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Ipswich Town 1-0 Rotherham United - Match Report
Saturday, 12th Jan 2019 17:19

Will Keane’s first Blues goal saw Town to a vital 1-0 home victory over Rotherham United at Portman Road. Town, who are now seven points plus goal difference from safety, were on top in the first half and Keane put them ahead from close range on 31. However, the Millers dominated the second period and the Blues were forced to defend resolutely throughout to claim the three points and only their third clean sheet of the season.

New signings Collin Quaner and James Collins were handed their Blues debuts and Keane and Callum Elder their Town league bows and their first appearances at Portman Road having played at Accrington last week.

Collins joined skipper Luke Chambers at the centre of the defence with Pennington at right-back and Elder on the left.

Cole Skuse was back after his knee injury with Trevoh Chalobah at the heart of a four-man midfield.

Jack Lankester was on the right with Freddie Sears on the left, while Keane started behind Quaner up front.

Emyr Huws returned to the bench having been out for 13 months alongside Town’s fifth new signing Simon Dawkins. For Rotherham, ex-Blues keeper Lewis Price was on the bench.

Town had most of the ball in the early stages but without creating a serious chance. On 10 captain Chambers took what looked a nasty fall over the perimeter wall into the stand having seen the ball out of play ahead of Millers’ striker Michael Smith but was quickly back on the pitch.

Visitors’ defender Zak Vyner was shown the game’s first yellow card in the 13th minute for shoving Sears. The Millers struggled to clear the ball from the resultant freekick but the set piece ultimately came to nothing.

Town similarly took their time to clear a Rotherham set play on 18 but eventually broke quickly with Chalobah finding Keane on the left with a cross-field pass.

The on-loan Hull City man laid the ball back to Skuse, who struck a shot which deflected off one Millers player onto another’s arm. Referee James Linington waved away the Blues’ ambitious appeals for a penalty.

Lambert’s much-changed Town increasingly dominated but without being able to carve out a chance until the 31st minute when they took the lead.

Keane fed Sears wide on the left and the ex-West Ham man crossed back towards the one-time Manchester United trainee six yards out. The ball got away with him from his first touch but it came back to him off a defender and having taken a touch he lashed his first Blues goal into the net before celebrating in front of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

The game was subsequently held up for a long spell as Smith and Chambers, presumably due to his early tumble over the fence, underwent treatment. Soon after play had restarted, Rotherham’s on-loan Norwich defender Sean Raggett was replaced by Ryan Williams.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 43rd minute when Collins headed an Anthony Forde freekick from deep on the right against former Blues trialist Semi Ajayi and the ball looped wide.

A minute later at the other end, Sears hooked a shot over from a tight angle in the aftermath of a Lankester corner on the left.


Rotherham ended the half strongly, Joe Mattock hitting an effort from distance which Blues keeper Dean Gerken saw past his left post.

During three minutes of injury time Skuse was booked for a foul on Williams inside the centre circle.

Just before the end of the half, Taylor half-volleyed over from Forde’s cross when he will feel he ought to have found the target.

Not long after, the half-time whistle was greeted by applause and cheers from the Portman Road support after an entertaining period with Town deserving to go in ahead.

The new look Blues had certainly looked to have more potential going forward than they had prior to the transfer window opening with Quaner adding a significant physical presence and Keane bright and inventive on the ball.

However, up until the goal, which Keane tucked away clinically at the second attempt, they had been unable to carve out a chance.

They had moved the ball around confidently, although while also showing some raggedness at times, perhaps inevitably given the number of changes to the team.

At the other end Collins had added composure and assurance on the ball to the backline. Rotherham failed to register a shot on target, although they had one or two occasions when they might have made more of openings inside the box.

Neither side made a change at the break and Rotherham had the better of the opening minutes, Gerken saving Smith’s long distance effort in the 50th minute down to his right.

The Blues keeper was in action again on 53, diving to the same side to keep out a 30-yard effort from Millers skipper Will Vaulks after the ball had been tapped to him from a freekick.

Town had failed to get going after the break and there was a big scare in the 59th minute when Jon Taylor chased a Williams ball down the middle and appeared to nod it out of Gerken’s hands as the keeper claimed. However, neither the linesman or referee signalled until the Millers midfielder had taken it out of play.

Rotherham were putting the Blues under more and more pressure with Town unable to get on the ball.

The South Yorkshiremen ought to have levelled on the hour but Smith, the scorer of the only goal when the sides met at the New York Stadium in August, headed Forde’s cross over when he will feel he should have hit the target. On 63 Smith shot over from distance.

Town swapped debutant Quaner, who had put in a hard-working and combative debut in front of his new fans and his hometown supporters visiting from Fortuna Düsseldorf, for Flynn Downes who joined the midfield.

In the 67th minute Sears was booked for kicking the ball away as the Millers prepared to take a freekick, then three minutes later Jerry Yates took over from Forde for the visitors.

Rotherham continued to have the better of it but with the pressure having been relieved somewhat. However, on 71 Taylor was just unable to reach Vaulks’s cross in from the right.

Lankester almost carved out a chance for Keane with a clever pass on 72 but with the loanee having strayed offside. A minute later the 18-year-old was replaced by another debutant Dawkins.

Town threatened for the first time in the second half in the 79th minute. Chalobah beat his man down the right and brought the ball into the Rotherham half before feeding Sears. The former Colchester United striker tried to turn the ball on to Keane breaking on the left but Taylor was able to deflect it back to Millers keeper Marek Rodak.

But the Millers were still well on top with the Blues’ defence by far the busier as the game moved into its final 10 minutes. However, they were remaining resolute, despite referee Linington having awarded a number of generous freekicks to the visitors.

On 85 Vaulks hit a low shot from distance which Gerken claimed confidently down to his right. A minute later, Williams sent across a low ball from the right which was too far in front of his team-mates.

Rotherham continued to press, Vaulks long throw almost fell for Mattock but Gerken just got there and the danger was cleared.

Moments later Millers’ defender Vyner was replaced by Richard Wood, then in four minutes of injury time Toto Nsiala took over from Sears for Town.

Town just about kept out a mammoth goalmouth scramble with Collins, who along with Chambers and Pennington had been immense in the second half, mis-hitting against Gerken at one stage before eventually clearing a ball which seemed to ricochet around the Blues box for an age.

There was just one more generously awarded freekick for the Blues to defend before referee Linington blew his final whistle to a huge roar from the Town support, while Collins and Chambers both punched the air in front of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.

The second half had been a gritty, backs to the wall defensive effort of a type which became familiar during Mick McCarthy’s time as Blues boss.

Time and again the ball was sent into the box by Rotherham but usually it was Collins, who put in as good a defensive debut performance as Portman Road has seen in a while, Chambers or Pennington getting their heads on it.

The second period was a great contrast to the first when the Blues had been on the front foot and for large parts in control. Town never really got going as an attacking unit after the break, with the number of players short on match fitness perhaps a factor.

However, the the three points were the main thing to take from today’s game and Town claimed them via only their third win of the season and their second at home.

The victory, which was being celebrated by the visiting Fortuna Düsseldorf fans long after the final whistle, sees them stay bottom but now a less daunting seven points from safety - plus goal difference - ahead of next week’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.

Town: Gerken, Pennington, Chambers (c), Collins, Elder, Skuse, Chalobah, Sears (Nsiala 90), Lankester (Dawkins 73), Keane, Quaner (Downes 65). Unused: Bialkowski, Harrison, Bishop, Huws.

Rotherham: Rodak, Vyner (Wood 89), Raggett (Williams 37), Robertson, Mattock, Ajayi, Forde (Yates 70), Vaulks, Wiles, Taylor, Smith. Unused: Price, Ihiekwe, Wood, Jones, Palmer. Referee: James Linington (Newport IoW). Att: 20,893 (Rotherham: 729).


Photo: TWTD



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skankerman added 19:48 - Jan 12
Took my 8 year old son today, I thought the support was immense.
For me Collins was sublime and never in any doubt who was boss
Midfield went missing 2nd Half but a great team and supporting effort
My son wants to go again meaning football is the winner here
ITFC
8

runningout added 19:49 - Jan 12
Hope we're not relying on defence. Rest of squad need to do their bit and more
3

davetheblue added 19:50 - Jan 12
Collins immense
Fortuna fans immense
North Stand immense
COYB!!
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TonyHumesIpswich added 19:52 - Jan 12
First things first, massive relief we won. But God do we need some grit and determination in midfield. Need two Collins-like characters urgently to fill that defensive midfield role. Watching that today, it's no wonder we have leaked so many goals. Too much pressure on the defence and at some point that much pressure causes cracks.

Sign Glen Johnson and two battle-hardened warriors in midfield and we might stand a chance of staying up. When I say battle-hardened, I mean battle-hardened. 2 clones of Vinnie Jones in his Wimbledon days would do,
1

Lukeybluey added 19:55 - Jan 12
Well done town! I bloody love you!
1

Lukeybluey added 19:56 - Jan 12
Collins is the De Vos 2nd coming.
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Swn98 added 19:58 - Jan 12
Saxonblue74 ALL for filling up the stadium as long as some form of recompense is given to long suffering season ticket holders who turn up whatever.
Some lovely pieces of football especially in first half was surprised how well all the new players gelled.
Second half nerve racking but we held on something inconceivable only a week ago.
Perhaps the great escape might be achieved if it isn't next season at least should be exciting.
Well done PL

2

runaround added 20:01 - Jan 12
A real battle second half as Rotherham kept us penned in & put us under real pressure with aerial bombardment. But we defended heroically to hold on with Collins, Pennington & Chambers absolute warriors. Need to play a lot better than today but we got what was a massive win. Really good atmosphere too with a wall of noise from North Stand roaring them on second half. The roar from the crowd at the end was ear splitting. Well done all concerned
2

StowTractorBoy added 20:03 - Jan 12
The first half performance undoubtedly won us the game but the second half was worrying for me to say the least. Rotherham are a poor side and outplayed us in the second half. I can't recall a match where for 45 minutes we were constantly under the cosh. Don't get me wrong I am so chuffed and relieved we picked up the points but more second half performances like today and we are definitely doomed to Division One. I still live in hope but think it will be really difficult to bridge the gap to the 3 teams above us. Thank you Paul Lambert for bringing a breath of fresh air to the Club and long may it continue. There were positives today not least the 3 points but Collins was excellent and the other new boys worked hard for the cause. As usual Referee was of a poor standard but we should be used to that by now as we have seen some shockers this season.
4

warktheline added 20:18 - Jan 12
Although victorious it showed the huge gulf that needs bridging to retain Championship status, unfortunately it's need feasible in such a short period of time, nonetheless well done Lambert and new look team!
3

IpswichT62OldBoy added 20:45 - Jan 12
Nice not to spend the weekend in tears for once.
4

IpswichT62OldBoy added 21:01 - Jan 12
ESCAPE TO VICTORY
4

oldelsworthyfan added 21:22 - Jan 12
Well done Mr Lambert!
Well done our back four (what a difference Collins made!)
Well done Keane!
Well done our supporters!
My God, how we need someone to command the midfield!
4

Cakeman added 21:23 - Jan 12
Well done lads a great win. The importance of this win cannot be overstated.
For the first time in many a year I really believed the whole four stands (excluding the visitors) were supporting loudly and in unison. That is going to be needed for our remaining matches.
It's been said already by many but I have to add my four-Penneth too about Collins. What a brilliant performance that was from him. He looked as though he had all the time in world with the ball at his feet. He also won nearly all the headers. Those that he didn't get to he made sure his opponent didn't get to either. I really hope we can keep him fit as he is the good old centre half we have been missing.
On another note and this is not intended to upset anyone but I do agree with Swn98 regarding rewarding season ticket holders too. It is great to see so many in the ground but I hope our owner gets the pricing right next season. If the charges were lowered to a reasonable amount for ‘everyone' for the whole season then the attendances will surely rise.
6

NoelTheDub added 21:36 - Jan 12
Huge win but we need to back it up by not losing next game and going on any sort of an unbeaten run.Clearly we need a creative midfielder who when we are under pressure can hold the ball also make more chances for our starving forwards.Hopefully damage is not done its going to be an enormous task ahead but today its a start.Enjoy this evening everyone for a change.
1

Michael101 added 21:46 - Jan 12
Cakeman,what about giving a discount on next year's season ticket for this year's holders when they renew.if the club continue with money off matches that's the last they deserve
5

Hiltzkooler added 22:00 - Jan 12
Season Ticket holders a discount????...!!!...how have they lost out???...it was a fabulous atmosphere today...don't make out the season ticket holders pay for it??!!!! ..I can't afford lashing out for an annual ticket...ITS CALLED CASH FLOW!!!!!!!
Fabulous atmosphere today great day...others will come ......
4

shakytown added 22:06 - Jan 12
Now we just need a bit of calm quality in midfield someone who can hold the ball and then find a quality pass. We cannot keep playing so many defensive players and expect to come out on top. The second half was awful as we reverted to sitting deep and letting the opposition run the game.
2

Juanforthemoney added 23:18 - Jan 12
An important win today but will I still think Gerken is the weakness as the defence doesn't know what he is going to do, he is too hesitant with balls sent into the box, surely Bart is better unless we are putting him up for sale?

Would like to see someone else alongside Skuse (who when match fit will be a huge asset) as both Downes and Chalobah don't quite seem up to it at present. Well done to the new boys but not sure what Dawkins brings to the squad?
1

blueboy1981 added 00:07 - Jan 13
If ever a team needed the crowd behind them - today they got it mega fold. Great atmosphere.

Chambers will benefit from having Collins beside him, credit to him for playing on with an almost certain broken wrist - How many would have done that ?
Midfield woefully over ran in the second half - therefor put the defence under constant pressure.

What a difference a one James Collins made today - without him three points would have been far from certain.
4

blueboy1981 added 00:10 - Jan 13
........ need a run now like Hull are currently on - as much as I would love to see it, reality tells me it won't.
3

Henrietta_R_Hippo added 04:59 - Jan 13
As relieved as the next bloke (proper as unproper lol) to come out winners in this ultra crucial "6- pointer". But hmmm I sense it's very much **Politically Incorrect** to DARE mention the stubborn fact that we had 1 shot 'On Target' today folks... repeat 1!!!!!!

And as the commendable daring @chessy_flaps mentioned: In total we were outdone by an otherworldly absurd 600% in 'Total Shots' ...against mighty mighty Rotherham???!!!

Which offensively is like a truly awesome omen :-) :-) ...(NOT!) ...since there not only is about 20 teams in this league better & sharper up front, but also nearly as many visibly better defensively (5th most goals conceded) than mighty mighty Rotherham!!!


But hey! overwhelmingly undaunted & unmistakably FANATIC "Lambertism" has definitely come to stay on these here longitudes, right?... so ehhhhhhhhh... "naturally" lol a *High Five* to PL & his budgetly inconspicuous (inconspicuous as in so far not remotely in the allegedly promised "10+ mill Treasure Trunk" mold etc.) new-look 'Salvation Army', although a distinctively WARY & MODEST one mind you!, from me too.

Go Tractors Go!
5

Swn98 added 07:50 - Jan 13
Hiltzkooler Whilst i'm glad Portman road had a good crowd yesterday i will explain why season ticket holders should get a discount in your post you exclaimed in capital letters cash flow, Season ticket holders are a good stream of cash flow we pay our money up front or on a monthly payment so the club have our money if we turn up or not,for this we receive our tickets at a discount my ticket works out at 18.00 per game on occasions this year tickets have been discounted to non season ticket holders at 10.00 and 12.00.
To redress this the club only have to offer a discount to s/t holders who attended the game on next years tickets otherwise whats the point of having a season ticket.
Hope that answers your question.
4

Dissboyitfc added 08:43 - Jan 13
Look yesterday we got lucky and second half we were outplayed, although first half we were the better team. We will play better than that and indeed we certainly have and lost! the only stat that mattered yesterday was the score and 3 invaluable and priceless points!

The new signings will get better as they catch up on match fitness!

I remember Finidi George's debut at portman road and it was nothing short of world class! In the next 2 years he never played to that level again, in fact he was in the main poor throughout the rest of his stay. All i am saying is dont get to carried away with the fact that yesterday was poor ( second half) we had 5 players making home debut's 4 of those not match fit! We got 3 points and i know we will play better!

I prefer yesterdays's outcome to the reverse fixture at the new York stadium, where we were robbed !

COYB's
7

Kirbmeister added 09:12 - Jan 13
We need to average 1.5 points per game till the end of the season to reach 46 points. With our run in I just can't see that happening. Watching the football highlights last night showed even what the gulf in class is with us and the teams around us. Look at wigan they've played some great football against Villa. Our problem is all the other teams around us will also step it up fighting for points. I pray for a miracle but the midfield is unbelievably lightweight. Chalobah pulled out of pretty much every tackle yesterday. The midfield disappeared. Without the defensive reorganisation we would have been stuffed.
4


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