Bersant Celina’s brilliant 30-yard second-half strike saw Town to a 1-0 victory over 10-man Leeds United at Portman Road. Whites midfielder Eunan O’Kane was dismissed on 37 for head-butting Jonas Knudsen and Celina sealed the Blues’ first win of 2018 in the 67th minute.

Dean Gerken started in goal for the Blues for the first time in the league this season with regular keeper Bartosz Bialkowski out with a minor calf injury.

Cole Skuse, Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn came back into the starting line-up for Luke Hyam, Kevin Bru and Freddie Sears, who were all subs.

Young defender Chris Smith was on an inexperienced bench having been recalled from his loan spell at Chelmsford.

Leeds made seven changes from the side which lost 2-1 to Newport County in the FA Cup last week.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s applause in tribute to Blues legend Ted Phillips, who died earlier in the week aged 84.

Town claimed a penalty in the fifth minute when striker Joe Garner was caught by a Leeds boot inside the area. Referee Robert Jones waved the protests away, appearing to indicate that Garner, who subsequently required lengthy treatment, had handled the ball prior to receiving the kick.

The Blues started slightly more brightly than the Whites, who went into the match five places and seven points above the hosts, in a quiet opening but without creating a serious chance.

In the 15th minute Gaetano Berardi crossed from the Leeds right wing and Gerken collided with Kemar Roofe as he sought to punch. The loose ball fell to Ezgjan Alioski, but he scraped wide.

Three minutes later, Skuse fed Celina on the left and the on-loan Manchester City man cut the ball back towards a number of Town players breaking into the box but a Leeds defender toed the ball back to keeper Felix Wiedwald.

The West Yorkshiremen went closer on 19 when Pablo Hernandez cut back from the right to Pawel Cibicki, but the Swede mishit wide when he ought to have done better.

Three minutes later, Celina played in McGoldrick on the right of the Leeds box but Garner was unable to direct his chipped ball on target beyond the far post.

Leeds were forced into a sub on 28 with Hadi Sacko replacing Cibicki, who had undergone treatment a few minutes earlier following a tackle by Iorfa.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 32nd minute when Roofe escaped down the right and cut into the box. Jonas Knudsen, playing at left centre-half, held the ex-Oxford man up before slipping, but skipper Luke Chambers blocked the striker’s subsequent shot.

Leeds were getting on top and were beginning to dictate the game but in the 37th minute they were reduced to 10 men.

Callum Connolly saw the ball out of play on the right and was shoved unnecessarily by O’Kane. Knudsen appeared to remonstrate with the Irishman, who head-butted the Danish international, flooring him. Referee Robert Jones, who was close to the incident, immediately showed the ex-Bournemouth man a red card.

There was little complaint from the Leeds players as O’Kane very slowly made his way towards the tunnel and Knudsen underwent treatment at length before continuing. It was Leeds’ fifth red card in their last nine visits to Portman Road.

Two minutes before the scheduled end of the half Waghorn hit the outside of the post with a corner from the right.

Now with a man advantage the Blues began to dominate. Celina cut a dangerous ball back from the left which Vurnon Anita turned behind ahead of Garner, although referee Jones awarded a goalkick.

In injury time, Celina was inches away from opening the scoring, the Kosovan international curling a brilliant 25-yard strike past Wiedwald but off his left post. Connolly was first to the rebound but his shot was deflected wide, referee Jones again erroneously giving a goalkick.

Moments later the official’s whistle ended a half which had really only burst into life in the closing stages.

Town just about shaded the opening but Leeds had created the better chances and had started to get on top when O’Kane needlessly got himself sent off.

The Blues had begun to make their numerical advantage tell as the break approached with Celina unlucky not to have broken the deadlock with his late strike.

Leeds swapped Alioski for Conor Shaughnessy ahead of the second half and the visitors threatened six minutes after the restart, Kalvin Phillips hitting a shot from distance which Gerken claimed to his left.

The Blues forced Wiedwald into his first stop of the second half soon afterwards, Connolly working himself space to shoot from the edge of the box. The keeper parried his effort away to his left but to Garner, who hit his effort across the face and wide.

Connolly was yellow-carded for a foul on in 55th minute and then, after a short spell of Town pressure, Iorfa joined him in the book, for illegally halting a Leeds break.

Garner blazed high and wide on 65, then a minute later McGoldrick was fed inside the area on the left and played the ball back to Myles Kenlock, whose cross was just too high for Iorfa at the far post.

But Town fans didn’t have to wait too much longer for a goal, and what a goal it was. Celina brought the ball in a long way from the left before smashing an unstoppable 30-yard strike past Wiedwald and into the net before celebrating his eighth goal of the season in front of the Fortuna Düsseldorf fans in Section Six of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

The Blues quickly went looking to add to their lead, Garner powerfully heading Kenlock’s 70th minute cross goalwards but too close to Wiedwald.

Two minutes later, Chambers did well to block as Roofe sought to turn Sacko’s cross from the right towards goal.

On 76 Hyam took over from Skuse, then four minutes later Pontus Jansson was booked for lengthy and vociferous dissent even though his side had been awarded a freekick.

And in the aftermath of the freekick, Leeds almost equalised. Roofe played the ball back to Hernandez on the right and his cross was somehow diverted up and over the bar at the far post by Leeds skipper Liam Cooper.

The visitors, backed by 3,537 fans across the Cobbold Stand, went close again moments later, Hernandez sending a powerful 25-yard effort not too far over Gerken’s bar. On 88 Phillips was booked for a foul.

Jansen did well to avoid a second yellow card for a foul on Garner having continued complaints towards the referee, who may well have issued another red card but for Leeds already being down to 10 men.

Leeds put the Blues under some pressure in three minutes of injury time and Gerken was forced into his most significant stop of the afternoon, diving to his right to save Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s well-struck shot from the edge of the box. But Town were not to be denied their first victory of the year.

Celina’s superb goal was very much the highlight of a scruffy but entertaining and incident-packed game with the Blues never threatening to truly put the visitors to the sword with few real chances to add a second or more.

Leeds threatened rarely on the break but with the Blues backline and Gerken in goal comfortable for the most part, although Cooper will wonder how he failed to take his chance.

The win ends the Blues’ run of five games without a win in all competitions and moves Town, who are still 12th, to four points from Sheffield United in the final play-off place.

Town: Gerken, Iorfa, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Kenlock, Skuse (Hyam 76), Connolly, Waghorn, McGoldrick, Celina, Garner. Unused: M Crowe, Sears, Drinan, Bru, McDonnell, C Smith.

Leeds: Wiedwald, Berardi, Jansson, Cooper (c), Anita (Lasogga 78), Phillips, O'Kane, Cibicki (Sacko 28), Hernandez, Alioski (Shaughnessy 46), Roofe. Unused: Lonergan, Grot, Dallas, Klich. Referee: Robert Jones (Merseyside). Att: 18,638 (Leeds: 3,537).

Photo: TWTD

midastouch added 18:44 - Jan 13 Celina is quality. As already said above very fitting him scoring such a great goal to mark Ted's passing in the week. Also loved that he ran to the corner and gave something for the German fans to make their long trip worth coming over for. Sounded a cracking atmosphere. It's been flat virtually every time I've come to Portman Road for a while now. I remember when we were 2 nil up at home to Huddersfield and could of gone top of the league and the drums were banging and their was a real buzz about the place. Unfortunately we let the 2 goal lead slip that day but the contrast in atmosphere from then to now is massive. Wasn't optimistic today. We can argue that the 10 men made a big difference but nonetheless I'll gladly take it. We badly needed 3 points from somewhere to steady the ship so grab 'em any way we can! And with Mick possibly on his way to ROI (fingers crossed) I'm feeling a lot more cheery than I was in the week when I read about the cheap sponsorship deal. I'll be eagerly keeping tabs on the ROI manager situation going forwards should Stoke get their man.

9

midastouch added 18:49 - Jan 13 And good save by the sounds of it from Gerken at the end, he deserves credit for that as he's only just come back from injury and has been on sidelines for some time now. He actually played well against Lincoln I thought (he was about the only Town player that did that sorry night!) Would of been sick as a dog to see us concede another late equaliser which haunt Town so often (the Sheff Wed one stung particularly).

5

midastouch added 18:54 - Jan 13 Celina's goal: WOW!!!!! @ManCity loanee @BersantCelina's run and excellent finish sends @Official_ITFC fans wild in a tense game against @LUFC. #ITFC ➡️ @EFL highlights from 9pm on @channel5_tv. pic.twitter.com/6tSpCNP2KW — Channel 5 Sport (@Channel5Sport) January 13, 2018
6

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:55 - Jan 13 We need to be creating the atmosphere, not letting the away fans do it. Two pretty average teams today. Leeds don't look like promotion material to me. But I'm mightily glad wirh the win.
8

Geddis78 added 19:47 - Jan 13 Not much to add. Great summary from Essextractor. Leeds fan created an amazing atmosphere. We did not fire today and perhaps fortunate to win, but who cares. We desperately needed that win. Just watched the goal back. Absolute top drawer and worth going just for that.
4

BlueMachines added 20:05 - Jan 13 HUTCHITFC Surely they assume disorder is likely or they would let the fans mingle like every other game apart from Norwich and Leeds?
4

alfromcol added 20:26 - Jan 13 Entertaining and exciting win and another goal of the season from Bersant which wins grudging praise from marvel Mick. Great atmosphere by letting 3000 Leeds fan in the ground. ITFC fans responded with plenty of noise. Perhaps we should make more space for other clubs away fans if they need it?
10

pazzy added 20:49 - Jan 13 would just like to add cole skuse had a great game close to m.o.m
7

KiwiBlue2 added 21:06 - Jan 13 Great relief. So appropriate that a Ted type goal secured it. Awaiting developments re MM over next week or two over ROI. Let's hope no more injuries for a while and that we can get a bit of a run going
5

dirtydingusmagee added 22:13 - Jan 13 you have to hand it to Celina ,he has belief in himself, not many strikers would have cracked one from there, brilliant goal. For all that Mr Motivator McCarthy could hardly bring himself to acknowledge it. Hopefully he will be on the Guinness soon. Think its going to be an interesting couple of weeks now. Portman Rd is becoming shrouded with mystery.
7

Slambo added 22:40 - Jan 13 PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put the away fans up towards the North Stand from now on. It made so much difference. Not at all hard to police as there's no physical way the fans can get to each other during the game, and afterwards they still have to walk in the same direction to the train station, just a bit further. If need be, create a cordon across Portman Road to stop the away fans coming out of the Cobbold mingling with the home fans in the North. If we managed to avoid agg with 3,500 Leeds fans then it must be a good set up..!

11

Orraman added 23:49 - Jan 13 Thought Knudsen played very well earlier in season at CB and so it proved again today. Probably the best CB at Portman Rd and much better than he is at LB. Also lets Kenlock into the team where he has a good playing relationship with Celina. Can't understand the amount of moans about the game. Maybe not classic football but so so much better than last season. It had moments of excitement, a fabulous goal and was a typical Championship encounter all helped by a rip roaring atmosphere. Some of the Premier League tippy tappy passing on Sky sends me to sleep. We won you guys - what's your problem?

11

bluesman added 00:16 - Jan 14 Mick's miracles are back. Pray he stays in the Summer be ause otherwise we are down down diwn
-4

haircut101 added 01:28 - Jan 14 How very appropriate.The game at which the great Ted Phillips was remembered was settled with a 25yd thunderbolt!
10

Bert added 01:57 - Jan 14 A real gutsy performance . The Leeds manager must have been watching a different game to me. Skuse was terrific as was Connolly. A great goal from Celina just as I was thinking what has he done in this game ! Pity the stay always didn't come to this game. Their loss but they still comment on here in their grudging fashion. More of this high tempo never say die attitudeplease every home game.

0

dirtydingusmagee added 09:01 - Jan 14 Bert trying to stir things up again , then be crying when the flack comes back his way .
3

cat added 09:25 - Jan 14 A pretty none descript first half with the exception of the sending off, second half was mildly better with Celina thankfully adding some magic. Pleased for Gerks, parried a shot well towards the end and kept a clean one. This was a must win game for the club and myself!, as I travelled up with a large posse of Leeds boys. Great atmosphere in the town & ground, unfortunately the town got the nod on the entertainment value, but all in all a great day out. Simply lovleh - be seeing you 👌

3

Seasider added 09:40 - Jan 14 Chalk and Cheese. Why cant Ipswich always play like this instead of how they did against Sheffield Utd Reserves. For a change no Ipswich player had a bad game in my humble opinion;although Gerken punched up in the air in 1st half,and failed to cut out a cross in the 6 yard box which nearly resulted in a Leeds goal in the 2nd.Leeds also missed a couple of chances;but so did Ipswich,as well as hitting the woodwork twice. Celina had one of his better games for Ipswich;but is a class player who won this match for us with a super goal.Despite this I gave our Captain Luke Chambers my mom,and together with Knudsen looked assured at the back.Think the Dane is better in this position than at left back,which gives an opportunity for Kenlock.Both full backs made the odd mistake but overall felt they were ok,as was the whole team. Finally how pleasing it was to see the ball played out from the back,instead of the gk hoofing the ball upfield,invariably giving possession back to the opposition. Pleased also for the German and Dutch fans who had come over from the continent,and filled Legends after the match. A good day all round

5

herobobby added 10:28 - Jan 14 Woke up this morning and see in the news that O'Neil is odds on for stoke job,so if it plays out how I see it....we have a bit of a yard sale in Jan,MM brings in more underperforming,over paid loan players,then with a pat on the back and a well done Mick at the end of the season walks straight into the Ireland job,we on the other hand are left with Milne,Evans,neither of which knows how to run a football club,with the prospect for next year of a poor squad and no manager,and a totally rudderless ship ,I am so depressed supporting this club,how can the club expect us to care and support when we are knocked down all the time....do management and owners even look at where we are and how bad things can get,we are going to be in league one very soon if this continues,then it's crowds of 11/12,000 every week and no way back It's not just about money for success it's management,and we have none

1

SpiritOfJohn added 10:38 - Jan 14 @Orraman +1, not much else to add except that Chambers was also worthy of a mention for his assured performance.
1

Westy added 12:11 - Jan 14 That could be goal of the season anywhere in the League.
3

cat added 13:06 - Jan 14 Bit doom and gloom that post herobobby, kind of resembles the dark clouds currently above my house, and on the back of a win. With the team we had out yesterday you could argue we are a mid table team and that's not accounting for the injuries or the youths which are currently unavailable or not quite ready. Not sure where this league 1 talk is coming from?? There's plenty to be positive about on the squad side of things, change the manager and we'll take what comes.

4

herobobby added 14:42 - Jan 14 Not being doom and gloom Just feel like McCarthy is taking us all for a bit of a ride at the moment,I can't believe that he hasn't spoken to Evans about his future,if the Ireland job comes up he will be gone in a shot,then what we will be looking at yet another cock up appointment by the chuckle brothers Milne and Evans Mark my words if MM goes in the summer,just see where we are manger wise and squad wise start of next season

0

cat added 14:58 - Jan 14 Fair play herobobby, each to their own and thanks for engaging. Always a risky strategy changing a manager, specially one as experienced, but Micks been taking us for a ride for a couple of seasons now and it's gone proper stale. Change needed and we need to see some of that ‘alleged' investment from that sponorship deal.
2

Gcon added 15:33 - Jan 14 Bit quiet on here. Ah yes, we won. Rather than celebrate 3 points the haters are keeping their powder dry till they can relish a loss. 'Fans', eh?
-4

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls