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Ipswich Town 2-0 Burton Albion - Match Report
Tuesday, 18th Oct 2016 21:59

Skipper Luke Chambers and Freddie Sears were on target as Town ended their five-game goalless and winless run with a 2-0 home victory over Burton Albion in the first ever competitive meeting between the two sides. Chambers headed in a Sears cross in the 15th minute and Sears ended his own 38-game goal drought two minutes from the end to seal their first October victory under Mick McCarthy’s management.

Teddy Bishop and Kevin Bru returned to the Town starting line-up for Grant Ward, who dropped to the bench, and Jonathan Douglas who missed out due to injury, as did Jonny Williams - who played the final few minutes at Blackburn on Saturday after his ankle injury - as a precaution.

Town started in the expected 4-3-3 formation with Bishop taking the more advanced midfield role ahead of Bru and Cole Skuse with Sears on the left and Tom Lawrence on the right of Leon Best up front.

Burton made two changes - to their XI skipper John Mousinho and Jamie Ward for Tom Naylor and Will Miller - and started in their usual 3-5-2 system.

Neither side created a serious chance in the opening 10 minutes with the best opportunity coming on seven when Lucas Akins robbed Adam Webster but the Burton striker sent the ball well into the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Town went ahead and ended their five-games-plus goalless run with their first chance of the match on the quarter hour.

Best left the ball to Bru midway inside the Burton half and the Mauritius international cleverly turned and played it wide to Sears on the left.

The former Colchester man moved the ball on to his right foot and whipped over a cross, which the diving Chambers met at the far post to head home Town’s first goal in eight hours and 22 minutes of football.

On 21 Jackson Irvine was shown the first yellow card of the game for a foul on Best after the Irish international had pulled off a slick turn and was making a run towards the penalty area.

There was a major let-off for the Blues in the 23rd minute when Akins was sent away on goal but, as Jonas Knudsen got back to challenge, shot wide when he ought to have done much better.

A minute later, Best found Sears in space inside the box but John Brayford got across to take the ball off his foot before the one-time West Ham trainee could get in a shot and end his 38-game personal goal drought.

Soon after, Best beat a man on the edge of the area and looked to feed Bishop, who was in space to his left, but over-hit his pass.


Burton should have got back on terms on 28 when Jamie Ward hit a powerful strike from distance which Bartosz Bialkowski could only parry out to Lloyd Dyer but the wing-back - who turned down a Town contract after a trial in February - scraped his first-time shot well wide.

It was Town’s turn to threaten three minutes later when Bishop crossed low from the right and Bru diverted the ball straight at Brewers keeper Jon McLaughlin.

Bru went even closer in the 34th minute after some head tennis following a corner. The midfielder hooked towards goal and the ball took a huge deflection and looped just the wrong side of the post.

Town claimed a penalty for handball after a subsequent flag-kick, then on 35 Skuse was booked for a foul on the breaking Dyer.

Burton were having just as many, if not more, chances than Town and two minutes later, after a quick break, Ward played the ball back to Dyer in space from the left but the former Leicester man shot well over.

The visitors threatened again in the 38th minute when a corner was cleared to Irvine, whose shot deflected wide off Best. Burton claimed it had struck the striker’s hand but referee Oliver Langford awarded only a corner and a penalty would have been very harsh.

A minute before the scheduled end of the half, Bialkowski was forced into another sharp save after Brayford had hit a strike from a tight angle to the right of goal after a well-worked move.

Town were fortunate to go in with their lead still intact at the break with Burton having had more than enough opportunities to get back on terms or even get their noses in front.

Having finally ended their long goalless run, the Blues had opportunities of their own in what had been an unusually open Championship game, which seemed unlikely to end with just the one goal scored having been like a basketball match at times.

The second half started scruffily but Town gradually got on top and 10 minutes after the restart, following a long spell of Blues possession, Best went close.

Lawrence brought the ball into the area and fed the striker, but he took slightly too long to get his shot away and Ben Turner blocked.

The Blues went close again just before the hour. Knudsen threw the ball down the left to Sears - in a position well beyond the Burton defence - and the frontman looped a cross to the far post, where Lawrence headed against Kyle McFadzean on the line. The loose ball fell to Bishop, but with a defender closing him down, the midfielder shot over.

Burton then enjoyed a spell on top, Webster taking the ball away from Akins on the edge of the six-yard box with his back to goal.

On 63 Irvine scuffed wide for the visitors before a limping Skuse was replaced by Conor Grant.

Town were next to threaten, Best superbly chesting a cross from the right into the path of Knudsen, but the Danish international got the ball caught under his feet.

Bishop eventually picked up the loose ball and drove into the area but his shot was blocked, then Best hit an effort straight at McLaughlin.

The former Newcastle man, putting in his best performance for the Blues, came close again in the 67th minute, cutting inside a defender before hitting a shot which deflected wide. A minute later, Ward took over from Bishop, who will have been pleased with his lively display.

Burton subsequently put the Blues under a spell of pressure but failed to create a serious chance, although Turner claimed a penalty - much to Christophe Berra’s annoyance - after a Ward freekick had flashed across the Town six-yard box. Soon after, Brewers skipper Mousinho was booked for a foul on Lawrence.

There was controversy in the 82nd minute when keeper McLaughlin and McFadzean collided as Best chased a long ball down the middle. Sears picked up the loose ball on the right and as he found the unmarked Lawrence at the far post with the goal gaping referee Langford stopped play for a head injury to McFadzean, much to the frustration of the Town bench.

With seven minutes Best was replaced by Paul Digby, the striker receiving warm applause from the Town support as he left the field. Digby took up the holding midfield role he has occupied for the U23s in recent weeks with Bru moving into the more advanced central midfield role and Ward up front.

On 88 Town sealed the win and Sears ended his 38-game goal drought. Lawrence turned inside his man on the left of the area before cutting across and Sears, without a goal since the Fulham game last December, smashed home, much to the delight of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand and his team-mates.

Town saw out five minutes of added on time to claim their first win since the 1-0 win at Derby just over a month ago and their fifth clean sheet in seven matches.

In truth it was a game which could have gone either way with Burton, who passed the ball around slickly, having had more than their fair share of chances. Equally, the Blues might have scored more if they had been more clinical. The game could easily have ended 4-3 either way.

The result moves the Blues up to 12th and, such is the nature of the Championship, only three points off the play-offs.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers, Webster, Berra, Knudsen, Skuse (Grant 63), Bru, Bishop (Ward 68), Lawrence, Sears, Best. Unused: Gerken, Emmanuel, Kenlock, Digby, Dozzell.

Burton: McLaughlin, Brayford (Flanagan 89), Mousinho (c) (Myers-Harness 84), McFadzean, Turner, O’Grady, Akins, Dyer, Ward, Palmer, Irvine (Williamson 89). Unused: Bywater, Naylor, Miller, Choudhury. Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands). Att: 15,818 (Burton: 134).


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Currie10 added 22:00 - Oct 18
GET IN Well done Freddy well done Chambers had to win tonight and did, 3 points off the play offs with our best 2 attacking players to come back, dare to dream COYB
17

prebsa added 22:02 - Oct 18
A good result yes but not a good performance. For the whole first half burton completely outplayed and outclassed us. They passed the ball well from box to box unlike us where we just hoofed it down the pitch at best or Freddie to just run at. Other than scoring in the first half we did nothing. Unfortunately that goal means that chambers is "different class" On the other side Knudsen couldn't even make a 5 yard pass and balls lumped down the line once again!

At half time burton must of felt unlucky to be behind because with a decent striker they cold if been 1 or 2 up rather than 1 behind.

Second half we started with a bit more urgency but still nothing of great entertainment. We did start to look a bit more attacking when Skuse went off the field and we brought on Grant. Only then did our midfield actually get hold of the ball and pass it around well. Word on Best as I thought he put in a very decent performance today. Sears did his usual running about and finally got himself a goal. Still I'm sure we will see him stuck on the wing next week thanks to MM picking the same old tactics.

Without Skuse and Douglas on the pitch we actually look like a team that can actually pass the ball on the floor and move it about, doubt MM realised that though. Lawrence as well tonight running the game making some lovely passes off and some good runs as well. Hopefully Johnny is fine and him in there as well will cause for some real problems for the opposition.

Overall it was another average game in parts and entertaining in others (mainly when we scored) which somehow we won 2-0 if Burton just had a decent striker we would not be coming away from that game with 3 points. However we did have parts of the game when we played some good football. We just doesn't seem to be able to do it for a whole 90mins. Certainly need to play a lot better than that Saturday otherwise Newcastle will unfortunately have a field day or maybe a 0-0 who knows.
43

obj124 added 22:02 - Oct 18
From what I heard sounded like an alright performance . Absolutely thrilled to see Freddie back amongst the goals and brilliant to get a chambers fist pump ! COYB !!
10

Hoofball added 22:02 - Oct 18
All this result has done is paper over the cracks !
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Currie10 added 22:05 - Oct 18
Come on 35 + commenters and absolute drivel spouters after EVERY SINGLE LOSS where are you at this moment? Internet connection gone down? Crying? Keyboard broken after your warrior wars?
-24

OwainG1992 added 22:06 - Oct 18
Well done lads! Playing the likes of Bish improves things hey! How the hell are we 3 points off the play offs? With Joniesta and Didz coming back....who knows! We pretty much hit rock bottom lately hopefully we can keep it going.
9

runaround added 22:11 - Oct 18
Maybe it's the alcohol talking but I'm in total shock that we not only scored but won! Was it planned or was it just injuries that caused Mock to play a more attacking formation? Only he will know but it was an improvement & although no means an outstanding performance I think we deserved the win. Saturday is somewhat of a free-hit result wise as no-one expects us to get anything other than a defeat but following that we need to get on a winning run to prove tonight wasn't just a one off. It's a step in the right direction but needs to be followed up & much still to do
10

DurhamTownFan added 22:13 - Oct 18
Currie10-that's unfair. Some
Of us have been complaining on here for a very long time and I've no doubt that there will be many more complaints over the rest of the season! Isn't it ok to be happy at the win, but still sceptical of the managers long term plans?
42

TractorBoy666 added 22:15 - Oct 18
McCarthy confirming Dougie is back in on Saturday! If Burton had a capable scorer this could have been all so different. Delighted for Freddie, deserves his goal. Although this doesn't change anything for me, MICK OUT.
24

Spanishblueblood added 22:15 - Oct 18
Oh dear, mick has already said that Douglas will start on Saturday, for the love of god!!!!!
24

TheSelkirk added 22:15 - Oct 18
Goals, result and Freddie apart, there were actually other parts of the game that I enjoyed tonight.

Interesting that they have given up on the scoreboard - obviously didn't think we would need it ...
6

Mick_Mills_Tache added 22:17 - Oct 18
Sod off, Currie10.

It's Burton. No disrespect to them but they're not exactly in the same ilk as Newcastle. This should be a routine win. As said above, it has only papered over the cracks.

A couple of things though. No Douglas and we win. Sears played in a more advanced role - goal. Skuse subbed off - better football played. Wonder if that is Mick admitting to us fans that he was in fact wrong. I bet he's feeling a bit sheepish tonight.

Still very much #MickOut
33

Fat_Boy_Tim added 22:18 - Oct 18
Dissagree with Prebsa, gecent chances were 50/50 in both halves, they had a lot of speculative shots but frankly they couldn't hit J-Lo's arse with a beach ball. Best was a pain (In a good way) all day long and Chambers was excellent, got a goal (which the team didn't manage the whole time JE was there) and was solid in defense. Bru played well, Bishop had flashes but you can't expect a lot given the ammount of football he's had.

Of course we go into the next game more defensively minded, they are top of the league and have a massive budget. MM might think he want's an extra midfielder and if you want Sears up top you'd have to drop Best. Alternatively you could have Sears on the wing and let the full backs defend (They'll need to do a lot of that).

I thought it was a good game, at the end of the day I wanted to see good football and I wanted my team to win and I got both. COYB
7

KillarneyBlue added 22:20 - Oct 18
Mick In
-23

martin587 added 22:20 - Oct 18
Great to get 3 Points,But one swallow don't make a summer.See what happens when the twosome is split up and the young lads play.Yes we were outplayed in the first half and made heavy going,But still good to win and let's just hope MM can see the wood from the tree's.A good team selection and a possible point at Newcastle will work wonders,but still a lot of hard work ahead.Happy drive home for once.
8

blueboy1981 added 22:20 - Oct 18
Much needed win - well done all.

Really pleased for Sears and Chambo' - both spent so, so long playing out of position - but they soldier on regardless, and do their very best.
12

RoyalAscotBlue added 22:20 - Oct 18
Currie10 you are rather deluded me thinks.
25

grumpyoldman added 22:21 - Oct 18
Currie 10 just checked when we lost to Leeds report and who's name is missing, oh yes Currie 10. Before you start making comments like that be prepared to be shown up for the stupidity of your post. Nice win tonight, Sears scoring a bonus, will I be visiting PR anytime soon on the basis of one result no chance!
28

TimmyH added 22:22 - Oct 18
Well done lads to get 3 points and to break our minutes without scoring, but in truth sounded a very open game and could have gone either way as the write up acknowledged.

With the Newcastle game coming up this weekend this was always going to be a must win to ease the pressure off McCarthy and in general the sort of game/team Mick does pick up points from at home. When we start to perform consistently and pick up points consistently then and only then will I give McCarthy some credit.

Hopefully Mick has learnt something tonight and that is to break up the Skuglas pairing (bet he'll be back for the weekend).
7

prebsa added 22:26 - Oct 18
Fat_Boy_Tim - Respect the opinion! Agree with what you say about having to be more defensive next game but do you not think we should just take the game to them? I along with what I assume many others don't expect a result so why not just give it a go and see what we can do?

Also thoughts on us playing without Douglas and then without Skuse aswell midway through the second half? I believe it showed what we already know which is we have midfielders on the bench that can play the ball, can split the defence and can entertain!
11

EssexTractor added 22:30 - Oct 18
Burton played nicely , msybe a team going somewhere but needed a target man to end some bright movements.
For us we huffed and puffed for awhile, halftime stats suggested we were the away team, yet we led at the break.
Second half and as the time dripped passed, at last we saw the man who just could be our inspiration as the season sees winter advancing, Tom Lawrence, who went forward with poise power and pace.
Some talent there but although he sort of did it alone tonight , against tougher opposition he will need others around him to play with such purpose and skill.
Not a classic match, but much needed three points.
Let's not pretend as some on Radio Suffolk have suggested that we have turned the corner , at the very least let's take stock after this Saturday's fixture.
12

blue86 added 22:31 - Oct 18
Much needed three points! Really pleased that Freddie finally got his goal, should give him some confidence. But.. We should be beating teams like Burton if we ever want to get out of this league, so won't wet myself over the result as some others will. Just glad that horrible run is now over. Let's try and now get a winning run together! Coyb
5

heathen66 added 22:35 - Oct 18
Just back from the game and to be honest I think Burton will count themselves a bit unlucky to come away with nothing. We were out played for large parts of the game by an average Burton side who may well have taken their many chances on another day. On the positive side it was 3 points and a very good performance from Lawrence and Webster. apart from the goal Chambers was awol most of the time and Knudsen lacks concentration. Best battled well, bet there is a long long way to go if anyone think we have turned a corner. The introduction of Digby for our main striker summed up McCarthys attitude, and why we will never be more than a mid table club.
21

sgtlargent added 22:35 - Oct 18
Fat boy Tim, give over. So because we didn't score a goal whilst Emmanuel was in the team, he warranted losing his place to a player who is vastly inferior in his position? Would love to see Chambers pass completion again tonight, I fear he may be in single digits.

The goal will paper things over for a lot of people due to our absolutely woeful count as of late, but truth of the matter is Chambers shouldn't be in that team off the back of Josh's performances and playing him for the reasons Mick stated over the past couple of days borders on the ridiculous.

As many have stated if this Burton side could hit a barn door then the result would've been very different.
21

iaintaylorx added 22:35 - Oct 18
One win doesn't change my view on this idiot in charge and if Douglas wasn't "injured", it'd be a completely different story! Best thing was Freddie scoring and shows the togetherness to be honest when you see your goalkeeper running the pitch to celebrate with the lads!
22


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