Town ended their home campaign with a 3-2 victory over the MK Dons. David McGoldrick put the Blues in front on 16 but conceded a penalty just before the break from which Alex Revell equalised. Brett Pitman put Town back in front on 68, Revell equalised again six minutes later before Luke Varney won it in the final minute.

Town made five changes from the team which drew 0-0 at Middlesbrough last week with Teddy Bishop, Josh Emmanuel, Myles Kenlock, Dean Gerken and Christophe Berra all starting.

Luke Chambers (ankle) and Jonas Knudsen (knee) were both left out, while Bartosz Bialkowski, Paul Digby and Luke Hyam all dropped to the bench. Kenlock was making his league debut and Bishop his first senior start of the season.

The already-relegated MK Dons, who were playing their first ever game at Portman Road, included ex-Blue Dean Bowditch but there was no place in the 18 for on-loan QPR man Jay Emmanuel-Thomas or former Town keeper Cody Cropper, while Jonny Williams’s loan spell ended last week.

Prior to kick-off You’ll Never Walk Alone was played over the PA in tribute to the 96 who died at Hillsborough with fans standing and applauding.

After a quiet start to the game the Blues threatened first in the 12th minute when Emmanuel found himself space on the right and crossed to Kenlock, who looped a header not far over the crossbar.

Town were beginning to put the visitors under pressure and on 15 McGoldrick was found in space on the left of the area but his shot was deflected behind.

But the Republic of Ireland international didn’t have to wait too long for his first goal since the Brighton game on August 29th.

Feeney played the ball in from the left to Sears, who crossed on the turn to McGoldrick, who deftly touched the ball into the net.

The Blues twice went close to making it 2-0 in the 20th minute. First Emmanuel found McGoldrick, whose shot was palmed away by 20-year-old MK Dons keeper Charlie Burns to his right, then after Kenlock had cut back from the left Burns, making only his second senior start, saved to his left from Bishop. From the resultant corner an unmarked Berra flicked a header wide.

Three minutes later Daniel Powell hit the visitors’ first effort of the afternoon wide, then Kevin Bru shot well over from distance for the Blues.

Powell picked up the game’s first yellow card in the 35th minute for a cynical pull on Kenlock after the 19-year-old had beaten him and was about to take the ball into the area. A minute later, Berra headed wide from a Bru corner on the left.

On 39 Josh Murphy did well down the MK left but his low cross was too far in front of Alex Revell.

As the half moved into injury time the visitors drew level from the penalty spot. Samir Carruthers was being held up inside the area on the left by Tommy Smith and as he looked to cut inside the centre-half McGoldrick rushed in and sent the midfielder tumbling.

There was little doubt it was a penalty and Revell dispatched the spotkick, sending the ball to his left and Gerken to his right.

The whistle went soon afterwards to end a half which ought to have finished with the Blues in front and would have done but for McGoldrick’s rather injudicious challenge.

Prior to that, aside from a few dangerous Murphy crosses, Town had been well in control for the most part and having gone in front via McGoldrick’s well-taken goal looked like they were on their way to a comfortable home win, having had opportunities to increase their advantage.

McGoldrick scuffed a shot from 25 yards through to Burns, then on 41 Bishop burst into the box but was ultimately stopped in his tracks.

But the visitors had grown on confidence having levelled and on 52 Carruthers hit a shot across Gerken, which the keeper pushed away from goal to his left.

As the game moved past the hour mark the ball fell to Bishop just inside the area after good work from McGoldrick on the left, but the 19-year-old scraped his shot wide. As had been planned before the game Bishop made way on 63 with Pitman taking over.

Soon after the change, Freddie Sears broke into the area on the left and hit a shot across Burns, which the keeper did well to palm behind, however, referee Keith Stroud inexplicably awarded a goalkick.

A banner bearing the legend ‘No ambition = bored fans’ briefly appeared in the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, then on 68 the Blues restored their lead.

Bru whipped over a freekick from the right after Feeney had been fouled and sub Pitman flicked home his 11th goal of the season. With Daryl Murphy not expected to play for Town again this season due to his calf injury, the summer signing from Bournemouth now seems certain to be the club’s top scorer.

The Blues had been less dominant after the break but having scored their second goal their self-belief seemed to return and they went looking for a third.

On 71 Pitman won a number of tackles while grounded on the edge of the box and fed Bru, who rode a challenge and curled a shot wide.

However, two minutes later, the visitors again pulled level. Murphy sent in a freekick from deep and Revell got in behind the Blues’ backline to poke past Gerken. While Town prepared to take the centre Varney took over from Feeney.

On 78 former Blue Bowditch was applauded off by his old fans and was replaced by Nicky Maynard.

As the game moved into its final 10 minutes Bru shot well over after good work from Pitman, then Kenlock cut in from the left and curled an effort just over.

Smith was booked for a foul on Murphy in the 87th minute and from the freekick, which the winger took himself, Kevin Long headed wide.

As the match moved into its final scheduled minute, the Blues scored a third home goal for the first time this season to claim the three points and their first win in eight.

League debutant Kenlock crossed from deep on the left and Varney nodded home his first goal of the campaign from close range.

There was no chance for the MK Dons to hit back and referee Stroud confirmed the Blues’ victory, their ninth at home this season.

In truth it ought to have been a more comfortable win, particularly after McGoldrick, who had revelled in the space he was afforded in the first half, had put the Blues in front.

The somewhat needless penalty from which the visitors equalised saw the Dons come out more confident after the break but the Blues again got on top and went ahead again through Pitman.

The defending for Revell’s second equaliser will have disappointed the Town management. But as ever the Blues kept going and deserved their winner when it came via Varney.

Following the match, the players, joined by their children, and the staff made the traditional lap of appreciation round the pitch receiving warm applause from those fans who had remained behind.

Town, who can now only finish in their current position of eighth or seventh, complete their 2015/16 season when they travel to Derby County next Saturday lunchtime.

Town: Gerken, Emmanuel, Smith, Berra, Kenlock, Skuse (c), Bru, Bishop (Pitman 63), Feeney (Varney 74), Sears, McGoldrick. Unused: Bialkowski, Digby, Foley, McDonnell, Hyam.

MK Dons: Burns, Baldock, Long, Walsh, Lewington (c), Potter, Carruthers (Baker 66), Powell, Bowditch (Maynard 78), Murphy, Revell (Furlong 88). Unused: Spence, McFadzean, Jackson, Kasumu. Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire). 19,631 (MK Dons: 489).

Photo: Action Images

Daleyitfc added 19:28 - Apr 30 So much for McDonnell getting some game time.
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thebeat added 19:34 - Apr 30 Thanks to the cowards at the back of the SBR lower who moaned about the banner today. The same fans who were chanting about wanting a shot etc against Fulham. 2 faced cowards is all you are. You moan about the style of play etc but when somebody dares to do something about it you take the easy way out and defend the dinosaur and the tight wad. You just keep burying your heads in the sand and accepting no progress with a negative manager who picks his boys and sets up for a point every week but the fans who actually care should be entitled to make their point without being ridiculed.

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essexboy added 19:43 - Apr 30 Essextractorboy93.can you please explain why you down marked me.what have I said that you don't agree with.Thank you.
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Cotton_eyed_joe added 19:47 - Apr 30 HarryS_H... 1st thing....what ambition has the club shown in the last few years, when we have needed to improve the squad we get nothing good, freebies, loans and players after there last pay check. Ambition would be taking a risk in January and getting in a couple of players to enhance the team. 2nd thing where the hell have u been watching footy this season as it wasn't at PR. The football has been boring, dire tripe that I wouldn't/shouldn't be expected to pay £30+ to watch. If your satisfied watching that and think the club has ambition I'll have a glass of whatever you've been drinking.

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blueboy1981 added 21:10 - Apr 30 ....... just remember that some people haven't a clue what they are watching, a fair percentage wouldn't even understand offside ...... !!! The tone of some posts prove the above - because anyone who thinks Portman Road has been anything other than one of the most boring places to spend a Saturday afternoon this past season - is null and void of any Football nous. Where is the incentive at this time to entice the purchase of Season Tickets ? - the Owner has said 'he may buy a player if he and MM decide to'. Big Deal. If things change - I'll be back - otherwise, not a chance. I just couldn't put up with another season - and avoid depression. And most definitely not ashamed to say so.

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HarryS_H added 21:19 - Apr 30 I don't understand why I'm not allowed to enjoy myself at the football, just because loads of people are moaning and crying about their day doesn't mean I have to...
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BlueMachines added 21:31 - Apr 30 I just can't understand what it is about the football you enjoy watching? It utter crap every week! If you enjoy your day out with your carer fair play to you! I hope you continue to do so for as long as you like.
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EuanTown added 21:44 - Apr 30 3 2 against a league 1 team, please, we are going to have to play a lot better then that to get out of the Championship next season. today has shown who we were missing, what we need in case this long term injury situation strikes anywhere on the field next season, and what a lack of depth and alternatives we had as an option if key players are out. Lets see what happens in the transfer market, but as the playoffs are a lottery we need to automatically qualify to ensure we have a decent enough team to survive in the Premiership. But seeing what is coming down, and who are above and around us I see the playoffs as disappointing target next season.

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grumpyoldman added 21:53 - Apr 30 In some cases people attend out of habit and enjoy the company of like minded people, they enjoy the socialising, the football is just an aside, they cannot see why anybody would judge them as doing something they have done for a period of time. They will not take any critism of their actions and feel the need to justify it, nobody will be able to convince them otherwise, it's up to them how they spend their time, others have different things to occupy themselves with.

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BrettenhamBlue added 21:54 - Apr 30 Sounds like it was a really great game of football AND 5 goals at PR is a rarity. Something positive to finish the season with. New respect for MK Dons fans after this for "most amusing chants". At 2-2 "can we play you every week?" Hilarious. Great to hear that MOST IMPORTANTLY fans were entertained. No grass eating, watching paint comments.
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BrettenhamBlue added 22:08 - Apr 30 Great results for us all to enjoy in the Premiership so it's been a good day
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DannyITFC added 22:38 - Apr 30 What a difference Kenlock & Emmanuel made..... Instead of the likes of Knudsen & Chambers hoofing we had two young lads that passed it out, looked way more comfortable on the ball plus run at the opposition and even crossed the ball into danger areas! Chambers & Knudsen should be dropped.... I blind man can see that after today. Again how much more a football team did we look like without Douglas. Today has shown there is talent within the squad but Mick has not been selecting the correct players. This summer we need to clear out the dead wood I.e Toure, Coke etc and add some quality in midfield/winger and possibly a decent striker as Murphy's days are coming to an end. Finally Mick needs to go, he has taken us as far as he can but we need a football minded manager now to move on, with the financial backing from Evans too. Just a mention about this " Banner" .... Tbh I am surprised it has taken this long for it to happen? And only one banner too? To all those limp wristed Ipswich fans who moaned about these guys holding up the banner, hold you head in shame! At least these guys had the balls to stand up and voice their opionions about what quite frankly has been a disgusting standard of football dished up by MM and his team this season at Portman Road. It's a shame there has n't been more banners..... Preferably reading " McCarthy Out" or "Evans Spend Some Money" Changes are required this summer, a new manager and Evans needs to take a risk and spend in order to compete with the big guns.

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SpiritOfJohn added 23:06 - Apr 30 Young Kenlock played in the first home game of the season (versus Stevenage) and the last home game today, one wonders what he has been up to in the intervening months because he seems an accomplished footballer. He was assured in possession, played some good passes on the deck and was willing to get forward - twice getting into good positions in the first half - heading just over the bar and then winning a free kick on the edge of the box. He capped off a fine league debut with the cross for the winning goal. Knudsen may be a more solid defender but Kenlock looks like a quality player. Josh Emmanuel also looks promising and he also looked to play the ball to feet and make space for a return pass. One would like to see a lot more of them next season. Also good to see Didz, Bishop and Bru in the line-up today - shows what we have been desperately lacking. Hopefully we stay positive and try to entertain next week instead of parking the bus.

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HarryS_H added 00:38 - May 1 So now we're being criticised by our own fans for going and supporting our team?? I have no words to describe how delusional that concept is...
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Minneapolis_ITFC added 01:59 - May 1 Wasn't expecting much out of today's game so was pleasantly surprised. Even though victory arrived late and against an opposition already resigned to third league soccer next season, by all report it was an improvement on previous weeks and relief to see McGoldrick back among the goals. Let's be clear about this, a victory here and the impressive score at Middlesbrough last week has only papered over cracks, there is still so much to be done at the club and relevant changes required if we are to really compete next season. I got the opportunity to read the Evans report and it made for say 'interesting viewing'. The end game with Derby still holds some value however. While the opposition have a play-off place whatever occurs on the day, we can obtain seventh position if Cardiff drop points and our team wins, while also finishing with a positive goal difference. Doubtless it's been said many times, but all this improvement of sorts both today and the last game : it's all very well to see, but we've left it too late to achieve something this season. All a case of if's, but's and maybe's, from this perspective.

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midastouch added 02:07 - May 1 As Alan Hansen famously said (and ended up with a lot of egg on his face), "You can't win anything with kids." http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15525517 I really hope next season that the likes Dozzell, Bishop, and our new young full backs play regularly. It would give the fans a massive lift. Yes there will be mistakes and some games it might cost us, but I think the positives would overall outweigh the negatives. Look at Titus Bramble when we first got promoted. He played a blinder in our early home games, such as Arsenal (and I might be wrong but I think the other one might have been against somebody like Sunderland). I know our first home game was 1-1 to Man Utd after losing 3-1 to Spurs away in the first game. Anyway, I'm going off track. In the Arsenal game if my memory serves me right Bramble was everywhere and giving Arsenal a really hard time. But then he dropped a clanger which lead to Arsenal equalising. But I think he still got man of the match as he'd been so good for the rest of the game. And I think Naylor missed a sitter at the end which would of made it 2-1. But having raw young talent bomb around the pitch and get the fans sitting on the edge of the seats has to be the way forward. It's got to beat signing players over 30 and past their best. I'd play at least 4 or 5 youngsters next season and see how it goes. They're hungry and deserve a chance. If McCarthy hangs around then he needs to recognise that we want to see more positive line ups, certainly at home. It's caused much division amongst the fans. He could redeem himself with the doubters IMO (myself included) if he gets a nice balanced team which mixes the talent of our more established players, alongside some energetic, exciting younger players. I've still got my doubts about McCarthy. But if he is still here next season then we should back him, perhaps give him till Xmas, judge him on his selections and how the team performs. If by Xmas it's looking grim and he's continuing in regularly fielding negative starting line ups, and the young talent is being left to rot on the bench, then I'd say Mick, your time is up. In all honestly I wouldn't mind if Mick got replaced now but only with somebody good, such as a Martinez. I'm not convinced about Gus Poyet. I've got mixed feelings about him. He wouldn't be my first choice. Although if honest, I'd probably pick him ahead of Mick but this is all just paper conjecture and speculation. Ultimately, whoever is the manager next season, let's get behind him and the team from the off, let them show what they are about. If Mick sets the team up in a more positive fashion to get 3 points and it's prettier to watch, then happy days. If though it looks like he's continuing with negative line ups and football is crap to watch, then it's going to one long boring season again! Let's hope for the former and not the latter.

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 04:55 - May 1 I'm not convinced by Poyet either.
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BlueMachines added 08:25 - May 1 Still avoiding the question Harry. What is it about the football you enjoy? No criticism, I am just curious. If you tell me what has been enjoyable maybe I can learn to love it too!!!?
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hogster1970 added 08:36 - May 1 well done kenlock and emmanual, i for one have been wanting these to have a fair crack of the whip because with out fast pacey wingers the modern game needs quick left or right back to be part of the attack. and i still say the u21 is not a particually good place to play for players who are on the verge of the first team like these are and young andre because its the step up in pace and vigour that helps condition these players, the only thing that has bugged me this season and many others on MM is that there has been players who can make a difference to our play but yet they sit on the bench or get sent out on loan, and on the loan thing i still believe that if we have young players with asspirations of the first team should realy only go a league below not about 2 or 3 as the standard of footy will be equivialnt to our old reserves atleast . but we will see, i for one would like these 2 to start next season and with teddy boy fit and young andre knocking on the door we could have a good team to build on.

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Steelmonkey added 09:04 - May 1 Couldn't see the banner from where I was in the Sir Bobby lower. I can understand this reaction, it's good that ME has clarified that we had a big bid for a player turned down. It would be even nicer to read much more of his thoughts and hopes for the club. I can respect his views on wanting to retain his privacy, but when you buy a football club, you have to give up that option to some point, as he has to be seen to be steering the club. Very glad that he doesn't want to pick the team as some owners believe they can, but his involvement in the club has to be seen more and not for him not to be viewed as a faceless entity. Nice to see a few goals go in today but some very poor defending for their second goal. Well if as ME says there is money available, I really hope that it's spent wisely, we are a club at the mercy of a generous owner, and are limited financially, as we are unable to generate cash through the turnstiles, be that through he style of play or the cost to the individual of going to a game. Finally, I hope narrichs efforts to stay in the premiership pay off, couldn't stomach handing them six points again, as I don't think we could live with the team that they have, if they are relegated they won't lose any players due to parachute payments. Not an easy thing for me to say. We have to build a far more competitive and skilful side for next season. CoYB's

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essextractorboy93 added 09:10 - May 1 Essexboy - Completely agree with some of your points but I think I think that with the exception of the goalkeeper and possibly one centre back that was a full strength MK Dons team. Certainly the majority of those players have played their games this season. Agree that the full backs looked promising though! COYB!
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HarryS_H added 10:18 - May 1 I like seeing a team get stuck in defend well and have spells of good football and attacking play. That's what we have and I know lately it hasn't been great but some bad format doesn't warrant the level of negativity that has been seenjoying in my opinion. I think your missing my point bluesmachine. I don't need to see attractive football to be entertained by watching Ipswich. I enjoy watching Ipswich thats why I go and give them support. Not because they're the best team in the world or play the best football in the world but because they are the team I've grown up supporting and they're the team that I will support the rest of my life, whatever the result and where ever we end up. If people don't understand that then I have no time for them, would you all prefer it if no one turned up when the team isn't playing well? I enjoy watching town and I will continue to do so where ever we end up and whoever is in charge. Personally I like mick and I think he has what it takes to bring us up but again I will say why is everyone so mad at a bad half season putting us 8th!! It could have been a lot worse! If anyone has any more questions about why I go and support my team I will be happy to comment but if it's just straight up pointless negativity I'm probably not going to bother with you...

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grinch added 12:44 - May 1 Got to point out we will only finish at most 2 places below last season realistic people is what are required not a load of whingers. There are some far bigg err clubs below us who have spent millions and not sure if they have whiners all the time. Keep the faith coyb
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essexboy added 13:48 - May 1 Grinch,ok 8th is not bad,but not good either.It's not an improvement on last season,is it.If your happy with that then that's fine,but I'm not.We should have done a lot better and don't blame it on injuries because MM had the chance to improve the squad but chose not to,saying his squad was good enough.Do you not agree?
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tallguy6767 added 16:33 - May 1 1 win in 9 and the rose tinted mick lovers come out and claim all is well and were going to get promoted next year! wake up people and smell the coffee! were going nowhere under the dinosaur !!
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