Ipswich Town 3-2 Blackburn Rovers - Match Report
Saturday, 14th Jan 2017 17:22 Tom Lawrence scored twice - the second a brilliant 30-yard strike - and Christophe Berra once as Town beat Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at Portman Road. Man of the match Lawrence opened the scoring with a low freekick before Hope Akpan pulled a goal back for the visitors just before half-time. Berra restored the lead soon after the restart, Lawrence made it 3-1 with his stunner, prior to Danny Graham pulling one back from the penalty spot for the Lancastrians.
Town made three changes from the team which drew 2-2 with Lincoln in the FA Cup last week with skipper Luke Chambers, Cole Skuse and Bartosz Bialkowski returning.
England U18 international striker Ben Morris and left-back Pat Webber were again included among the subs.
The Blues, watched from the directors’ box by Forest Green striker Kieffer Moore, whose signing is expected to be confirmed later today, lined up in a 3-5-2 system with Adam Webster, Chambers and Berra the three centre-halves, Josh Emmanuel and Jonas Knudsen the wing-backs, Skuse, Kevin Bru and Andre Dozzell in central midfield and Lawrence up front with Freddie Sears.
Following a minute’s applause in tribute to former England manager Graham Taylor, who died this week, the Blues were first to threaten.
A seventh-minute Lawrence freekick on the left was cleared out to Bru, whose hooked pass found Sears in space to the left of goal but the striker scuffed his shot across the face of goal when he will feel he ought to have scored.
Town continued to have the better of the opening stages with ex-Blackburn loanee Lawrence making one of his now familiar mazy runs before over-hitting his pass out to Emmanuel on the right.
On 10, following a spell of passing on the right, the on-loan Leicester man’s cross eventually found its way to Knudsen, who hit a shot on the turn which flew wide.
A minute later Sears went close again after Charlie Mulgrew had misjudged a long ball over the top but Rovers keeper Jason Steele was out quickly to snuff out the chance.
The Blues had been well on top but on 14 ex-Town loanee Liam Feeney broke quickly and fed Sam Gallagher on the left, however, Bialkowski came off his line swiftly to block.
Bialkowski was in action again two minutes later, tipping a Gallagher header over after Ben Marshall had crossed from the right.
On 26 Elliott Bennett, a player Town were keen on in the summer, hit a shot over from distance with the visitors by now more in the game.
But the Blues regained their earlier impetus and on 36 Dozzell, who had got more involved in the game the longer the half progressed, played in Sears on the right of the area with a clever pass but Steele palmed the ball behind.
Town had been the better side but without testing Steele enough but in the 38th minute they took the lead.
Knudsen was fouled just outside the area on the left and after Bru had tapped him the ball Lawrence hit a low strike which the Blackburn wall appeared to jump over and which Steele allowed to squirm under him and into the net, the loanee’s sixth goal of the season.
On 41 Dozzell brought the ball in from the right and found Bru, who looked to turn the ball back into the 17-year-old’s path and failed to find him when he probably should have shot. A minute later Lawrence was booked for a foul on Akpan.
In the 43rd minute Rovers got back on terms and as so often of late the goal stemmed from a Town error.
Berra gave away possession on the Blues left to Feeney, who crossed to Graham. The former Middlesbrough man stabbed it out to Akpan, who smashed a low shot past Bialkowski from the edge of the box.
The Blues only had themselves to blame for losing their lead but quickly went about restoring it, Lawrence hitting a 25-yard effort which Steele did well to push past his right post, then Knudsen slammed a powerful volley which the keeper blocked with his chest but with no Town player able to add a final touch.
Referee James Linington’s whistle ending the half was greeted by muted applause with the Blues having been on top, passing the ball around slickly at times.
Rovers had shown little and having got their noses in front the Blues should have gone on to impose their superiority over the opposition further, but once again were left rueing a preventable goal as they went off at the break.
Soon after the restart Lawrence hit a low shot which Steele saved down to his right with Town beginning the half strongly.
And on 53 they got back in front. Knudsen’s deep cross from the left led to a corner on the right, Lawrence sent in a ball to the near post where Skuse flicked it on and Berra stabbed over the line from a couple of feet, the Scotland international’s first goal of the season and his first since March last year.
Four minutes later it was 3-1 as Lawrence netted the latest contender in his own personal goal of the season competition.
The Welshman brought the ball forward before unleashing a superb 30-yard strike which curled inside the motionless Steele’s left post before rippling the net. Town’s now-seven-goal top scorer celebrated in front of the rapturous Sir Bobby Robson Stand.
Feeney curled a shot not too far wide for Rovers on 61 as they looked to get back in the game before Dozzell was booked for a foul on the one-time Blues loanee. On 67 Grant Ward took over from Dozzell, who had had his best game having started for the first team so far.
The Blues, who were enjoying the vocal backing of their supporters, continued to push for goals with Lawrence at the heart of most of their best work. On 71 the Wales international cut the ball across to Skuse on the edge of the box. The Bristolian had a chance to shoot but instead fed Sears in space in the area but the striker’s effort was blocked by Steele.
Town had been well on to and looking in no trouble whatsoever until the 73rd minute when Webster was adjudged to have fouled Akpan as the pair challenged on the left of the area with the Blackburn substitute going nowhere.
It looked a harsh award with the pair battling for a loose ball after Akpan had blocked a clearance but referee Linington was in no doubt. Danny Graham rolled the spotkick to Bialkowski’s left to pull the scoreline somewhat undeservedly back to 3-2.
The goal gave the visitors a boost and on 79 Chambers made an important challenge on Graham on the edge of the box after he had inadvertently diverted Emnes’s header from Feeney’s cross into the striker’s path.
But Town gradually started to reassert their superiority, Ward finding Sears after Lawrence had played him a freekick on the edge of the box and the ex-West Ham man sending in a low cross from the right which Blackburn cleared.
In the final minutes Blackburn sought to put the Blues under pressure but without testing Bialkowski. On 89 Paul Digby replaced Bru.
As the match moved into four minutes of injury time Lawrence was given a chance to claim a hat-trick when he won a freekick 25 yards out towards the left but badly shanked his shot wide.
Late on, Sears also had a chance to make it four when sent away by Ward as Town counter-attacked but blazed well over.
Deep in injury time Blackburn claimed a second penalty when Derrick Williams ran into the area and was outmuscled or manhandled by Emmanuel depending on how you viewed the incident but referee Linington waved away the visitors’ protests much to the relief of the home fans.
Seconds later, the Newport Isle-of-Wight-based official’s final whistle confirming Town's first win of 2017 was greeted with applause from the home fans, who then stayed on to cheer a Chambers fist-pump.
The Blues thoroughly deserved the three points but as so often recently made life difficult for themselves, allowing Rovers back into the game twice, and might even have gifted them a late penalty with the late claim one which might well have given.
Lawrence’s brilliant second goal was the highlight of a much brighter and far less fractious afternoon at Portman Road, a strike even better than his goal at QPR and the Welshman put in another outstanding performance in a central role in which he appears to revel.
The Blues have now gone 22 league games without repeating the same result in successive matches - since they drew with Wolves and Norwich in August - equalling a club record established in 1965/66.
The result moves the Blues up to 14th in the Championship ahead of Tuesday night’s tricky FA Cup replay at Lincoln City.
Town: Bialkowski, Emmanuel, Chambers (c), Webster, Berra, Knudsen, Skuse, Bru (Digby 90), Dozzell (Ward 67), Sears, Lawrence. Unused: Gerken, Best, Douglas, Morris, Webber.
Blackburn Rovers: Steele, Williams, Lowe (c), Feeney, Marshall, Graham, Mulgrew, Gallagher, Akpan, Lenihan, Bennett (Emnes 61). Unused: Raya, Greer, Emnes, Nyambe, Tomlinson, Mahoney, Brown. Att: 15,009 (Blackburn: 295).
Photo: TWTD
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grumpyoldman added 20:37 - Jan 14
Nice weekend, I can go into work Monday and not have to listen to a lot of crowing canaries. |  | |
dirtydingusmagee added 21:26 - Jan 14
have to agree with dissboyitfc, it was a result today, but we have got a long way to go if we are to achieve anything other than mediocrity, and I really don't see us doing that under present set up. |  | |
BlueMachines added 21:36 - Jan 14
Carsey. Bart was 'hesitant' as the Blackburn forwards were pushing forward and marking the back 3. Did you not see that? | | |
pragmatic added 21:40 - Jan 14
Lots of wasn't there today!! "Call yourself supporters" !!! | | |
budgieplucker added 21:55 - Jan 14
A lot lot better. Who needs wingers? Although we do need Tom Lawrence who looks much more menacing when he can play that free role to roam. OK Freddie wasn't back to his best but again having the shackles of being cover left back or left winger removed from him his endeavour had a far more refreshing feel about his play. OK the 3 at the back occasionally looked uncomfortable but certainly Chambo again was able to show he is a worthy Advocate playing in this formation, Berra far less so but we do have Tommy Smith to come back.
Not having a target man actually forced us into a possession based game which at times we played very well at. The crowd were very genuinely warmed by the intent to try and play football and didn't even wane when another awful mistake was made to concede Blackburns first goal. They stuck with it and we should have been 4 or 5 up before conceding a harsh penalty.
Josh Emmanuel had an outstanding game, young DOZ providing some nice touches and Skuse justifying the managers confidence in him with performances like this. I am not a Knudsen fan but even Jonas today was able to look more enterprising.
Now I am not going to go over the top, but we can play football when MM puts players in positions that suit them, yes a 3 5 2 may need some work to develop and refine but it is a catalyst to make something of this season and we should stick with it and recruit the right players to make it work. How many failed wingers have we had under Mick?
A good result and a good platform to move forward but alas I can't see Mick not continuing to tinker with the formation on a match by match basis disrupting continuity. |  | |
GiveusaWave added 22:03 - Jan 14
Way way better and the team should feel proud of the performance today. Lawrence looks awesome in that left "wing" position and Bart and Emmanuel looked outstanding. Way better performance but the really big game is coming up; We badly need a good cup run this year, both for the fans and for money. A win at Lincoln changes our transfer funds significantly, leading to a greater chance of players such as Danny Ward and Huggill being signed up by the club. Offers of 1 million suddenly turns into an offer of 1.3, which is significant and may get our man. I can't stress how much we need to defeat Lincoln City. |  | |
Algorfa1978 added 22:07 - Jan 14
I hope tommy smith replaces Berra when he's fit and I agree with danlyles Ken lock should replace Knudsen then hopefully we can cut out these bad mistakes which are costing us each week !
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heathen66 added 22:12 - Jan 14
Very much improved performance today from many individuals.and what a fantastic strike from Lawrence
I think a lot of the time we actually attempted to play the ball on the ground
Cole Skuse had his best gave for a long while and he actually did things I did notice rather than those apparently that you don't notice which everyone raves about.
Concerns again around Berra and Knudsen but we know that will never change
Lawrence is an absolute star and we should be encouraging him that here is the best place for him to progress his career (another years loan) until he is ready for the Premier League.
Same team and same formation on Tuesday, this game is all about momentum.
I am certainly not saying that all is rosy in the garden as this was against a very poor Blackburn side, but it was never the less an improvement. |  | |
SheptonMalletBlue added 22:52 - Jan 14
Good win today. But it means nothing to me while McCarthy is in charge. I watched our play off semi/final (2000) the other night, made me feel quite emotional seeing that great team we once had, compared with the 5hit that the Yorksire/Irishman serves up. We have some good players who are being ruined by McCarthy's dire management, Freddie being a prime example. McCarthy, please leave our great club!! |  | |
shakytown added 23:05 - Jan 14
Get rid of the dross like douggie and the other past it no hopers and make a serious bid ( 5million+ ) for Lawrence and keep using the younger players who will just keep getting better with games. The only way to bring the crowds back is entertainment and trying to win. Sure we will lose some but we will win more in the long run.
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bugblatter added 23:15 - Jan 14
Great strike by Lawrence, but did no one notice the deflection on the way in? |  | |
sirmichealmills added 23:40 - Jan 14
But why was MM love child Knudsen in again?
I'd love Lawrence to stay, but we've got no chance. On a positive though well done for the signing today ITFC, I've got no problem with thoughs lower league punts, much rather that than a thirty something donkey who can't get a game anywhere else
Just don't let me down on Tuesday please! |  | |
Pencilpete added 00:21 - Jan 15
i've moaned alot lately, so today credit where credit is due.
Much better team selection and tactics and a much better performance.
Its a step in the right direction - no more no less. | | |
Steelmonkey added 00:48 - Jan 15
Great result, and can only echo the thoughts on Tom Lawrence expressed by so many. We looked so much better today with the three centre backs. Although Berra really looks to be having a bad spell at the moment, that's three goals given away by him now.
He doesn't have any composure on the ball, has time to control it and make a passing move but instead it's hoof it over the top.
Not seen the penalty decision again yet but seemed a harsh decision by the ref who made a number of gaffes throughout the game.
Came away today feeling happier, but can't help thinking that we will be back o square one again next game.
Not looking forward to watching the FA cup replay on Tuesday. |  | |
blue75 added 07:17 - Jan 15
Good to get the win and the performance was better. Don't know how long he'll let us keep playing like that but it was the first time I've felt entertained in a long time. Still want McCarthy gone he's just not an Ipswich manager!! | | |
SpiritOfJohn added 08:15 - Jan 15
Mick had everyone rushing to the bookies to lay bets on a 0-0 thanks to his 'back to clean sheets' spiel prior to kick-off and then he plays 3-5-2 which coincidentally leads to the same scoreline (Ipswich 3, total 5, Blackburn 2). Can a leopard change its spots after all? Let's hope he sticks to this formation for a run of games. |  | |
warktheline added 08:22 - Jan 15
Has stubborn McCarthy finally seen the light? Change of formation, move flair in midfield,Chambers finally bloody moved from RB! Obviously not convinced as yet in regards to McCarthy's future tactical intentions, but this I will say, funds haven't and still aren't in abundance, thus IF McCarthy has had a 'brain transplant ' and decided to 'entertain us' I certainly won't be complaining if the 'boys' come up short on many a weekend!
Please don't give me that crap it's only 'Blackburn' , 3 points are 3 points against anybody,and actually achieved in front of a 'rather happily entertained crowd'. This is the only way forward for the vast majority of 'Suffolk folk' a blend of youth mixed with experience playing entertaining football , so what if Newcastle beat us on home soil 2-4, or 3-6, it bloody well beats 0-2, without 'intention'.
Financially we aren't competing, BUT there's no reason why we can't compete in relation to entertainment!
For heavens sake McCarthy please take this mind set into Lincolnshire, and give us much downtrodden fans 'GREAT EXPECTATIONS'. |  | |
brittaniaman added 08:48 - Jan 15
YES A lot better performance today, Tom Lawrence is our new John Wark !!! BUT unfortunately he is not Ours !!!!
