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Ipswich Town 4-1 Tranmere Rovers - Match Report
Saturday, 28th Sep 2019 17:15

Goals from Luke Garbutt, Kayden Jackson, Jon Nolan and Kane Vincent-Young saw top-of-the-table Town to a 4-1 home victory over Tranmere Rovers. Garbutt’s superb freekick gave the Blues the lead on 35 but Stefan Payne deservedly levelled for Rovers four minutes later, however, after Jackson had rebounded another Garbutt freekick three minutes into the second half, Nolan nodded in the third and Vincent-Young sealed the victory for the still unbeaten Blues with a brilliant solo goal.

The Blues made three changes to the team which won 1-0 at Gillingham last week with Luke Woolfenden dropping out of the back three and on the bench and Cole Skuse moving back from midfield between skipper Luke Chambers, who was celebrating his 34th birthday, and James Wilson. Garbutt returned at left wing-back with Gwion Edwards among the subs.

Jon Nolan came back into the central midfield three alongside Flynn Downes with Alan Judge ahead of them - with Andre Dozzell moving to the bench - behind front two James Norwood, facing his old club, and Kayden Jackson.

After a scruffy start, Tranmere came close to carving out the game’s first opportunity in the 13th minute when Paul Mullin almost played in Payne, however, his pass was too far in front of the ex-Shrewsbury striker and Blues keeper Tomas Holy claimed.

Within a minute Alan Judge - as at Gillingham last week given free rein to roam - found himself space on the left of the box and his cross was eventually half-cleared to Downes, who scuffed a half-volley well wide.

The visitors had the ball in the net in the 18th minute but referee Ben Toner having adjudged that Payne had handled the ball into the path of Neil Danns before the former Colchester man’s shot beat Holy.

On 21 Judge was sent flying by a very clumsy Emmanuel Monthe challenge on halfway with the defender lucky not to be booked.

From the freekick, Downes played the ball to the Irishman, who turned a looping ball into the box towards Chambers, who claimed he was fouled by Monthe but referee Toner waved away the skipper’s protests.

Oliver Banks shot high and wide for Rovers in the 26th minute with Town still to really get going after an untidy and often ponderous first third of the match.

Chambers headed wide at the far post from a Skuse freekick on the right in the 29th minute, then at the other end Payne laid the ball back to Mullin on the edge of the box but the ex-Morecambe man scuffed weakly towards goal under pressure from Downes, illegally he claimed but to no response from the referee.

Danns curled a shot wide from distance as Tranmere continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides with the Blues a long way from their best.

Darren Potter was shown the first yellow card of the game in the 34th minute for a foul on Judge as the Blues sought to break on halfway.

And from that freekick the Blues won another a few yards outside the area from which Garbutt gave them the lead.

The on-loan Everton man struck as sweet a left-foot strike as you’ll see into the top left-hand corner of Tranmere keeper Scott Davies’s net giving the Rovers skipper no chance.


Garbutt ran away towards the East of England Co-op Stand to celebrate the best of his three goals in four starts for the Blues.

But Town’s lead - and their record of clean sheets - wouldn’t last too long. After Chambers had given the ball away to Mullin, Payne played the ball inside from the left before Danns moved it wide to Jake Caprice on the right.

The wing-back sent a low ball across the edge of the six-yard box, Holy failed to claim and Payne touched it over the line for his fourth goal of the season.

It was a poor goal to end Town’s run of clean sheets, which would have stretched to a club record six if they had failed to concede today, and curtail their total minutes without conceding at 539.

Neither side was able to threaten again before referee Toner ended the half with the scoreline a fair reflection of a disappointing period for the Blues.

Town, with Skuse having moved into midfield before the end of the half, had rarely been in control of the game and had created nothing prior to Garbutt’s brilliant Beckham-esque freekick.

The Blues’ lead was harsh on Tranmere who had been better on the ball than Town and had created the game’s few openings. Their equaliser summed up the Blues’ scruffy half, probably their poorest 45 minutes of the season so far.

Two minutes after the restart Payne was booked for preventing Town from taking a freekick he had conceded 35 yards out.

And once the striker had allowed the Blues to take it, it led to the Blues’ second of the afternoon.

Again Garbutt took the kick, hitting a powerful low strike - this time more Gerrard than Beckham - which Davies stopped but was unable to hang on to and with the Tranmere defenders unable to clear, Jackson slammed the rebound into the net for his fifth goal of the season.

Having regained their lead, the Blues began to play more composed football, particularly down the right.

However, there was a scare on 58 when Payne was found unmarked in the middle but shot straight at Holy and fortunately the linesman’s flag has been raised in any case.

Less than a minute later, Town had the ball in the net for a third time but again with the linesman indicating offside. Judge cut in from the right of the box and hit a shot which Davies again didn’t hold. Downes was first to the loose ball and tapped home only for the goal to be ruled out.

The Blues had been better since the break, although still without really dominating, but in the 63rd minute they made it 3-1.

Jackson was threaded through on goal, Tranmere defender Sid Nelson deflected his shot into the air and, with the keeper having advanced out of his goal, Nolan nodded his second of the season - and his second ever headed goal - over the line.

On 68 ex-Rover Norwood, who had had a quiet afternoon against his old club, was booked for a foul on Danns on the edge of the Tranmere area. Visitors boss Micky Mellon made a double change moments later, swapping Paul Mullin and Kieron Morris for Connor Jennings and Corey Taylor.

A minute later, Vincent-Young made it 4-1 with a goal to rival Garbutt’s for quality. The ex-Colchester man was found in space out on the right not far inside the Tranmere half by keeper Holy, brought it forward at pace into the area, feinted past two defenders too concerned about conceding a penalty to make a challenge before smashing a shot across Davies and into the corner of the net.

The right wing-back celebrated his second goal in two games - and his first at Portman Road - with his delighted team-mates.

Judge, who had been more effective after the break than he had in the first half but overall less influential than against the Gills, was switched for Danny Rowe in the 75th minute.

Norwood had his chance to mark his reunion with his old club with a goal in the 79th minute when played in on goal by Rowe but his chip wasn’t high enough to beat the advancing Davies. A minute later, Tranmere switched Potter for Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

The Town number 10 went close again in the 84th minute when he met a deep corner from the right and his looping header was tipped over by Davies.

Norwood, who will have been frustrated by his afternoon, was replaced by Emyr Huws with three minutes remaining.

Holy saved a late effort from Banks before referee Toner ended the afternoon. Skipper Chambers’s post-match victory fist-pump is becoming ever more familiar and the squad paid tribute to the support with the hand-in-hand celebration they debuted at Gillingham last week.

While the Blues ultimately deserved the victory the emphatic scoreline - they last scored four at home when beating Nottingham Forest 4-2 in December 2017 - flattered them and was harsh on the visitors, who shaded the first half.

Jackson’s second goal came at a crucial time just after the restart, settling nerved both on and off the pitch and giving Town some momentum.

The third goal gave the Blues some breathing space and from there it was comfortable before Vincent-Young, looking an absolute steal at £500,000, scored his brilliant second for Town.

Despite not stretching their run of league clean sheets to a club record-breaking six, the Blues are now unbeaten in 11 league games stretching back to the final day of last season.

The result sees Town stay top by two points with Wycombe - who won 3-0 at Rochdale - now second with Coventry having drawn 1-1 with Doncaster.

Town: Holy, Chambers (c), Skuse, Wilson, Vincent-Young, Downes, Nolan, Judge (Rowe 74), Garbutt, Jackson, Norwood (Huws 87). Unused: Norris, Edwards, Dozzell, Woolfenden, Georgiou.

Tranmere: Davies, Caprice, Nelson, Monthe, Ridehalgh, Banks, Morris (Jennings 69), Potter (Hepburn-Murphy 80), Danns, Mullin (Taylor 69), Payne. Unused: Pilling, Ponticelli, Gilmour, Blackett-Taylor, Walker-Rice. Referee: Ben Toner (Lancashire). Att: 19,785 (Tranmere: 621).


Photo: TWTD



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cat added 17:18 - Sep 28
Scrappy and poor performance but when you can play like that and win 4.1 then there's no complaints. Good time to be a blue
17

grow_our_own added 17:19 - Sep 28
We've scored some crackers this season. Team-passing goals, long-range shots, dribbles, all types. But KVY seems to be running his own goal-of-the-season. More lollipops than Haribo!
11

thechangingman added 17:19 - Sep 28
Wow. Just WOW!!! Will the joy never cease???

After a decade of pain, I am loving every last moment of this uber-positive League One experience.

Here's to PL and the team - thanks for bringing back my pleasure at being a Town fan. Even my students at work are impressed!!!
18

martin587 added 17:23 - Sep 28
Well done lads.Not a top class performance but as others have said it's three points and looking good.Happy drive back to the seaside.👍
14

WhoisJimmyJuan added 17:26 - Sep 28
Simply marvellous.
6

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 17:27 - Sep 28
Well done Town .
Funny isn't it that we don't seem to be hearing from all the Anti Evans , Anti Chambers , We will go straight down again brigade .
Long may it continue.
I'm sure we will have a bad spell at some point but it's great this winning lark .
9

StokeHigh97 added 17:30 - Sep 28
First half was poorest of the season: Garbutt free kick was Class even better seeing it from the BRStand! second half after we made it 2-1 only 1 Winner & a case of how many: I can't remember a player (KVY) making such a impression so quickly & wow what a goal that's why we love football for them moments, shame Norwood couldn't score! but 4-1, unbeaten, Top & 4 points clear of Fleetwood who we play next Saturday COYB!!!!
10

fistpumpfury added 17:40 - Sep 28
Great win but why, oh why, do we consistently feck around passing the ball in tight spaces and giving it back to the opposition after we play ourselves into a knot?
We must have done that at least 10 times today. No pressure on us then play ourselves out of the ball. Amateur stuff.
Chambers is an ambassador for the club but he's a real liability now. Time after time he's plays a slack ball that costs us.
I think the report of the game is fair. It flattered us and had Tranmere had a bit more luck this game could easily have been 2-2.

We have to start switching on and looking to play forward when in possession.
However, to end on a positive note, to get 4 more goals and a win is a credit and it's onwards and upwards for the mighty Town.
1

EssexTractor added 17:42 - Sep 28
First half aside from Garbutt goal little comment other than to applaud Tranmere for making our progress difficult .
But let's hope that not all away goalkeeper try to play for time after about 15 minutes.
Fortunately this season we are not relying on one system or one player , but many eyes will now have to plan to stop the skill of our full backs...wonderful accuracy from Garbutt and the best piece of skill at PR by an individual from KVY.A tremondous signing.
8

Suffolkboy added 17:46 - Sep 28
Your belief as supporters is enhanced by that of the players who are responding with gusto !
Not being able to attend as often as we'd like ,to hear from regulars yesterday when visiting Suffolk was sheer delight ,
The enthusiasm and fervour reported upon seems only too real in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to be at PR all the time !!- it really does seem like the old days !
Well done today , to all the supporters who turned out in such numbers AND to the players and staff who are working so hard to restore everything good at and about ITFC .
COYB
11

ringwoodblue added 17:55 - Sep 28
Great result but below par performance. What's pleasing for me is that the goals are coming from all over the pitch and we aren't relying on just Norwood and Jackson. But Judge must wonder if he will ever score for us! Vincent-Young must be our best young signing for donkeys years and Garbutt our best loan signing for quite some time - certainly better than Celina.

Some tough games coming up against Fleetwood and Wycombe and then the curse of the televised game against Accrington. If we can come through those still unbeaten I am going to really start believing. COYB!
10

heathen66 added 17:58 - Sep 28
Good result and better performance once we reverted to a back 4.
KVY and Garbutt will get the plaudits but we have found a gem in Wilson who had a very solid game (wouldlove to see Woolfenden and Wilson given a spell as the two CBs.
Jackson is proving what a good signing he is and will acore many more this season as long as he is played as a 2 up top.Nolan had a good busy 2nd half.
Another 3 points, Top of the League, been entertained...Happy Days
So Glad I was careful what I wished for !!!
13

Marinersnose added 18:02 - Sep 28
Pretty poor first half. Too slow to the ball much the same as the Doncaster match. Garbutt with a fantastic strike to give us the lead against the run of play. We surrendered the lead very quickly with a defender not dealing with a simple ball. Those in attendance know the culprit, perhaps a Birthday gift. Second half higher intensity all round . Jackson was superb today and caused them so many problems. Nolan was also a real threat and deserved his poachers finish. KVY again superb throughout capping his performance off with a wonderful goal showing good feet pace and a calm left foot finish. He's a top top player. Special mention for me has to go to Wilson who was faultless and ruthless at the back. Crowd as usual noisy and created a party atmosphere. Tranmeres Golden Glove winning keeper had a day to forget. Fantastic win.
8

hollywoodginge added 18:06 - Sep 28
The difference difference was losing Skuse out of mid-field, he has been outstanding and it showed in his 30 minute absence at the back. We were different gear with him in there. My MOTM.
3

Wishing4arightback added 18:14 - Sep 28
Not atvour best but the result was nice.
What a difference 2 quality fullbacks make. And James Wilson must be one of the first names on the team sheet. It needs to be Wilson and Woolfy as part of a back 4. Again no suprise again that the report openly states at the start of an opposition goal..... A Chambers mistake. People take off your rose tinted glasses. We would have a bigger margin at the top and also a new clean sheet record if he was not in the team. They are facts not opinions.

That said, keep improving and top of the league, cant really grumble can we!!!
1

DebsyAngel added 18:28 - Sep 28
Excellent match - hard first half and terrific goal from Garbutt. Stupid equaliser, but the second half more than made up for it. Vincent-Young is superb, and great to see Huws get on the pitch. Really enjoying the style of football we are playing and just hope this match in 2 weeks is not postponed. We easily have the squad players to replace others who may be on international duties. Dozzell and Dobra didn't even play today so it should not be too hard to replace them for one match,.
3

RegencyBlue added 18:37 - Sep 28
Midfield was overrun before Skuse was moved back into it. I though we were lucky to go in on level terms at HT to be honest.

Second half was a different story but 4-1 was probably unfair on Tranmere.
5

ITFCsince73 added 19:03 - Sep 28
Went to the game expecting 4 or 5, haven't done that since John Lyall was on the line.
3

ITFCsince73 added 19:06 - Sep 28
No negative. All positive. Then up steps Bobble.
5

BlueArrow added 19:13 - Sep 28
Got the run of the ball at the right times not happened for ages. Winning when not playing well promotional form. See you all at Fleetwood for those who managed to get a ticket.
3

runaround added 19:19 - Sep 28
Excellent result & lovely to see. It is enjoyable going to matches again & long may that continue. I thought Tranmere adapted to the conditions better in the first half whilst we seemed a little tentative at times. Second half we were much better & are a real threat moving forward in games. If Norwood & Judge can find their shooting boots we will really dominate some of the lesser teams at this level. Jackson & the 2 wingbacks were excellent today
3

dirtydingusmagee added 19:23 - Sep 28
there were some down sides but i'll take 4-1 well done P L and the lads ,COYB
4

jas0999 added 19:24 - Sep 28
Another good result. I agree with others, the performance was by no means great, arguably second best in the first half. BUT we still managed to score four goals and won the game, so overall very positive.
7

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 19:28 - Sep 28
Since 73 how is my post negative ? I was saying how nice it is on here at the minute. Nothing negative about it. Oh and wishing4 it's not fact at all . You have no idea what would have happened without him in the team today or any game . Ridiculous comment.
-3

prebbs007 added 19:39 - Sep 28
Result flattered us a bit. 2 cracking goals but it's sign of a good team if you can win when not at your best. Keep it going boys.

Captain Calamity utter trash AGAIN. Luckily it didn't cost us points.

COYB
-5


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