Sub Luke Garbutt pulled a late goal back but it wasn’t enough to prevent Town from falling to a 2-1 FA Cup second-round replay defeat to Coventry at Portman Road in the third game between the teams in 10 days. Jordan Shipley and Max Biamou have given Coventry a deserved 2-0 half-time lead, netting in the 18th and 33rd minutes, and Town never looked like getting back into the game until Garbutt’s 86th minute header.

Boss Paul Lambert made eight changes for the teams’ third meeting in 10 days. Tomas Holy returned in goal with Barry Cotter at right-back, Myles Kenlock on the left and Toto Nsiala alongside Luke Woolfenden, one of three players who started Saturday’s 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s, at centre-half.

Stand-in skipper Cole Skuse was joined in central midfield by Emyr Huws with widemen Alan Judge and Gwion Edwards keeping their places from the weekend. James Norwood and Kayden Jackson were up front.

Coventry, who started 4-2-3-1, made three changes from Saturday’s game with Jamie Allen, Jordan Shipley and Liam Walsh in the XI for Dom Hyam, Zain Westbooke and Amadou Bakayoko, who all dropped to the bench.

In blustery, rainy conditions, Town almost went in front inside the first 60 seconds. Holy’s wind-assisted kick forward somehow reached Jackson eight yards out and the striker stuck a toe out but couldn’t divert it wide of Sky Blues keeper Marko Marosi, who saved.

Coventry threatened for the first time in the seventh minute when the ball broke kindly for Biamou after Woolfenden had been unable to clear from the edge of the box but Nsiala did well to read the situation and blocked the Frenchman’s shot.

Shipley shot wide for the visitors on 12, then four minutes later Nsiala, back after a minor hamstring problem, wasn’t too far away from putting the Blues in front after Judge whipped in a freekick from the right but the ex-Shrewsbury man was unable to keep his header down.

Coventry had played the more controlled football with Town’s approach lacking the patience and passing of Saturday’s first half and in the 18th minute they took the lead. Biamou played Shipley in on goal and the midfielder nonchalantly slipped the ball past the advancing Holy.

The Sky Blues continued to have the better of it and in the 31st minute they almost went two in front. Having moved the ball around with ease around the edge of the Blues box, Shipley crossed from the left and Callum O’Hare’s header was well saved by Holy at his near post. From the resultant corner, Michael Rose headed straight at the Town keeper.

Almost immediately, Norwood was sent away down the Blues right and sent over a low cross towards Jackson as he ran in at the far post but the striker was just unable to reach it and he and defender Fankaty Dabo ended up in the back of the net rather than the ball.

The Sky Blues quickly broke up the other end and made it 2-0. After another flowing move which cut the Blues apart, Shipley sent over a low ball from the left and Biamou turned it into the net from six yards out.

Town had been very much second best and could have no complaints about the scoreline with Coventry having been as dominant as Town were in the first half at St Andrew’s on Saturday, and importantly having taken two of their opportunities.

Shipley forced Holy to save down to his right in the 39th minute, then 43 Holy had to quickly rush off his line to claim a through ball played ahead of Biamou.

Muted boos greeted the whistle after one additional minute with the visitors well worth their two-goal lead having been every bit as good as Town were in the first half of the League One game at the weekend.

The Blues had been every bit as poor as Coventry were during that 45 minutes, rarely keeping the ball for more than a couple of passes and with the strike pair notable quiet and only threatening twice between them, Jackson’s effort in the first minute and Norwood’s cross which the former Accrington man just failed to reach.

Town changes of personnel and system at the break came as little surprise after such a dismal half. Luke Garbutt replaced Cotter and came in at left wing-back with Kenlock moving to the left of a back three with Edwards at right wing-back.

Coventry claimed a penalty in the 53rd minute when Biamou went to ground as he and Nsiala chased a ball down the middle. Referee Christopher Sarginson waved away the Sky Blues’ protests, probably rightly with the two players equally to blame for the tangle.

Town had showed little sign of getting back into the game in the opening quarter of an hour of the second half but on 62 Jackson outmuscled a Coventry defender and sent over a cross from the right, however, without picking out a team-mate.

The Sky Blues swapped Shipley for Bakayoko on 63 and two minutes later, with the constant rain now falling even harder, they should have sealed the victory.

Allen did well on the left and sent over a cross towards the unmarked Biamou, who volleyed over from eight yards out. In the 71st minute minute Biamou was replaced by Matt Godden.

Town finally began to get their passing game going as the match crossed the 70-minute mark. A long spell of possession eventually ended with Jackson slipping as he looked to turn inside the area, the striker suffering a knock to his head as he fell. After treatment the Town number nine was able to continue.

There were ironic cheers in the 79th minute when Judge hit a volley from outside the box. In truth Marosi was able to catch it with little trouble but it was the first Town effort on goal since the opening minute. Two minutes later, the Sky Blues swapped Allen for Westbrooke.

With six minutes left on the clock, the Blues pulled a goal back. Jackson was sent away down the right and sent over a cross which deflected into the air and Garbutt nodded home at the far post. It was the on-loan Everton man’s fifth goal of the season.

Suddenly, from nowhere, a Town comeback looked on and in the 85th minute Judge might well have made it 2-2. A corner from the right reached him beyond the far post but the Irishman’s volley flew over.

Jon Nolan and Will Keane were introduced for Judge and Huws in the 88th minute as Town looked for the equaliser.

Almost immediately, Edwards looped over a cross from the right which Marosi was unable to hold but the ball fell safely and was cleared.

But Town were unable to threaten in five additional minutes and it will be Coventry who will travel to face the winners of the Plymouth-Bristol Rovers tie in the third round.

Overall, the Sky Blues deserved the victory having been much the better side in the first half and with Town only really looking like getting back in it after Garbutt’s out-of-nothing goal.

Town, who haven’t won a home FA Cup tie since defeating Chesterfield 3-0 in January 2009, won't be taking part in the third round of the competition for the first time since 1955/56.

With the Blues and Exeter, who were beaten 1-0 at Hartlepool after extra-time, both out of the FA Cup there is a chance that the Leasing.com third round tie between the sides will now be staged on Saturday 4th January.

Town return to League One action on Saturday when fifth-placed Bristol Rovers visit Portman Road.

Town: Holy, Cotter (Garbutt 46), Nsiala, Woolfenden, Kenlock, Edwards, Skuse (c), Huws (Keane 88), Judge (Nolan 88), Jackson, Norwood. Unused: Norris, Wilson, Nolan, Downes, Dozzell, Keane.

Coventry: Marosi, Rose, McFadzean, Kelly (c), Allen (Westbrooke 81), Biamou (Godden 71), O’Hare, Walsh, Dabo, Shipley (Bakayoko 63), McCallum. Unused: Wilson, Mason, Hiwula, Hyam. Referee: Christopher Sarginson (Staffordshire). Att: 6,515 (Coventry: 367).

Photo: TWTD

PinstripeBlue added 22:36 - Dec 10 I don't comment too often. But it looks like we are league one for a while. League 2 is not that far away. Winning breads winning. When you give games away it doesn't work. We've done this too much.
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EssexTractor added 22:38 - Dec 10 The weather was shocking, but not for Coventry...they played with verve and will to win They had realised over last two matches that we are ordinary...very ordinary, easy to stop easy to score against..the weather didn't stop their endeavour and desire and skill We were shameful Their manager worked us out Ours didn't theirs In fact sitting behind him he showed nothing in the first half Resembling Paul Hurst as he stood in the swirling wet wind Even us supporters , who he says . are amongst the most marvellous devoted supporters in the Whole Wide World, and maybe are that ..but the great majority are not stupid...and will not put up with his spin for too much longer. Of course itfc won't win the FA Cup this year...but a home win with passion from the players would be quite nice....but boy oh boy what an ineffective team display. Manager , coach and players apologise with a proper display this Saturday... And if we are behind please do not leave it until the 88th minute to throw on two substitutes , when tonight many of the 6,000 home fans would have done so well before half time!

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Bezzer added 22:40 - Dec 10 Gilesy, I admire your optimism, however, it's not just the cup games we're struggling in! Unfortunately PL is as stubborn as those that precede him and that doesn't bode well. Inconsistency leads to inconsistency!!!!
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Cloddyseedbed added 22:40 - Dec 10 I knew what was coming so I opted to go and watch Norwich U18's instead and I'm a ITFC supporter since the 60's and a season ticket holder. I'm damn fed up with the policy of continually changing playing personal and the slow decline of team performances. That said they haven't been very good all season and only the poor opposition earlier on made us look better. Sort this crap out Lambert and stop talking crap. You are not managing Barcelona.