We have just got a small matter to overcome on Tuesday now ???? | | |
bluelady added 09:23 - Jan 15
I do think it's sad that when we have a decent win so few post... I have not been happy lately at all had even jumped on the Mick out band wagon but it just showed at the game yesterday getting behind the team really helps! 'Supporting the players rather than finding fault I realised how much better I felt!! I want Mick to work I really do and clearly so does he! We actually played decent football at times today.. still on occiasons hoofed it and too much head tennis, however players like Skuse and Lawrence are such good controllers of the ball they at times interrupted head tennis by taking the ball down controlling it and passing!! Chambers is a CB and a damn good one at that... Skuse showed that he is not only good at protecting the back four but when allowed forward he is decent in attack (yes he should have taken a shot rather than passing but that comes with confidence!) He assisted the second goal and assuming as he did the lay off assisted the first too? He was class yesterday just outshined by Lawrence! We missed Skuse last sat and dare I say it chambers too?!!! We scored from two set pieces today! the team looked up for it, the style worked for pretty much everyone. Once Freddie gets his shooting boots back on he will score playing there... he did worry the hell out of their defence today just the final ball. Knudsen I'm afraid cannot cross the ball though and that's crytical for a wing back, Kenlock can! Kenlock and Emmanuel are natural wingbacks!!! All in all I came away happy not only with points but with performance and crowd attitude, win Tuesday then let's crack on and finish top half above Norwich!!' |  | |
WindsorBlueArmy added 09:42 - Jan 15
Agree with many of the positive comments on here.I enjoyed yesterday's game(and not just because we won!!)We continue to have the leagues best keeper,the system looked good but will take time for players to get used to.Its fine having wing backs but when they get forward there needs to be cover at the back and a decent attacking cross delivered.It was obvious that Blackburn exploited our left:Knudsen went forward and Berra couldn't cover because he is a defensive centre half and not a ball player(hence their first goal).The midfield looked positive especially with Skuse,Dozzell,and Lawrence driving us forward.I thought that Freddie upset their back 4 all afternoon.Lets be honest we should have had 3 or 4 by half timeJust be happy we won,have signed a player and were helped with our support in SBR Lower by some very friendly Dusseldorf fans.Well done to all.Oh forgot to mention our friends north of the border!!!
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Orraman added 09:50 - Jan 15
At last a game to enjoy. It may be a one off but it made such a change to leave Portman Rd with a feeling of satisfaction. Tom Lawrence's second goal was worth the money on it's own. Another pointer was that there were no square pegs in round holes. Chambers showed how good he can be with a solid CB display and I thought Cole Skuse had an outstanding game.
It looked like MM had released the shackles a bit and it really showed - but how long will he stick to this until his natural instincts revert to boring dull and turgid. More of the same on Tuesday please. | | |
happybeingblue added 10:23 - Jan 15
Watching highlights of Fulham they look a cut above every team at the moment , lovely football . That manager slavisa clearly knows how to play good football as he did at Watford too. Hopefully one day the town will get back in that zone , but at the moment we need to grind out some more wins for safety from the drop . |  | |
BlueandTruesince82 added 11:55 - Jan 15
Yes it's only Blackburn but a better performance. More to the point perhaps we should at look at Blackburns ownership and ask ourselves whether Evans gets to much flack?
Venkys have taken an established prem team and sent them tumbling Dow the league.
If they go down Sam Gallagher might be a decent addition for us
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Brownie added 12:54 - Jan 15
I am one of those who got rid of the season ticket due to boredom. I have still been to half a dozen home games & also QPR, Sheffield & Newcastle.
I don't think those of us who are so upset & frustrated with the current manager & owner are any less supportive of the club. I have never understood the argument that if you don't go you aren't a supporter.
I agree with bluelady that it is sad people don't comment after a win. I think MM deserves some credit for team selection yesterday and it was by all accounts an entertaining game. That will get me back every week - a manager who tries to win rather than not lose & a club who invest in the squad at the level required if we are going to try and progress. Oh the ticket prices are a disgrace..
In the meantime I have purchased tickets for the Derby game in the spirit of optimism I get on a Sunday after a win. Mind you I note they have just signed Nugent. I knew that it couldn't be going that well..
Good luck to the boys Tuesday & safe journey to anyone who is going.
COYB!
PS - re above Sam Gallagher is a very good player but he is on loan from Southampton. I suggest a similar problem buying him as with Lawrence and wages. |  | |
The_Romford_Blue added 13:19 - Jan 15
Good performance
No surprise to see PenguinBlue has conveniently not commented this week |  | |
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