Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte netted goals either side of half-time to see Fulham to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Blues at Portman Road, ending Town’s 100 per cent start to their Championship campaign. Kebano nodded home the opener for the dominant Cottagers on 35 and Fonte slammed a rebound into the roof of the net in the 51st minute with the Blues never looking like getting anything out of the game.

Town named the same team which beat Brentford 2-0 last Saturday with David McGoldrick in the side despite manager Mick McCarthy saying the Irish international striker might miss out with his wife close to giving birth to their fourth child.

The Blues again lined-up in a 4-4-2 system with McGoldrick partnering Joe Garner up front and Martyn Waghorn on the right and Freddie Sears on the left of midfield.

Jordan Spence and Jonas Knudsen continued at centre-half with skipper Luke Chambers, Tommy Smith and Adam Webster all injured.

On the bench, Australian striker Ben Folami was included for the first time in a Championship match having been one of the youngsters who caught the eye at Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Defender Luke Woolfenden and midfielders Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam were also among the subs.

At a warm and sunny Portman Road Fulham dominated the early stages but without creating an opportunity until the fifth minute when a loose ball in the box fell to skipper Tom Cairney, who blazed over.

Three minutes later, following a swift break forward after Town had lost possession on halfway, stand-in skipper Cole Skuse and Dominic Iorfa both hesitated and allowed Stefan Johansen to get in a shot but the on-loan Wolves man got across to deflect over.

Town’s first attack of the game came in the 10th minute, McGoldrick sending Sears away on the left but the former Colchester man’s cross was behind Garner.

Fulham would have gone in front a minute later but for a great block from Myles Kenlock. The dangerous Ryan Sessegnon cut in from the left and cut the ball back from the byline to Sheyi Ojo who looked certain to score but the Blues left-back managed to get in the way to divert it behind.

Town weren’t too far away from a goal themselves in the 13th minute when a corner from the right was cleared to Waghorn, who struck a low volley which looked goalbound until it hit Kevin McDonald and deflected just past keeper David Button’s right post.

But it was mainly Fulham and on 18 Ojo cut in from the right and hit a well-struck shot which Bartosz Bialkowski batted away down to his right.

The Cottagers continued to pass the ball around confidently and on 22 Ryan Fredericks hit a low shot from distance which scuffed the outside of the post.

Town gradually started to find their feet after a very testing start with the Cottagers confident and slick in possession of the ball.

On 29 McGoldrick worked himself space on the edge of the box but saw his chipped effort loop past Button’s right post. Two minutes later, Iorfa was yellow-carded for a foul, having previously been penalised for an earlier indiscretion.

The Blues had Bialkowski to thank for the scores remaining level in the 33rd minute after the Polish keeper was forced to make two impressive saves.

First, he stopped Cairney’s powerful effort from the edge of the box with Spence reacting quickest to clear the loose ball.

Then a well-worked move played Johansen in on goal and the Blues keeper did superbly to stand his ground and block with the Norwegian appearing certain to score.

But there was nothing Bialkowski could do in the 35th minute when Kebano put the visitors in front. Fredericks crossed from the right and the unmarked DR Congo international headed into the corner of the net at the far post.

Fulham should have made it 2-0 in the 38th minute when Kebano broke away behind the Blues backline on the left and crossed. Fortunately for the Blues Fonte, a £9 million summer signing from Braga and the younger brother of West Ham defender Jose, diverted the ball against the woodwork at the near post when he looked odds-on to score.

Two minutes later McGoldrick had a chance to level when he broke into the area and chose to shoot left-footed with Waghorn and Garner both to his right in space. The Town number 10 was unable to get any power on his strike and Button claimed down to his left.

McGoldrick created another opening a minute later, bring the ball across the edge of the box before finding Garner, who cut back to Waghorn, whose shot went wide.

That was the final chance of the half with the visitors deservedly in front at the break having dominated the period.

The Cottagers had kept the ball impressively, as they did in last season’s corresponding fixture, and carved out enough decent opportunities to be even further in front with the Blues’ patched-up backline stretched on a number of occasions.

