Town failed to score for the fifth successive home game for the first time in their history as Hull City comfortably beat the Blues 3-0 at a fractious Portman Road with manager Mick McCarthy holding an impromptu meeting with his players on the pitch afterwards. Town went close to opening the scoring early on when Jordan Spence hit the post on eight but went behind to Markus Henriksen’s 25-yard strike in the 18th minute, Harry Wilson doubled the lead for the previously struggling Tigers on 40 and Jarrod Bowen completed the scoring two minutes after the break.

Luke Hyam, Grant Ward, Jordan Spence, Jonas Knudsen, Tristan Nydam and Freddie Sears all started as Mick McCarthy made six changes to the team which drew 0-0 with Sheffield United on Saturday.

Cole Skuse missed out, presumably due to injury, as did Dominic Iorfa, having suffered a groin problem at the weekend, while Adam Webster, Martyn Waghorn, Callum Connolly and Myles Kenlock all dropped to the bench.

The Blues switched to what looked to be a 4-1-4-1 system with Stephen Gleeson the deeper midfielder with Hyam and Nydam ahead of him in the centre, Bersant Celina on the left and Ward on the right.

Joe Garner, whose wife gave birth earlier today, was due to be on the bench but was a late drop out, although apparently due to injury. Aaron Drinan took his place among the subs.

Hull made three changes, Fraizer Campbell came in for Abel Hernandez, who only recently returned from injury, Michael Hector for Ondrei Mazuch and Allan McGregor returned in goal for David Marshall.

Neither side threatened until the eighth minute when the Blues came within an inch or so of going in front. From Celina’s corner from the left, the ball was nodded on to Spence, whose flicked header across goal struck the post and bounced safely for the visitors.

But Hull quickly began to create chances. First Nydam got back to make a brilliant challenge to dispossess Henriksen, who had been found in space in the area on nine, then three minutes later Bialkowski saved well from Jackson Irvine after he had been found by Bowen.

Wilson struck a shot from distance which Bialkowski claimed at the second attempt on 13, but visiting fans had only another four minutes to wait for their side to take the lead.

Following a corner, Jackson Irvine stabbed the ball back to Henriksen 25 yards out and the Norwegian hit a well-struck low effort which beat Bialkowski across to his right and crept just inside the post.

The Tigers almost went two ahead in the 28th minute when Nydam gave the ball away to Bowen midway inside the Blues half and the former Hereford man unleashed a powerful shot which fortunately for Town struck the outside of Bialkowski’s right post.

The Blues had shown little attacking threat aside from a couple of Ward crosses from the right but on 38 they weren’t too far away from levelling.

Ward fed Sears to his right before breaking into the area and powerfully heading the former West Ham and Colchester man’s cross towards goal, McGregor reacting superbly to tip it over.

But two minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead. Ola Aina crossed deep from the right and the totally unmarked Wilson volleyed low past Bialkowski at the far post.

The second Hull goal was the trigger for chants of ‘Mick McCarthy, your football is s–t’ from the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, the again small crowd previously having been silent for the most part.

Celina was booked for a dive shortly before the half-time whistle was greeted by loud boos which increased in volume as manager McCarthy made his way to the tunnel.

Hull fully deserved their lead at the break, having been in control for most of the half. After Spence had hit the post, the Tigers had created two decent openings prior to Henriksen’s strike.

Frustrated Town had looked bereft of ideas with too many aimless long balls punted towards Sears but eventually began to make some impact. Ward, who presented the Blues’ greatest threat throughout was unlucky not to score with his header, but Town were made to pay for poor defending as Wilson added to the visitors’ lead.

It was little surprise that the Blues made two changes at the break, Waghorn and Connolly taking over from Gleeson and Nydam.

But two minutes after the restart the visitors made it 3-0. Bowen eased his way past Connolly on the Tigers left, feinted to cross before shooting low between Bialkowski and his near post.

The Town crowd began to sarcastically cheer every successful pass by a Blues player in no matter how unthreatening an area as the game reached the 50-minute mark, then similarly overreacted to a scuffed Sears shot from the edge of the box which was easy for McGregor.

On 55 Waghorn and Knudsen exchanged passes on the left of the area and the Danish international struck a shot which was cleared from inside the six-yard box.

The Blues began to keep hold of the ball and on 59 Spence teed-up Connolly inside the box but the on-loan Everton man’s shot was blocked.

Hull swapped Campbell for Will Keane on 62. Moments later the announcement of the crowd 13,031 - another new lowest home league crowd for almost 20 years - led to chants of ‘There’s no one here’ from the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

Following a long spell with neither side threatening played in virtual silence, Sears smashed Knudsen’s cross just wide as he sought to prevent his personal goalless streak from stretching to 34 games.

Hull sub Keane shot straight at Bialkowski on 78, then with 10 minutes left striker Ben Morris was handed his league debut by the Blues in place of Celina, while Kamil Grosicki took over from Irvine for the visitors.

The final minutes were played out in virtual silence until those fans who still remained in the Sir Bobby Robson Stand chanted ‘Mick McCarthy, get out of our club’ and ‘We want our Ipswich back’ during injury time.

The final whistle was again greeted by loud boos and further chants aimed towards McCarthy, while the players’ applause was reciprocated by those same fans.

The team and staff were then called over for a meeting on the pitch by McCarthy during which more chants were aimed towards the Blues boss. Further boos greeted the culmination of the brief meeting, which ended with the players applauded, before McCarthy was again booed down the tunnel.

It had been another thoroughly disappointing evening at Portman Road with the Blues, who have scored just twice in their last nine at home in all competitions, deserving nothing other than a heavy defeat.

Aside from Ward’s header at 1-0, they never really looked like getting back into the game and, between bouts of chanting towards the manager, the second half was played out in largely a pre-season atmosphere, the result having been all but settled by Hull’s third goal just after half-time.

One point from two poor displays has ended the scant hope the Blues had of making the play-offs and may well have seen McCarthy’s five and a half years draw to a close.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Carter-Vickers, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Gleeson (Connolly 46), Hyam, Ward, Nydam (Waghorn 46), Celina (Morris 80), Sears. Unused: M Crowe, Webster, Drinan, Kenlock, Morris.

Hull City: McGregor, Irvine (Grosicki 80), Hector, Larsson (Meyler 73), Bowen, Dawson (c), Henriksen, Clark, Campbell (Keane 64), Aina, Wilson. Unused: Marshall, Dicko, Tomori, MacDonald. Referee: Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire). Att: 13,031 (Hull: 290)

Photo: TWTD

mathiemagic added 22:36 - Mar 13 At least none of the above live in Hull and have to face the gloating massess tomorrow morning. Never felt like pulling a sicky in all my life. Total embarrassment !
3

EssexTractor added 22:36 - Mar 13 More than anything else tonight the word was SAD. A wonderful country club, supported by so many as their second favourite team in the past . Tonight's second half was so terribly terribly poor, no halftime team talk that supporters could take any comfort from Nothing just nothing, walking pace after the break But yet again we tolerated it more than supporters of any club..a few boos, some disheartening phone calls to Radio Suffolk, But maybe us " Silly Suffolk" supporters are doing what's best,(not the tantrums of West Ham), But by just simply not turning up Never 13,000 in the ground tonight and only a " miracle" will encourage a season ticket renewal queue. And for the next home match, who really really wants to attend....? So Sad, So Sad... Oh just heard Mick on Radio Suffolk, ready for Bristol C on Saturday......!!v Now Sadder

20

ArnieM added 22:37 - Mar 13 Just WHERE THE F**** ARE YOU EVANS? Show yourself for once. Take responsibility for this UTTER SHAMBLES , YOU have allowed to develop. McCarthy HAS to go, (Tonight), His position at ITFC is now totally untenable. The toxic air surrounding this once great Club, is now in danger of causing a complete melt down of the fans support. McCarthy stays ......the fans go. Your choice Evans. F I king sort it , NOW!

