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Fulham 4-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Tuesday, 2nd Jan 2018 22:01

Four goals in seven minutes after Town defender Jordan Spence had been red-carded saw Fulham come from behind to beat the Blues 4-1 at Craven Cottage. Joe Garner gave Town the lead a minute before the break but the match turned on Spence’s dismissal for an off-the-ball barge on Aboubakar Kamara in the 54th minute with Ryan Sessegnon equalising on 69, Kamara securing the lead on 72 and then the pair each scoring again on 74 and 76.

Cole Skuse and Tommy Smith returned to the Town line-up for Kevin Bru, who dropped to the bench, and Adam Webster, who was ruled out due to the achilles injury which forced him off at the weekend. Skuse, back after his ankle injury, took up his usual role in the Blues midfield.

Centre-half Smith was making his first Town appearance since the 3-1 defeat at Cardiff on October 31st having recovered from the calf injury he suffered while on international duty with New Zealand.

Luke Hyam was included on the bench for the first time this season following the knee operation he underwent in September. Hyam’s most recent appearance for Town was at Derby on the final day of the 2015/16 campaign. David McGoldrick was again among the subs.

Adam McDonnell, who has been on the bench in recent matches, missed out as he was unwell.

For Fulham, Ollie Norwood and Kamara started with Tomas Kalas and Kevin McDonald dropping to the bench.

In the opening minute Celina, who initially appeared to be in a central role behind strike pair Garner and Martyn Waghorn before moving to the left of a 4-4-2 system, sent in a Blues freekick from the left which the home defence headed clear.

In windy and rainy conditions, the Cottagers created their first opening a minute later, Ryan Fredericks cutting a low ball across the area from the right but just too far in front of Kamara, scorer of both the West Londoners’ goals in their 2-2 draw at Hull City on Saturday. On six, Stefan Johansen shot just over from 25 yards.

Jordan Spence diverted a dangerous Floyd Ayité cross from the right over in the eighth minute with the Whites started to dominate as they did in their 2-0 defeat of the Blues at Portman Road in August.

Bialkowski was forced into his first save of the game in the 12th minute, palming away a Kamara shot from the right of the area. A minute later the Frenchman hit an effort over.

Fulham continued to dominate, although Town pressure led to the home side surrendering possession on the right on 17 but Waghorn was crowded out as he cut into the box.

Three minutes later, Johansen shot wide from not too far outside the area but referee Keith Stroud awarded a corner.

The Fulham pressure continued with Sheyi Ojo hitting a low shot wide from the edge of the box, then Norwood hit a 25-yard freekick over.

With the rain continuing to fall heavily and the swirling wind making high balls and long passes difficult to deal with, Town pressured the Whites into a 28th minute mistake which might have yielded a goal.

Norwood was forced to make a risky pass across his area which Celina read ahead of Denis Odoi but the Kosovan international was unable to get the ball under control in the sodden conditions.

Having withstood the spell under the cosh the Blues started to see more of the ball and just after the half hour Waghorn struck a shot on the turn well over from distance.


Moments later, the former Rangers man was fed in on the left of the box but Tim Ream saw the ball through to his keeper. On 34 Ayité was replaced by Neeskens Kebano.

As the half moved into its final 10 minutes Fulham turned the screw once again and the Cottagers should have scored on 39 when sub Kebano cut the ball back from the left without the outside of his right boot but Kamara was unable to add the final touch at the far post.

A minute before the break the Blues were forced into a change when Ward, who had undergone treatment a couple of times during the half, was replaced by Freddie Sears as Town prepared to take a freekick.

And from the set piece, the Blues took the lead. Waghorn’s earlier freekicks had all been hampered by the wind, but on this occasion Town’s 10-goal top scorer whipped it in from the right and Garner headed his eighth goal of the season into the net.

Whites keeper Marcus Bettinelli had arrived late and collided with the Town scorer as he nodded home but after treatment was able to continue.

Fulham went looking for an injury time equaliser, Kebano hitting a low shot from outside the box to Bialkowski’s right but the Blues keeper saved confidently and they were unable to threaten again before the break and Town went in a goal in front.

Having repelled everything the dominant home side threw at them, occasionally riding their luck, the Blues once again profited from a brilliant Waghorn set piece and Garner header.

Town needed a repeat of that steadfast defensive performance in the second half if they were to open 2018 with a victory.

With the wind and rain having largely subsided, Ojo turned the first shot of the second period well over three minutes after the restart.

Connolly was shown the game’s first yellow card a minute later after a foul on home skipper Tom Cairney 25 yards out to the right. Johansen’s freekick was hit straight into the wall, then Norwood shot wide.

In the 54th minute the Blues were reduced to 10 men when Spence was shown Town’s first red card of the season.

Kamara had shoved Sears over as the pair had battled for a ball which the Whites striker then passed backwards. The Blues right-back then needlessly clattered into the Fulham man, who was sent flying, although appeared to make as much of the incident as he could.

Referee Stroud, who had failed to issue Sheffield Wednesday’s Glenn Loovens with a card of either colour for his horror challenge on David McGoldrick last month, took the advice of his linesman before dismissing Spence, who was clearly incensed by the Fulham player’s reaction and the decision as he left the field. There was, however, no need for his reaction.

Town quickly swapped Celina for Dominic Iorfa, who went to right-back with Waghorn moving into midfield.

Ream was booked for a foul on Garner, then Kebano was fortunate not to join him for a very late challenge on Connolly inside the Town area.

The Blues had managed to withstand an initial spell of pressure immediately after the sending off, but after a brief lull - in part due to several silly Fulham fouls - the home side began to threaten again.

Lucas Piazon replaced Ojo on 65 then was immediately booked for a dive inside the Town box.

But the home fans, who claimed they had been denied a penalty in that incident, didn’t have to wait too much longer for an equaliser.

In the 67th minute Kamara crossed from the left to Kebano, who miscued across goal and Sessegnon nodded home.

Three minutes later it was 2-1. Kebano cut across for Norwood, his shot was blocked but fell to Kamara, who turned in from close range.

And a further two minutes later it was 3-1 to the home side. Johansen worked his way to the byline with clever skills on the right of the area and cut across the six-yard box to Sessegnon, who tapped in his second of the evening at the far post.

And the Fulham goal deluge wasn’t over. On 76 Kamara hit a shot from the edge of the box and a deflection wrong-footed Bialkowski.

The Blues had held out for 15 minutes after the red card but then conceded four goals in seven minutes.

The by now buoyant home crowd were calling for a fifth and on 79 Cairney struck a low shot which Bialkowski saved down to his left.

Hyam made his return to action for Connolly, who had undergone treatment for the second time before making way, in the 82nd minute, 19 months after his last first-team appearance.

Knudsen shot wide right-footed when he should have crossed in the 85th minute, then Bialkowski was off his line sharply to block from Kamara after Johansen had played him in. On 88 Sessegnon was replaced by Rafa Soares to a standing ovation.

Late on, Garner was booked for a foul, then Kamara shot wide for the home side. Deep in injury time Waghorn and Kebano were both booked, the former for a foul and the latter for aiming a hand towards the Town striker’s neck in retaliation.

Just before the whistle, skipper Chambers frustratedly slammed the ball and was shown a yellow card, summing up the evening as a whole for Town.

Having got their lead the Blues needed to continue their solid defensive performance after the break.

That they had managed to do until Spence’s needless and uncharacteristic hot-headed reaction to Kamara’s challenge on Sears.

The Blues held out for a quarter of an hour but once the first goal had gone in the floodgates opened with Fulham carving Town apart all too regularly.

A defeat in 2018’s opening game sees the Blues drop to 12th, seven points off the play-offs with a break from Championship action for the FA Cup third round tie against Sheffield United at Portman Road on Saturday.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Sessegnon (Soares 88), Odoi, Johansen, Cairney (c), Ayité (Kebano 34), Ream, Norwood, Ojo (Piazon 65), Kamara. Unused: Button, McDonald, Fonte, Kalas.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Chambers (c), T Smith, Knudsen, Skuse, Connolly (Hyam 82), Celina (Iorfa 57), Waghorn, Ward (Sears 44), Garner. Unused: M Crowe, McGoldrick, Bru, Kenlock. Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).


Photo: Action Images



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herobobby added 23:01 - Jan 2
Do people on this site actually know a.any thing about football or b.anything about where we are as a club ?
How the hell can tonight be micks fault we were u under the cosh from minute one we scored and the atmosphere down stairs at half time was great,then spence makes a school boy error and gets sent off,we only had 27% of the ball in the first half so what do you expect with 10 men ?
Get a grip guys please
Fulham took full advantage after that the game was gone at 2-1 who cares if it's 2-1 or 4-1
We are where we are 12th that's as good as it gets while we have the funds we have
Please stop bleating on it's boring and frustrating
-7

bluebudgie added 23:01 - Jan 2
Brave Dave, The reason I and others want McCarthy gone is that I am fed up with the toxic atmosphere at Portman Rd ,encouraged I might add by McCarthy and his derogatory comments and awful football.I am fed up with McCarthy setting his team out for each game with the sole intention of defending and soaking up pressure, if you enjoy watching that type of football then fine but thousand's of other Town fans don't and until McCarthy goes the atmosphere at Portman Rd wont improve and nor will the football. All I and many others want is to look forward to going to Portman Rd again to see decent football in a good atmosphere, something you will never have again while McCarthy's in charge
11

Geddis78 added 23:03 - Jan 2
Reality check. We were one of the favourites to go down. Our budget and crowd sizes would put us lower mid table. The bookies are rarely wrong. For every Leicester I give you Man City/Man Utd/ Chelsea and all their titles. Who on here really felt we would genuinely beat Villa/Derny/Boro/Wolves etc when comparing our squad to theirs? Of course, as a fan, I always hope for us to do it but the odds are stacked against whoever is in charge. Things have been much better than last year but all the injuries have left is having to play Ward/Bru/Iorfa/ who we all know aren't up to it. I get it loads of people want change but like a lot of the pundits, I believe McCarthy does the best he can with what he has. Wasn't there tonight but I have seen enough to show he has the dressing room and the players play for him and the shirt. Sad also to see how much enjoyment some on here get out of their club losing and want to get personal with those that don't share their views. Don't get it myself.
-5

BraveDave added 23:03 - Jan 2
Dissboy - I don't entirely disagree, but I must be one of the few that neither love him or loathe him. I said earlier that I do think he probably has to go, but he won't until end of season, and I don't think the solution is as simple as that. Very depressing tonight, partly because I don't see any great optimism for the future unless something much bigger than McCarthy's departure happens.
4

bluejake78 added 23:04 - Jan 2
0

vanmunt added 23:07 - Jan 2
what a complete joke we are under super mick 'you don't need the ball to win games' mcwhatshisname. Looking forward to his insightful comments on how it was everyone's fault but his. And how grateful we should all be he is here and that we should throw flowers where he walks... though I am sure a few of the happy clapping gang would oblige.
6

herobobby added 23:10 - Jan 2
Two minus all ready
I think that just about makes my point
What do town fans want,we are where we are
I don't like Mick either I hate the way the club is run
But
We are where we are and it isn't going to change till Mick Milne and Evans have gone so why keep going on and on about it ?
1

prebbs007 added 23:11 - Jan 2
Bye Bye

Go get Gary Monk before someone else does. We should have got Rowett when available look what he's achieving right now, don't miss out again Evans.

Dinosaurs are extinct yet we still have one picking our team

2nd highest scorers in the division with the best keeper should tell you where the problem lies yet the same back 5 gets churned out every week. Doh !!!!
8

Umros added 23:14 - Jan 2
I hate to even mention this but is it guaranteed MCarthy will naturally expire at end of this season?.................would anyone want a bet on Evans renewing the contract. He isn't fussed either way........
2

blueboy1981 added 23:15 - Jan 2
I don't think McCarthy will go, even at the end of the season. He has the most easy job in football because he doesn't care, or is accountable for defeat, or alienating the fans - where else would he get away with what he has at Ipswich Town..... ??

The people who continue to support him, and condone everything about him, are indeed helping him to destroy our Club. Add to this we have an owner who see's the Club as fulfilling his objective, as it is.

We are not even a shadow of the Club we were - with absolutely no light at the end of the tunnel.

Sad days indeed.
12

Dissboyitfc added 23:17 - Jan 2
yes herobobby the football is boring and frustrating i agree. Now i assume you are an authority on the beautiful game and know loads more than some of us. Please explain what happens on the training pitch? Because i cant see how a team has no plan "b" for any occasion or situation!

4 gaols in 7 mins is not ok!!!!!!

PATHETIC is what it is!
8

Swn98 added 23:22 - Jan 2
We're you there warktheline?
-4

norfolkbluey added 23:26 - Jan 2
It's a nightmare for me up here in Norfolk when my beloved team for over 57 years are struggling year after year with no light on the horizon. So so horrible waiting for any positive signs of improvement with little or no hope. MM you have much to answer for.
10

Taricco_Fan added 23:29 - Jan 2
@prebbs007

I think we are a world away from being able to attract the likes of Monk. Why would he come here? No money to spend and there's always a job opening around the corner from a parachute payment club or one with big-spending foreign owners.

We're in the poor house in this division. Our recruitment policy will reflect that. Our next manager will need to be a very savvy one indeed, someone from the lower leagues looking to make a name for themselves and prepared to work on a shoestring.

10

Swn98 added 23:30 - Jan 2
Owaing spot on unfortunately the anti Mickma brigade lead by blueboreturn warktheline etc al cream their pants at a result like this.
-7

blueboy1981 added 23:30 - Jan 2
They will all sleep well - not a minutes sleep will be lost by MM, ME, IM - or some of the players. A few of the best travelling fans in the Country will tho' ..... is my guess.

Between mid table and relegation zone, will yet again be acceptable by the afore mentioned - for the umpteenth season.

Vote with your feet people - sad to say, but that is the only chance of getting the message across.
8

GiveusaWave added 23:31 - Jan 2
Spence sent off and we basically implode...some of the worst defending I've ever seen after that. Appalling lack of leaderership and guts.
8

blueboy1981 added 23:33 - Jan 2
Swn98 ......... go to bed, and do us all a huge favour on an already dismal night, maybe you'll wake up with a clearer head in the morning. Although I wouldn't bet on it - anymore than I would bet on us winning the next game.
3

blueboy1981 added 23:37 - Jan 2
......... and take Bert and a few of the others with you.
2

Northstandveteran added 23:44 - Jan 2
Blueboy81. Although I do laugh at yours and swn98's bickering, I do feel suggesting he takes Bert to bed with him a step too far 😂
3

Swn98 added 23:49 - Jan 2
Bluebore how can make any comment about what went on at a game if you weren't there?
-4

scumbuster added 23:54 - Jan 2
What a fickle lot you are...all out bitching and sticking the knife in...were mid table and still in with a chance of the play offs. Try getting behind the team instead of all you wanna be managers talking sh#it!! COYB
-7

Dissboyitfc added 00:03 - Jan 3
i dont think you needed to be at the game to know that 4 goals conceded in 7 mins is a massive fail or are you going to mark me down again which if you do, it means you think that, that type of capitulation is ok, Never read your thoughts on the game all you do is defend MM using one argument," lack of funds"or injuries. Have a little variety in your defence keep it interesting. You will mark me down, its better to say why you disagree!
6

Carberry added 00:05 - Jan 3
Astonishingly banal performance. We defended reasonably in the 1st half but when we got the ball we had absolutely no idea what to do with it going forward, totally devoid of any clue - ridiculous. Fulham danced around with it running off the ball, playing one twos and generally looking like a football team. We score from a scrambled set piece and the Mick strategy looks like it could work, heaven forbid. Then Spence has a mental moment and we decide to let them have the ball and defend 30 yards out from our goal just waiting for them to score - and of course they did, 4 times. It was hideous.
We are without quality. They might all be great blokes but they aren't good enough. The stats said it all, Fulham had over 75% of possession, they had 25 shots, we had 3. Come on we weren't playing Barcelona. Tonight was pitiful, a real low point.
11

toxtethblue added 00:07 - Jan 3
It's ok everyone, remember, we've got the 5 point plan. It'll all kick in soon like a dream. Oh how he took anyone that believed a word of that for fools...
9


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