Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Norwich City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Sunday, 18th Feb 2018 14:25

Only a 95th minute equaliser from Timm Klose prevented the Blues from ending their nine-year wait for derby glory as Town and Norwich drew 1-1 at Carrow Road, skipper Luke Chambers having given the visitors an 89th minute lead. Chambers looked set to win it for the Blues with a header from a Martyn Waghorn corner but Klose nodded in Grant Hanley's cross seconds from time to save the game for the home side.

Boss Mick McCarthy switched the Blues to a 3-5-2 formation with Adam Webster joining Chambers and Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back.

Dominic Iorfa came in for Jordan Spence in the right wing-back role with Jonas Knudsen on the left as manager Mick McCarthy eschewed his usual 4-3-2-1 system.

Stephen Gleeson was part of a three-man midfield with Cole Skuse and Callum Connolly with Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn up front.

Spence, Bersant Celina and Grant Ward dropped to the bench alongside David McGoldrick, who was back after his knee injury. Sub keeper Michael Crowe was also among the subs having got over the illness which made him a pre-match doubt.

There was no place on the bench for Freddie Sears, although the former Colchester United man was in the travelling party.

The Canaries lined up in their usual 3-4-3 formation and were unchanged from the team which drew 1-1 at Derby County last week.

At a sunny Carrow Road on what would have been Sir Bobby Robson’s 85th birthday, Town won an early corner on the right.

Waghorn’s flag-kick was dealt with not entirely comfortably by the Norwich defence but the former Sunderland man’s subsequent ball back into the box was too long and Webster was unable to stop it going out of play.

Town made a positive start and they might well have gone ahead in the ninth minute via a familiar derby source.

Gleeson wafted a ball towards Norwich keeper Angus Gunn’s right post towards Knudsen, a scorer in each of last season’s derbies, who headed wide when he will feel he should have hit the target.

Moments later, Gunn was forced into his first serious save of the afternoon, the on-loan Manchester City man diving away to his right to palm Waghorn’s 20-yard shot wide.

Norwich had their first sight of goal in the 15th minute, but Nelson Oliveira’s touch let him down after he had been found by a clever pass over the top. The ball ran loose on the left but the Portuguese frontman’s cross was too long.

In the 18th minute, Garner looked to have sent Waghorn away on goal but Hanley did well to get across and force the Town striker off the ball inside the area. Waghorn claimed a penalty but referee David Coote wasn’t interested, probably correctly.

Town had looked the more threatening side in the game’s opening quarter. The Canaries had had a fair amount of the ball but to little effect. On 22 Oliveira scuffed wide from distance.


James Maddison, the scorer of the only goal when the sides met at Portman Road in October, struck his first effort of the game just after the half-hour mark but his 25-yard freekick was watched past his left post by Blues keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

Connolly did better with a freekick at the other end in the 33rd minute. His low strike was saved by Gunn down to his left but the keeper couldn’t hold on. Garner looked looked to get on to the loose ball at a tight angle on the right, Jamal Lewis barged into him and sent him to ground but referee Coote waved away the Blues’ striker’s protests.

Josh Murphy flashed a shot wide for the Canaries, then Knudsen saw a strike blocked on the edge of the Norwich box.

Gunn was forced into another save in the 40th minute. Following good work from Gleeson and Iorfa on the right, Waghorn found space to shoot on the edge of the box, the ball looping up into the six-yard box from where Connolly forced Gunn into another save.

The on-loan Everton man will have felt he should have had the ball in the net, but the linesman’s flag was raised in any case.

The Norwich keeper was forced into a more meaningful stop in the 44th minute when a 25-yard freekick was played short to Waghorn and the striker smashed a low strike which the keeper did well to get across to and paw behind.

Just before the break, Iorfa went to ground in the area after losing control of the ball as he burst into the box, much to the annoyance of Klose, who shoved the Blues defender and was subsequently spoken to by the referee.

Town went off the happier of the two sides having had all the first half chances with Bialkowski still to be seriously tested.

Knudsen’s early header was probably the best opportunity, while Waghorn, twice, and Connolly had both stretched Gunn into making saves.

The Blues will probably feel they ought to have made more of their numerous set pieces - both freekicks and corners - with Waghorn’s balls into the box not always as dangerous as they have been at times in previous games.

At the other end, the Blues’ three-man backline had been comfortable for the most part, while Gleeson was starting to see more of the ball in midfield towards the end of the half.

Shortly after the restart Hanley did well to nod Garner’s ball for Waghorn back to Gunn ahead of the Blues striker.

Bialkowski was forced into his first save of the match in the 48th minute, Maddison, surprisingly quiet in the first half, curling a freekick from just outside the area towards the top corner until the Blues keeper palmed it over.

There was a further scare for the Blues from the corner. After Chambers had headed it clear, Harrison Reed looped it back into the box towards the unmarked and on side Klose on the edge of the six-yard box but the Swiss international defender was unable to get the ball under control and the danger passed.

Garner picked up the game’s first yellow card in the 55th minute for felling Maddison 30 yards out. The highly-rated youngster took the freekick himself and Webster did well to head away his dangerous ball into the box.

Moritz Leitner joined Garner in the book for tripping the breaking Knudsen just before the hour. In the 62nd minute Garner was replaced by McGoldrick.

Soon after, Maddison skipped into the area but shot well over, then on 64 Skuse was booked for a late challenge on the former Coventry midfielder. Two minutes later, Luke Hyam took over from Gleeson.

Within seconds Connolly was booked for a foul on Maddison a couple of yards outside the area. Again Bialkowski was equal to the youngster’s shot, pushing it away from goal to his right.

The Canaries were by now dominating and the Blues had Bialkowski to thank again in the 75th minute when he got down to his right to superbly save from Oliveira’s edge-of-the-box effort.

Two minutes later, the Pole was in action again, helping a Maddison shot which had struck Connolly past the post to his left.

On 79 Spence took over from Iorfa at right wing-back. The defensive nature of the substitution led to chants regarding McCarthy’s style of football from the Town support in the Jarrold Stand.

Waghorn and then Spence were booked for fouls, then on 83 Reed scraped a shot wide from the right of the box. With six minutes remaining Denis Srbeny took over from Murphy for the Canaries.

As the clock hit the 85-minute mark the Town support applauded and cheered in tribute for legendary boss Robson on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Town had shown little attacking threat in the second half but in the final scheduled minutes they began to look more dangerous Spence winning a freekick on the right.

Then in the 89th minute Knudsen’s cross was diverted out for a corner and from the flag-kick the Blues took the lead. Waghorn sent the ball into the box and skipper Chambers got away from Tettey to nod down and into the net sending the travelling Blues support wild.

TV footage appeared to show manager McCarthy - presumably in reaction to the earlier chants - gesture and swear in the direction of the Town support as he celebrated the goal.

Norwich swapped Tettey and Reed for Onel Hernandez and Mario Vrancic in injury time as they went looking for an equaliser.

Town looked like they were going to see the game out to record their first derby win in nine years until the fifth minute of injury time when Hanley chased down a ball which looked to be going out of play on the right and - with Bialkowski retreating having initially gone out chasing the ball - crossed back to the far post where Klose nodded in the leveller. There was no time for the Blues to hit back before referee Coote ended the game.

The late goal out of nothing was a sickener for Town having waited so long for a derby win and with the game seemingly all but won.

However, on the balance of the second half, a defeat would have been harsh on the Canaries, who had had all the chances up to Town’s goal, the Blues having been poorer after the break having been the better team in the first half.

The result leaves the two sides eight points off the play-offs - 12th and 13th following Bristol City's 2-2 draw at Leeds - with 14 games left to play.

Norwich: Gunn, Hanley, Zimmermann, Klose, Reed (Vrancic 90), Tettey (c) (Hernandez 90), Leitner, Lewis, Maddison, Murphy (Srbeny 84), Oliveira. Unused: McGovern, Pinto, Stiepermann, Watkins.

Town: Bialkowski, Carter-Vickers, Chambers (c), Webster, Iorfa, Skuse, Connolly, Gleeson (Hyam 66), Knudsen, Waghorn, Garner (McGoldrick 62). Unused: M Crowe, Celina, Spence, Ward, Carayol. Referee: David Coote (Nottingham). Att: 27,100.


Photo: TWTD



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



yungblue added 14:26 - Feb 18
Fair result in the end. A game of two halves. Town dominated the first. Norwich the second.

The talking point will ultimately be McCarthy's language towards the Town fans, seemingly shouting “F*** Off” towards the travelling support.

Such a toxic relationship that is behind repair. Cemented his own final nail in his coffin today.

Have to hold yourself higher being the manager of a Football Club, you are representing ITFC. Especially on TV.

Through the end of the season. Shake hands with Evans, thank him for five years and give the club the fresh start it needs next season.
45

midastouch added 14:26 - Feb 18
Long ago I realised I'm unlikely to ever see England win the World Cup in my lifetime. Well unless we get a new manager (who wants to win a game instead of draw one!) I'm starting to think I could say the same about Ipswich ever beating Norwich again in my lifetime!

DmG, Hyam and Spence as 2nd half subs? Seriously, what was Mick thinking! Garner was getting plenty of free kicks and you know how dangerous Celina is with any free kick near the edge of the box, it would of been ideal for him.

A victory would of been sweet (we nearly nicked it but threw it away!) but they were a lot better than us 2nd half. Credit to Town in the first half but they were still badly lacking the quality needed to get it in the net. Sadly the quality was left to sit on the bench just like last time we played Norwich. Opportunity wasted Mick!

And we always seem to let in late goals, been doing it for years! I wasn't even surprised when it went in at the end as we always seem to blow it! MICK OUT!!!!!!!!!
33

BrettenhamBlue added 14:28 - Feb 18
Gutted.
9

DebsyAngel added 14:28 - Feb 18
Posted this in the wrong thread and it should have been in this one!!!

Just 2 MINUTES to pack the defence out... all that was needed. Had a sinking feeling once that 5 minutes was up on the board. Thought the subs were useless. McGoldrick rusty, Hyam did not make any impact, and Spence was pretty pointless. A chance to put Celina on for Gleeson, may have given us that creative spark we needed. Feel gutted. Bart MOTM as usual!
21

bugledog123 added 14:29 - Feb 18
Gutted.
4

WizardNinja added 14:29 - Feb 18
where in the hell did 5 Mins come from???!!!

very disappointed not to see Celina come on
22

cat added 14:30 - Feb 18
We should be happy with a point at Carrot Rd, but today it feels like a defeat. No complaints with the point considering we should have been battered second half, but the manner in which we simply switched off early is what leaves that distinctive footballing sour taste in your mouth.
Meno to defence - play until the ball runs out of play or the ref blows up for full time.
21

Esseeja added 14:30 - Feb 18
Should of stayed 1-0 to us, the referee was awful, they always go against us, I mean, 5 MINUTES? WHAT!?!?! The celebration lasted 2 and a half minutes!!! the rest lasted 30 seconds, there's no way in hell that 5 minutes should be played? I knew we would concede as soon as I saw the number "5", should have been 3, P*ssed off, McCarthy's language did NOT help us out and probably gave karma to him, but karma to us as well, for what? 10 years now. 15 years old, I genuinely feel like doing my own thing rather than looking at our result and wearing this shirt after that, but the only thing that keeps me caring about us is that we are still above Norwich.
7

Northstandveteran added 14:31 - Feb 18
I am struggling to recall the last time I felt this disappointed watching Ipswich.

A good first half performance and really felt we would hold on.

Oh Mick, telling the fans to f off!

Can't see a way back from that.....
39

jas0999 added 14:31 - Feb 18
Gutted. However, in reality we didn't deserve to win. Thought we were the better side first half as the negative team selection stifled Norwich and surprised them. Yet again though we wasted a couple of chances.

Second half we were awful. Micks subs certainly suggested he was happy to play for a point and hopefully nick a win. It almost happened as we undeservedly took the lead. Pains me, but Norwich certainly shouldn't have been behind. Shame Bart made an error for the goal but at least four top top saves in the second half kept us in it.

The real talking point though is McCarthy again slating and swearing at the long suffering fans. As if his boring negative football isn't enough. Can't see attendances reaching 12K if he stays.

I'm done with it. Unacceptable behaviour from the manager. Evans has to act.
39

Westy added 14:31 - Feb 18
Aaaaarhhh. I bought a pair of blue suede shoes four years ago and said I wouldn't wear them until we either get promoted or beat Norwich - how much longer will I have to wait ?
5

schenkermental added 14:32 - Feb 18
Probably fair result but still gutted. Commentator said two extra minutes so where did other three come from. MM definitely said F*** off.
11

blueboy1981 added 14:32 - Feb 18
....... why did we have to go defensive after 50 minutes ? - Norwich were there for the taking from the start, they were not impressive.

I would like to know who McCarthy mouthed 'f-ck off' to, into the Camera after we scored - although I could easily guess. More disrespect shown to certain people in the face of a possible win, at the time ?? - maybe he shouldn't have been so sure presumptuous .. ??

Fact is, he tried to preserve the point from the 50th minute - SHAME - we had more to offer than that.
19

TractorBeezer added 14:32 - Feb 18
Disappointing but fair result. Where did the added 5 minutes come from? Where was Celina? Would have accepted this result before kick-off.
6

MicksZzzTactics added 14:33 - Feb 18
There is going to plenty of "Well Done" posts -- and it indisputably it was not in any shape or form remotely a "bad performances" by ITFC-- that is predominantly if you get your "adrenaline kicks" from watching us defending with 8- 9 players and practically being under siege for the entire last 45!
1st half we "looked" comfortable & fairly good despite much less of the possesion even then & *crystal clearly* setting up for 0-0 & 1 point -- (looking extremely like that 1 point would win us promotion or the bloody World Cup when in reality it would get us nowhere!) -- but imho it was as much down to the *fact* that Norwich played fairly poor (or unintelligent rather) and very nervous in the first 45
..... so sooooo close to "nicking all 3" (on lone attempt on goal in 2 half!) but in short this would have been nothing short of "GRAND LARCENY" had we won!

My overall verdict:
Absolutely Thumb Up To the lads for a spirited, organized, grinding and altogether very good DEFENSIVE performance .........but very much Thumbs Down To & SHAME ON YOU Dino McCarthy for doing anything in your archaic dinosauric powers to make the whole country (and much of the rest of the planet too!) *witness * on live television that Ipswich Town anno 2018 is a super proponent of NEGATIVE HEDGEHOG FOOTBALL at it's finest!!!!!!!! .... and to make matters worse that in a game we simply needed to win to keep any slim hope of reaching the play-offs *realistically* alive!
23

prebsa added 14:33 - Feb 18
Set up for a point from the off but in the first half took the game to them very well and it worked. Came out in the second half and played awful hoof ball football. Then mick made things worse by getting more and more negative with the subs. Then when I was ready to eat humble pie I see the manager shouting F off at the fans. Then to top it off they score.

Is he still manager while I'm writing?! He shouldn't be!
21

blue75 added 14:35 - Feb 18
First half was good wing backs attacking Naaridge couldn't get a foot hold only thing we didn't do was score!! 2nd half well we had a shot thankfully chambers scored try and defend a 0-0 and this it what you get. As for McCarthy nice to see your fist pump to the away fans shame you had to shout F*** OFF you'll be wanting to know why you're hated next.
16

heathen66 added 14:37 - Feb 18
I thought we played well enough in the first half without really creating much, but our 5 men got overrun in the second as Norwich changed and we didn't with Maddison dictating the play
Scored what should have been the winner against the run of play, but could not hold on due to lapses in concentration by probably everyone.
I am unsure where the 5 mins came from as there was no injuries and no time wasting.

What I would say is that no matter what the result Mick should be relieved of his duties NOW !!!
After out goal what he shouted to those supporters was worse than a disgrace.
Mr Evans, here is a chance to show you care about our club and get some respect back from the supporters of this once great club.
You know what to do Mr Evans...do it NOW!!!
26

blueboy1981 added 14:37 - Feb 18
....... let's not query 5 minutes extra time, it's trawling for you know what - with the right attitude it could have worked in our favour. We had the players to do it on the day.
7

Elizabeth added 14:38 - Feb 18
So disappointing in the end ! The second half was such a laboured effort and the team cried out for the likes of Celina to add some spark!
It felt very emotional for those of us who were privileged enough to have lived through the Bobby Robson era when we scored during 85 mins plus !
Such a shame that MM reacted as he did ..He has now completely lost any respect he did have from the fans ! Let's see how many turn out in midweek .. another difficult game !
16

dangerous30 added 14:39 - Feb 18
Well lease we are still above Norwich well done town let them cut there budget for next year without the parachute payments.
3

nineteenseventyeight added 14:39 - Feb 18
wasn't the right place or time to be singing 'youre football is sh@t' and Micks mouth was caught out again, was a fair result though 5 minutes extra time was a mystery.
4

tallguy6767 added 14:39 - Feb 18
Not for the first time McCarthy uses foul language against town fans this time on live tv. Get this disgrace of a manager out of our club now !!!!!!
35

dangerous30 added 14:40 - Feb 18
Well lease we are still above Norwich well done town let them cut there budget for next year without the parachute payments.
1

runaround added 14:40 - Feb 18
That is hard to take with just seconds remaining especially as we were hardly under the cosh once we had scored. A real clanger from Bart but he had kept us in the game & is our best player so hard to be too annoyed with him. I was disappointed with the line up but first half it worked well but not second especially after the substitutions.
Seeing Micks response to our goal seeming to gesture towards our fans & telling them to f... o.. is hardly going to improve relationships with the fans which I fear will totally collapse quite quickly now. I actually felt a bit sorry for him briefly but this result hurts us all & is tough to take as it's against Norwich!
The season is over now all eyes on what happens with Mick. For good of everyone a decision needs to be made sooner rather than later
18


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024