Bishop Nets Twice as U23s Draw With QPR
Monday, 10th Dec 2018 16:19 by Blair Ferguson

Two Teddy Bishop goals helped Town’s U23s come from behind to draw 3-3 against QPR U23s and maintain their lead at the top of the Professional Development League Two South table.

A draw for Gerard Nash’s side against second-placed QPR keeps them two points clear at the top, with Crystal Palace U23s level on points with the R’s after drawing 1-1 against bottom-placed Bristol City who earnt their point thanks to a Connor Wickham overhead-kick.

Ipswich were 2-0 down early in the second half but found a way back through a goal before QPR added a third. Bishop’s two well-taken goals capped off a hard-working performance against a talented QPR side.

Despite neither team scoring in the opening 45 minutes, there were still plenty of chances. QPR’s Lewis Walker latched on to a long ball over the top in the fifth minute and had the perfect opportunity to volley over Harry Wright but misjudged his effort and hit it high over the bar.

The visitors continued to trouble the Ipswich defence and a brilliant run into the box by Ilias Chair was matched by the equally brilliant pass that found him from Paul Smyth. Wright got down well to block Chair’s shot but the ball fell to an R’s player who struck it towards an empty goal, only for Barry Cotter to slide and clear off the line.

Ipswich started to take control of the game in midfield through Andre Dozzell and Bishop with the best chance of that spell falling to Danny Rowe. The winger hit a left-footed shot high towards goal from the right edge of the box with the ball hitting the inside of the left post and bouncing away from danger.

QPR came out flying in the second half and were quickly 1-0 up. Sean Goss was played in by Chair and the central midfielder fired the ball high past Wright at his near post from eight yards out in the 49th minute.

Six minutes later and the visitors’ lead was doubled. The impressive Smyth broke towards the Ipswich area with only Myles Kenlock keeping pace with him, but once the pair were inside the box the Ipswich full-back bundled him over for a penalty.

Aramide Oteh stepped up to take the spot-kick and struck confidently down the middle with Wright diving to his left.

It only took two minutes for Ipswich to get a fortunate goal back. Ben Folami played the ball to Aaron Drinan in the centre of the pitch who quickly moved it on to Rowe on the right wing. He quickly took a touch before striking the ball against the right post and across the face of goal for Niko Hamalaiwen to hit into his own net.

A short corner was Ipswich’s downfall in the 65th minute. QPR quickly got possession and broke away with Smyth powering into the right side of the area and launching the ball high across goal into the top left corner to restore the R’s two-goal lead.

Ipswich quickly rallied and once again scored only two minutes after conceding. Rowe — who had impressed throughout — cut inside from the right wing and played the ball across the edge of the box to Bishop who struck with his left foot into the bottom right corner to ignite a possible comeback.

Three minutes later Ipswich were level thanks to an instant impact from substitute Shane McLoughlin. His run and ball in from the left made the opportunity which Bishop, who along with Dozzell played the full 90 minutes, confidently hit home at the near post.

QPR did come close to stealing the three points late in the game when Smyth crossed dangerously into the centre of the box, but Toto Nsiala was fortunate to see his goal-bound clearance hit Wright on the line and bounce away from danger.

Among those watching the match was Barry Fry, Peterborough United's director of football. We understand he was watching QPR's Smyth rather than any Town players.

Wright, Cotter, Kenlock, Nsiala, Donacien, Dozzell (c), Rowe (K Brown 70), El Mizouni (McGavin 75), Drinan, Bishop, Folami (McLoughlin 75). Unused: Egan, Ndaba.

Photo: TWTD

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mow_the_lawn added 16:32 - Dec 10 Time Rowe got his first team chance under Lambert. He's been too good for the reserves this season but largely overlooked by 3 managers now in his time here.
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Arthur_Hayes_tash added 16:34 - Dec 10 Just thinking about Connor Wickham this morning - wonder if he fancies a loan move in January?
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Northstandveteran added 16:44 - Dec 10 I woke up thinking about Kylie. Still, each to their own.
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speccybaz added 18:49 - Dec 10 Agree with the post about Rowe. He and Lankester have been stand out players for the u23s. Yes, there is a gulf between u23s and the first team but Lankester seems to be coping well with it. Credit Lambert for recognising his ability. Mind you like McCarthy and Hurst, he does seem to also rate Spence, so he's far from perfect. :)
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Radlett_blue added 19:46 - Dec 10 Good that Teddy Bishop got another 90 minutes under his belt, hopefully with no ill effects. Rowe must be worth a shout ahead of Edwards, who has been out of form recently.
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Pilgrimblue added 20:41 - Dec 10 I've been shouting for Rowe and agree he deserves a go in place of Edwards who hasn't been up to earlier form.Also like McL as he too has played well so hope they step up and we don't miss Skuse. We desperately need goal scorers in the team.
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harlingblue added 21:09 - Dec 10 What an excellent, fast moving, top of the table clash. Rowe outstanding, works well with Cotter, and two goals and another 90 minutes from Bishop. I was impressed with El Mizouni during the first half, while McLoughlin was an instant impact sub that added the necessary impetuous to help grab Town the draw.
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MooseJuice added 21:51 - Dec 10 Connor Wickham needs games, and we need a centre forward... would love to see that guy back on loan. Or Murphy for that matter. Scott Hogan isn't getting a game at Villa either, he might be worth asking about.
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BrettenhamBlue added 00:16 - Dec 11 Nice to see our team come back from going 2-0 and 3-1 down, shows resilience.
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Vanisleblue2 added 01:30 - Dec 11 Nice to see Huws and Adyemi on the bench...oh my mistake
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midastouch added 09:21 - Dec 11

Every time I see McLoughlin he impresses me. I hope he goes on to make the grade for us at some point. Always been keen to see Rowe more involved. He's had a few first-team opportunities but mainly from the bench and he's not really been able to make the most of those. I do wonder how well he might perform if given a run of games rather the fleeting in and out chances he's had in the past. Some of these players are better than we realise. Look at Roberts, I saw him against Lowestoft pre-season and didn't think he stood out particularly and yet he's not done too bad under Lambert. Often players perform better when they have better players around them.