31

warktheline added 22:38 - Mar 13 @lightningboy, check out article 'half time 0-2' .....You'll be amazed !
0

midastouch added 22:39 - Mar 13 We've been left in the dark like mushrooms for way too long now, surely time for some long overdue answers from Mr Invisible!!?? This is farcical. Marcus you clearly don't care because if you did you'd do something about it. But all we get is an invisible wall of silence, well it's just not good enough! Confidence in your ownership is at an all-time low! They say actions speak louder than words, well we can't even get any words out of you so what hope is there!

10

Len_Brennan added 22:39 - Mar 13 Of course it''s only a small section of supporters that want him out!
0

warktheline added 22:40 - Mar 13 Lol! Since been deleted!
0

dirtydingusmagee added 22:41 - Mar 13 just listened to McCarthy, predictably blaming the atmosphere for another failure. How much worse is going to get before anything is done .
14

lightingblue added 22:43 - Mar 13 All. Can I please just say. All that I now think that Mick now needs to move on, is there any real need to completely pull the bloke to bits. I fully understand how he comes across at times is not alway quite right, but no person deserves this. It's not as though is committed a seriously bad crime or anything of such like. Some of the insults are over stepping the mark, and the chances are that he genuinely doesn't like the situation himself. Please put yourself in his shoes and getting the abuse his getting. At the end of the day he probably won't leave under his own accord, as like many of us his a family to feed.

-17

13TaylorGAK added 22:44 - Mar 13 Wait so can he f*ck off now
3

MicksZzzTactics added 22:45 - Mar 13 Wow Wow Wow Wow! What an absolutely DEAD-awesome performance! ....from the now 488+ minutes goalshy Dino "Yes I'm a football genius" McCarthy led itfc at their home field (and you could probably easily add another 200 minutes to that bragable tally, was it not for O'Kane's incredible stupid dismal against Leeds!)..... hmmm I guess that tonight's showing from 'The Lads' was EXACTLY what super shrewd & super glorious Captain Calamity, the most proper among them 'Proper Blokes', meant with his sanctimonious "CATCH 22" preaching.... Alas, all hail the undroppable Chambo! ...the most gifted, skillful, hoof-susceptible & of course SYCOPHANTIC Captain I has ever seen in a itfc shirt! :- :-) :-) :-)

9

cat added 22:52 - Mar 13 Bad home lose, massive victory for ‘Anti' establishment.
0

cfmoses added 22:52 - Mar 13 Oh dear. But entirely predictable. A manager who kept faith in underperforming good blokes, never really brought into our academy, always protected the owner and never asked for more investment, could have and should have resigned after several embarrassing defeats, regularly displayed arrogance and disrespect for anyone who challenged him, became hostile to the ever reducing number of season ticket holders, and worst of all thought the modern game was about 5 defenders and 3 defensive midfielders. I think we will remember Big Mick as .....opposition....hopefully nil and .... town ......well you know the rest. Please go Mick. And if you can ring Marcus and tell him what a ridiculous strategy he has for the club...we will be grateful.

14

CavendishBlue added 22:56 - Mar 13 Why would the club lie about attendances? There is no benefit from doing this. Knowing his previous, owner is more likely to underestimate attendance for tax reasons.
-6

cranky_old_tractor added 22:56 - Mar 13 At what point does the management wake up and smell the coffee! MM should have already gone..surely he cannot stay now. We desperately need a fresh perspective and a manager who picks teams on merit, willing to take risks and instil attractive football once more at our club. As for ME, take this business more seriously or find a buyer who will
14

Talbs77 added 22:59 - Mar 13 Stood in North and just listened to the crowd and watched the game. Found myself not caring about the result. It made me sad. Reminded me of the Blackburn game when Duncan went. The Forest game when Keane went and Derby game when Jewell went. This can't go on something has to change as it's totally toxic yet he still stays defiant but this must surely be the end. I see the Crowley brothers have Lincoln in the playoffs young managers building a club on a limited budget over a period of time. Last time I looked that's always been the winning formula at this club. Never felt as low in 30 years going to Portman Road.......makes me sad.

18

bluey123 added 23:00 - Mar 13 Where are the happy clapper mick lovers tonight no one could condone this performance
2

MicksZzzTactics added 23:06 - Mar 13 Zzzurprise Zzzurprise.... 'As long as the lads are with me I can stand anything' - Mick McCarthy explains his post-match huddle following a toxic night at Portman Road.#itfc 0 #hcafc 3https://t.co/fSxZKiw3Ur pic.twitter.com/gk6FiTN6yM — Stuart Watson (@Stuart_Watson) March 13, 2018
1

patthegimp added 23:08 - Mar 13 we've played against a good team with good players. Fundamentally it's a disgrace that they've been down there all season long with those players. Fair play to Nigel (Adkins) he's finally got them going and he's got a good team. Now there's a surprise. No mention that our team selection was sh?te and their performance was similar. Bye Mick. Southampton would suit.
3

KillarneyBlue added 23:10 - Mar 13 Have always been a Mick supporter not a happy clapper as some would say. However the team selection and senseless negative changes tonight have convinced me that he must go sooner rather than later.
5

Minneapolis_ITFC added 23:14 - Mar 13 What did it say, five games without a home goal, the longest no score run in club history - and the bizarre thing being there are still those who offer the manager defense and insist McCarthy is the right name to lead the club on ! Let's make things simple - Marcus Evans seems NOT to want to move his ass out of the club set-up BUT what you CAN do, is fire the manager BEFORE the start of next season, and REALIZE Mick McCarthy is all at sea without a raft in position at this club. Doesn't anybody with authority at Portman Road understand the direction the club has taken and what measures are required to remedy a long-standing deteriorating situation ? Another year or two of McCarthy's gray haired, indifferent faced interviews and analysis seems ultimately unbearable, in the name of sanity, I implore you to vacate your position. Just surprised my language was so decent, by god certain individuals at the club seriously test the patience.

5

blueysbighoof added 23:17 - Mar 13 McCarthy : I'm not going anywhere, 8/9 games left, Bristol city on Saturday. Milne : yes master Evans : absolutely my lord, I'm sorry about all those idiot farmers shouting at you, don't worry I'm sure they'll be fine, everyone's going to get a free balloon next home game. McCarthy : good, right I'm off home, have you done the inside Ian? Milne: yes master McCarthy : you better have cleaned out the glovebox this time an'all.

10

KiwiBlue2 added 23:22 - Mar 13 Very attacking line-up for a "must win game" I must say. Sadly we got what we deserved. It looks like the wheels are finally coming off as we stutter towards season's end. While we have the nucleus of a decent midfield for next season with Huws, Bishop, Dozzel and Adeyemi back we will need to strengthen the defence and add another quality striker. at least. Most importantly we need a new manager who has a more modern tactical awareness and takes a positive approach. Have finally had enough and think this might be the last straw especially if attendances dip below 10,000 for the next home games. One thing Evans definitely understands is loss of revenue but is he bold enough/cares enough to take action.

5

Bluewelshman added 23:34 - Mar 13 What have we all got to look forward to now...another season of Mick McCarthy's quips about the opposition being "in a false position" when we lose to them, the funny nicknames he gives his proper bloke players, or the incredible style of defensive football that Mick swears by (when he's not swearing at town fans). Unfortunately, Mick will be at town next year when Evans lack of ambition gets to an all time low. For some reason Marcus does seem to hate town fans, maybe he got bullied by one in school, who knows, all I know is that worse days are coming...everyone brace yourselves. RIP ITFC

5

ScottCandage added 23:52 - Mar 13 Cavendish, I think you might find the answer to your question about "lying" about attendances has to do with taxes. A unit of attendance (i.e., I was here) isn't a taxable event. The selling of the ticket is the taxable event. I think they report tickets sold as equivalent to attendance so they can report the one number all the time - the number they give to the government.

5

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls