Town’s relegation to the third tier for first time in 62 years was confirmed after a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at Portman Road. The visitors took the lead in the seventh minute via Lukas Jutkiewicz before Gwion Edwards netted the equaliser a minute after the restart. The Blues had the better of a second half in which Alan Judge hit the post but were unable to find the winner which would have put off a relegation which has seemed inevitable for some months for a further week.

Boss Paul Lambert made four changes to his team with Josh Emmanuel returning for James Bree, who was among the subs, at right-back with James Collins at the centre of the defence alongside skipper Luke Chambers and Toto Nsiala among the subs.

In midfield, Flynn Downes and Trevoh Chalobah dropped to the bench with Cole Skuse back in his usual deeper role, while Gwion Edwards returned from a groin injury to take up his position on the right of the front three with Andre Dozzell returning to the central trio.

Birmingham made two changes from the team which drew 1-1 with Sheffield United in midweek with Kerim Mrabti and Jota taking over from Jacques Maghoma and Connor Mahoney.

The game couldn’t have got off to a worse start for the Blues with the visitors taking the lead in the seventh minute via the first serious attack of the game.

Maxime Colin brought the ball in from the right and cut across to Lukas Jutkiewicz, who slammed his third goal against the Blues this season into the roof of the net from a matter of feet. The former Burnley man, who scored both his side’s goals in the 2-2 draw between the teams at St Andrew’s earlier in the season, won’t score an easier goal this season.

The Midlanders threatened again three minutes later, Che Adams hitting a low shot through to Bartosz Bialkowski in the Town goal.

The visitors kept up the pressure and on 11 Adams hit a cross-shot from the right of the box which the sliding Jutkiewicz was just unable to reach.

Town had still to get going and on 15 Mrabti smashed a shot against Chambers following another dangerous Birmingham move down the right.

A minute later, the Blues struck their first shot of the afternoon, Myles Kenlock bringing the ball in from the left before hitting a right-footed shot over the bar.

But it was still mainly Birmingham and in the 22nd minute a loose ball ran to Jota on the edge of the box from where he struck a powerful shot which Bialkowski did well to save across to his right.

The visitors continued to dominate and went close again just before the half hour when Adams cut back to Jota from the left but the former Brentford man shot against Jutkiewicz. In the 31st minute Edwards was shown the game’s first yellow card for a foul.

On 37 Jutkiewicz hit a freekick well into the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, which was more than making itself heard despite the lack of anything to cheer on the pitch.

A minute later, Judge forced Lee Camp into his first save of the afternoon, the veteran keeper tipping over the Blues midfielder’s freekick from 30 yards out.

Collins was cautioned for a foul on Adams on 42, then Skuse picked up Town’s third yellow card of the half for a late challenge on Adams three minutes later, Gary Gardner curling the resultant freekick high and wide.

In injury time Chambers joined Skuse in the book for a foul on Adams as he broke towards the area. The Birmingham number nine took the freekick himself and shot low through to Bialkowski.

That was the last action of a half in which the Blues never got going following the early visitors’ goal. It was certainly Town’s poorest home 45 minutes for a while.

Birmingham had been well in control through and had had more than enough opportunities to increase their lead with Town’s only efforts Kenlock’s shot over the bar and Judge’s late freekick.

The Blues will have to be very much better in the second half if their 17-year stay in the Championship isn’t to end with a whimper.

Town swapped Dozzell, who had had a quiet first period, for striker Kayden Jackson ahead of the second half, and a minute after the restart they levelled.

Following a throw on the left, sub Jackson sent over a sublime cross to the far post where Edwards evaded his dithering full-back to smash into the net.

The Blues suddenly looked a completely different team and within a minute almost went in front.

Emmanuel crossed from the right and the stretching Judge hit a volley back across Camp but off the post. Harlee Dean somehow scrambled it away from Bishop and behind before the midfielder could stab the rebound over the line.

Town kept up the pressure and Jackson wasn’t too far away with a shot which flew just past Camp’s left post.

