Brentford’s first ever victory at Portman Road and it’s their first over the Blues anywhere since 1955.

Town, still eighth with five games left to play, would seem to have little hope of making the top six with the gap eight points plus goal difference, although both Sheffield Wednesday, who the Blues travel to face at Hillsborough next Saturday, and Cardiff lost today, while Derby and Birmingham, who are now only a point behind the Blues with a game in hand, both won.

Town: Bialkowski, Foley, Chambers (c), Berra, Knudsen, Skuse, Hyam, Pringle (McGoldrick 46), Maitland-Niles (Douglas 46), Sears, Varney (Feeney 75). Subs: Gerken, Smith, Pitman.

Brentford: Button, Colin, Bidwell, Dean, Saunders (Hogan 82), McCormack, Woods, Judge (Kerschbaumer 8), Vibe, Barbet, Canos (Gogia 75). Subs: Bonham, O’Connell, Clarke, Ferry. Referee: Phil Gibbs (West Midlands). Att:18,845 (Brentford: 559).

Photo: Action Images

blueboy1981 added 22:57 - Apr 9 jimmy86 ......... I wonder how you would like me to tackle you like that ? - dismiss it so lightly would you ?? SHAMEFUL - whatever anyone says, and is NOT the ITFC way of playing the game. Can totally understand the Brentford fans being upset - had been the other way round, my guess is you would see it very differently. Don't demise our Club any further by being that kind of Supporter - NOT NECESSARY, or applicable to ITFC.

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Jimmy86 added 23:04 - Apr 9 No need to get so personal pal.... it was a really horrible injury, which I hope he recovers from quickly. Sad he is going to miss the Euros as he a decent player. He did get the ball, but was perhaps a bit too excessive. I am not dismissing the gravity of the injury, but it was robust and committed. Did you think he set out to hurt him??
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Edmundo added 23:05 - Apr 9 Shades of 2003, Town 1 Wimbledon 5. We all know what happened next, but will Mick go for it next year? On this evidence, no.
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gippeswyk added 23:06 - Apr 9 Knudsen's best game. Didzy looking sharp. Varney won a lot of headers. Sears hard working as ever. Skuse one of the best defensive midfielders in the division. Berra solid. We just don't seem to get any luck which happens when you're on a bad run. I am sure the players feel the negativity of the crowd. Hope they don't read the forums. I am a season ticket holder and was at the players awards this evening. All the first team were there, including Luke, and MM and TC. They were low but lifted by the support from the appreciative loyal fans.

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blueboy1981 added 23:15 - Apr 9 Jimmy86 ......... there was intent in that tackle, which is what matters - which was unnecessary. He should have been sent off for such, or, as has been quoted by many - taken off by the Manager straight away. Why we have people trying to defend it is beyond me - had the role been reversed on one of our players, my bet is that it would have caused uproar. And you know it. And as for 'getting so personal' - no question of that - I was merely asking you a Question. There is a difference.

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Jimmy86 added 23:20 - Apr 9 Woods tackle on Hyam, that he reacted to and then got sent off was worse. His foot was high and was clearly trying to get him back. Can see why they did target him and should have been taken off. I don't luke seeing any player injured like that and would have felt that if it was our player too.
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GiveusaWave added 23:23 - Apr 9 Good post gippeswyk. Obviously not a good night to be a Town fan but glad the team were lifted by some loyal fans. The disharmony at the club is becoming more and more apparent as time goes on and there is a huge difference of opinion at the club about MM and TC. There were a lot of people cancelling next seasons tickets today and that was sad to see. Glad to see Bialkowsi win the supporters award. Seems a really good guy and has certainly put in some fine performances this season. I am not going to comment much on the game today. All teams have off days and that was one of ours. Varney, Sears, Bart, Foley, Knudsen all looked good. Berra had a good game until an embarrassing moment. Skuse is one of the best defensive midfielders in this division.

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Keaneish added 23:32 - Apr 9 Gippeswyk - what is it you appreciate? Effort?
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MadDog added 23:33 - Apr 9 Clueless performance yet again-awful team selection & for MM to think Hyam's tackle wasn't even worthy of a card & then for him to not have the decency to applaud the poor guy off the pitch really proves what sort of a person MM is! How he could leave him on when everyone knew he'd get himself sent off is beyond belief! Time he went-had the chance to push on in January but not interested in bringing anyone in. He's done well for us but time to move on. No chance next season unless a massive overhaul & investment as so many good well financed sides will be in the league!

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BrettenhamBlue added 00:22 - Apr 10 Alan Judge If you are reading this I wish you all the best. Use Luciano Civelli as an example of how to come back from a bad injury. 3 years ago I went to see a friendly between Argentina and Brazil and in the middle of the park Messi, Tevez and Civelli were kicking it around in a triangle. I said to my nephew "he used to play for Ipswich". My nephew was blown away. Civelli was pretty much out of the game for two years but he went on to be a member of the Argentina National Squad and a regular player for one of the top clubs in Argentina (Banfield) where he still plays today. I hope you have a speedier recovery than Civelli. All the best from ITFC.

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VulpineBlue added 00:24 - Apr 10 Fortunately I had a trip to the New Wolsey Theatre booked after the match, for an excellent production which took the taste of this game away. Since Christmas, but for the last few games in particular prtman Road has become an uneasy place - no team spirit, many players under performing and key players clearly frustrated. You can write the match report for each game before it happens. Form since Christmas is pretty much relegation form. If both results and spirits cannot be lifted by whatever means before next season, I can only see a relegation scrap.

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1RWR added 00:48 - Apr 10 MadDog I'm not sure if you mean MM or Hyam didn't applaud Judge when he went off. If you mean MM then your are quite wrong, I purposely looked over at the bench & both MM & TC were applauding Judge as he left the pitch. I can't vouch for Hyam as I wasn't watching him.
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Minneapolis_ITFC added 01:36 - Apr 10 Haven't seen the injury incident but hope the player in question makes a quick recovery and is back playing as soon as possible. Sometimes whatever occurs on the field of play isn't always about your own team's endeavors. That aside, easy to say that was another disappointing score but was it really that much of a surprise. We're clearly an average team - at best - and have perhaps over achieved this season by finding ourselves as a regular top ten side but at least any talk of promotion can effectively be put to rest. Guess the white flag was raised some weeks back but today just confirmed any suspicions. Got to applaud the support who attended and remained loyal, people deserve better than what we have witnessed this season. You could sit here for some considerable length of time and berate McCarthy and any other relevant personnel but can't add anything that hasn't already been mentioned. All these rumors of a move to Aston Villa are all very well but until a situation actually occurs, all we can do is stick with what we got and make plans for next season - sure as hell there isn't much left in this campaign. Going to be playing out a few weeks of largely irrelevant fixtures and will be a feeling when play-off time is upon us and thinking "that could have been us (if only we'd shown that little more desire and ambition)" In an ideal world I'd advocate McCarthy's resignation at end of season (there's little sense in firing him now) but will Evans really take that course of action ? Have had just about enough of embarrassing scores, inept performances and inept management for one season : if McCarthy is (by any chance) reading this I implore you to seriously consider a move to Aston Villa or ANYWHERE but Ipswich Town Football Club during the summer and just chalk the last nine months off your resume.

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Mick_Mills_Tache added 06:50 - Apr 10 Gippeswyk and Guentchev, really not sure what you've been taking but whatever it is, it seems to be working! Berra solid? He's been inconsistent and a shadow of himself last season. Smith has been miles better than him this year. Skuse is the best defensive midfielder in the league? Hahaha, don't make me laugh! But, if that was the case, why does MM feel the need to play a second defensive mid alongside Skuse? All teams have off days? How many off days have we had since Christmas then? What is it, 20 points from a possible 60 now? That's bottom half/relegation form really. The fans that want MM out are loyal, we're loyal to the club. I can't stand it when the MM lovers try and take the self righteous high ground by saying that anybody who wants the best for the club and for MM to go isn't a 'real fan', isn't loyal etc. The disharmony is caused by MM and until Mick goes, harmony will not be restored. The reason so many season tickets aren't being renewed is because of Mick and his tactics/style of play. Surely you can see that?

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Cotton_eyed_joe added 07:33 - Apr 10 Mick_Mills_Tache - agree fully with your post. I personally cannot see how the hell can anybody call it an 'off day' when it happens every game week in week out. Even when we win I honestly cant say we have played well and deserve it. For those want Mick to stay in charge do you honestly believe given money he will do any better. Look at his previous clubs and you'll find the answer. Micks style of play is in the past and the game has moved on and so should he.

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blueherts added 07:38 - Apr 10 Appreciative ? I am.not watching a team of low paid youngsters start starting out This is a highly paid group.of experienced players ,who for whatever reason seem in capable of stringing a move together , finding the back of the net or defending If this was a one off even maybe but our home form this season has been shocking Who manages coaches and motivates the team Not acceptable Skuse is an effective DM so we don't need of them at home in a must win game

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mattwin added 08:11 - Apr 10 What has happened to my football team. I've been coming to PR since 1984 and really for the 1st time have lost interest in coming to watch games! There's nothing about us.....What is going to happen to us? Marcus Evans has got to put his hand in his pocket or leave. The only way we are ever going to get out of this league is to spend some money. My son is 3 and I've taught him all the Ipswich songs and he's had shirts etc but now he's even at 3 years of age asking why I support Ipswich and I'm starting to give up as much as it pains me that he should support the likes of Spurs or West Ham like his friends because when I start bringing him to watch regularly I don't think it's going to be fun as a father and son event to watch this Championship or lower if we carry on how we are garbage we serve up at the moment. I wish Marcus Evans would read these posts and maybe the penny would drop on what he is doing to this always until recently family oriented run football club before it's too late! Simple sort it out or sell that's all we are asking. He bought this club as what he thought to make a quick buck and it's not worked!!!

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mattwin added 08:32 - Apr 10 I just hope as a avid fan that it's going to finally be our season every season for the last 14 or 15 championship seasons. We need to have a major shake up to sort this out! I hate to say it and use as an example but look at Norwich City a few years ago. They got relegated out of the championship and had to totally rebuild and although they are a bit yo yo out of the Premier league but at least they dish up some decent football and have some passion about them! Also while I'm moaning am I the only one who believes that the person behind the design of this seasons away shirt should be shot. I love the design of the shirt but whoever is paid thousands of pounds a year to make decisions on shirt options should of done some reasearch on how many times we would use this shirt when we can't wear it due to colour clash when we play away against a team who play in red or blue at home. Please name me if you can a team that have ever produced a away shirt that retails at over £50 but then use a 3rd shirt that you can't buy and is more or less the same as last seasons more than the actual away shirt. The club is pulling our pants down!!!

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blues1 added 08:40 - Apr 10 Prebsa, he was upfield for the 1st goal because part of his job is to get forward when we're in possession. It was due to skuse losing the ball. Wasnt a foul, he was just not strong enough. As for the 3rd goal, there was nothing wrong with thecthrow. Berra simply made a total cock up and is the only one to blame. But regardless of individual errors the fact is that any team being managed in the way we are, to be negative, not to pass the ball, just to hoof it, when we do try to play football as no target man in the team, can no longer do it. The players wechqve at this club are all better than the way they're playing suggests right now. The only way to improve things iscto get in a manager who will encourage them to play, and to add a couple of quality signings. If not, then I fear for us next season

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bonamassablue added 08:47 - Apr 10 It has taken me this long to post a comment as I cannot improve on what EssexTractor has to say. Hyam's attitude for the rest of the half after the tackle was appalling and everyone in the ground could see that he was going to get a red card apart from the management. The life and spirit has just evaporated from the team. We are slow, ponderous and lacking of any confidence. Where did it all go wrong? The old Ipswich was back when we beat Leeds at home but that was the pinnacle of the season. I will add my complete bewilderment as to why Smith was dropped. He was my vote for player of the season as he was consistent and reliable. Portman Road is a sorry place now and the atmosphere is of a ground where a team is about to be relegated.

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mattwin added 09:05 - Apr 10 Get in Nigel Pearson!!
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 09:10 - Apr 10 Bright points yesterday: Foley, Knudsen, Sears. Other than that, we looked very ordinary all over the pitch. Time for a re-think. Hope Foley stays as to me he looks calm and collected- a proper footballer. COYB!
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warktheline added 09:24 - Apr 10 After last seasons play offs our club sat on its hands, the inevitable has happened, progression stalled then stopped. We are now in decline, hopefully all can see that now! I fear for the future of our club, especially with Mr. Capitalist in charge!
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Cotton_eyed_joe added 09:32 - Apr 10 Just saw the 'highlights' on tv. Where was Knudsen for the 1st 2 goals. 1st goal their player ran from just inside our half all the way to the area with Knudsen never close. He wasnt forward attacking as he was goal side the whole time closest he got was 3yds and that was only when the player passed back to goal scorer. 2nd goal cross from that side agai with no attempt to get a tackle or block in. Berra was at fault for 3rd. As for the Hyam tackle he went in hard and with intent, personally should've been a red as ive seen worse given red. Mick Mills on suffolk said instantly Hyam should be subbed as he'll be a target why the heck didn't our manager see it too. Right so this season is done lets all look forward to next season with more of the same with Mick in charge. Evans wont sack him as it'll cost money and Mick wont resign as he's to Stubborn. Not much to look foward to im afraid.

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planetblue_2011 added 10:06 - Apr 10 A team which had play off hopes has just completely dashed. Just can't understand how a team just gets worse & worse every game!! It all went wrong drawing 2.2 at Bolton. Time to go Mick you have helped the club up to now but can't carry on playing football like this when fans are paying serious money to come & watch the team week in week out. Next season we need Cash investment & a manager who can get us out of this division playing some good attractive football.

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