Emyr Huws’s 83rd minute goal saw Town to a 1-0 win against Aston Villa at Villa Park, the Midlanders’ first home defeat of the season. The on-loan Cardiff man smashed home his first Blues goal from David McGoldrick’s left-wing cross

Grant Ward replaced Cole Skuse in midfield in an otherwise unchanged Town side, again in a 3-5-2 system, the ex-Spurs man having taken over from the Bristolian when he suffered an achilles injury during last week’s 2-2 home draw with Reading.

Aston Villa handed a debut to former Swansea full-back Neil Taylor and home debuts to one-time Blue Conor Hourihane, Scott Hogan and Birkir Bjarnason. Striker Keinan Davis, who had a trial with the Town academy at the start of last season, was on the bench.

The game started feistily with Hourihane catching Huws with an elbow after only 10 seconds, much to the anger of skipper Luke Chambers, who remonstrated with referee Tim Robinson, but the official gave a freekick and nothing beyond that.

On seven Ward conceded a freekick just outside the area, which Hourihane hit into the wall. Town failed to clear and Bartosz Bialkowski did well to save from Lansbury from an angle on the left down to his right.

From the corner, Bialkowski was forced into an even better stop, saving sharply from Hourihane after a loose ball had fallen to the Irishman. Chambers blocked a subsequent effort before the ball went behind off a Villa player.

Town claimed a penalty two minutes later when top scorer Tom Lawrence skipped into the area and ended up on the ground as he went past a defender. Referee Robinson was unmoved.

Having found themselves under pressure only a couple of minutes earlier the Blues, wearing white shirts and blue shorts, briefly began to dictate the game and on 11 Ward crossed from the right and McGoldrick’s header was blocked by Lansbury.

On 17 Hourihane found space midway inside the Town half and played in Taylor on the left but the left-back slipped as Josh Emmanuel challenged and eventually the ball was bundled out off the Wales international.

Villa got back on top as the half moved towards its midway point and on 21 they came very close to going in front. Hogan won a freekick from Steven Taylor on the left and rather than crossing Lansbury played a low ball to the edge of the box to the unmarked Bjarnason, who struck a powerful shot which crashed against the bar with Bialkowski beaten.

Town lost Taylor soon afterwards, the defender having treatment on the touchline before disappearing down the tunnel. Myles Kenlock replaced him soon afterwards, the 20-year-old going to left wing-back, Jonas Knudsen to the left of the three and Christophe Berra to the centre.

Villa continued to have most of the ball and on 33 Hogan curled a shot wide from the edge of the box.

Three minutes later, Alan Hutton broke down the right and sent in a deep cross which flew beyond Hogan and Chambers to Jonathan Kodjia, whose acrobatic effort fortunately for Town lacked power and Bialkowski claimed.

McGoldrick conjured the Blues’ best chance of the half a minute later, cutting in from the right and hitting a shot which may well have been on target until it struck a defender and flew wide.

After a Lawrence freekick from midway inside the Villa half had come to nothing, McGoldrick tried another effort from distance but sent the ball well over.

On 42 Chambers battled with Kodjia on the Villa left, the ball appearing to go out of play before the ex-Bristol City striker retrieved it and brought it back out and hit a low shot which Bialkowski saved comfortably down to his left.

In the final minute of the half Berra was caught in the face by a flailing Tommy Elphick arm as Lawrence sent a cross in from the right after a freekick had initially been cleared. Elphick had got nowhere near the ball but referee Robinson was again not interested in penalty claims with Town manager Mick McCarthy clearly unhappy with the challenge on the touchline.

Berra underwent treatment on the pitch but in injury time became the second Blues centre-half forced off by injury with Jordan Spence taking over on the right of the three with Chambers now in the centre.

The half ended soon afterwards with Villa having been the better side and having gone closest to opening the scoring via Bjarnason’s strike off the bar, while Bialkowski had been the busier of the keepers and the home side had had most of the ball.

Nevertheless, the Blues had had spells on the ball without anything too significant being created from open play. However, they had won a number of corners and McGoldrick and Lawrence, who hadn’t seen enough of the ball, had shown fleeting signs of being able to cause the Villa backline problems.

Town, with their makeshift back three consisting of two full-backs and a centre-half who has spent most of his recent career at full-back, started the second half brightly, Ward escaping down the right but scuffing his cross to Villa keeper Sam Johnstone.

The Blues continued their positive start and on 54 won a corner on the left which Villa keeper Johnstone punched away, not entirely comfortably, ahead of McGoldrick.

On 57 a powerful Huws strike deflected wide after Ward, more influential since the restart, had found him following a strong run forward.

From the resultant corner Town should have gone in front. Villa failed to clear and Spence hooked a loose ball wide from six yards when he should have scored with Diagouraga appearing to have been hauled back as he sought to get on to it.

Town threatened again in the 61st minute, Lawrence crossing from the right and McGoldrick heading over. Six minutes later, Villa swapped Hutton for Albert Adomah.

Villa began to get on top and on 72 Hogan claimed a penalty but appeared just to have gone to ground as he ran into Knudsen.

Three minutes later, Lansbury struck a 20-yard freekick straight at Bialkowski, before Knudsen was booked for fouling Adomah as the home side broke. As a number of Villa players protested that play should have been allowed to continue as they were still on the attack, Lawrence underwent treatment on his ankle.

Diagouraga joined the Danish international in the book for a foul on 79, Hourihane’s freekick from halfway looping into the box and bouncing over without being being touched by a player from either team, Town’s defensive aerial presence having been diminished by the first-half substitutions.

Villa went close for the first time in the second half in the 81st minute when Nathan Baker headed a corner goalwards but McGoldrick was on the post to block and Kenlock to turn behind.

And in the 83rd minute Town went in front. Lawrence was felled by a diving Elphick but referee Robinson played a good advantage as McGoldrick got on to the loose ball, took it on to the byline before cutting a low cross back to Huws, who arrived late and slammed into the net from six yards.

Huws and the rest of the Blues players celebrated in front of the ecstatic travelling support to their right.

McGoldrick curled a shot which was too high on 87 before Kevin Bru took over in midfield from goalscorer Huws. Two minutes later, Leandro Bacuna replaced Elphick for Villa.

Soon after the fourth official had held up a board indicating four minutes of additional time, Hourihane sent a 25-yard freekick deep into the Holte End.

Town were forced to repel a couple more corners, one or two more balls into the box and a late Kodjia strike straight at Bialkowski before referee Robinson’s whistle confirmed Town’s first win against Villa since a 1994 victory at Villa Park.

There were excellent performances throughout the Town side from goalscorer Huws and Diagouraga in midfield, McGoldrick and Lawrence up front to the back three, two of in unfamiliar roles due to the first-half injuries, the wing-backs and Bialkowski, who handled confidently in goal.

The result sees the Blues, who had gone 14 games without a clean sheet before today, climb to 13th ahead of Tuesday’s trip to second-place Brighton, who beat Burton Albion 4-1 today.

Villa: Johnstone, Hutton (Adomah 67), Elphick (Bacuna 89), Chester (c), Baker, Taylor, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Hourihane, Kodjia, Hogan. Unused: Bunn, Green, Gardner, Amavi, Davis.

Town: Bialkowski, Emmanuel, Chambers (c), Taylor (Kenlock 25), Berra (Spence 46), Knudsen, Ward, Diagouraga, Huws (Bru 87), Lawrence, McGoldrick. Unused: Gerken, Pitman,Sears, Moore. Referee: Tim Robinson (West Sussex). Att: 30,796.

Photo: TWTD

Mick_Mills_Tache added 17:33 - Feb 11 People say that we have a reputation for being a bit 'rough and ready'....certainly on the receiving end today. Playing over 45 minutes effectively with no centre halves and 4 full backs (in Micks eyes, anyway). Well done all at ITFC. Very good result and one that should see us safe now. Only downfall to the last two matches and performances? Lawrence, Dia and Huws, who've all been fantastic since they've been here, won't be here next season! That is, of course, unless Evans decides he's suddenly interested in Ipswich again and suddenly finds some ambition. Does this change my mind about Mick? No. Not in the slightest. He'll need to keep this up and not revert to the old ways. He'll also need to take cup competitions seriously. IF, and that's a big if, that was to happen then he may change it.

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DJpatrovers1 added 17:38 - Feb 11 Unbelievably chuffed with this result, being at the game made it all the more sweeter! Diagouraga & huwes we superb in midfield, with toumani lookin to play first time passes and getting the team on the front foot whilst hewes battled extremely well and really looked up for a hwhile fight - his run intonth box for the goal showed his hunger & desire - you can tell he hasn't had a game in a while! Credit to the team loosing 2 defenders yet still looking to get a break whenever possible - again Bart was superb in goal especially first half - overall this was a great team performance and once again shootout to all the fans who made it, superb support as always! COYB!

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grumpyoldman added 17:43 - Feb 11 We have a couple of reasonable results and the Mick in brigade start up, yes I am happy about the results, but one argument used to support him is he has had no funds, now forgive if I am wrong but we didn't spend much in the transfer window and without big fees but a change of tactics and have results improved, so as some argued it was not the money but the philosophy that was at fault.

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BlueandTruesince82 added 17:47 - Feb 11 So 3 pen shouts (2 good ones?) Turned down? Two elbows not even carded plus losing two CBS before the first half was out and we still nicked 3 points. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Poxy village 1 - absolute $#!*€ hole 0. It's all right though David Cameron still supports you, or is it West Ham? Hahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahwhaha. I would not be nearly so smug if I hadnt read Harrys article. That's why we Trawl other boards. To provide us with entertainment and look into other footballing cultures. I guess up the Rd they're too busy having surgery to unwebb their feet, trying to marry their cousins and do everything they can not to leave Norfolk unless on a coach with other scum types, because you know, theirs safety in numbers and you've a half chance of kidnapping some outsiders to take back and dilute the gene pool. Really happy, best I've felt about a win all season and that is down to reading the pre match thoughts of the Villans. Harry, you made my week.

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TimmyH added 17:51 - Feb 11 Good result and even better considering the injuries which occurred during the match and resulting in a change of personnel at the back. Glad too for Huws who has made a surprisingly good impression in his first 2 games and scoring today. Fancied our chances today considering Villa have been struggling and maybe a glimmer of light on the horizon considering the underwhelming signatures made in the transfer window might be better than we/I originally thought. Early days for these new faces but they have mad an impact and lets hope it continues. By the way nice to see swn98 has now gone back to 'pro Mick' - you'll make your mind up mate and when have I ever 'played down' a good result by us? Well done lads today!!

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bobwya added 17:52 - Feb 11 Great result - well done blues. Anyone seen penguinblue??
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battyblue added 17:53 - Feb 11 Great win albeit fortunate really.Taylor injury who would of expected that thanks again Bart well done the new lads .
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martin587 added 17:54 - Feb 11 Let's not get too carried away with the win today.We only had one shot on target which resulted in the goal. The midfield I thought without Skuse played ok,but we still have a very long way to go.The team looked a lot better balanced even with the substitutions.It all looks positive but as iv'e said still a long way to go. Just a shame it's always the loan players that score.!!.If we can up our game depending on the injuries,then next Tuesday at Brighton looks promising for at least a point. Happy drive home!!

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battyblue added 17:54 - Feb 11 McCarthy out defiantly.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 17:54 - Feb 11 Great 3 points. Considering only one recognised centre back in the 2nd half, a very good win. More of the same next saturday against dirty Leeds please. COYB.
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DirtyOldNodger added 17:56 - Feb 11 Excellent result today. Was exceptionally important to carry the performance from the Reading game into this one - and we did. Well done to Mick and the squad for working exceptionally hard to turn things around. The last couple of months have not been easy for them or any of the fans but things at the moment seem to be looking brighter with each game we play. More of the same please! Up the town!

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Brownie added 17:57 - Feb 11 Super result makes for a good Saturday night. Hope those who went had a great day. Big game Tuesday and obviously some injury concerns but let's enjoy this. We haven't had many good nights recently. Despite my ongoing reservations it would be churlish to not say well done to MM. COYB!
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Taricco_Fan added 18:00 - Feb 11 Superb result. I'm pleased Mick stuck with the same line-up. Keep at it!
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Bradleyblue89 added 18:02 - Feb 11 Great result and passionate celebration, except for maybe the running jumping headlock!
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Lightningboy added 18:07 - Feb 11 Much needed win..finally a bit of breathing space and we can start looking upwards. What a massive difference Huws,Taylor,Diagouraga AND NO Skuse/Douglas is making. Long may that continue.
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brittaniaman added 18:08 - Feb 11 Well done Town !!! No more Skuse and Douglas Please ??? It is so good to see an Attacking Midfield !!! Get these loanees signed up ??
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runaround added 18:10 - Feb 11 Excellent result. The deadline day signings really seem to have made a difference so Evans needs to be looking at getting them in the summer. Nothing like a Saturday night after Town have won!!!
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Swn98 added 18:18 - Feb 11 Timmyh think you will find I've never been a Mick out I just stated after the Derby game that perhaps it was for his own good and sanity that he left oh I of little faith up he pops with another 7 freebies and loans and makes a team from nothing yet again you will not realise how good he is till his gone.
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NoelTheDub added 18:29 - Feb 11 Skuse/Douglas not in a Town shirt and we get a great result like this.Ive been dreaming of a day like this for so long without them two.To see Kenlock/Spence put in takes balls something that wasnt there before.Please keep this starting line up or the finishing one as its the only way forward for us now.As much as Im not a McCarthy fan please leave them two out it was our Achilles heel for to long IMO.

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ChrisFelix added 18:44 - Feb 11 I love my club & wanted Mick as manager. But couldn't understand why a man of his experience persisted with Douglas. Also why Emmanuel kept being dropped when this boy is the future & will be as good as Mings
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cfmoses added 18:49 - Feb 11 Skuse is a good team player but in essence is a fifth defender. Reminds me of Geraint Williams....think he only scored one goal in over 150 appearances just like SKusey. He was however a Welsh international player. A huge thank you to another Welshman today for giving the Blues some breathing space. I hope he didn't watch the rugby on the coach down the M1.
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Charlieblue added 18:50 - Feb 11 Mark Warburton coming to Ipswich????? Leaves Rangers and join ipswich at end of season??????
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 19:03 - Feb 11 Shall we…SH*T ON THE VILLA !!!! The difference between the teams - we played as a team - Villa didn't. The midfield has much more pace, movement, guile, strength, fitness… Ward, Touma, Huws, all put in a shift, not seen that in midfield for a while. Didz , Knudsen (yes Knudsen) and Bart again also shone. Onwards and upwards!
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cfmoses added 19:06 - Feb 11 Spot on chrishants. Let's hope he sees the Kenlock/Knudsen competition differently.
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muhrensweet4thijssen added 19:26 - Feb 11 Yes football is a funny old game. I said when we signed Huws, he was fantastic for Birmingham against us a few seasons ago. He absolutely ran the game. A promising start to 'hopefully' a long town career! Just remember all those who posted 'another championship reject on loan' football is 40% ability and 60% confidence. If you believe in yourselves and your team mates and your managers decisions you can accomplish anything..... Leicester city?????? We may be a shadow of our former great teams and the football at times maybe sh1t but let's just say we are still punching above our weight and it's always MUCH nicer when we stick one on a team who spend millions on one player when poor old mick shops at poundland!

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