Matty Taylor’s goal a minute before the break saw Oxford United to 1-0 victory over 10-man Town at Portman Road. The Blues dominated the first half but were unable to find a goal and were hit by a sucker punch just before the break. The Blues huffed and puffed for the most part in the second half and had Kayden Jackson red-carded for an alleged stamp in injury time.

Town named an unchanged side with Tomas Holy in goal behind a back three of Luke Woolfenden, skipper Luke Chambers and Josh Earl, while Gwion Edwards and Luke Garbutt were the wing-backs.

In midfield, Flynn Downes was partnered by Jon Nolan with Alan Judge ahead of them behind strike pair Will Keane and Jackson.

There was one change on the bench with Andre Dozzell taking the place of James Norwood, who underwent a groin operation on Friday.

For Oxford, midfielder Alex Gorrin was back after a ban and replaced Mark Sykes, who dropped to the bench.

Town began the game brightly with Jackson, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, and Edwards both sending in crosses from the right.

The Blues controlled the early stages for the most part although twice Earl, playing without his protective mask for the first time since joining the Blues, gifted the ball to the U’s in his own half before his team-mates helped snuff out the danger.

On nine, Jackson escaped his man and broke away down the right before sending in a low cross which was too far in front of Keane.

Two minutes later, Jackson turned Edwards’s ball to feet into the path of Keane who looked to be in on goal until his first touch took him into the path of an Oxford defender, who cleared the danger.

The Blues continued to have the better of it with Oxford pinned back in their half and as the game reached the 15-minute mark Woolfenden struck a powerful 20-yard strike which was blocked just inside the area.

Town threatened again down the right in the 22nd minute, Jackson cutting a ball back to the edge of the area from where Garbutt smashed a shot over.

Two minutes later, Marcus Browne hit Oxford’s first effort of the game over the bar from a 25-yard freekick.

On the half hour a Judge corner from the left was nodded out to Chambers, whose header was flicked over the bar by a defender.

From the subsequent flag-kick, Nolan eventually stabbed the ball through to Keane in space inside the six-yard box to the left but Oxford keeper Simon Eastwood was able to smother.

Town continued to push for the game’s opening goal and in the 32nd minute Keane crossed low from the right and Downes flicked across the face of goal. Had the midfielder left it Garbutt behind him would have had an easy tap-in.

The Blues kept up the pressure and went close again in the 35th minute, Keane heading wide from a tight angle beyond the far post from Garbutt’s right-sided corner.

Oxford had made little impression from an attacking perspective but in the 36th minute James Henry broke into the area in space from the right but scuffed his shot through to Holy.

Town then attacked down the left, Jackson beating his man then teeing-up Garbutt, whose shot was blocked. Nathan Holland subsequently hit a shot which hit a Blues defender before Garbutt was booked for an attempted foul during Oxford’s previous attack. On 41 Nolan shot wide.

The Blues had dominated the half but a minute before the scheduled end of the half, the visitors took the lead.

A neatly-worked move ended with Cameron Brannagan finding Henry on the right of the area. His low ball across the edge of the six-yard box found Taylor, who beat Holy.

On the balance of play, Town could find themselves very unfortunate to be behind at the break. The Blues had dominated a team who usually control games themselves and had created a number of openings.

However, they had been unable to take them - or force Eastwood into any significant saves - while Oxford’s goal had come via their first passage of passing inside the Blues half.

Town won a corner moments after the restart, a bouncing ball reaching Woolfenden on the edge of the area after being half-cleared but the defender’s effort looped well over.

Soon after, Jackson was sent away on the left and his cross was diverted behind. From the subsequent corner taken by Garbutt on the left, Earl headed goalwards but Eastwood tipped over. From the resultant flag-kick, the ball was headed out to Judge, who shot over.

On 51 Oxford broke forward and Brannagan was found on the edge of the box but his strike was blocked by Woolfenden.

Two minutes later, Earl’s cross from the left took a flick off Josh Ruffels on its way towards the far post where it hit Edwards, who had been unable to react to the touch, and bounced straight to Eastwood.

Holland shot over after Woolfenden was overconfident on the ball in a dangerous area on 59, then two minutes later Taylor got in behind Chambers but fortunately for the Blues stabbed the ball straight at the advancing Holy.

Town were continuing to dominate with balls coming into the box from both flanks but with the Oxford backline remaining resolute. On 64 Browne was booked for a foul on Edwards.

Oxford swapped Holland, who had picked up a knock, for Sykes in the 70th minute, then the Blues, with their performance having become scrappier and more frustrated, switched Edwards for Teddy Bishop and moved to 4-4-2 with the sub on the left of midfield.

On 80 Jamie Mackie replaced goalscorer Taylor for the visitors, then three minutes later Dan Agyei took over from Henry.

Town were continuing to push and send balls into the box but the U’s were maintaining their determined defence.

As the game moved into four minutes of additional time Judge was switched for Freddie Sears.

Town’s frustrating afternoon got worse three minutes into injury time when Jackson was, to the surprise of most in the ground, shown a straight red card for what referee Scott Oldham indicated was a stamp on Oxford skipper Rob Dickie.

The striker looked bemused as the card was waved in his direction and the Blues may well have grounds for an appeal with Jackson otherwise facing a three-match ban.

Woolfenden was booked for a foul, then just before the whistle, with referee Oldham, who had had an inconsistent afternoon, starting to lose control, there was a scuffle involving most players from both teams by the corner flag by the away fans.

The final whistle was greeted by boos from the home support aimed partly towards the referee but also at manager Paul Lambert and his assistant Stuart Taylor as they made their way towards the Sir Bobby Robson Stand after another frustrating afternoon at Portman Road.

Town had dominated possession in the first half and created enough opportunities to have won the game. However, they failed to take their chances or even overly test the keeper. Oxford scored with their first serious shot in open play.

The Blues were still on top for most of the second half but were less dominant and still failed to create enough chances against an Oxford defence who will be delighted with their afternoon's work, Earl’s early header the only big save Eastwood was forced to make.

The defeat sees the Blues, who have now won just four of their last 18 in the league, drop to eighth, eight points off the top two and two from sixth, with a visit to Blackpool, who drew 0-0 at Wimbledon this afternoon, next Saturday.

Town: Holy, Chambers (c), Woolfenden, Earl, Edwards (Bishop 71), Nolan, Downes, Garbutt, Judge (Sears 90), Jackson, Keane. Unused: Norris, Skuse, Wilson, Dozzell, Huws.

Oxford: Eastwood, Ruffels, Dickie (c), Moore, Gorrin, Brannagan, Taylor (Mackie 80), Forde, Henry (Agyei 83), Holland (Sykes 70), Browne. Unused: Stevens, Long, Hanson, Thorne. Referee: Scott Oldham (Poulton-le-Fylde). Att:19,367 (Oxford: 1,365).

Photo: TWTD

Marinersnose added 18:33 - Feb 22 A decent first half with several guilt edged chances missed an we paid the price. Oxford were a very average side who offered little threat but if we miss so many chances we cannot expect to win the game. Second half we didn't turn up. The most worrying trait for me in this Ipswich side apart from lack of talent is lack of passion and will to win. We didn't compete for second balls or 50/50 challenges. Woolfenden and Downes aside who again gave their all. I know Holy is a fan's favourite but for me he encourages route one football by constantly hoofing the ball forward. Keane is not a target man neither is Jackson so why boot it long. Too many today didn't look interested Garbutt. Chambers. Edwards, Judge, Nolan and second half add Jackson and Keane yo the list. PL should've many changes earlier but this inept team is letting him down exactly the same as they did at Wimbledon and Sunderland etc etc. Evans has to invest in January. He is sucking the life out of this club. No manager can succeed under this regime.

2

Northstandveteran added 18:35 - Feb 22 I received -17 comment votes for posting that the Burton win was a Crack papering over result last week. Not trying to be clever. But it so obviously was, based on the last 20+ results. Londontractorboy57. Be careful what you wish for. Hats off to you sir. We are as bad as we were under McCarthy but in the division below. Ladies and gentlemen, we are now an average third division team, with average third division players an average third division manager and owner and as much as we all moan, average third division quality referees. The fans exceptional efforts at home as in away are met with, frankly, insulting quality week in and week out. Apologies to those of you, for whom Ipswich town football club plays a very important part of your life, it did to me in my younger days, but the above statements are reality, not me being part of any negativity on this site.

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blueboy1981 added 18:37 - Feb 22 Oxford ? - best known for the Boat Race. Maybe we would have faired better against them on the Gipping ? How can anyone gloss over such an abject performance as today - and it's become the norm, not the unexpected. Goals WIN games - just ask Oxford tonight.
3

BeattiesBackPocket added 18:46 - Feb 22 Cue Blueboy1981 ‘let's blame lambert not evans' Yeah lambert made some decisions I do not agree with like cancelling games when we were top and on a good run, rotation policy etc and he has a lot of blame to take as well however we played some decent stuff first half but we do NOT have the quality in the final third and not just the strikers either but in midfield. We have been in this predicament for many years now due to lack of investment or as soon as we get anyone decent in those position la they're undersold a season later. Not ONE Evans fan including you blueboy1981 or Rabbit who hides behind down votes can answer me this but It's about time our fans asked questions why is he here!? Not a fan so why?? Why is it Brentford can compete in the top of the championship on 10,000 gates and pay decent wages and are moving to a brand new ground when we get twice as much and had the 6th lowest wage budget past 4 seasons in that league?? They're hardly in debt and moving to a new ground as well yet we have a huge debt how?? It's not been spent on the players so where is it?? We were OUT of administration BEFORE he came in so it's not true he saved us what he's done now is make us an unattractive club to buy because of his debt!? So before we sack yet another manager the 6th in his 13 years WHOS the common denominator!? Evans but you keep supporting him and next season when we lose fans and wages again watch us fall even further then maybe just maybe you might stand up to the owner!

9

blueboy1981 added 18:47 - Feb 22 Where do all our so called £million star players disappear to on a Saturday or Tuesday night in the 3rd Division ? And what about our Manager showing what he says he's learnt by being here, there, and everywhere with his huge Clubs. I reckon he means his Golf Clubs - let's hope he's better at that than he is at knowing when to make substitutions !
2

cat added 18:59 - Feb 22 Funny game to judge, but when 2 poor teams show up it's hardly going to hit any great heights, unlike the aimless hoofing which reared its ugly head once again. We looked comfortable until Oxford done us with a smash and grab. Nonetheless it was an enjoyable afternoon out, good banter with fellow fans and staying behind to ‘lambast Lambert' mainly for his clueless substitution was well worth the travel and admission fee. Many different opinions on here, so fair play to everyone who's voiced theirs, but as far I'm concerned failure to take this huge squad up will be down to one bloke, and that's Lambert.

6

ringwoodblue added 19:02 - Feb 22 To not get promoted from Lg1 would be a failure, to not even finish in the playoffs would be a complete disaster. I don't know how to fix this but worryingly neither does Lambo. The misery for us fans continues for yet another season.
3

Saxonblue74 added 19:11 - Feb 22 Ok, so theres call for investment. £1.6m spent on Jackson, not performing. Last seasons 30 goal top scorer signed from lge2 winners, not performing. "Premier lge bound" Woolfenden and Downes in midfield with a returning Welsh international in Huws. Under 21 international in Andre Dozzell. Garbutt on loan from Everton. 2 decent goalkeepers on the books. Experienced (agreed, ageing) skipper. Kvy, Sears, Lankester and Nydam to return. We don't need money, we need someone who can work with the assets we already have!!!

10

bluesince76 added 19:14 - Feb 22 There's only one constant in all of this that's Marcus Evans EVANS OUT.
3

BeattiesBackPocket added 19:22 - Feb 22 Saxonblue74 this is a very average league and most of our players have been shown up as being just that as well. Jackson scored about ten he's never been prolific, Norwood unknown quantity but hasn't been fit for a while ANYONE could see that and now needs an operation, Huws has come back from an extremely bad injury and isn't the player he was 4 years ago, Dozzell is probably a player that needs to be playing in a top 6 championship or premier aide where he gets more time and space on the ball, the only players of any quality for the championship are probably Woolfenden, Downes, Garbutt, KVY. Maybe some of the kids Lankaster showed he could last year. THATS IT so yes we don't have creativity and haven't since magilton we don't have goals in midfield and have t since Alexander, Miller etc, and don't have to kind of finishing we had for one season under waghorn before that bent so yeah we haven't had quality for a while in the last third and yes that's down to investment! There's one common denominator in all the slow decline past 13 years that's the owner! Stripping our assets and selling for poor prices

4

Lightningboy added 19:25 - Feb 22 If we fail to even make the play-offs after where we were a month ago this collection of players are going to go down as the biggest bunch of failures in Ipswich's history. 💩👎🏻
6

alfromcol added 19:26 - Feb 22 At least Sears might get more than a few minutes against Blackpool?
2

Saxonblue74 added 19:30 - Feb 22 BBP, I just think the squad we have is under performing. Players could do more, manager could certainly do more.
4

richardpaul added 19:31 - Feb 22 I can only liken supporting Ipswich Town this season to a young mans first visit to a strip club The Expectation The Anticipation and The Final Reveal The compere, El Lamberto, winds up the audience with promises of sights to come The young lad believes as this man supposedly has a good record of producing the goods His expectation is high and this his closely mirrored by his anticipation of seeing the final reveal The show starts and after a comic and a dodgy magician continues with a favourable reaction from the nearly full room The show is coming to a final point just two more garments then the lad can see but whats this a power cut All is black nothing more to see Ipswich Town Expectation Anticipation but nothing more I cannot see 12 points from the last 11 games so frustrating

0

ITFCsince73 added 19:33 - Feb 22 NSV. Totally agree.... Now 2 points away from Gillingham. Taken a number of years to get to where we should be. L1 mid table. The lowest league status for us since the world was black and white. A sad day. Trouble is the blame for that lies with many, in different ways. Unless someone's heard different we go again next season with the same set up, although our better players will be gone.

5

londontractorboy57 added 19:35 - Feb 22 Running out attempt to bring back Mick McCarthy dont think the numbskulls will think much of that comment
-3

MurcianITCC added 19:44 - Feb 22 I'm. Done .
3

londontractorboy57 added 19:50 - Feb 22 Said last week although we won it was against the poorest team ive seen this year and yes my opinion was borne out by to todays failure to overcome another average team and we came up woefully short, still in the eyes of some numbskulls we were better to be relegated how I still fail to see.
1

londontractorboy57 added 19:57 - Feb 22 By the way Jackson deserved to be sent of for mindlessly stamping on the prone Oxford Player and should be unloaded at end of Season. How do they expect to score goals when they spend most of the match with their backs to goal.
2

runaround added 19:59 - Feb 22 We controlled the first 44 minutes but couldn't score & got caught by a sucker punch. After that the game became very frustrating & we increasingly didn't look likely to score with all semblance of a system or plan going out of the window in a very disappointing & increasingly poor way. I NEVER leave before the end usually but did after the red card as my daughter was in tears at the frustration of it all as ITFC football has been her main source of joy during her mother's current serious illness but seeing her team throw away promotion in this fashion was too much for her & her upset was too much for me. It is a disgrace to see the club in such a decline with us being bettered by clubs with a fraction of the resources we have available. It is rank bad management from the top down with cutting costs to fit where we are being it seems the most important thing to Evans. If he won't fund or run the club properly to give it a chance then what is the point? Lambert is showing himself to be tactically inept and is being outmanoeuvred by other managers & there is no real evident plan or pathway for improvement. The sensible part of me says cancel my daughter's & my direct debits tonight & stop putting ourselves through the pain but we cannot as we are addicted & the pain would not be lessened by not being there. I can only hope that somehow the club turns things around & we can enjoy our football again. 4 weeks ago after beating Lincoln we were top of the league. That feels like a lifetime ago tonight

8

dirtydingusmagee added 20:00 - Feb 22 Evans must be well chuffed having secured Lambert for 5 years, obviously he has a cunning plan .
5

Cakeman added 20:00 - Feb 22 Apart from conceding the goal I quite enjoyed the first half. Quality was not great as you would expect from third division teams but there was plenty of action. Second half was poor and we never looked like getting anything out of the game. Oxford were efficient and well organised whereas we largely did a lot of running but with no end product. I don't blame the players as they are playing to the best of their ability. Although it did baffle me how last week they finished off moves like Harry Kane and this week finished them like Harry Worth (for those of you old enough to remember him!) I fear our fate will be a continuation of our decline in to mid table mediocrity next season and beyond that will result in quite low attendances and an even poorer quality of football. I looked around the stadium today and thought what an unattractive place it now is. A traditional old ground with heaps of history that has been allowed to deteriorate. Thousands of £'s are required on maintenance. It is very shabby. I also noticed Many light bulbs not working on our floodlights both on the corner pylons and in the tops of the side stands. The playing surface is the worst I can recall seeing it too. Our old groundsman Mr Ferguson wanted to have it dug up and deep renovation work carried out years ago but instead all they did was to replace the turf! What an absolute mess our club is in.

9

BangaloreBlues added 20:12 - Feb 22 Come on lads, look on the bright side. We could have some nice long trips to Exeter and Plymouth next season. I've heard Devon is lovely on a Tuesday night in January. :-)
6

TimmyH added 20:14 - Feb 22 The biggest 'numbskull' as you so delightfully put it and continually use @Londontractorboy57 is Marcus Evans, not for his financial input or lack of but his CONTINUAL poor decision making and that includes after MM was sacked. Take this in if you can: Poor decisions on behalf of ME 1. Sacking Magilton in a relatively short period of time when we were 8th 2. Roy Keane as manager and money to spend 3. Paul Jewell (totally tactically inept) money to spend on many donkeys 4. Extended contract for your beloved (by 18 months or so) 5.. Paul Hurst and the ridiculous 'try something new' scheme to buy a load of lower league players 6. Paul Lambert 50/50 signing in supporters eyes but with poor recent track record 7. Ridiculous PL extended contract until 2025 (chuckle) Have we any hope if ME keeps on making these decisions?

10

dirtydingusmagee added 20:18 - Feb 22 When Evans gets around to doing up the stadium he can remove every other row of seats to give more legroom , as they wont be needed next season with gates of 10,000.
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