Town continue to wait for their first win under Paul Hurst after goals at either end of the match saw Hull City to a 2-0 victory at the KCOM Stadium. Jarrod Bowen struck after three minutes, then sub Jackson Irvine sealed the three points a minute from time with the Blues dropping to bottom of the table.

Flynn Downes returned to the Blues starting line-up in midfield alongside Cole Skuse with Jon Nolan taking the more advanced central role behind Jon Walters, who was the lone striker.

Kayden Jackson dropped to the bench where Danny Rowe was included for the first time in the Championship this season. Janoi Donacien was again the loanee to miss out on a place in the 18.

In front of a very sparse KCOM Stadium crowd Hull took the lead from the first attack of the game in the third minute.

Downes dawdled and was caught in possession by Fraizer Campbell midway inside the Town half and the former Crystal Palace man played in Jarrod Bowen on the right of the box from where he dinked the ball over Dean Gerken with Matthew Pennington unable to clear off the line. It was Bowen’s third goal in three games against Town and his first of this season.

After the shock of conceding the early goal it took the Blues a little while to threaten. However, they briefly began to make some headway and on 13 Gwion Edwards worked space to cross from the right and Jordan Graham was just prevented from getting in a shot from the edge of the box.

Town came close to claiming an equaliser in the 16th minute from a well-worked corner. Graham’s deep flag-kick from the right was nodded back across the area by Skuse and Nolan headed wide at the near post when he will feel he ought to have done better.

However, almost immediately the Tigers came close to doubling their lead. Campbell again sent Bowen away, this time down the middle, and only a well-timed challenge from skipper Luke Chambers prevented the former Hereford forward from getting in a shot at goal.

The Blues were unable to get the ball away from their area and on 19 a cross from the left reached Campbell who failed to make contact with an acrobatic attempt at a volley.

Hull continued to put Town under pressure winning a number of corners, one of which Evandro flicked not too far over at the near post.

The Tigers continued to control the game but without creating further chances until the 33rd minute when Campbell headed over from a Todd Kane corner.

Town had made no impact at the other end since Nolan’s header but in the 34th minute Walters won a freekick midway inside the Hull half but Graham’s set piece towards the striker was too long.

The Blues were starting to make more of an impression, however, and a minute later Nolan played the ball into the box from the right to Walters, who turned it on to Graham on the left, from where the on-loan Wolves man curled a shot not too far wide.

Then, on 40, Graham’s cross from the left was poorly cleared by Stephen Kingsley to the edge of the box and Nolan struck a difficult half-volley over the bar. Soon after, Hull were forced to swap the injured Daniel Batty for Kevin Stewart.

Town continued to threaten and on 44 Knudsen’s very deep cross from the left reached Edwards rushing in at the back of the box and the Welshman volleyed powerfully against Kingsley.

Although the Blues had ended the half on top, they had been very much second best for most of the period and were fortunate to be only a goal behind.

The early goal inevitably gave the home side - without a win at home in their previous four games this season - a boost, while the Blues struggled to make an impact aside from the brief spell in which Nolan went close.

However, they might well have created an opening from when they could have grabbed a leveller during their spell just before the break.

Town started the second half on the front foot having most of the ball but without being able to carve out an early opportunity.

The Blues continued to take the game to the Tigers and in the 56th minute a cross from the right reached Graham at the far post but fell the wrong side of the winger and he was unable to get in a shot.

A minute later, a loose ball ran to Downes on the edge of the area but the midfielder scuffed his shot wide.

But Hull gradually began to get back on top and on 58 Gerken was forced into his first save of the second half from Campbell’s strike. The keeper was unable to hold on to the shot but Knudsen was first to the loose ball and showed composure to take his time and clear.

On 65 Campbell was booked following a foul on Downes, however the caution was more for a serious of transgressions rather than just that challenge.

A minute later, Town struck their first shot on target of the afternoon, however, Graham’s effort was too close to David Marshall, who saved comfortably. Hull switched Kingsley for Jackson Irvine in the 69th minute.

The Tigers went close to adding to their lead soon afterwards, Pennington nodding Evandro’s shot away from in front of the line after Bowen’s shot from a tight angle had fallen to the Brazilian.

Town made their first substitution of the afternoon in the 72nd minute, Jackson taking over from Downes. Seconds later, a Graham corner from the left flashed across the Hull six-yard box having been inadvertently flicked goalwards by a Hull head.

But the Tigers, and specifically Bowen, were still looking the most likely scorers of the game’s second goal. On 74 the Hull forward cut in from the right and hit a shot which Gerken did well to save with his foot. Soon after, Stewart was booked for a foul on Jackson.

Rowe took over from Edwards in the 79th minute with the former Macclesfield man on the left and Graham - who had made more of an impression than he had against Norwich - moving to the right.

Bowen threatened to score his second goal of the game once again in the 81st minute having been sent away behind the Blues’ backline but Gerken was out quickly to thwart him with Chambers also playing a part with his physicality.

On 86, with Hull still looking the more likely scorers of the game’s second goal, Ellis Harrison replaced Graham, then two minutes later Hull swapped Campbell for Beccles-born former Canary Chris Martin, who was making his debut for his new loan club.

And in the penultimate minute of scheduled time that second Tigers goal arrived. Evandro chipped a ball behind the Town defence for sub Irvine to run on to. Spence tried to hold off the Australian international but was brushed aside and the former Burton man beat Gerken confidently.

The whistle confirmed the Blues’ fourth away defeat in their first four games and Hull had claimed their first win at home at the fourth attempt.

It was a victory the home side deserved and they might well have had the game sewn up prior to Irvine’s late goal with Bowen in particular regularly threatening. The Tigers caused the Blues more defensive problems in open play than anyone else they have faced so far this season.

Town put in their poorest display of the season but had periods where they were on top however they never convinced that they were going to get anything from the game with Marshall in the Hull goal rarely seriously tested. The best chance was Nolan’s first-half header wide.

The Blues, now bottom of the table by two clear points with three sides ahead of them on five, now have back-to-back home games against Brentford and Bolton - second and 10th respectively - as they look to finally end their increasingly concerning wait for a win.

Hull City: Marshall, De Wijs, Burke, Evandro, Kane, Batty (Stewart 41), Bowen, Henriksen (c), Kingsley (Irvine 69), Campbell (Martin 88), Elphick. Unused: Long, Dicko, Grosicki, McKenzie.

Town: Gerken, Spence, Chambers (c), Pennington, Knudsen, Skuse, Downes (Jackson 72), Edwards (Rowe 79), Nolan, Graham (Harrison 86), Walters. Unused: Bialkowski, Chalobah, Ward, Edun. Referee: Tony Harrington (Cleveland). Att: 11,650.

Photo: Pagepix

positivity added 17:58 - Sep 15 at least we're making progress, we lost 3-0 to hull under mick! 2 more years and we might get a point...
6

bluemike1969 added 18:01 - Sep 15 You can mark me down as much as you like but this problem isn't going away unless we at least put someone in to support a manager who IS clearly out of his depth. Mark me down at the end of the season when we finish in the worst position for 50 years and enter the third tier of English football. Ipswich till I die but totally disliking this new regime!!!
8

hucks216 added 18:02 - Sep 15 I wonder if the club will close the upper tiers of the North & Churchmans stands in League 1?
4

Nobbysnuts added 18:05 - Sep 15 Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. There is only one way this team is going and it's not the promised land. All this give the manager a chance crap is over now. 7 games in and no win is serious relegation form and what's worse is we look awful and unable to beat anyone. Today was the final straw. The players are not good or committed enough. The manager is out of his depth and drowning. I fear for this team. These are dark times. Relegation is coming. Get used to it.

11

Michael101 added 18:05 - Sep 15 all you calling for big sam relly think mr scrouge sorry evans will pay the 6-7mil he was on at the happy hammers,maybe aim a little lower, but who would want the job is anybodys quess
3

Swn98 added 18:06 - Sep 15 Where's Penguin blue I think he was the ring leader of the Mick out campaign. Shame all the numbskulls didn't get what they wished for. Now all the true supporters have got to suffer.
-11

blockb_steward added 18:06 - Sep 15 Well that has seriously messed our weekends up. Just when I though it can't get any worse, the budgies pull an unlikely rabbit out the hat. Next two games are key for Town and Hurst - 2 wins and it looks totally different. We need to start finding some goals or this will be one long season. We should not fear anyone in this league, let's start competing and beating some teams :(

5

bluemike1969 added 18:07 - Sep 15 Positivity......you had the nerve to mark me down when you post this about 3-0 Ye gods! what is there remotely laughable about this situation. You may find this funny but will YOU be laughing next season when we are in league 1?....I think not.
-5

19781981twtd added 18:07 - Sep 15 Sack the sorry fool now he is way out of his depth clueless, sorry mick !!!!!
-2

Michael101 added 18:08 - Sep 15 @swn no true FOOTBALL supporter would put up with the dross mad mick served up.
15

Felstow1978 added 18:12 - Sep 15 So called ITFC fans on here. Total w@nkers
-6

DirtyOldNodger added 18:14 - Sep 15 I think the club are damned if they do, damned if they dont. Quite sure a few months back fans were calling for a young up and coming manager from the lower leagues (which we now have) and a bunch of young hungry players from the lower leagues (which we also now have). Anyone remember us losing to Lincoln City? I seem to recall a lot of you calling for Marcus Evans to sack Mick and get Danny Cowley in, and a few players from the lower leagues as they were much better than the dross we had. Biting you all in the arse now isn't it!

1

positivity added 18:16 - Sep 15 bluemike, that was an epic flounce, and they tend to get downmarked! it's only 7 games in, time for some perspective, if we had this many snowflakes around when bobby took over, we'd never have had the glory years! try and find some humour where you can is my advice...
-1

RobITFC added 18:21 - Sep 15 Sacking PH is not going to achieve anything! We desperately need Huws & Bishop (and Adeyemi) in our midfield. Collins also in defence plus Donacian back at right back. Chambers and Knudsen both need a kick up the back side and reminded they should be showing the way to the new players. We need a bit of luck to set us on our way and I am sure we can stay up.... but we ALL need to stick together and help the team in the next two home games.

5

blueboy1981 added 18:23 - Sep 15 Swn98 .......... at least we are honest enough to see it as it really is - unlike some of you - if it's rubbish we say so, whoever the Manager is - and it currently is. Not like some of you McCarthy's nodding dogs - if he said you were all idiots, you would have agreed with him. Don't strain yourself to give more than your normal one line reply.
4

blueboy1981 added 18:26 - Sep 15 ........ this will all have come to a head by Xmas, maybe sooner, one way or another........ !!! Watch this space ..... !!!
0

ITFCsince73 added 18:27 - Sep 15 SWN98. I've been a loyal town supporter since before the days we were arguably the best in Europe. Mick left us known as the most boring in Europe. I find it very odd you rejoice our current position. I for one appreciate our current position, but was fully aware, time would be needed. I've seen nothing as yet to change my mind since the 1st minute of the season. Paul Hurst was brought in on the back of a great reputation. He hasn't become a bad choice after less than 10 games. Eitherway, Mick the mouth is long gone...That I fully rejoice.

12

lightingblue added 18:28 - Sep 15 Least we are competitive with West Ham!! Lol
1

Kikapu added 18:32 - Sep 15 Then I'm proud to be a nodding dog, blueboy. But hey, I'm really enjoying this exiting new football style of play - shame about the results, though.
0

blueboy1981 added 18:36 - Sep 15 ......... Kikapu - glad to see you recognised your personal referral.
1

pablo123 added 18:49 - Sep 15 George burleys blue and white army
1

Dissboyitfc added 18:49 - Sep 15 Swn98... shocking post, no true supporter of Ipswich Town should be enjoying the clubs present plight, as you appear to be! My problem is this, why didn't we stick with more of our own? The team against West Ham had a good blend, a few new faces, a few of our home grown products and a few championship experienced players. On that day we looked ok, playing the kind of game PH promised a game where we used the width of the pitch and trying to play football. Dozzell Nydam and Downs all looked comfortable in that midfield. Then PH decides to bring in a load more players who are who are no better than those already at the club! We have so many Loanees, what happens next season wherever we are playing? We have to give half the team back FFS. We could have played our players at least then it is a work in progress! I am glad that mm left and wouldn't want him back! But at the moment PH has got it very wrong! Why the heck was Graham on the pitch? Was truly awful against Norwich! PH will get more time, but for me he needs to sort this ASAP! There is nowhere to hide, its his team and all his decisions, many of which I don't agree with! But to finish on a positive note I really believe we will beat Brentford. That will upset the bcwuwf army as they are enjoying this run.

15

carsey added 18:50 - Sep 15 Oh dear oh dear oh dear. Seems too many League 1 and loan players not up to the task. What concerns me is why Hurst felt the need to disassemble what was a decent squad who just needed some footballing direction. Yes we needed a CB but otherwise with all the academy kids we should have been fine. I really hope Evans doesn't give Me Hurst too much time to prove himself otherwise it'll be too late. Maybe better get Mr Klugg ready now.

6

blueboy1981 added 18:50 - Sep 15 Have to say (check my posts) that I am not surprised, disappointed yes, but I did predict that bringing some experience in early doors, possibly in the post of Director of Football would have been essential after Paul Hurst's appointment. That could, and should, have been George Burley - to assist Paul Hurst - in doing so I do believe we would not have seen as much untried change as what has happened thus far. Such a move could have seen us stand a far better chance of hitting the ground running - in fairness we had a decent squad at the end of the season. I believe Paul Hurst has been far too bullish in his stance thus far, and is possibly not for helping by anyone, this could be his downfall. Rightly. or wrongly, I see some McCarthy traits within him, although shows far more respect for supporters than McCarthy ever would. Serious times, make no mistake - at the moment it would take an enormous turn around to even look like securing a win. Paul Hurst needs experienced help - otherwise I feel he will fall on his sword. Very few of us want to see that happen.

5

Dog added 18:52 - Sep 15 If anyone saw the interview that he gave Bianca Westwood and shown on opening day of the season will have realised that he has so many characteristics similar to that of David Brent. As a club, we cannot sack him. It would be a huge disservice to him and the fans to one not give him time and secondly to waste money paying him off. What is clear now is that the style of football is not going to improve from Mm days. He has made far too many changes and his mistakes in the transfer market towards the end of the season that has meant he does not know his best 11. To put in a performance like this after a 2 week break is criminal. To choose a team selection like that was criminal. Paul Hurst should apologise to all travelling fans. We will get relegated this season. I cannot see three teams worse than us or playing dire football to give us a chance. This was a must win game and the manager and 11 players serve up that dross. Brentford will tear us apart. Oyston out!!!!!!!

2

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls