Town boss Paul Lambert felt his side played “a lot of really good stuff” as they beat Blackpool 2-0 at Portman Road via goals either side of the break from Alan Judge and Luke Woolfenden.

“Very good, really proud of them, how they played, how they went about it,” he said. “There was a lot of good stuff.

“We scored a good goal here [through Freddie Sears] which I can’t believe got chalked off. And when Andre Dozzell went through, that wasn’t offside either.

“But we scored a good goal which took us into half-time. There was a lot of really good stuff there and I thought in the second half we had so many chances.”

Reflecting further on the win, Lambert thought his side built on the 1-1 draw at Crewe last Saturday: “We had a good game last week at Crewe, we played well, got a point.

“I thought we played well throughout the game, we should have scored, Freddie Sears’s first-half goal should have stood, it was clearly onside, and we played really good, I thought we played a really good game.”

Lambert gave new loanees Luke Matheson and Troy Parrott debuts from the start and was pleased with their performances.

“Very, very good, they’re 18 and 19 years old,” he said. “It’s brilliant for them and the great thing is that they’re two really nice kids.”

Matheson coming into the team meant skipper Luke Chambers dropping to the bench having been ever-present up to today’s game.

Asked about his thinking in making that decision and whether it was a reflection on Chambers’s level of performance dropping off recently, Lambert said: “We have 12 games in five weeks, it’s an incredible amount, we need everybody, we need guys to have game time and these guys ready.

“It’s nothing to do with performance, nothing like that, they guys have been great - we’ve got too many games in a short space of time.”

Pressed on whether Chambers took the decision well, Lambert , whose relationship with the media has become ever more frosty of late, said he would only comment on the match.

“I’m just here to talk about the game,” he said. “We’ve got 12 games in five weeks, so Luke understands, Wardy [Stephen Ward] understands, Gwion [Edwards] understands, everybody understands where we are with the state of the world at the minute with games coming thick and fast.

“It’s nothing to do with [performances], you may as well not ask me at all. Don’t ask me anything other than about the matchday situation, that’s all I’m going to answer from here on in.”

The Blues looked more threatening with up to six players in and around the opposition penalty area at times.

“We’re not the biggest team, but we have guys that can go and create and make things happen,” Lambert continued.

“I’m really proud of them, they’re really good footballers and how they played, the pass from Parrott to Freddie [for the disallowed goal] was brilliant.

“We saw that in training, so we know what he can offer. Obviously he needs game time, which is important for him, but there was a lot of good stuff there.”

"Andre Dozzell got further forward than has usually been the case with Flynn Downes, who was wearing the captain’s armband, sitting deeper.

“I did that last week as well,” Lambert said. “I just think that the three of them [Downes, Dozzell and Alan Judge] rotate very well and [Josh] Harrop can be another plus, [Teddy] Bishop will be coming back as well. There were a lot of good things and I’m really happy with them.”

"Regarding Judge, Lambert said: “Excellent, his goal was excellent, his general game was excellent and again the new guys gave everybody a lift. The performance today was really good.

“I thought we pressed really well at that point in the game and Judgey hit a really good goal. I thought Judgey was really good. There were a lot of good things there, a lot of good stuff.

“I’m really proud of them, they’re a young team, we made some changes but we’ve got 12 games in five weeks which is an incredible number of games to be played. Really happy.

“I just think there was a lot of good stuff there. We played really good in the whole game. McGuinness might have scored his two headers, Freddie’s one [which was blocked on the line], Gwion’s one at the back. And the [disallowed] goal should have stood here, that should have stood. Overall, I’m really happy.”

Woolfenden’s goal, the centre-half’s first of the season and the second of his Blues career, just after half-time all but settled the game.

“We started the second half really well,” Lambert continued. “After that we showed some really good things, in the whole half I thought there was a lot of good movement, a lot good tactically.

“Troy Parrott coming in, for somebody who is 19, if he keeps progressing the way he’s going, he’s going to be a player. I think he’s going to be anything that he wants. He only turned 19 the other day.”

Regarding Matheson, he added: “I’m delighted for him. A nicer kid you couldn’t imagine meeting, his manners and everything. Everything you want from a humble footballer, a really clever guy, so we thank Wolves.

“He doesn’t look old enough to ride a scooter yet, he was excellent as the game went on.

“Harrop I think is going to be a top player as well, and Luke Thomas has done great since he’s been here.”

Lambert was also pleased with the Josh Harrop’s display having come off the bench: “He’s a good one, a really good technical player. He was suffering with Covid but I think we’ve got a good one there. If Josh can stay fit and keep doing what he’s doing, we’ve got a really good footballer.”

Reflecting further on the difference the loan additions have made, he added: “I think it needed a freshness, without a doubt, allied with the guys who coming back from injury.

“We’re probably that horse riding at the back of the pack at the minute.

“There’s miles to go, a long, long way to go and everybody’s coming back and everybody’s getting fit. I’m really proud of them.”

Blackpool manager Neil Critchley didn't feel his side played particularly poorly.

“I was relatively pleased with how we played,” he said. “We were in the ascendancy and the plan was working.

“And then when we were in a dangerous situation to go and counter-attack on an opportunity and we’re in on goal, but they capitalised on a counter-attack themselves and scored.

“They produced a moment of quality that we didn’t and that was the disappointment of the whole aspect of the performance.

“The second goal straight after half-time from the corner left us with a mountain to climb and we didn’t threaten the goal enough.”

Photo: TWTD

Bert added 18:42 - Feb 6 Apart from Lambert's silly twitchiness, a fair summary. Loan signings have worked and Downes, Dozzell and even Judge playing in their best positions.
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Mark added 18:44 - Feb 6 A really refreshing performance today, the first time we have played really well since the previous Blackpool match in October I would say. Let's hope we can push on and win at Peterborough. I would watch it on iFollow if ITFC were to lift the silly ban on Phil Ham. The manager and club need to treat the media with respect, as they ask questions on behalf of the fans (especially important during the coronavirus lockdown).

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Suffolkboy added 18:48 - Feb 6 Really good wasn't it ? Everything was something really ! Even PL emphasises he's really really only going to answer questions about the match ! It does look as if things are really really deteriorating in relation to human communication and general disposition within ITFC ! It's really really got to improve ! Come on Mr L , pull your finger out , do your proper duty to everyone involved in and with ITFC ; current public performances are a near disgrace ,not what represents the proper face of our Club ! Man up , get back into the world we all inhabit ,take some advice as to how , this won't do ., Well done to all on the pitch ! COYB

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midastouch added 18:49 - Feb 6 Let's give Pep Lambertiola some praise tonight. He's took a real beating these last few weeks (and with good reason!) but he and the team deserve some credit tonight. Another good result needed Tuesday night though if not he can most likely expect to be on the end of more pelters! COYB, please give us something to shout about Tuesday night with back-to-back wins!!!!
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jonbull88 added 18:54 - Feb 6 Not been a fan of lambert and have been calling for him to go, but tonight credit where it's due. Well done town, much better 👍🏻👍🏻
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Len_Brennan added 18:56 - Feb 6 I wanted to be positive & acknowledge a much improved performance & good result when I posted on the match report thread; but he had to go & piss me of with his interview. Make no mistake, the 2 additions this week good, but playing Downes deep & Dozzel more advanced had a lot to do with today's performance & result. Similarly, having Judge in the middle rather than wide in a front 3 is going to get the best out of him; you could see hints of it from him in recent games, particularly when Norwood was on the pitch & we play on the front foot, with a bit of urgency about us. He'll be better linking with better players attack minded players. Chambers at RB, an obvious change that needed to be made too. These are not revelations that an inspired manager has come up with; these are the things that 'so called fans' have been crying out for many months. Good win today & we now look like we have a chance; but the nerve of Lambert to speak as though this is down to him, while ignoring the debacle he has presided over, is nauseating.

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muhrensleftfoot added 18:57 - Feb 6 Good win but Lambert is an unpleasant man. Not very bright either and how he should be defensive about his dismal appalling record here i just don't know. One swallow doesn't make a summer. I'll take the win and decent performance in Division 3 but it's only 1 game.
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BettyBlue added 18:57 - Feb 6 Now he realises what he was doing wrong when its now too late.
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ArnieM added 19:02 - Feb 6 Many idiots will once again try snd level a broadside at Chambers, but today's result is MUCH MORE about Lambert FINALLY playing round pegs in round holes, playing the game with a higher tempo and in our opponents half instead of in and around our own defending half .....and shock amazement Town get a win and look comfortable .... and the PLAYERS LOOKED HAPPIER!
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wiggy71 added 19:05 - Feb 6 Two more results like this and lambert might get a 10 year contract. Joking aside well done the town
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Len_Brennan added 19:12 - Feb 6 ArnieM: it is perfectly fair & reasonable to point out that Chambers at RB has been a weakness, among many other weaknesses, over the last few months. Making that point neither takes from Lambert's culpability for playing him there, and all the other stubborn mistakes he has made, nor deserves being labelled an idiot for correctly pointing it out.
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DifferentGravy added 19:20 - Feb 6 Not sure he 'deserves' credit. He has finally resolved a few of the problems that the fans/media/ex players/pundits have been highlighting all season. Its his job. He gets paid a flipping good wage to do it.......we, the fans.......dont. He should be getting the best out of the team by putting out the right players, players in their appropriate positions, playing to their strengths etc. He hasnt been doing that. The lack of players in the box, shots on goal, goals.......even playing Dozzell as a defensive midfielder proves this. Finally, he has had to swallow some of that pride and concede that a lot of what he has been doing was just plain wrong. It wasnt getting the performances, it wasnt getting the results and it certainly wasnt entertaining. This is a small step in the right direction........

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 19:21 - Feb 6 I haven't seen it again, but I tend to agree with PL that Freddie's "goal" didn't look offside. No matter, we won with a much better performance.
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Buryblue78 added 19:35 - Feb 6 In my view two reasons for todays dramatic improvement Firstly square pegs in square holes(Downes Dozzell Judge Sears proper RB) Secondly less dead wood
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LimerickTractorBoy added 19:53 - Feb 6 Definitely a step in the right direction today, well done Paul Lambert and the team. But Paul please lose the sulky attitude, performances and team set up hasn't been good enough and you surely know that, criticism where it's due and credit where it's due today.
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bluesince76 added 20:14 - Feb 6 Good win today now need to follow this up with a string of wins this is league 1 after all and this is Ipswich town FC anything else unacceptable.
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shakytown added 20:15 - Feb 6 Drop in the bucket. one win at home against a dead average team does not a season make. what could have we done with a competent manager at the start. LAMBERT OUT!!!!!!
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positivity added 20:37 - Feb 6 23 reallys in one article...
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ArnieM added 20:45 - Feb 6 Len Brennan : My point is those “ idiots” that label Chambers as the problem are idiots because they make Chambers SOLELY responsible for Towns form this season, (and many other seasons). Ignoring the fact that it is the manager who picks the team and plays the players in their respective positions. During the first 10 games when Town were doing relatively well- so too was Chambers , making overlapping runs, putting decent crosses into the box. He was playing well. Very well in fact. But he got minimal credit for that . All we saw was the Chambers boo boys making less ridiculous posts. Do Chambers was playing well as too, was the equally ageing Ward at LB. But both players have lost their edge over recent weeks . Understandably given their age. But there's not criticism of Ward I notice- just Chambers ! Chambers is NEVER out injured and is always available for his team. He's not the silk purse say that KVY or Downes or Dozzell is, but he's always fit and available to be picked. ( unlike the supposed “ superstars”). He rarely gives less than a 6/10 performance . It's not HIS fault he is getting older and is not as quick . It's not HIS fault he's picked to play . That Lamberts call. He gives 100% EVERY game to the best of his ability. He often gets caught out trying to cover for others mistakes because he is a wholehearted player - but the “blame” is then laid at his door for any resulting goal. I saw a post on FB tonight .... “ Chambers dropped and Town win” ....... ffs just is the matter with some people ? Town won today because we played the game in the opponents half for a change - why? Because, Lambert played Downes in his correct holding role and Dozzell further forward (and not because Chambers was sat in the bench). Lambert played a more influential and frankly more effective hold up player, Parrott, than the previous incumbents, (again nothing to do with Chambers being on the bench). So I'm sort but I will disagree with you about individuals being “ idiots “ when all they are frankly is boo boys who want to target one Town player. They are idiots IMHO if they can't see what the real issues have been. Don't knock a whole hearted but ageing player for his efforts when he's been picked to play for his team . This is undoubtedly Chambers last full season playing . But the “ idiots” will say .....” good riddance..... thank Christ for that...... hang yer boots up etc etc “. But not have the decency to show some RESPECT for a player who has in the modern money only orientated game played nearly a decade for this Club and offered good solid unfancy, no frills, but reliable service in that time, and say simply to the player , “ thanks Chambo “. Is thst really too much to ask of Toen fans towards an honest player ?

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RobsonWark added 21:01 - Feb 6 And I though Lambert had seen the light and the one reason for our down fall and then he was interviewed after the match: Asked about his thinking in making that decision and whether it was a reflection on Chambers's level of performance dropping off recently, Lambert said: “We have 12 games in five weeks, it's an incredible amount, we need everybody, we need guys to have game time and these guys ready. It's nothing to do with performance, nothing like that, they guys have been great - we've got too many games in a short space of time.” Sounds like Chambers didn't take to being dropped well and so no doubt will demand his place back for the game against Peterborough. If he is back in the team we are doomed and I for one won't be paying to watch the match!! Pressed on whether Chambers took the decision well, Lambert , whose relationship with the media has become ever more frosty of late, said he would only comment on the match. “I'm just here to talk about the game,” he said. “We've got 12 games in five weeks, so Luke understands, Wardy [Stephen Ward] understands, Gwion [Edwards] understands, everybody understands where we are with the state of the world at the minute with games coming thick and fast. It's nothing to do with [performances], you may as well not ask me at all. Don't ask me anything other than about the matchday situation, that's all I'm going to answer from here on in.”

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Nobbysnuts added 21:11 - Feb 6 Good god..lambert now thinks he's manager of the month...deluded completely deluded 🤪
2

nick8 added 21:28 - Feb 6 Lambert get out of our club
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Len_Brennan added 21:29 - Feb 6 ArnieM - You've got passion, I'll you that. I actually agree with a lot of what you are saying in the main there & I am also pretty sure now that you weren't referring to my post, where I made reference to the issue of Chambers at RB as part of my overall 'what has been wrong at Ipswich' (Lambert mostly). If I'm wrong let me know, and we can go another round. From what I now gather, we are coming to the same point, but from different starting points, and are exercised by different specific points that we are defensive of. I take your point on those who wish to have a pop at Chambers, the man, for the sake of it, & look to scapegoat him irrespective of his objective performance; the same could be said of Judge at the moment for that matter, where some will not acknowledge when he plays even reasonably well. Both have suffered from being played out of position & in tactics that don't suit them; but that is rarely taken on board from the critics. But sometimes they do play poorly, objectively. And the fortunes of Ipswich Town FC have not been best served by continually playing them at full back & wide forward respectively; we have to call that out too & it doesn't have to be taken as a personal slight on the man himself. I expected Chambers to start at centre half today, alongside one of Woolfenden or McGuinness, and part of me is thinking that he might be drafted in, for his experience & coaching, for the next game away to a very dangerous forward line - our defenders benefited from Madine being out today. I have not been convinced by our two young centre halves as pair, particularly against better, stronger opponents. I think the defence as a whole benefits from having a fit Flynn Downes playing in the deeper midfield role, so hopefully he'll remain there now & Dozzell can do damage further forward, linking with Judge, Harrop, Parrott, Norwood and Bishop, and the wide players.

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cat added 21:56 - Feb 6 Great result and credit to the players and staff for delivering. As for Lambert, he's lost me, gone past the point of no return, win lose or draw I hope he goes.
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KiwiTractor added 22:03 - Feb 6 In other words, Lambert will revert at the earliest opportunity?
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