The visitors, somewhat shell-shocked by the Blues’ second half transformation, eventually regained something of a foothold and conjured Adams a chance with a well-worked move which the striker hit straight at Bialkowski from the edge of the box.

Birmingham threatened again on 57 via Mrabti, who shot wide on the turn, with the game increasingly end to end and open. Four minutes later, Collins was replaced by Nsiala, presumably due to a knock or niggle.

Town had what looked a decent shout for a penalty in the 66th minute when Collin Quaner appeared to be haul back as he sought to get on to Edwards’s cross from the right but referee Jeremy Simpson - an official not usually shy when it comes to awarding penalties - waved away the protests.

Jutkiewicz headed over for Birmingham in the 78th minute, then two minutes later Kristian Pedersen was booked for a foul on Edwards on the right touchline. A minute later Nsiala joined him in the book for a challenge on Jutkiewicz.

As the game entered its final five minutes the Blues again began to put the visitors under pressure.

On 86 Judge again wasn’t far away from his first Town goal after Jackson had laid back Edwards’s cross from the right. However, Camp made an impressive save to his right.
"Seconds later, Kenlock cut in from the left and struck a shot which deflected wide off a Birmingham defender.

The Blues kept up the push to keep their Championship status alive for another week during injury times, Edwards hitting a powerful shot having been found in space which struck a defender.

The Sir Bobby Robson Stand was still singing loudly and defiantly as the final whistle and confirmation of the Blues’ drop into League One came, ending 17 years in the Championship.

And they continued to sing, if anything more loudly, as manager Lambert brought his players over to the penalty area to pay tribute to the club’s support after the most disappointing of seasons.

Having been poor in the first half, the Blues were much better after the break and would have deserved the three points had they been able to take a chance with Judge unlucky not to claim his first Town goal when he hit the post.

In the end the Blues had to be content with their 12th 1-1 league draw of the season, not enough to extend what was effectively a battle lost long ago into an additional week.

Town next travel to Preston on Good Friday for the first of four now-meaningless games from their perspective, ahead of their first season at third tier level since their 1956/57 Third Division South championship campaign under Sir Alf Ramsey.

Town: Bialkowski, Emmanuel, Chambers (c), Collins (Nsiala 61), Kenlock, Skuse, Dozzell (Jackson 46), Bishop, Judge, Edwards, Quaner. Unused: Gerken, Chalobah, Downes, Bree, El Mizouni.

Birmingham: Camp, Colin, Dean, Morrison, Pedersen, Jota (Mahoney 70), G Gardner, Davis, Mrabti (Maghoma 90), Adams, Jutkiewicz. Unused: Trueman, Harding, Roberts, C Gardner, Vassell Referee: Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire). Att: 17,248 (Birmingham: 1,582).

Photo: TWTD

RobsonWark added 20:25 - Apr 13 Dog did ITFCsince73 do amazing fist pumps and blame everyone else around him when his team conceded a goal too? Even though it may have been his fault week in week out?
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alfromcol added 20:25 - Apr 13 Itfcsince73 - i too played against you, you were absolute crap, although at the time I didn't like to say so. You only got a game because your dad ran the team! RobsonWark, I think you were his Uncle and ran the team around in a broken down minibus
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blueboy1981 added 20:27 - Apr 13 If you are Canaries - go back to your Nest in Carrot Road. IF NOT - then back the Club, you supposedly care about.
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Orraman added 20:27 - Apr 13 Look at the number of Premier league teams who have been in Division One in recent years..... Brighton, Bournemouth, Burnley, Fulham, Southampton, Wolves and even Man City. You can now add Norwich and Leeds to that list. All is not necessarily doom and gloom COYB
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Geddis78 added 20:28 - Apr 13 Itfc73. ‘ I played at a fairly decent level. And I was better than Chambo.‘ Brilliant that someone here knows the identity of a keyboard warrior and exposes him for being sh1te at football. Hilarious 😂 😂😂😂
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ITFCsince73 added 20:29 - Apr 13 Yes yes yes. I really was that bad. But stand by my comment I was better than Chambo. Fact.
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Geddis78 added 20:36 - Apr 13 Itfc73, you are getting truly roasted on here tonight. Fair play for taking it so well. Now stop going on about Chambers! Please!!
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happybeingblue added 20:37 - Apr 13 should limit this site to one post after a game,why not go down the pub or grab a 4 pack instead of the usual piffle on here! it used to be so much better now... just people talking sh.te
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warktheline added 20:46 - Apr 13 NSV top post 👍 Blue boy you really are embarrassing yourself ! Now jumping into bed with geddis! May I also remind you it was you that coined the phrase ‘cozy gang'....undroppables ( in reference to Chambers and Skuse ) If my memory serves me right it was after a McCarthy defeat away to QPR! Turn coat so you are! I mean you shed a tear after daylight robbery in Wales, and thereafter came back round to your senses! You need to take a long hard look at yourself my old friend, your compass is off!

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Gazelle added 20:54 - Apr 13 Teddy Bishop was on the radio today saying how vital Chambers is to the team. Do those of you constantlly slagging off our captain reckon you know more than those who play with him. Robson Wark stay off this site and go and watch a village side. We're down and now is the time more than ever to get behind our Club, our away supporters have set an example so we owe it to them to stop all this criticism.

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Suffolkboy added 20:55 - Apr 13 So easy to forecast the unending drivel and negativity : let's not fool ourselves this can or should be excused by uncontrolled sentiment and emotion .Lets STOP casting around for someone to blame ,or some people ; we were not good enough ,but do be objective ,or at least try ! There's a paucity of thought,energy and commitment demonstrated around our club , AND on the pitch even this afternoon ! It was explained to me that Quaner is not a centre forward and so it doesn't come naturally : say that again ! – he looks akin to a taller bigger Pitman , who seemed to spend his time trying to appear committed etc,but most demonstrated some energy in lost causes ( Jackson in contrast WAS truly energetic) : and Nsiala will have surprised more than a few with a generally very competent display . Otherwise many managed to look almost one paced and without the spunk to drop into ‘sport ‘ mode and accelerate !Decision making itself was too often poor or dilatory ,resulting in embarrassment . Co- ordination was lacking in impact ,and particularly in the first half we often looked mostly at sea ! BUT these are things which can be overcome and the confidence factor will play a great part : let's all be a part of that !! COYB

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blueboy1981 added 20:58 - Apr 13 ....... warktheline - maybe a look in the mirror may be the best therapy for you. I take back NOTHING I said about McCarthy, or the 'happy clappers' at the time, and it was justified. You are one of the single minded that see fit to blame one player for everything - not forgetting Evans, of which you, or the other cohorts have no alternative option of ownership to put forward. One suggestion put forward - Chinese Ownership ? - where is the offer ?? - the Club is, and has been for sale to a suitable buyer to step forward - FACT. Currently, there are none. Why is that so difficult to digest ??????????? Focus on Hemel - the Club that you attend, by your own admittance.

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Elizabeth added 21:01 - Apr 13 An extremely sad day for Ipswich Town Football Club .. it has been the inevitable outcome for some weeks now and I'm sure all true supporters are feeling totally gutted this evening! Just disappointing that there is so much confrontation on here ! Just have to see the season out now and see who stays for the next campaign!
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Geddis78 added 21:03 - Apr 13 Warktheline, you are a miserable sod. Never happy. Never positive. Part of being a fan is the way we convince ourselves to be optimistic when we know all logic says we will lose. Otherwise, we would never bother going to games. If I remember right, you were one of McCarthys biggest critics. He has gone and we are bottom. However, the crowds are up on last year, there is a real connection between the fans and the team and the atmosphere has been far better than at any point last year. Yet you are still angry and lashing out at proper supporters who want to think the cup is half full. Have a look at yourself mate and lighten up.

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warktheline added 21:11 - Apr 13 There You have it! Don't concur with blueboy you're branded a Canary or Hemelite! 🤣
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warktheline added 21:19 - Apr 13 @geddis, crowds are up, they couldn't drop any lower under your ‘hero', nevertheless it's a result business and I'd suggest blueboy send Lambert back to Norwich! A top salesman and PR man, which was undoubtedly needed after McCarthy had finished wrecking the club's image, but no more! Thank Evans! No I don't think so !
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Geddis78 added 21:35 - Apr 13 So angry Warktheline. If it is a results business, why were you so adamant McCarthy be sacked? You are a huge critic of Evans under investment but McCarthy kept us in the Championship. Your arguments don't stack up. Lambert has not done any better than Hurst be anyone can see he really appreciates the supporters and the club. Most are more positive. We are down but 5000 in the north stand stood with the players at the end. I know you care massively about the club. Use your passion with the 5000 and help get the club up next year.

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bluemike1969 added 21:38 - Apr 13 We knew it was coming yet when it's confirmed doesn't make it any easier does it? We are all angry and we are all looking to blame someone. I'm not going to mention names as some of you on here know my feelings on certain players and management. I just hope we can all support the team in their final games and then look hopefully to next season in the unknown. Hey, we might even get a run in the Checkatrade trophy or the first and second round of the F. A Cup. No consolation I know but at this moment I can't find anything really positive to say. I remember the 78 final etc etc but we have no given right to be in a higher league than where we find ourselves in August. A major look at players will be needed after May and bringing forward the home grown talent will be essential. League 1 is very physical so we will need a mix of skill, speed and tough players who can mix it up. It won't be a walk over but it can be done at the first time of asking with the right combination and management. We need a deep clean throughout the playing and management staff and I'm not convinced that Lambert is the one to do it. As for the owner.... Well.... Don't get me started. Guys, put the arguments behind us after tonight. We all need to vent and we have. We are all Ipswich till we die I hope, so let's try to stick together

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Carberry added 21:52 - Apr 13 The reason there is so much acrimony on here is that some people just won't allow others to express their views without constantly belittling them - blueboy, that's you. As far as I can see you have posted 23 times tonight and no doubt there will be a 24th after this. Just leave it, stop having a go at people who don't see things from your parrallel universe. The reality is some of us aren't questioning the management of the club because we've had a disappointing mid table finish, we are looking at the 3rd tier of English football next season with debts of over £90m and an absentee owner. That strikes me as serious, not a reason to sit in your favourite chair put your fingers in your ears and go la, la, la.

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warktheline added 22:00 - Apr 13 @geddis, you really are clueless ! I was one of the few that backed and defended McCarthy! Sadly the man above decided against backing him financially after the play off season! Something your new buddy blueboy denies! Thereafter McCarthy sat very comfortably in the ‘take it easy seat' and watched as the club went into steady decline! Guess he wasn't the only one, let's see, Evans, Chambers and a few others!

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warktheline added 22:01 - Apr 13 @carberry, top posts all evening 👍
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blueboy1981 added 22:04 - Apr 13 Here's the 24th for your benefit Carberry - don't expect anything else from you, you've yet to agree with any of my many posts. Enough said...... !!! Yet another critic, which the entire Club could do without right now. Doubt you were there today either.
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ITFCsince73 added 22:05 - Apr 13 Carberry. Very well said. To many like tunes that go la la la. The love for our most unsuccessful captain is astonishing. It's like people don't believe the league table, or refuse to believe it. But it's ok because we had great support today, that alone will make us a force next season....so many with there head in the sand, and refuse to see we are currently 14 points adrift, with still 4 games to go.

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blueboy1981 added 22:09 - Apr 13 warktheline ........ thought you were in the Club house at Hemel ? - why bother with our Club, which you admit you criticise from afar ? And yes Carberry - maybe the 25th - BECAUSE I'm fully behind the Club in a time of need- unlike some pretenders.
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Geddis78 added 22:12 - Apr 13 Warktheline, I have never read anything positive from you on the club. Did you ever even get that season ticket you promised you would? More than happy to stand shoulder to shoulder with any true fan. Itfc73, still going on about Chambers? Jeez man, change the record.
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