However, Town front pair McGoldrick and Waghorn will have made their way to the tunnel feeling they might have done better with their opportunities in the final minutes.

The Blues were the first to threaten after the restart, Garner rising highest to nod Grant Ward’s right-sided corner goalwards, however, Button got down to save.

But six minutes into the half the Cottagers doubled their lead. The ball was played into Kebano inside the area, the scorer of the first goal turned away from Knudsen and hit a shot across Bialkowski which the keeper did well to save it away to his left.

However, the loose ball fell to Fonte at a tight angle on the right and, with Bialkowski getting back to his feet and across goal, the Portuguese striker lashed a shot into the roof of the net to claim his first goal for his new club.

Fulham continued to have much the better of it - Fredericks hit a shot over following a corner - and it was little surprise when Blues boss McCarthy made a double change in the 59th minute with Waghorn and Sears making way for Downes and Bersant Celina, who was making his league debut for Town.

But despite Kosovo international Celina showing glimpses of his skills and direct running, the Blues were unable to make much more headway after the changes and Fulham’s two goal advantage never looked in any danger.

On 89 McGoldrick smashed a freekick from 30 yards into the wall, then seconds before the whistle Nydam took over from Ward.

Town can have no complaints regarding the result with the visitors much the better side on the day, dominating much as they did at Portman Road on Boxing Day last year when they won by the same scoreline with midfield trio Cairney, Johansen and McDonald very impressive. But for some profligate finishing and Bialkowski the margin of victory would have been wider.

As ever, the Blues kept working but were never able to impose themselves on the opposition and only fleetingly threatened on the counter-attack, most notably just before half-time when McGoldrick and Waghorn will both feel they might have done better.

Despite today’s loss ending the 100 per cent league record, the Blues are still second and can be pleased with their August form with 12 points from five league games better than most were expecting going into the season, particularly after the 6-1 thrashing at Charlton in their final pre-season match and given the injury and illness situation, which hopefully will be much improved when Town travel to QPR in a fortnight’s time following the international break.

Town: Bialkowski, Iorfa, Spence, Knudsen, Kenlock, Skuse (c), Ward (Nydam 90), Sears (Celina 59), Waghorn (Downes 59), McGoldrick, Garner. Unused: Gerken, Rowe, Folami, Woolfenden.

Fulham: Button, Fredericks (Odoi 89), Kalas, Ream, Sessengnon, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (c), Ojo, Kebano (Norwood 83), Fonte (Kamara 76). Unused: Bettinelli, Djalo, Edun, Cisse. Referee: Paul Tierney (Lancashire). Att: 16,844 (Fulham: 1,236)

Photo: TWTD

jas0999 added 17:48 - Aug 26 It would be wrong to overlook an excellent August overall. But it would also be wrong not to note, as Mick has said, the luck we have had in the past few league games, which we arguably could have lost. But we didn't, thank goodness. Because on this showing we look a million miles away from being promotion contenders. It was frankly rubbish. Injuries no excuse either. We've had two weeks to bring in a centre back. I'm not sure it would have made much difference though. Fulham a class apart again. Toyed with us at times. September fixtures look tougher than the opening four league matches. Will be interesting to see where we are at the end of next month. Mid table my guess, but let's see. Desperately need a new addition or two. Poor result. Poor showing. Great August overall.

12

planetblue_2011 added 17:54 - Aug 26 Thing is with a Mick McCarthy side you go 2.0 down & you know there's no way back. McGoldrick & Garner were the only stand out players today with Bart, apart from that we were awful. Fulham out played us simple as that. We do need a centre half to Come in. No need to panic, still think we will do ok just a bad game today. You can't win them all!!!!
1

powinswitch added 17:55 - Aug 26 No complaints from me today. Simply outclassed, and I don't think there was anything that any manager could have done about that. With that injury list no surprises for me. But 12 points from 15 is excellent, and much more than I had expected at the start of the season.
1

EssexTractor added 18:00 - Aug 26 Had we lost 2.0 to Fulham on day one and won next four rising to second place we would be breaking open the bubbly. So yes it is 12 points but against less good sides than Fulham but it is Fulham on our mind Their simple classy use of the middle of the field, triangular passing around our bemused team was excellent for them and embarrassing at times for us. Maybe team selection debatable but understandable in view of first four games, but even in winning those matches our possession was low, and with everyone, including MM knowing that Fulham have arguably the most complete passing midfield we were outnumbered, outclassed from minute one. And today no real plan B. Iorfa sadly was in simple terms dreadful, totally bemused by everything around him, Ward and Skuse chasing shadows either side of halfway line. Neither Garner nor Waghorn held the ball for more than a few seconds, often because it barely reached them. Sears off the boil and MCGoldrick tried hard but did overplay it when an alternative choice should have been made. Knudsen performed well , Bart cannot stop every shot, but without him it would have been more than 1.0 at half time. Little to think that our crocks will be fit for the next QPR game but today's first eleven cannot surely be fielded again, So new tactics are required to go better than last year and coaching staff, and management watch today's match and try to see how Fulhams style might be replicated Ok well done Fulham , and yes we are second but let's not just relish the month of August this season.

7

dangerous30 added 18:21 - Aug 26 Let's get a few more players fit and go again after the break. Great start to the season well done town.
0

inghamspur added 18:24 - Aug 26 Never in it. Reality check for Town today.
7

whosroundisitanyway added 18:24 - Aug 26 Nice to see reasoned and constructive posts to date. Onwards & upwards. Not our day today,
0

martin587 added 18:24 - Aug 26 Still in second place.Get the defence back and we are up and running again.COYB.👍
0

BlueMachines added 18:26 - Aug 26 Can't be too negative given the injury list. Knudsen is doing so well as a centre back so good on him. Celina won't get much game time. Certainly not a 'Mick' type player. Personally I do not see what Garner offers. Would much rather have seen Waghorn get put up front and Garner off today but unfortunately mick thought otherwise. Need more in midfield but I think we have it with Huws and Adeyemi so I hope they are back soon

-1

FatboyBlue added 18:27 - Aug 26 Let's not over react. We've had a great start but injuries were always going to take their toll. Move and go again!
0

Taricco_Fan added 18:30 - Aug 26 Our first true test of the season. Quite simply, Fulham had too much quality. Playing what was essentially a two-man midfield against them was suicidal. It's difficult to be too harsh on the team given our injury crisis but we didn't show Fulham enough respect by playing the front four again. Fulham dominated the possession and played through us with a neat passing game. We were opened up frequently and the scoreline could have been higher. Still, we should look a bit more sturdy once some of our injured centre-halves and centre-mids return to action, but the 4-2-4 system won't cut it against the big-hitters of this division. Sears and Waghorn were largely anonymous, Garner couldn't make his presence felt and only McGoldrick's usual class offered some goal threat. Sorry to say that I don't see what Sears offers to be a regular starter. He doesn't have enough quality on the ball nor offer a goal threat. Get Celina involved. He may frustrate Mick but the glimpses of him show a player with the ability to breeze past defenders and hold onto the ball in tight spaces. We're still second and the run wasn't going to last forever. Plenty of cause for optimism once we get the likes of Webster, Smith Adeyemi and Huws back.

4

Geddis78 added 18:31 - Aug 26 EssexTractor, a great summary. Agree Iorfa looks terrible and Sears just doesn't seem to make much of an impact nowadays. Fulham completely outclassed us and looked like a Championship Barcelona the way they passed and moved. I thought we should have at least matched their 3 5 2 and go 1 on 1 with them as they had too much space out wide, especially the left, but I doubt it would have made much difference today.Thought Knudsen was outstanding and Bart made his usual saves. Badly need some our injured lads back.

3

Pip50 added 18:31 - Aug 26 Normal service resumed McC out.lol
4

Notts_tractor added 18:44 - Aug 26 It's funny, because McCarthy has been criticised in the past for trying to match the other team. This was probably the one game in which he should have done that. Surely enough was learnt from Boxing Day to know that Fulham pass round you and you have to try and stop that? It strikes me that the first decent coach Mugabe comes up against he's outthought and outplayed. Could have been a different story with Huws and Adeyemi available, perhaps... But how the hell have we got a full treatment room in AUGUST?

2

Notts_tractor added 18:48 - Aug 26 ...also, the crowd was again very poor, and a huge amount of work is needed to win back the fans lost due to last season's garbage
12

terryf added 18:58 - Aug 26 Shame we couldn't achieve our best ever start to a season, but 12 out of 15 points for August is a great achievement. That said a makeshift side against a Team that was the best one down here last season was always going to be a big ask. Lets hope we can get in an experienced centre-half (shame we didn't have Steven Taylor to call upon), regroup and go again. I would put money on Fulham being in the top two come the end of the season and who knows we might just surprise a few people and make the play-offs ourselves. Still undecided about renewing my season ticket though, even though I do miss the buzz of match days.

0

Swn98 added 19:02 - Aug 26 It had to happen at some stage and as i said in my posts after our last 4 games we couldn't really judge until we came up against the likes of Fulham we were second best in every dept so good luck to them. Cant understand why he persisted with Ward for so long we seemed to have more Tempo when the substitutions were made he didn't contribute much all game. still good start to the season the break which i hate will give the injured and walking wounded chance to recover.

-1

Surco72 added 19:11 - Aug 26 2nd place going into international break is amazing, but this squad is paper thin carrying a lot of injury plagued players and if Evans thinks we only need to sign one CB he is deluded . There are no standout teams this season so a bit of investment could actually see us challenging which I don't think will happen with what MM has to play with at present
1

JimBaxter added 19:11 - Aug 26 Completely outplayed and outpassed today it could have been 5 or 6. My first home game of the season and a bit disappointed am not going to slag the team off after taking 12 points in 5 games but Fulham showed how the game can be played. Keep possession and pass the ball. Our midfield never got a sniff today...
1

inghamspur added 19:33 - Aug 26 Ward was back to his usual disappointing today & don't think he merits a starting place when fully fit squad to choose from.
2

oldegold added 19:46 - Aug 26 i like turtles
0

Lightningboy added 19:56 - Aug 26 Well Fulham were my faves to win this league this season and I expected another lesson in good football from them today. Been a great start to the season - Just hope things don't start to slide quickly - we need to carry on with the positivity - not being negative but I still have very little faith in McCarthy getting us playing decent football - I just hope we can get a few players back/in over the next fortnight. Our spirit is going to be our most important factor this season.

3

milliem added 20:20 - Aug 26 It looks like Norwich are going to walk the Possession League this season with another 72% today. Unfortunately we don't have one of those in this country and instead Farke's Deutchsland dummkopfs shipped another four against the mighty Millwall. Oh well, the Elm Hillbillies must be salivating at the thought of potentially playing the likes of Stevenage and Accrington Stanley next season.

0

cat added 20:42 - Aug 26 All this Blueboy calling out is getting a bit disrespectful imo, (fat_boy_tim) on this occasion. Anyone who's up to speed on here knows he lost a life time pal recently, who was also a blue and a regular on here. There's a time and place for 'dishing it', yes, I'm well aware of the old saying, if you give it you have to take it, and blueboys well capable in that department. Putting it nicely, a bit of compassion might not be a bad thing, or to put it another way - back off.

8

dirtydingusmagee added 21:04 - Aug 26 ot going to knock McCarthy even tho I have in the past,Weve players,he's changed his ways and we have not had a full fit team,i thought it was winnable but I was wrong, I'm more worried about how we get on after the break, JUST HOPE we get players fit and keep the teams heads up . Lets be honest we hadn't faced any real opposition so far,and weve done done well to get the points .on the board .COYB

0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls