Half-time sub Grant Ward became the first Town player to score a hat-trick on his debut since Colin Viljoen in March 1967 as the Blues beat Barnsley 4-2 in their opening day game at Portman Road. The 21-year-old netted with his first touch seconds after coming on at the break, made it 2-1 after ex-Blue Conor Hourihane had equalised for the Tykes, then added the fourth to seal it after David McGoldrick had converted a penalty and Marley Watkins had added a second for the South Yorkshiremen.

Boss Mick McCarthy handed Adam Webster his Town debut alongside Christophe Berra at the centre of the defence with Tommy Smith, a regular next to the Scottish international last season, dropping to the bench.

McGoldrick partnered Daryl Murphy up front with Freddie Sears at left midfield and Teddy Bishop in the right and new wide signings Grant Ward and Grant both on the bench. Kevin Bru was alongside Cole Skuse in the centre of midfield.

Paul Digby was on the bench against his old club, while Hourihane, who was with the Blues between 2010 and 2011 without making a senior appearance, skippered the Tykes.

Barnsley were forced into a replacement in only the fourth minute after striker Sam Winnall went down with what looked like a pulled hamstring and immediately indicated he wouldn’t be able to continue. Marley Watkins took over.

A Jonas Knudsen long throw from the left almost fell for Murphy on eight and soon afterwards the Irishman had the first serious chance of the game.

Bru played the Town number nine in on goal behind the Barnsley backline but just as he was about to pull the trigger Marc Roberts got back to stab the ball behind.

The Mauritian international, a scorer of last season’s opening goal in the 2-2 draw at Brentford, scraped wide from the edge of the box on 12 after good work from Murphy on the right.

Town had got themselves on top and threatened again a minute later when Barnsley keeper Adam Davies punched Bru’s left-sided corner to Bishop, but his shot was blocked.

Barnsley had been little threat in the opening minutes but on 19 they might have taken the lead. However, Tom Bradshaw headed sub Watkins’s right-wing cross straight at Bartosz Bialkowski.

Moments later, Teddy Bishop was booked for a foul on Adam Hammill, then on 27, after a spell in which the game had been even but uneventful, Watkins joined the Blues midfielder in the book for pulling Bru back by his shorts.

On 32 Hammill, signed by Town boss McCarthy during his time at Wolves, curled a dangerous strike from distance only just wide. Six minutes later, Bru was booked for a foul on Bradshaw as Barnsley broke.

Town had their best chance of the half in the 39th minute when McGoldrick broke following a Tykes attack and fed Sears but the former Colchester man scuffed to Davies. Had he made a decent contact then the Blues would probably have been in front.

Soon after, the already-booked Bru was spoken to after fouling Ryan Kent, who joined him in the book for a revenge challenge a few minutes later.

Applause rang round the ground on 42 in tribute to Clacton-based fan Wayne Double, who died over the summer.

Barnsley would have been in front in the 43rd minute but for a superb Bialkowski stop. A ball into the box hit Berra and fell to Bradshaw, who seemed certain to score but somehow Town’s Polish keeper, who once had a spell on loan at Oakwell, reacted and diverted it wide.

The Blues looked the more threatening side in the early stages of a scrappy first 45 minutes but with their only serious opportunity Murphy’s chance from Bru’s excellent pass.

Barnsley got more into the game as the half wore on and will feel Bradshaw might have done better with his two chances, while Sears will similarly feel he should have taken his opportunity from McGoldrick’s break.

Overall, it hadn't been a half which would have persuaded many of the 1,000 or so fans who failed to renew their season tickets that they had made a mistake with the Blues’ performance - and style of football - much like many of those last term.

Boss McCarthy was clearly unimpressed and switched Bishop, who had failed to make too much of an impact in his wide right role, and Bru, who was walking a red card tightrope, for debutants Ward and Grant and moved to 4-3-3.

And within seconds, and like 1970s striker Keith Bertschin, Ward scored with his very first touch in a Town shirt.

Murphy flicked Knudsen’s throw on the left towards McGoldrick but the former Tottenham man burst in behind him to slam a low shot past Davies before celebrating with his new team-mates.

But the Town lead lasted only three minutes. Hammill’s cross from the Barnsley left was cleared to the edge of the area where the bandage-headed Josh Scowen beat Grant in the air, sending the ball into the box and Watkins nodded on to one-time Blue Hourihane, who beat Bialkowski from close range.

Hourihane, perhaps inevitably the goalscorer against his old club, was yellow-carded for a foul, then Webster came close to an astonishing debut goal with a 40-yard return header which caught Davies unawares and only just flew past his left post.

But another goal from a debutant wasn’t too much longer in coming, and again Ward was the man on target. Murphy crossed from the left following good work from Knudsen and, after McGoldrick had challenged in the air, the ball fell to Ward, who took a touch before lashing home off Scowen.

The new signing’s celebration was more muted on this occasion, perhaps due to the deflection or maybe he’s already taking goals at Portman Road in his stride.

Two minutes later, it was 3-1. Murphy broke into the area on the left and was tripped by Roberts. Referee Keith Stroud pointed straight at the spot and there was little argument from the Tykes’ players. McGoldrick rolled the ball into the corner of the net, sending Davies the wrong way.

Barnsley weren’t far from pulling one back when Hourihane’s corner from the right bounced across the six-yard box, but the Blues continued to look the more threatening side.

In the 66th minute McGoldrick was dispossessed just as he looked to pick out Sears, then the scorer of Town’s third goal broke through on the left but shot weakly to Davies.

On 71, after Ward had been sent flying by Scowen, Grant looked to get on the debut goals act with a powerful strike from distance but his effort was too close to the Tykes’ keeper.

Three minutes later, after Barnsley had swapped Kent and Bradshaw for George Moncur and Stefan Payne, the visitors made it 3-2.

Hourihane sent over a freekick from midway inside the Town half on the right and Watkins rose high to flick into the corner of the net.

After a Barnsley appeal for a penalty after Payne and Chambers had tangled as they ran into the box, Brett Pitman replaced McGoldrick for the final nine minutes.

And a minute later, Ward completed his dream debut. A Grant corner from the right was half-cleared to the edge of the area from where Monday’s signing from Tottenham hit a low shot through a crowd of players and the arms of keeper Davies and into the net.

Barnsley again looked to get back in the game, Bialkowski claiming at close range from Payne as the game moved into injury time.

But Town weren’t to be denied an opening day victory - manager McCarthy’s first against his hometown club since taking charge of the Blues - by 4-2, the scoreline they beat the Tykes in the 2000 Wembley play-off final.

The result was also the same the last time a Town player had netted a hat-trick on his debut, Viljoen’s treble having come in a defeat of Portsmouth at Portman Road.

For Ward it was a brilliant Roy of the Rovers-style debut from the moment he smashed in his opening goal seconds after coming on as a sub.

The former Spurs youngster took his opportunities with great confidence and composure and in addition had an excellent all-round game.

After the final whistle, the day’s star man was handed the match ball then applauded all four stands before spending a lengthy spell signing autographs at the front of the East of England Co-op Stand.

The Blues were much better after the break, creating a number of opportunities in addition to the goals, although there will be concerns about the two they conceded.

But Town fans will go home very happy having seen a very special debut and their side, who are second in the first-day Championship table, get their season off to a winning start.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Webster, Berra, Knudsen, Bishop (Ward 46), Skuse, Bru (Grant 46), Sears, Murphy, McGoldrick (Pitman 81). Unused: Gerken, Smith, Digby, Douglas.

Barnsley: Davies, White, Roberts, Scowen, Hammill, Hourihane (c), Winnall (Watkins 4), Yiadom, Bradshaw (Moncur 73), Mawson, Kent (Payne 73). Unused: Townsend, Bree, Lee, Nyatanga. Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire). Att: 17,370 (Barnsley: 1,117).

Photo: Action Images

happybeingblue added 17:47 - Aug 6 well i did say he was meant to be a better bet than fraser :) hee hee
1

tractorboyjim added 17:51 - Aug 6 Last time we beat Barnsley 4-2 we went up!! I think Ward's 3 goals in 45 mins must almost beat last years midfield tally for the season!! Very entertaining second half, hopefully more in to see next home game to turn the volume up a few notches! COYB!! 👍🏻
3

prebsa added 17:57 - Aug 6 Great result but an okay performance. First half was a bit disappointing with Barnsley looking the most likely to score. We have Bart to than for it still being 0 at half time. Bishop did not look very good on the right but that's not really his fault. Hopefully Mick will realise he is a central midfielder!!! Credit to MIick for realising that the midfield wasent working and changing it at half time. A fantastic 3 goals from Ward. But I also though Grant came on and put in a good first performance. Obviously it will be a little overshadowed for obvious reasons. Defensively we didn't look solid and I'm sure Mick won't be too happy and will be having words about the goals conceded. Webster looks comfortable on the ball and it is nice to see a right footed player on the right. I though Knudsen was poor in the first half with all of his crosses going nowhere but got better in the second half. Nice to have McGoldrick back in the side and I'm sure he will continue to create chances for himself and others, just need to make sure we keep him fit. I'm still against Sears being out wide but dosent look like that will change any time soon. All in all a good result but we can't get too carried away because we scored 4. Well done Ward! COYB

14

TownOnTheUp added 17:59 - Aug 6 Your defence is terrified, Grant Ward's on fire...
3

Keaneish added 17:59 - Aug 6 Have to say, while its great to score four goals, that performance was pretty woeful. Barnsley are a bottom four side, no doubt. Great to start with a win but the first half was dire, the defending terrible at times and the lack of movement and width was frustrating and painful to watch. 2nd half was better as changed the system a bit but still pretty exposed and reliant on long balls, counter attacks and some last ditch defending. No change from last season really! Webster didn't have a great game. Needs to learn and fast. Lost his man too many times. Great to have a midfielder popping up in the right areas in Ward. Unbelievable debut. Like the look of Grant, think he'll get better as the season goes on. Looks like he wants to play and he can take a corner!! Much improvement needed to make a top 6 and some major work on the training ground required. Still too predictable.

12

Tractorboy1985 added 18:01 - Aug 6 He plays on the left... He plays on the rrrrrrrriiight.. That boy GRANT WARD... Makes ya full back look sssshhhiiiiite!! Thanks Phil for your well detailed analysis whilst away on holiday! Jealous of all u who caught a glimpse of our new star man! Keep the faith.. I know it's 1 game.. This team is young and will always improve.. We will experience highs and lows but let's hope we continue with the 2nd half attacking flair! COYB!!!

4

big_gaz67 added 18:03 - Aug 6 Where do I claim my reward for today's victory? Just before half time MMc asked Douglas to warm up (I sit near the dug outs) to replace Bru. I screamed at Mick that to do this at home when he had claimed he wanted to entertain the fans would be discraceful and that he swing bring on Ward instead. What more can I say.....
1

judespiveyg added 18:05 - Aug 6 Opening day win, exciting game, debutant scoring a hat trick. What more could you want?
4

grumpyoldman added 18:11 - Aug 6 Nice to start with a win, Grant Ward great debut hope he turns out to be as good as Viljoen. Again we have posters making snide comments about the moaners, who are usually right as often as them over the past few seasons. Why can't you just enjoy the moment without making personal remarks about other supporters. If it makes you feel good disparaging others, perhaps you should attempt to get a more balanced view of the world

5

Elizabeth added 18:17 - Aug 6 Fantastic start to the season !! Sounds like we have a gem at last !!
2

tim added 18:19 - Aug 6 bart knudesn smith webster chambers skuse grant bishop ward murphy mcgoldrick
0

bonamassablue added 18:21 - Aug 6 Great to be back at PR in the league again and a great result. Well done to grant ward and to have 3 points in the bag will give confidence. A bit concerned that for the first half we played like an away team again but considering we had new personnel bedding in it was very encouraging. Good to send those noisy Yorkshireman back up north with a taste of what the championship is all about. Bring on the budgies, that will be a sterner test.

1

Tractorboy1985 added 18:23 - Aug 6 Ok my third and final post.. Think this is the one... Grant wards on fire... Your defensive is terrified..... Brentford away.. Let's have it!
0

TractorBoy666 added 18:38 - Aug 6 Wow what a player that Grant Ward kid looks! Like others have said on here already, it's so good to say he's ours. Defensively never looked convincing to me but hopefully the more games Webster and Berra/Smith play together the better. So good to be back at Portman Road today, finally an entertaining game!
2

H1960 added 18:41 - Aug 6 I'm often at the front of the queue criticising McCarthys team selections, tactics and substitutions, after a poor first half reminiscent of much of last season the double substitutions at half time changed the game completely, well done more of the same please, congratulations to Grant Ward on a fantastic debut, in still a bit worried about the defending but a good start to build on, well done everybody.

6

Seasider added 18:43 - Aug 6 Total blue, have marked you down because of childish remark You won't get cricism on this site if Town play well;bit from Keanish and couple of other's;but qualified After all we are all supporters. Well done Wonder of sacrifice made by 1000+ non renewing season ticket holders has done trick Promising, but too early to say after Mick's reaction to Reading loss last season, nevertheless promising Hope continues Tuesday when sets out to win game which didn't happen last season

9

jjhbruno added 18:44 - Aug 6 Criticising supporters that are not a fan of ME and MM after a game we just won. You're just as bad, you know who you are, they still support their football team. I'm not a great fan of either but enjoyed watching us win and will happily see us home to victory in any situation but... My verdict....Was OK, a really good debut by ward. That's about it. Could've should've been down 2-0, 2-1 down at half time if Sears hadn't fluffed it. We were very mediocre. Somehow scored 4 in the second half because everything ward hit found the back of the net. Funny game but by no means confident on what's to come. But we won and that is grounds for progress and we have made 3 positive forward thinking signings. Happy journey home which makes all the difference

4

runaround added 18:57 - Aug 6 I was sat in the pub at 2pm & when I saw the team news my heart sank! Couldn't believe neither Grant or Ward were starting & he was going to play Sears & Bishop out of position. Half time I was even more worried as we very fortunate to not be down to 10 men & also not to be losing mainly thanks to one of the best saves I've ever seen from Bart. We were awful! Thankfully Mick realised his error & brought on the 2 Grants at the break we were much better offensively. If Grant Ward's ITFC doesn't amount to much he will always be remembered for today, scoring with his first touch as an ITFC player & getting a debut hat-trick, emulating the feats of Keith Bertschin & Colin Viljoen all in one. Amazing display with hopefully more to come. We were much better attack wise but still look dodgy defensively. Much work to do but always a nice feeling to start the season with a win. It's good that football is back & time to enjoy the win. Taking my daughter to her first game Tuesday & we can't wait!

7

StowTractorBoy added 18:59 - Aug 6 Keeping my feet firmly on the ground after this performance but obviously thrilled with the win against a decent footballing side. Still do not understand why MM does not start Bishop in the centre of midfield where he is most comfortable. The back four looked very rocky and needs to tighten up when the big fish are the opposition. Poor old Freddie Sears does not look a happy man out wide where he is wasted. The positives are obviously Ward and Grant and of course three points. There will be tougher opposition to come but lets enjoy the 3 points today.

4

towntillidie86 added 19:03 - Aug 6 I listen to the game today and was pleased with the new signings specially ward and grant and the results. I know MM is a loally guy but I was concerned about the defending spaiclally from set plays. I was happy he kept Bialkowski in goal and went with murph and dids up front I like them together. But I think it's time to drop chambers and Berra. Webster is now the right centre back that's good but I think her should partner Smith rather then Berra and either a new RB should be bought in or give the position to Emmanuel Bialkowski Emmanuel/new RB, Webster, Smith, Knudsen Ward, Bishop, Skuse, Grant McGoldrick, Murphy Subs Gerken Chambers Berra Dozzell Bru Sears Pitman

0

gorfuc added 19:05 - Aug 6 McCarthy out.............oh wait.
2

pup12 added 19:19 - Aug 6 I thought both lads did well coming on second half.Grant Ward will rightly take the headlines but Connor came on and added balance to our midfield ,left foot on the left side of midfield ,simply.Sears had poor game but I really feel for him as he cant be happy stuck on the left.New lads have to start nexted game.Couple of more signings like a left winger(palace player Kaikai).Lets get him while on a high instead of getting him after a defeat hoping he can pep us up.Bring him in while confidence is high and watch him fly.

1

warktheline added 19:21 - Aug 6 Hats off to Grant Ward, a truly memorable debut! Four goals and 3pts on the board, nowt wrong with that! Overall performance, not too clever! It's very early doors thus getting carried away one way or another isn't recommended. Some have highlighted a flawed performance mirroring last seasons ineptness, which is more than a touch concerning. Anyhow will enjoy this evening, a debut hatrick, and 4 goals on home soil, haven't occurred often over recent years! Kirbmeister, elaborate!

6

Daz added 19:32 - Aug 6 /Kirbmeister Enjoy the win for today and see how it go. Most don't moan for the fun of it and they want to see town progress. Grant today showed a step forward and today is not a day to moan about the first half and goals conceded but to be happy we won, that we have made some signing that count and not over aged players and loans. Coyb good start and keep it going.
3

tractorboybig added 19:51 - Aug 6 Hold on, what stupid comments. Good show by the lad but we conceded 2 soft goals against a poor team. Next home game will be more of a reality.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls