Goals from Floyd Ayité, Scott Malone and Stefan Johansen saw Fulham to a 3-1 victory over the Blues at Craven Cottage, Christophe Berra heading a late consolation for the Blues. Ayité netted in the 17th minute and Malone doubled the margin on the half hour before Town missed a number of good chances to pull a goal back prior to Johansen sealing it with the home side’s third on 61.

Tommy Smith replaced the injured Steven Taylor in an otherwise unchanged Town side with 11-goal top scorer Tom Lawrence back on the bench having recovered from his groin injury.

The Blues lined-up in their familiar 3-5-2 system with Smith taking over from Taylor, who is out for the season with a hamstring problem, in the back three.

Fulham dropped their recent regular keeper David Button with Marcus Bettinelli starting between the sticks.

The home side threatened first, winning a second-minute corner which skipper Luke Chambers headed clear, however, the ball subsequently reached Ayité at a tight angle on the right from where he hit a low shot but Bialkowski saved at his near post.

Two minutes later, Johansen hit a low shot from distance which the Blues’ Polish keeper dealt with comfortably.

Following a fifth-minute right-sided corner, McGoldrick brought the ball back in from the left and hit a shot straight at Bettinelli.

On 10 Chris Martin crossed from the Fulham left and Ayité struck a shot which was blocked by any one of a number of Town defenders who were charging him down. The Cottagers continued to press and Ryan Fredericks crossed from the right and Jordan Spence turned behind at the far post.

A minute later at the other end McGoldrick charged down a Bettinelli clearance but screwed his shot well wide.

However, Fulham, so impressive as they won 2-0 at Portman Road on Boxing Day, were starting to get their passing going and were beginning to create chances and on 15 Martin bundled wide at the near post from another Fredericks cross when the former Norwich man will feel he should have scored.

But the Craven Cottage crowd didn’t have to wait too much longer for a goal. Fredericks crossed from the right, Martin hit a low shot which Bialkowski did well to save down to his right but was only able to push into the path of Ayité, who followed up to net from close range.

Town looked to get straight back on terms but Grant Ward was only able to head Freddie Sears’s cross from the left into the arms of Bettinelli.

Sears caused another moment of panic in the Fulham defence in the 21st minute when he out-muscled Michael Madl on the right of the area but the ball ran through to Bettinelli.

There was a bigger scare for the Blues within a minute when Bialkowski’s weak kick fell to a Fulham player but fortunately for the Town keeper the home side were unable to make anything of it and he gratefully pounced on it in his area as Toumani Diagouraga saw the ball back to him.

On 28 McGoldrick - with the use of a hand according to Fulham - sent Sears away down the right but the former West Ham man hit his shot into the side-netting.

Two minutes later the Blues found them two goals behind. Following an interchange of passes on the Fulham left after a throw-in Malone broke into the area and confidently passed a low shot into the corner of the net beyond Bialkowski.

On 37 Kevin McDonald was booked for pulling back McGoldrick as the Town number 10 turned away from him midway inside the Fulham half.

Bialkowski was forced into action again two minutes later when McDonald hit a shot from the edge of the box which the Blues’ keeper pushed away from his top corner. Fredericks subsequently hit a scuffed effort into the Town box which was cleared.

A minute before the break, the Blues should have pulled a goal back. Myles Kenlock crossed from the left and after Spence had challenged in the air the loose ball fell to McGoldrick, who worked himself space before stabbing against the outside of the post. The Irish international clearly knew it was a big chance to have spurned.

After Bialkowski had just about held on to a Johansen shot from distance, referee Geoff Eltringham ended a half in which was even enough in the early stages but by the quarter-hour mark the home side had started to find their flow and had been threatening prior to their goals.

Town threatened fleetingly usually through Sears on the break, while McGoldrick had also caused the Cottagers’ backline problems, most notably the late chance before the break which the Blues will almost certainly rue having passed up.

The Blues switched centre-half Smith for top scorer Lawrence as they moved to 4-4-2 ahead of the second half, the Wales international, who is over his groin injury, starting the half on the left of midfield.

Town almost pulled a goal back within a minute of the restart, Kenlock crossed from the left and Sears was unable to get enough on the ball and it flew the wrong side of the post.

Fulham, however, quickly on 49 Fredericks crossed from the byline on the right and Sone Aluko somehow diverted it out for a Town throw well behind the man who had crossed the ball.

The home side kept up the pressure, Bialkowski superbly tipping a looping Ayité freekick behind, then Christophe Berra blocking from Ayité, before Chambers was booked for dissent.

Town had another great chance to pull a goal back in the 55th minute on the counter-attack. McGoldrick held off a number of defenders and cut to Sears to his left. The ex-Colchester man seemed certain to score but Bettinelli was quickly off his line to save with his foot. Another big chance had gone begging.

Within a minute the Blues went close again. This time Sears broke on the right and crossed towards McGoldrick at the far post, but the Irish international was unable to reach the ball.

Fulham sealed their win with a third goal in the 61st minute but not before McGoldrick had struck a powerful shot from the edge of box which Bettinelli had done well to save to his left.

The Cottagers immediately broke and Johansen was found in space on the right of the area and cut inside before hitting a low shot past Bialkowski.

Town’s second half performance hadn’t deserved them falling further behind but they had failed to take their chances while Fulham had been much more clinical with theirs.

Fulham went looking for a fourth, Ayité forcing Bialkowski into a spectacular catch away to his right, then McDonald hit a shot at a defender then Cairney’s follow-up flew wide.

Sub Lawrence threatened for the first time on 66, cutting in from the left but shooting wide. Moments later, Dominic Samuel replaced Emyr Huws, who had one of his quietest afternoons for the Blues.

Ward was next to go close to scoring for Town, the former Spurs man picking up a loose ball midway inside the Fulham half before smashing a shot which deflected off a defender and over.

Fulham sub Tim Ream was booked for pulling back McGoldrick with the Town striker well placed in the 73rd minute.

Despite the game being lost the Blues kept looking for a goal, Lawrence hitting a shot which was blocked, then Sears an effort which was deflected over.

With the Town fans behind the goal calling for manager Mick McCarthy’s exit, having early expressed their frustrations with owner Marcus Evans, Brett Pitman replaced McGoldrick.

As the match moved into three minutes of injury time Malone was booked for a trip on Lawrence.

And from the freekick the Blues finally hit the net, Berra rising highest to nod home the on-loan Leicester man’s ball into the box.

But there was to be no shock late comeback and, after Martin had screwed a shot wide for the home side, referee Eltringham’s whistle confirmed Town’s first defeat at Craven Cottage since Boxing Day 1963.

While Fulham were much the better side over the 90 minutes and thoroughly deserved their victory, the Blues will look back ruefully on a succession missed chances, most notably McGoldrick’s just before half-time and Sears’s second-half chances also at 2-0.

Had one of those opportunities been taken then the game could have been very different with the Blues having improved after the break following the change of system.

Equally, Fulham could have scored more and the Cottagers' third on the break sealed the game as a contest and Berra’s late goal was nothing more than a consolation on another miserable afternoon for Town's travelling support of around 2,500, who again made their frustrations heard during the second half.

Despite the defeat the Blues remain 17th, nine points off the relegation zone with only five left to play. Town visit 20th-placed Burton Albion, who drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa today, for the first time in a competitive fixture on Friday.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Malone, McDonald, Cairney (c), Ayité (Kebano 86), Johansen (Piazon 78), Madl (Ream 57), Aluko, Martin, Kalas. Unused: Button, Parker, Cyriac, Sessegnon.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Chambers (c), Berra, Smith (Lawrence 46), Kenlock, Diagouraga, Ward, Huws (Samuel 66), Sears, McGoldrick (Pitman 86). Unused: Gerken, Emmanuel, Bru, Williams. Referee: Geoff Eltringham (County Durham).

Photo: TWTD

BlueArrow added 18:18 - Apr 8 I doff my hat to all Town fans who travelled today well done ladies and gentlemen.
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surgery added 18:31 - Apr 8 Just how can this person still be in a job?
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BillBlue added 18:31 - Apr 8 Cloddyseedbed - Do not forget all the youngsters we have out on loan, on the bench and in the Academy. A half decent Manager would help us survive while a good forward looking Manager would get us back where we belong. There is just one obstacle to that called MacCarthy.
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BrettenhamBlue added 18:32 - Apr 8 Blackburn lost at home so we are one step closer to safety. Didn't watch as don't want to watch rubbish, which sounds about right reading the updates on this one.
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dirtydingusmagee added 18:34 - Apr 8 there you go ,still nowhere near back to back win,where are the believe in Mick crew,they are numpties,still cant see it . No wonder time share crooks managed to do well, so many gullable people about.Where they going to dream up the next three points .Happy Easter everyone [next week] .
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runaround added 18:38 - Apr 8 A poor result but not really a surprise considering how both teams have generally performed this season. Fulham play football that I wish ITFC would play, exciting, attacking, passing football trying to score more goals than the opposition. So refreshing in comparison to the McCarthy style & I wish Fulham well. Other results mean we are pretty much safe from relegation so planning for next season should start now. Something has to change, I think things have gone too far for McCarthy to stay & Evans either needs to sell up or shape up. Massive 4 months ahead for the club now & will be interesting and worrying to see what happens. For the good of the club change is desperately needed

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martin587 added 18:47 - Apr 8 MickZzzzzz. Spot on with your summary.That was my last away game.Only went to this match as my daughter lives in Mortlake. As for MM,enough said,my thoughts could get me locked up.🤔🤔
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Cloddyseedbed added 19:16 - Apr 8 BillBlue youngsters that are out on loan and in our academy aren't going to get us out of the Championship at the top end. We need a different type of player that has been allowed to dominate the club. Good ole boys that work hard, even when they are past their best need replacing with players that are footballers that are more comfortable on the ball, can pass a ball and move to receive a pass. Defenders need to be able to defend but also pass the ball to midfielders. Midfielders need to be able to dominate the middle, break up play and get us going forward and help and support the attackers. Forwards need to be able to win balls in the air, on the ground and hold it up as well as pass, shoot and move. We are woofully short in all departments at this club in being able to do the expected things on a football pitch. Is it the coaching, management or fitness? I've watched the U23's a few times this season and also have not been impressed with what is on offer. The whole club needs a shakeup and many people on the staff are too comfortable and not being asked enough questions in their roles. We all know the club is being starved of funds, how can it progress? If Evans will not or more likely can't come up with more funding then he should sell the club. Don't forget the debt that is on paper to Evans is not what the true figure is that is outstanding to Evans. It is just a fraction of that! Keeping MM on as manager is not now doing the club any favours at all, it's reputation is going down the pan as is it's supporters loyalty.

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runningout added 19:27 - Apr 8 want this season to finish quick. Although off to Burton for my sins
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StowTractorBoy added 19:41 - Apr 8 Fantastic support today but whatever I may think there is absolutely no reason to lambast the management and owner when the game is in progress. That really does not help the players who although not good enough had enough chances to have scored at least three. The key point for me was the Sears miss just after the break which would have made it 2-1 and how he missed it I'll never know. McGoldrick also missed two excellent chances. Thank goodness Blackburn lost today otherwise we would be in the soup. One more away game for me and only because I have not been to Burton before.

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grumpyoldman added 20:03 - Apr 8 Has total apathy settled over the team, not as many comments as usual. At least it brings me a day nearer to returning to PR, whether he stays or not it is another day less he will be here!
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Lightningboy added 20:06 - Apr 8 McCarthy needs to go as soon as we are mathematically safe - hopefully after the next set of results if they go in our favour. Keeping this dinosaur here is just delaying the inevitable and we may aswell already write off next season if he stays on. Hopefully this link with the Dutch guy means that Marcus is already looking elsewhere.
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happybeingblue added 20:07 - Apr 8 we were never going to get anything from this game fairly obvious Fulham are a cut above us, do not expect any points v Burton or Newcastle either. we are in the table where we should be tbh
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WindsorBlueArmy added 20:11 - Apr 8 Well done Harry/Horry for organising the boats;superb entertainment before the game and many fans looking forward to a positive result.What a shame that the players can't/won't deliver in front of a massive away support.Excellent chance for Didz just before half time which would have got us back in the game.This was followed by others in the 2nd half.It raises possible questions;are these players really up to the challenge,has MM lost the changing room? What team is he going to put out on Friday?For the sanity of us travelling fans and the wider ITFC support hope it's the best X1.We have to make Evans understand that he's helping to make our team a laughing stock:it's not too much to ask we just want our Ipswich back!!!

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BillBlue added 20:28 - Apr 8 Cloddyseedbed - I agree with EVERY word you have said other than I think you underestimate some of the youngsters available to us. IMO they should have been kept here and gradually introduced to the first team as they gained experience that is the way a team is built, the way it was done before and the way it will be done when we eventually get a Manager here. Emphasis should be placed on the word 'when'!

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wayway added 20:58 - Apr 8 I must have missed something, when did Andre Dozzell leave the club
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vanmunt added 21:20 - Apr 8 Way past caring to be honest, went for a nice ride on my bike in the sun with some friends.. only thing that surprised me at 5.30 when I logged on was that dougie didn't play.
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warktheline added 21:36 - Apr 8 Fulham highlighted the gulf between our club and top 8 teams at Portman Rd, today they rubber stamped it! A club in total decline for two years and more, and still we wait for change! My only consolation this evening.....no crowing McCarthy or fan baiting from the fool!
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shakytown added 23:22 - Apr 8 there needs to be a complete rethink top to bottom of the club. Mick has to go but we need an experienced person to act as director of football to get this mess sorted out. The biggest problem is micks favourites in our defence who are either wanting a move or are just not good enough. It's clearly obvious that no matter what player comes out to support mick tomorrow that he has lost the dressing room and the players are just going through the motions.

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Minneapolis_ITFC added 00:49 - Apr 9 Took in some post-game writeup but it was only with a half-interest. ITry to keep up with every game that the club plays throughout the season but wonder at times if it's all necessary. Give plaudits to those that traveled today but that's as far as the congrats go, seems the team and manager just aren't deserving - yet again - of any words of encouragement or merit. Twelve wasted years by my math since the club last got up to anything. Sure you got the one or two runs in the League Cup in that time and the play-off chance recently, but what else it there to recommend ? Last time there was any excitement around here was back with Royle before he departed, the subsequent names have been ordinary in the extreme. Sincerely hope McCarthy has made the decision to vacate this summer, ANOTHER season of the sh1t we have endured with the same name will be NOT be tolerated by many and in truth, if the aformentioned name stays on, then will just lose interest altogether - even worse if Evans is unable to sell up and new ownership isn't brought in.

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leahcar88 added 07:44 - Apr 9 Support has gone from backing the blues, to eff off mick, to cba anymore.
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Dissboyitfc added 08:16 - Apr 9 I think under a different manager we have the players to be in a better placing, the players look low on confidence as well. In footballing terms fulham were a league above, especially 1st half when we had a very disorganised back 5, in fact it truly was woeful. Better second half with a flat back four, thought kenlock looked out of his depth, but young and will learn. All of that said we could have scored and probably should have scored 3 possibly 4 more goals, a team playing high on confidence would have! Still another ground visited, lovely ground and a lovely part of London. I dont like MM, i dont like the way he blasts the fans, i hate his football, almost felt sorry for him yesterday, after all,he is still a person, he needs to end his pain and our pain by getting out of Itfc NOW!

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martin587 added 09:20 - Apr 9 Dissboyitfc. Your spot on.we do have a nucleus of talent within the squad and a good tacticle manager would see this,but obviously not MM. I was at the game and once again your comments were right,Fulham are a good footballing team and made us look poor. I don't like MM,and his style of football.He should now resign which in my opinion is the best thing to do. I appreciate the football we the supporters have had to endure is dire,but I don't think he deserves the abuse that was vented at him yesterday,we are at the end of the day all human. Mr.Evans really needs to get his act together and release him of his duties now. We need a new manager in charge now before the season ends.!🤔

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bobble added 10:26 - Apr 9 there are so many managers who could do a better job , why don't we get one of them ?
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dangerous30 added 13:25 - Apr 9 I thought the game proves what you get when you don't invest in players. Blame the manger because it's easy but most town fans were pleased with the line up pre game.you could get the best manger in the world in and he would not get us promoted with this team.
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