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Marinersnose added 22:43 - Dec 10 Bezzer you're missing the point totally. I said that the team PL fielded should've been good enough to win the game but the team didn't try, Application is not down to the manager. Saturday the team again let the manager down missing guilt edge chances in the first half. We all know PL has a large squad but very little quality but it should be enough in such a poor league

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Bezzer added 22:46 - Dec 10 @philham - please can you write a letter to PL on behalf of the 99% of people on your TWTD site to highlight our disgust at the rotation policy he has, the fact that it's not working and how we are extremely pissed off with his know-it-all demeanour! After that, please can you tell him that he is losing potential season ticket holders because of his arrogant and stubborn behaviour. LET ME GUESS, he will not give a monkeys!!

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Bezzer added 22:49 - Dec 10 @Marinersnose, are you for real?? Players application is not the managers fault?? Bloody lucky for the players that I'm not the manager then 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️
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Saxonblue74 added 22:51 - Dec 10 What would be the point in Evan's investing in January? Any new players would only get a game once a month! Quite frankly I don't think we're any worse than we were at the beginning of the season, luck carried us through many games and earned many victories but that seems to have run out.
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Suffolkboy added 22:52 - Dec 10 How sad to already see the threat of vituperative comments and spreading dissension ! The factual observations are worthy ,though the judgements coloured by emotion and understandable frustration . I've little doubt PL will be reserving players and energy for the essential league push ,and only too well aware of the risks he runs meantime ! Once again reports highlight the technical inadequacies evident in the team :AND whatever PL has to say ,he really needs to lecture Norwood ,encourage him to reserve his ‘anger ‘ and ‘frustration ‘ and concentrate on actually doing his job– putting the ball in the net. ( rather than venting his spleen at the officials ) . I shall hope for a better and more co- ordinated display v BR ,for lack lustre won't do AND looking at the forecast of very windy conditions , technical application and concentration will be essential ! Come on you Blues ,get yourselves gathered together and play some worthy team football AND put the ball in the net rather than having to rely on not conceding !

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DerryfromBury added 22:56 - Dec 10 Apart from Garbutt at half time, to leave it until the 86mins before PL makes any changes, absolute disgrace and total disrespect for the fans. very good at PR, still to convince me he's the manager so many think he is. our position in the league belies our performances.
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Linkboy13 added 22:57 - Dec 10 We all know the rotation system is wrong players don't know if their in or out even after a good performance which is bad for confidence. But i think we still have some of the problems from last season a midfield that is one paced and lacking physically hence the lack of chances created. The loss of KVY was massive as he's probably our only dangerous attacking player. I don't think Huws is anywhere near fit and might not never will be.

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OldClactonBlue added 22:57 - Dec 10 Disgraceful performance. Don't kid yourself that we have a squad full of great players, the stats speak for themselves and so do performances. Not good enough Mr Lambert, choose your best eleven and play it every week, stand, or fall, by your own convictions. Time to do more than just engage the fans, which you have done well, now you need to show your worth on the pitch too.

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Bluearmy_81 added 23:02 - Dec 10 Ha ha town fans crack me up, turning on Lambert. Never blame the elephant in the room, Evans.
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Bluearmy_81 added 23:04 - Dec 10 Going out of the Cup doesn't matter. What does matter is going up this season and the weakness/lack of depth in the squad is a worry. Investment is needed next month, as usual Evans will have zero pressure put on him by fans... 🙄
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 23:05 - Dec 10 Pinstripe are you for real . We are second in the league !!! Bluearmy , yawn
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budgieplucker added 23:24 - Dec 10 Well we went 4-4-2 with two strikers which many on here were calling for. The team with exception to the defence looked quite strong and nobody could argue that a fair attempt to field a team capable of winning this tie wasn't the case. We might even be excused for blaming the awful conditions if Coventry hadn't came and played with lots of slick cohesion, the result no doubt of a tight much smaller squad. In fact I would make 8 changes on Saturday, Garbutt, Woolfenden and Holy my likely survivors. Nsiala very lucky not to concede another penalty, possibly one of the worst centre half's I have seen in an Ipswich shirt. Myles Kenlock - it hurts me to say this academy product can only go in the same direction as Josh Emmanuel. Judge and Edwards undoubtedly good players but shocking inconsistency and frustrating how Edwards gives away so many niggly and needless free kicks. They would have a lot to do get back in to my 18. Huws - struggling to find the sparking form he displayed when he first joined us. Skuse - completely off the pace at the moment and Flynn Downes is definitely the man in form at the moment. Jackson...........not a centre forward. Norwood - becoming very irritating, not that I don't think he can do a good job at this level he is taking over where Joey Garner left off, winds the ref up and then has a free kick given against him with every piece of contact against a defender. Downes & Dozzell need an extended run playing together. Nolan needs to be a permanent fixture. And Garbutt needs to be signed permanently in January with a priemership loan target man. And what was the point of making two substitutes in the 88th minute. Are recent performances really playing on the front foot? With the constant big hoof this evening can anyone say that was much different to a McCarthy type performance. We really did look like a team tonight who hadn't played together much at all.

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Kickingblock added 06:25 - Dec 11 Two showers for the price of one.
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planetblue_2011 added 06:30 - Dec 11 Oh dear town the performances have got to improve fast starting Saturday against Bristol Rovers. Seems to be our home form of late which is worrying. We should of won this game first time round. We seem stale in midfield nothing going forwards for the strikers. Not being horrible to Skuse but why doesn't lambert try Downes & Nolan or Dozzell or Huws in midfield see how any of them can do together. If QPR come knocking on the door for Judge in Jan then sell him he's been awful this season doesn't deserve to play. Norwood & Jackson have lost their way, the partnership has faulted!! It's not their fault it's lamberts keep changing the team. He needs a settled team like Coventry had last night. Can't keep changing the team players are finding it difficult to play together, it's not working mr Lambert it's getting like McCarthy's football not creating anything in front of goal. Come on town don't let 2nd place slip, let's turn it around on sat. COYB

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Linkboy13 added 08:13 - Dec 11 Going out of the cup doesn't matter, but our lack of ability too create chances and the dropping of points against mediocre teams does anyone who's kicked a ball at a reasonable level i include Mick Mills in this can see we've got problems. We must be the only team who actually celebrated getting relegated last season those celebrations have started to wear off now. If things don't pick up in the next couple of months i would like to see Brian Klug given the job till the rest of the season.

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Marinersnose added 08:36 - Dec 11 Beezer thick as mince is a phrase that you may have heard many times I would imagine. Once the players cross the white line onto the pitch the manager has done his preparation and they know what is required of them. The manager cannot play the game for them. Application translates to how we apply ourselves. Duh 🙄
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chalky added 09:08 - Dec 11 I am increasingly depressed by the utter lack of momentum and spirit on the part of PL and the team at the moment. Given that Garbutt is scoring goals at the moment, is there a case for playing him up front ? The present 'strikers' can't hit a cow's backside with a banjo at present. As all fans are saying, stop this ridiculous rotation policy the elbow. And put some genuine zip into the team by giving players like Modra and Georgiou a real chance, instead of tired and uncreative figures like Skuse.

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bugledog123 added 09:16 - Dec 11 Has anyone looked at the league table recently? 4 points clear of 3rd place with a game in hand. I'd rather be in the automatic promotion places than 10th in the league and in the 3rd round of the FA cup. COYB!
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OliveR16 added 09:18 - Dec 11 This was the game when, with about 6000 others, I felt we properly arrived in League 1. Yes, it was a Cup match, but it epitomised the level we have reached. The crowd, the quality of the football, the helplessness of the manager all symbolise a provincial town club that had its glory but has found its place again. A very, very sad moment but strangely predictable - like a death really.

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brittaniaman added 09:59 - Dec 11 The only way Lambert can gain the fans full confidence again is a good performance topped with a Win on Saturday !!!! It does not seem that long ago when we were 4pts. clear and 2 games in hand at the top
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atty added 11:18 - Dec 11 As has been mentioned above,PL has achieved some good things since he arrived a the Club, but unfortunately most them are off the pitch. I do not believe that we have enough quality to make the rotation system work. We must have the biggest squad in the division, but we are being outperformed by clubs' with far less playing resources. We havn't play that well all season imo, here and there in some games yes, but that's simply not good enough. That said, I think we have a decent first eleven, with some good back up, whether that's with a grafting 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1. PL talkes @bout PeP and Klopp, they don't make that many changes, and neither do Leicester for that matter. Decide how to play, pick your best team and stick with it. If we fail to get up this season then PL will have failed,pure and simple, in which he should go.

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