Town’s home game with Brighton and Hove Albion ended in a 0-0 draw, the Blues’ second successive stalemate at Portman Road. Mick McCarthy’s side put in a much-improved display and were the better side but were unable to turn their superiority into goals even after the Seagulls were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages after Dale Stephens's red card.

Freddie Sears, without a goal in 35 games and who was nursing a groin injury after the Leeds game, dropped to the bench, while Adam Webster (hamstring) and Brett Pitman (knee and ankle) joined Town’s lengthy injury list.

Kevin Bru came into a central midfield three with Tom Lawrence starting on the left and Grant Ward on the right. Leon Best was making his first start for the Blues as the lone central striker.

Josh Emmanuel was at right-back with skipper Luke Chambers moving to the centre of the defence alongside Christophe Berra.

Brighton, with former Town loanee David Stockdale in goal, were without the suspended Gaetan Bong with Sebastien Pocognoli coming in at left-back. Oliver Norwood replaced the injured Beram Kayal in midfield.

In the opening minute one-time Town loan target Anthony Knockaert whipped over a ball from the right which flew across the Blues box and wide.

In the fifth minute Lawrence won a freekick having been tripped when taking the ball past a couple of Brighton players and towards the area. The ball was played short to the Leicester City loanee but he scraped his shot wide. On 10 Glenn Murray hit an effort well over from distance for the visitors.

Town created the game’s first serious chance after a not overly enthralling first 15 minutes. After good work from Lawrence and Best, Emmanuel brought the ball into the area from the right and hit a shot which struck a defender and then Jonathan Douglas, who stroked the ball home but from an offside position.

In the 24th minute Lawrence picked up the game’s first yellow card for a late tackle on Albion skipper Bruno.

Three minutes later, Emmanuel sent over a dangerous cross but Bruno prevented Douglas from reaching the ball, illegally according to the Town midfielder but not referee Andy Davies.

The game continued to be a cagey affair of few chances played in an almost pre-season friendly atmosphere in front of 15,228, the lowest Portman Road for a Championship game since 14,953 watched the game against Blackburn in December 2013.

On 37 Norwood was booked for a cynical challenge on Lawrence as the loanee broke following a Seagulls corner. From the freekick, Town brought the ball forward and Cole Skuse laid the ball back to Jonas Knudsen, who shot over.

Four minutes later, Skuse hit a powerful strike from the right after a Lawrence cross had reached him beyond the far post breaking towards the box. Stockdale saved his low effort and claimed at the second attempt.

The Blues were starting to present more of an attacking threat and a minute later Knudsen brought the ball forward on the left before hitting a strike into the side-netting. While Stockdale prepared to take the goalkick Stephens was yellow-carded for dissent, complaining that the Danish international had fouled him in the build-up.

Moments before the half-time whistle Lawrence curled a freekick into Stockdale’s arms from 35 yards after Ward had been fouled.

After a relatively uneventful first 40 minutes the Blues had grown in confidence as the half was drawing to a close and had looked the more threatening side, although without creating a clear-cut opportunity. Brighton had presented little danger going forwards throughout.

Lawrence had been Town’s main threat floating in from the left, while Emmanuel had put in an impressive 45 minutes at right-back, both from a defensive and attacking perspective.

Soon after the restart, Knockaert found himself space on the right before hitting a shot into Bartosz Bialkowski’s arms.

But the Blues quickly regained the ascendency, Knudsen sending a cross over from the left but Douglas was unable to get in a clean header.

Just before the hour mark, Chambers cleared the ball against Tomer Hemed then, probably inadvertently, felled the Seagulls striker. Soon after Douglas joined him in the referee’s book for a rather more deliberate attempted trip on the Israeli frontman as the visitors broke.

Just after the hour full debutant Best was replaced by Sears in what was clearly a pre-planned substitution.

The Seagulls threatened on 64 from a Knockaert corner from the left which eventually reached Shane Duffy, who blazed over when he should have hit the target. On 66 Conor Grant took over from Bru in the Blues’ midfield.

Despite Duffy’s opportunity, Brighton were still looking under par for a side in third place int he table. On 71 manager Chris Hughton switched Jiri Skalak and Hemed for Steve Sidwell and Jamie Murphy.

Sub Murphy immediately shot low but wide, then Bialkowski caught an overhit Stockdale kick on his line.

With 11 minutes remaining Ward was replaced by Teddy Bishop, who wasn’t wearing a mask protecting his recently broken nose.

With eight minutes remaining the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Stephens picked up his second yellow card of the game for a late tackle on Douglas in the centre circle. There was little argument from the midfielder as he made his way off the field.

Two minutes later, Blues right-back Emmanuel was shown his first yellow card of the game for a foul.

In injury time Bishop won a freekick just outside the area. The ball was played to Grant, who smashed the ball into the wall.

After Murray joined the long list of names in referee Davies’s book for dissent the rather over fussy official brought the game to a close.

Town were the better side and passed the ball around neatly and tidily at times and certainly were more impressive than they were at Leeds on Saturday and in a number of other recent games.

However, they were unable to create any significant second-half chances or win themselves corners or freekicks in dangerous areas until Grant’s late effort into the wall and have now gone three games without a goal.

But with the Seagulls third and having been one of the division’s top teams last season, a second successive goalless home draw shouldn’t be viewed as a poor result with the visitors limited to few opportunities, Duffy’s shot over the bar their only significant chance in the second half.

Emmanuel will be pleased with his first start of the season, while Knudsen kept Knockaert quiet on the other flank. Lawrence was Town’s outstanding forward player before tiring after the break.

The Blues, who previously recorded back-to-back goalless home draws last October and before that late in 2009, move up one place to 13th.

Town: Bialkowski, Emmanuel, Chambers (c), Berra, Skuse, Douglas, Bru (Grant 66), Ward (Bishop 79), Lawrence, Best (Sears 61). Unused: Gerken, Kenlock, Digby, Dozzell.

Brighton: Stockdale, Bruno (c), Dunk, Duffy, Pocognoli, Knockaert, Norwood, Stephens, Skalak (Sidwell 71), Murray, Hemed (Murphy 71). Unused: Maenpaa, Hunt, Goldson, Baldock, Manu. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire). Att: 15,228 (Brighton: 568).

Photo: TWTD

StowTractorBoy added 10:45 - Sep 28 Phew what an over reaction on here. Thought there was an improvement on our performance last night and positives to be taken. Emmanuel looks a prospect and Lawrence gave an encouraging performance. Brighton will almost certainly be top six and have a really good squad of players and we handled them well. I agree lack of shots on goal is a great concern but we have the basis of a decent side when everyone is fit. As for those saying Evans has no interest in the Club think again as he pours millions into the academy every season. I accept the football is not great at the moment and I know I will be in the minority but I would take a point as was achieved against Brighton, over playing wonderful open and attractive football and losing. Finally Phils report was spot on in my opinion - just something else to increase the negativity on here. I am not happy about our predicament at the moment but it is not as bad as portrayed on here.

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Ferguson added 10:56 - Sep 28 1 point closer to safety. Seriously though attendance really is an issue and does affect the team's attitude. 14,000 was always our rock bottom support - last night wasn't far off that if you deduct Brighton's travelling support and under 16,000 for what should have been an attrcative fixture is depressing. Seems we're not going to watch the Town but to watch the ex Premier teams that we'll entertain through the season.Getting back to 25,000 at home is going to be a big ask. As to press coverage as mentioned above - the I's EFL round-up didn't mention us at all. Nothing. I leave it with you Mr Evans.

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Mick_Mills_Tache added 10:58 - Sep 28 I'm not even going to bother. Surely the club and Messrs Evans and co can see that people are fed up; the atmosphere at PR resembles that of a morgue and the attendances are sinking almost as quick as the Titanic. 14,600 odd (minused the near 600 BHAFC fans) for a league game against a half decent team in third is embarrassing. Dire football, negative tactics, lack of entertainment/excitement and £30-£40 ticket prices aren't helping. I'm done until McCarthy has gone. Side note - Well done Josh. I've been screaming for him to play as he's 10 times better than Chambers. Don't get too comfortable playing though, as soon as Webster or Smith are back, you'll be dropped to the bench again for 'Chambo' to regain the worst RB in the league title.

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BackTheBlues added 11:11 - Sep 28 I'm trying to be positive - at least we're trying to play football on the deck and end of the first half looked promising! But they're too slow at the build and often miss opportunities to make a risky pass through on goal in fear of losing the ball! Brighton were Appalling and there for the taking!
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PortmanTerrorist added 11:15 - Sep 28 Check out the highlights (???) on Sky's website. They managed to get it over 1 minute by dragging out the sending off to over 20 seconds. Great work there Sky ! LOL Actually, having been at Portman Road last night; NOT FUNNY AT ALL
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martin587 added 11:55 - Sep 28 We keep talking about improvement(OK,that's what we all want) But just how long does MM need to improve the team,squad.MM has had three seasons and we keep saying there are signs.I ask the question,"how long is a piece of string".I'm just fed up of waiting and so are a great deal of supporters.The gates show this as last night,just over 15,000. How long will it be before we are down another thousand.Last nights game should have attracted at least 18,000. !!!!!!

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blues1 added 11:59 - Sep 28 Pup. Im sure that if they thought there was any chance of filling the ground if they charged £20, they would. But the fact is that while they may get a couple of thousand extra tbrougb the gate, that would not cover the club's costs.
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Bert added 12:49 - Sep 28 A cursory look at the moaners indicates that there is no balance in what most of them say. They now don't even like the balanced TWTD analysis of games so I assume they cannot wait to repeat the same old nastiness whatever the result.
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Bert added 12:49 - Sep 28 A cursory look at the moaners indicates that there is no balance in what most of them say. They now don't even like the balanced TWTD analysis of games so I assume they cannot wait to repeat the same old nastiness whatever the result.
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bonamassablue added 12:54 - Sep 28 A tight performance from town. Looked safe at the back but a disappointing Brighton didn't test us, they seemed intent on a draw. The problem was that once we are 2/3rds down the pitch there is no attacking intent. I know that we have a long injury list but there doesn't seem to be a strategy for the final third. Oh for some creativity in passing and running off the ball. Unfotunately the lack of attacking excitement turns the plus of a sound defensive display into a dreary experience.

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tractorboybig added 13:54 - Sep 28 stowtractorboy - its worse heading ,for relegation mate, stamped all over us.
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Taricco_Fan added 14:26 - Sep 28 We're so average even the ground is 50% full.
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Hadagutfull added 14:45 - Sep 28 Started taking my son to PR 3 years ago. He was seven at the time. He loved it. First time you take a child to a noisy football game its easy to grab their attention, even their affiliation. We had season tickets last season and he used to love it and would talk constantly about the game on the way home. towards the end of last season I could see his interest waning. Not his interest in football but in watching the game. I cant believe what the town has become. There is no plan and no excitement. MM doesn't seem to know what players he wants until August 25th. Didn't get a season ticket this season nd I'm glad we didn't. Been to 3 Games this season and my son doesn't talk about the game anymore. He just asks questions about what ITFC used to be like. He still spends all his free time watching and playing football but thats Premier League, Champions League or Spanish football. Ive even noticed he doesn't play as ITFC on Fifa 16 anymore. It breaks my heart that we are losing him but I aint going to force him. Like I said its easy to grab kids attention but in this day and age with all the entertainment options its much harder to keep it. With a push of a button he can watch football from all over the world so why would he chose to watch what MM is serving up. If this carries on than attendance of 15000 will seem like the good times. In 30 years of supporting town I have never felt this disillusioned. The final straw came last night when he asked me, with a straight face, does the club even want us to win? Ive always been optimistic but am struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And for all those people who criticise those of us who have a rant or moan and express dissatisfaction remember this is our club too and we have a right to an opinion.

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midastouch added 15:10 - Sep 28 Hadagutfull, my heart goes out to you mate. My lad who is nearly 7 is in exactly the same position. It's really sad to see. He says his three favourite teams are Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Ipswich. But I can tell Ipswich are going down the pecking order. I was going to take him to Portman Road for his 5th game this Saturday but I've just lost interest. I'd rather we just play on his football table or go for a kickabout, or watch our local team. The last time I went to Ipswich two woman next to us had a blazing row and were swearing at each other right next to us (and I mean the C word, the lot, and it went on for bl**dy ages!), it was disgusting behaviour! The larger lady of the 2 looked like she was going to turn violent on the other. What sort of an advert is that! I complained to the club how it totally spoilt our experience of the match and wasn't very impressed with the token response. It was another nail in the ITFC corporate coffin to be honest! Everything about the club seems to be on a downward spiral, we need somebody fresh with new ideas to arrest the rot. Sadly I really don't see Megalosaurus McCarthy any longer being the man to reignite the enthusiasm that is missing from so many fans. Fans are turning their back for a reason. Number 1 for many is because they are bored stiff with the style of play and dire team selections! All generations from young to old are being turned off by what is being served up at Portman Road on an all too regular basis, surely enough is enough!

8

vanmunt added 15:50 - Sep 28 Great post Hadagutfull.. commiserations you and your lad feel this way. Anti-football the likes of Myopic Mick plays has no place in the modern game and it is killing me slowly we play as we do.
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corfu72 added 16:51 - Sep 28 Very disappointing result for me.This is a game we should have taken by the scruff of the neck but once again we sat back and had only one real shot on target.Josh for me was the Man of the match and should without doubt keep his place for Saturday.Very poor gate for a home match,and they are decreasing each week which is not good.Cannot blame it all on injuries and things need to change soone rather than later.!

3

81andallthat added 17:03 - Sep 28 ME maybe losing a bit of revenue on falling( free falling to be precise) attendances, However, with Micks loving help, think of the cash he's saving on the following-: Win bonuses, Goal bonuses, Maintenance on the onion bags, Royalties to musicians for goal celebration clips over the PA system, Maintenance on seat damage due to our wild celebrations. They've got it all worked out, I'm telling you!!

7

warktheline added 17:37 - Sep 28 I have no problem with bore draws away from home, but for heavens sake on home turf! Really running out of opinions on situation . We must be the most boring and uninteresting club in country, maybe Cambridge United rank, at present, along side us!
4

grumpyoldman added 17:50 - Sep 28 Again the moaners are wrong again according to some, but surely they are following MM by doing the same thing constantly and expecting a different outcome! Please who is really pleased and excited with the style of play, entertainment or results, I don't mean just when we win but in general and not sitting with your mates and enjoying a pint or three
3

BrightonEye added 17:54 - Sep 28 Town were much better than I expected them to be, and pinged the ball pretty well at times, with a very threatening 15 minute period in the second half. Very little of the expected hoof ball. Brighton were poor on the night, with very little of the creativity we have come to expect. It would have been far from harsh had Town scored the one goal their overall superiority clearly merited. A poor game for sure, but the Blues really ought to have won.

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Blue_Meanie added 18:05 - Sep 28 Come on Phil, grasp the nettle, put the poll up; McCarthy in or out. It's not negative or self-destructive, it will surely show what the ground swell option is. Interesting.......
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Blue_Meanie added 18:07 - Sep 28 *Opinion*
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BarleyBoy added 19:26 - Sep 28 First timer so pls excuse but sadly on strength of game, can't see me posting too often. Thought I'd surprise the lad after school for our first game this season (apart from Reading tv job); it's special under the lights & fond memories of " yester-year" In our European era & spectacles like witnessing the mighty Brazil notching all 5 v Soton etc. Anyway, it breaks my heart seeing what's on offer now & as a Father, you always want the best for your children & being powerless to deliver is soul-destroying. The positives as already commented, young Josh & Tom.....at least trying to drive fwd. Besty did ok but clearly work in progress re sharpness, Berra pretty solid. As a harsh critic of Bru, he too at least tried to drive fwd but we always seemed to meander down dark alleys & ultimately dinked an over-hit ball that ran out to touch. The lack of creativity in the middle is frightening - when we do win the ball, momentum isn't there, another sideways/backward pass & opposition midfield regroups & you have to beat the same guys you've just won the battle on. Had was especially poor & stuggled to understand his role alongside ask use being either off-pace, out jumped or slowing down attack momentum; CS no better really. All in all, am torn with frustration around the lack of investment by ME over last couple of seasons when we've been in the mix; the prize is immense & feel we could have enlisted a couple to make the difference. In MM, we accept he's mind-set, a dogged approach of being hard to beat. Fine for a tough away encounter but at home, when there is creativity on the bench, plus Mick, let's be bold & am sure the no's will start drifting back. Sadly, for me, with £60 outlay ( tickets & McD's + fuel from Herts ) I'll be monitoring the posts with interest before taking the plunge again.......my lads U15's is far more entertaining I'm afraid. Catch you all soon guys

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BarleyBoy added 19:31 - Sep 28 Apologies, middle para went pear shaped. Was referring to JD & CS in centre mid naturally........darn ipads !!
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Kirbmeister added 20:13 - Sep 28 Middle para more non existent than pear shaped - I can only see 2!
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