Samuel and Patterson Both Net Hat-Tricks as U23s Hammer Watford Monday, 6th Feb 2017 22:28 by James Ager New loan striker Dominic Samuel netted a second-half hat-trick in his first appearance in a Town shirt, New Zealand international Monty Patterson having scored a treble of his own in the first, as the Blues' U23s smashed Watford 8-0 at Portman Road on Monday evening, with George Fowler and Kieffer Moore also finding the net for Gerard Nash's side.
Recent signings Danny Rowe, Moore and Samuel all started and they were joined by Tommy Smith, Teddy Bishop and Myles Kenlock, who are all returning from recent injuries.
It took the Blues just 90 seconds to open the scoring and Rowe, who started on the right side of midfield, was the architect. The former Macclesfield winger played a delightful ball out to Patterson who was able to take a touch before calmly slotting the ball through Nathan Gartside's legs.
At the other end Town keeper Michael Crowe did well to beat away an effort from Brice Djedje and shortly after the Welsh U21 international kept out Dennon Lewis's freekick from 25 yards.
However, on 24 the visitors fell further behind and Rowe claimed his second assist of the night. The diminutive wideman was released by Bishop and although Moore couldn't connect with his cut-back across the box, Patterson (pictured below) capitalised and side-footed home.
Four minutes later Bishop's central midfield partner James Blanchfield picked up his first yellow of the game following a cynical foul on Hornets skipper Carl Stewart.
Just after the half-hour mark Rowe's corner from the left was headed towards goal by Moore and although his header was kept out, right-back Fowler followed up and scored Town's third with a composed finish.
Town were rampant and looked dangerous every time they attacked, and with five minutes of the half remaining they added a deserved fourth. Moore latched onto a ball over the top and produced a fine finish from a tight angle to beat Gartside.
As the half moved into stoppage time, Moore's deflected effort looped over the visiting keeper and was bundled over the line by Patterson to complete his hat-trick, although the ball looked as though it would've found the net without the 20-year-old's intervention.
Rowe was withdrawn at the break in what looked to be a pre-planned change, and it looks as though he will offer Mick McCarthy a good attacking option from out wide. His left-footed set-piece deliveries were dangerous and he certainly wasn't afraid to take on his opponent with a combination of pace and skill.
Despite the change it took Town just two minutes to add a sixth. Moore was again involved as he burst past his marker on the left and into the area before cutting the ball back to Samuel, who produced a clinical, first-time finish from 12 yards out.
On 54 Ben Morris's corner from the left wasn't cleared and the Reading loanee was given the time and space to find the net again as he blasted an effort through a crowded six-yard box.
A flurry of yellow cards - Watford were shown six in total - and substitutions somewhat disrupted the flow of the game and in what can only be described as a 'Graham Poll' moment, Blanchfield avoided a red card despite being shown his second yellow of the game for a foul on 65.
Despite having a word with his assistant Ryan Whittaker, referee Elliott Kaye failed to show the red and Blanchfield was substituted minutes later.
Gartside then did well to block Samuel's effort after more good work from Bishop, but in the final minute of normal time Fowler's low right-sided cross was only parried into the air by the Hornets keeper and Samuel powerfully headed the ball into the corner of the net to complete the rout.
After Crowe's two early saves, Town completely dominated the rest of the match and the Watford defence was left visibly shell-shocked at times.
To put the result into context, the last time a Town second-string scored eight in a competitive game was back in May 2009 when a Connor Wickham hat-trick helped them thrash Stevenage.
The returning Tommy Smith and Kenlock were comfortable throughout and neither were really tested, although the former was dominant in the air early on and will have been pleased to get 90 minutes under his belt.
Moore and Samuel worked well together up front and Moore, who played two-thirds of the game in a shirt with no number after a blood wound, was a constant threat.
He won most aerial battles but also showed some neat touches to bring others into the game, and also proved he can find the net when given the opportunity.
Likewise, Samuel took his three goals well and Bishop literally took the game to the visitors with a number of impressive runs forward, as well as some fine tackles to win back possession.
All in all the Town fans would've been impressed with the intensity their side maintained for much of the game, and they'll be looking forward to seeing more of the new signings in McCarthy's first XI.
U23s: Crowe, Fowler, Kenlock, Bishop, C Smith, T Smith, Rowe (Morris 46), Blanchfield (McDonnell 67), Patterson (McLoughlin 76), Moore, Samuel. Unused: Woolfenden, Hayes.
Photo: ITFC
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BlueNomad added 22:37 - Feb 6
These new boys didn't cost much so it doesn't count............ | | |
runaround added 22:37 - Feb 6
A few players sending a message to Mick tonight then! Can only be a positive thing as no player can should be assured of a starting place now, not even his favourites | | |
Battyboy added 22:39 - Feb 6
Fantastic game tonight, dominated from start to finish. Excellent start to the week following the weekend results. COYB. | | |
12th_Man added 22:40 - Feb 6
Watford were poor tonight but we played some great stuff tonight. Could be interesting squad Saturday | | |
legoman added 22:41 - Feb 6
Mike Crowe is a fine keeper. We are so blessed with keepers at the mo! | | |
Gforce added 22:44 - Feb 6
Let's hope it rubs off on the first team ! | | |
budgieplucker added 22:48 - Feb 6
Outstanding performance from the lads, football, football and more football. At times I could hardly believe my eyes. Some great individual performances all round. But first and foremost, I thought Teddy Bishop was absolutely outstanding tonight, orchestrated almost everything. He wore the number 4 shirt and I have to say some of his play was strikingly reminiscent of another former Town great number 4, Frans Thijssen. OK this was only an u23 game but if Teddy can produce that sort of play week in week out in the championship then we have some hell of a player who will smash the Ipswich record transfer fee by a country mile. I really liked Monty Patterson, played from the left wing but looked a good allround strong player. James Blanchfield certainly provided Teddy with a lot of support and d tenacious play in the middle of the park. How the ref failed to miss that he had already had one yellow card when he got booked a second time was a real stroke of luck. Having said that I am not sure the second tackle actually warranted a yellow. Kieffer Moore led the line well in awkward gangly wayoub but still very effective and Samuel whilst quiet in a lot of his play turned up to be a poached her at the right time on three occasions. Danny Rowe showed enough in 45 minutes to warrant a place on the bench for the first team. Would like to see more of Month though. Well done lads and thank you for such an enjoyable evening and a treat of football | | |
rfretwell added 22:49 - Feb 6
Starting to look like the Lincoln/Derby atrocious defeats for the first team were the Li point of the clubs season. The new boys all making an impact. | | |
GiveusaWave added 22:51 - Feb 6
I know it's only a reserve game and it really doesn't matter in the scheme of things, but great result nevertheless. Long time since we won anything 8-0.... | | |
Botham1981 added 22:51 - Feb 6
Great atmosphere at PR tonight, come on more people get down there to watch the U23s. then they may open a second bar ... | | |
Battyboy added 22:59 - Feb 6
The balance of the team was perfect tonight. Bishop and Blanchfield orchestrated the midfield. Defence was solid and played out from the back allowing Fowler and Kenlock to work the flank. Upfront we again dominated both in the air and with pace. Brilliant night of football. | | |
goathead added 23:00 - Feb 6
Mick will have a tough job naming the subs Saturday. Must leave either Sears or Pitman out of the squad so Samuels can be included.... | | |
jutever added 23:48 - Feb 6
Happy days....COYB'S | | |
harlingblue added 01:29 - Feb 7
Wow! The last few days have been a real tonic for us long suffering Town supporters. On Saturday with the addition of 3 transfer window signings playing and a far stronger subs bench, saw Town put in their best performance for many a month in the 2-2 draw with high flying Reading. Tonight the U23 side bolstered by 3 further transfer window signings, and the return from injury of Smith, Bishop and Kenlock saw the team run their Watford counterparts ragged for a 8-0 win. A fabulous team performance with some fine football played. Onwards and upwards. Now we have a squad of players that can now give MM a selection headache, but also a chance to have a plan B and C up his sleeve. | | |
bobble added 04:01 - Feb 7
This team should play against villa | | |
Warkystache added 06:49 - Feb 7
Brilliant result! Anyone else think Monty Patterson looks like Jordan Rhodes? | | |
ottawafan added 07:09 - Feb 7
Was MM is attendance for the full game, or any of it? | | |
Sam added 07:19 - Feb 7
Welcome to ITFC Dominic. Hope you enjoy it. SamITFCFAN [age 10] | | |
SpiritOfJohn added 07:47 - Feb 7
8 goals without Lawrence! No wonder Watford defenders looked shell-shocked :) | | |
Palestine added 07:49 - Feb 7
Wow! Think this is literally my happiest ITFC moment of the season! Attacking football and goals galore, and early signs that the new signings could actually be a pushing immediately for contention! Oh to see the first team be a bit more attack-minded and threaten goals! COYB!! | | |
Slambo added 08:37 - Feb 7
Went to the game just for something to do of a Monday - what a decision that was..! 7 academy players plus 2 prospects from the lower leagues. Teddy Bishop put in the most consummate midfield display i've ever seen from him - looking for the ball, box-to-box running, pinpoint tackling, spraying balls all over the field and skinning the opposition with ease. Only thing he didn't get was a goal. If he can just stay fit he really could be the new Matty Holland. Kieffer Moore was unplayable. Maybe the future's not so bleak after all, eh..? | | |
roytheboy added 08:38 - Feb 7
What a wonderful display and result, apart from this talented bunch of players, perhaps the club should also be taking note of the way Gerard Nash coaches his team to play ! this gives me a good feeling for our clubs' future, just the tonic we need. | | |
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