Paul Cook’s return to Fratton Park ended in defeat after Portsmouth came from a goal down to beat the Blues 2-1. James Norwood netted his seventh goal of the season to give the Blues the lead on 32 but Pompey skipper Tom Naylor headed a leveller four minutes before the break and then Marcus Harness grabbed the winner in the 72nd minute.

Town boss Paul Cook made four changes with Norwood, Stephen Ward, Teddy Bishop and Keanan Bennetts returning to the side.

Ward came in at left-back for Myles Kenlock, who was left out of the 18 and Bishop in central midfield for Cole Skuse, who was on the bench.

Bennetts replaced Troy Parrott but playing in a very advanced left-sided position rather than a number 10 with the on-loan Tottenham man on the bench.

Alan Judge moved into a third central midfielder’s role towards the left, although ahead of Bishop and Andre Dozzell. Norwood returned in the out-out-out striker’s role with Kayden Jackson also dropping to the bench.

Kane Vincent-Young was among the subs for the first time in 17 months following his injury problems, while Mark McGuinness and Armando Dobra were also on the bench for the first time since the change of manager.

Jack Lankester, Josh Harrop and Aaron Drinan missed out on places in the 18 having been on the bench for Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Fleetwood.

Portsmouth, with new management team Danny and Nicky Cowley in the dugout for the first time following their appointment yesterday, made two changes from the side which lost 1-0 at Peterborough in midweek.

Marcus Harness and Jordy Hiwula came into the XI for Ben Close and Rasmus Nicolaisen, whose own goal settled the game at London Road.

Town wore last year’s burgundy and blue away shirt but with blue shorts with a yellow and burgundy trim and yellow socks.

Prior to kick-off the players and officials both took a knee in support of Black Lives Matter, again with the exception of Toto Nsiala.

Pompey struck the game’s first shot in the fourth minute, Ronan Curtis hitting a 30-yard free-kick which wobbled in the air but was claimed comfortably by Holy.

Town attacked for the first time in the 11th minute when Bishop won the ball on halfway, Bennetts fed Edwards to the right and the Welshman’s chipped cross to the far post was nodded into the side-netting by Norwood having already appeared to have gone out of play.

Two minutes later, Norwood hooked a ball over the Portsmouth backline for Edwards, who was eventually outmuscled by Lee Brown.

Following Tuesday’s lackadaisical display at Fleetwood, manager Cook was constantly barking at his midfield and strikers to press whenever Pompey had the ball in their area of the field, and the cajoling appeared to be having some impact with the Blues having more bite than they had at Highbury.

Referee Alan Young showed his first yellow card of the day in the 18th minute when Jack Whatmough pulled back Bennetts as the on-loan Borussia Mönchengladbach man was about to shoot from 25 yards.

Judge took the free-kick and curled the ball to keeper Craig MacGillivray’s left and the keeper did well to get across to it and push it wide and to safety.

Town, playing at a greater tempo than at Fleetwood and seeing much more of the ball, were working themselves into some promising positions in the Pompey half, while at the other end Portsmouth’s rather fewer forays forward had been snuffed out.

On 29, a corner was worked to Bishop not far outside the area but the midfielder’s shot hit a Pompey defender and flicked through to MacGillivray.

The Blues went closer a minute later when Norwood was played in on the right of the area and cut across to Bennetts but the winger was unable to get a touch and keeper MacGillivray claimed.

But Town didn’t have to wait too much longer for a goal. On 32 Edwards played a clever pass for Norwood in the same area of the box and the striker smashed a powerful shot across MacGillivray and into the net for his seventh goal of the season.

The Blues deserved their lead having been the better side but appeared less attack-minded in the minutes following their goal and in the 41st minute the home team levelled.

Pompey had hardly looked threatening until Curtis sent over a corner from the left and skipper Naylor battled his way to the ball and headed home off the inside of the far post.

Having got back on terms, Portsmouth ended the half the stronger and on 43 Curtis curled a shot wide.

Town would have been good for their half-time lead had they not conceded the goal shortly before the break. They’d looked a much better outfit than on Tuesday and deserved their goal - a second in three games from open play - which was cleverly worked by Edwards and finished comprehensively by Norwood.

Pompey had reacted well to the Town goal but hadn’t looked like grabbing a goal until Naylor’s header from Curtis’s very-difficult-to-defend corner.

Three minutes after the restart Edwards again played Norwood in, this time breaking towards the edge of the area but the Blues striker was unable to get enough on it and MacGillivray was able to claim.

A minute later, Naylor won another header from a corner, Holy blocked, the ball dropped loose and after a brief scramble eventually ended up in the big Czech’s hands.

Soon after, Curtis was booked for a foul as Bishop broke into the Pompey half, then on 56 Andy Cannon joined him for a foul on Edwards on the right wing. Two minutes later, midfielder Cannon was swapped for Close.

A minute later, Pompey broke through Harness and Ryan Williams struck a shot across the face of goal.

On 59 Town swapped Bennetts, who had been less effective since the break, for Dobra, with the Albanian U21 international making his first appearance under new boss Cook. Dobra moved into a number 10 role with Judge in a more orthodox left-sided position.

Edwards was booked for a foul on Curtis in the 66th minute as Portsmouth broke following a Town corner which had come to nothing. Pompey complained that they would have been better off had the official played the advantage and with the resultant free-kick looping into Holy’s arms, they may have had a point.

Town had threatened very little since the break but on 70 a Dozzell free-kick found Norwood and his header from just inside the box inched just past the post having caught a Pompey defender. A minute later, Bishop was booked for a foul on Close.

Chances at both ends had been rare since half-time but in the 72nd minute the home side went in front.

Portsmouth broke down the left having played out from the back - although with Town players feeling the ball had gone out of play - and eventually Curtis's cross reached Harness bursting into the area from the other flank. The former Burton winger’s first shot was blocked by Judge but with his second he made no mistake.

In the 79th minute Town made a double change with Vincent-Young making his very long-awaited return and Jackson coming into a two-man attack. James Wilson and Judge made way. Chambers moved to centre-half to allow Vincent-Young to take up his usual right-back role, while Dobra switched to left wing.

Jacobs was booked for a foul on Dobra in the 82nd minute but with Town not looking particularly like levelling. On 88 Parrott took over from Bishop.

In the final scheduled minute Pompey might have added a third but a low ball across the edge of the six-yard box was bundled behind by Nsiala.

Soon after the fourth official’s board had indicated five additional minutes, James Bolton headed powerfully straight at Holy following the resultant corner.

Pompey were looking more likely to score a third goal than Town a second as referee Young brought the game to an end to cheers from the home bench and directors’ box as new manager Cowley recorded his first win in his opening game in charge.

In the end, Portsmouth deserved the win with the Blues having shown little in the second half. The pressing and work-rate which had been on display in the first half perhaps suffered due to tiredness as the game wore on and although chances had been few and far between at both ends, when a decent opportunity came, Harness took it.

The Blues, who dropped to ninth following the later fixtures, now have a free midweek in which manager Cook plans extensive work on the training field ahead of next Saturday’s trip to another of his old clubs, Wigan.

Ipswich: Holy, Chambers (c), Nsiala, Wilson (Vincent-Young 79), Ward, Dozzell, Bishop (Parrott 89), Bennetts (Dobra 59), Edwards, Judge (Jackson 79), Norwood. Unused: Cornell, McGuinness, Skuse.

Portsmouth: MacGillivray, Bolton, Whatmough, Raggett, Brown, Williams, Naylor (c), Cannon (Close 58), Curtis, Harness, Hiwula (Jacob 72). Unused: Ward, Nicolaisen, Daniels, Mnoga, Byers. Referee: Alan Young (Cambridgeshire).

Photo: PagePix

Kirbmeister added 15:54 - Mar 20 Why are some idiots criticising Cook already? This season is a free hit for him. He's stuck with this lot till the end of the season. You can't make a silk purse and all that. Come back in a year and assess him then for god's sake.
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blueboy1981 added 15:57 - Mar 20 Money is not everything - most teams we are playing against are working around far, far less of a Budget than we are - FACT, just check it out instead of going for the dim answer all the time ... !!! We have suffered from some p#ss poor Managers - but we have one now who will know more with each game where he is with this lot. As soon as Lambert got his contract - personal mission accomplished and no further interest. MONEY does not buy SUCCESS. Most, if not every single Manager in this League 1 would swap their Budget for the ITFC BUDGET right now - and their job ... !!! Just ask a few - you may be surprised ...!!! Reality check is what this is.

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Skip73 added 15:59 - Mar 20 We shouldn't judge PC until he has had at least one, or maybe two transfer windows to clear the squad and rebuild. He hasnt got any quality to choose from.
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Drifter3012 added 16:01 - Mar 20 I am giving Cook the benefit of the doubt. We all know many of our players are not good enough for any professional league. However I am disappointed with his tactics. Half decent first half but again we looked lost 2nd half. He has to be given a chance and I know he prefers the 1 up front with others arriving at pace to give support but this squad doesn't seem to allow for that so why keep on with a formation which just is not working for us?

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 16:07 - Mar 20 It's absolutely ridiculous to start blaming Paul Cook. He's been dealt a poor hand and there is little he can do about it until the summer. Today, there were already signs of where we might be going next season: Dobra back on, not to mention K V-Y. Isn't that what we wanted? We played pretty well first half against an admittedly very average Pompey, but lost our way in the second. We need to get behind the new manager and show him that we can be part of the revival because I fear he might be our last hope. If he isn't supported by us (and by Evans), then who else is going to take us back to where we belong?

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BartonBluee added 16:07 - Mar 20 I got plenty of down votes when I said yesterday my preference was Danny Cowley BUT obviously wished Paul Cook all the best as all I want is my team to do well. Well what I watched today, cemented my thoughts on that. Portsmouth get the much wanted new manager bounce, we get the same damp squib. The players aren't good enough. Without investment from whoever owns us, we will continue to underperform.

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madmouse1959 added 16:09 - Mar 20 And what is the default position at this club ? A wall of silence from Marcus Evans. He has watched this lingering, long suffering slump and has done nothing except change another manager. One manager after another has to deal with this situation .
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Norwichbeater added 16:10 - Mar 20 Anything less than playoffs this season then he has failed this year. He took over with us just outside and in good form.
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warktheline added 16:12 - Mar 20 What a surprise the Cowley brothers again putting one over on us! An inadequate squad mirroring its owner! Evans Out!
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Bluearmy_81 added 16:12 - Mar 20 Norwich beater, Evans has failed for 14 years yet gets an eternal free pass from fans... 🤔🙄🤯🤯🤯
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grumpyoldman added 16:14 - Mar 20 Give Cook enough time, we blame ME, we blame the manager, neither are on the pitch. It is time to look at our players who really do not seem to care about the result as long as they are paid. Players leave here and a lot thrive McGoldrick is a good example, others have said there is never pressure at ITFC to perform. Let Cook work with them, clear out the deadwood and hopefully his ethos will rub off on the players, he seems to have been successful before.

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Cloddyseedbed added 16:25 - Mar 20 Ist half or at least until they scored we competed well. The goal we gave away, yet another mistake in our own 6 yard box. When will this ever stop. Letting players head or shoot without a decent attempt to defend against it. You could hear Cook shooting defend higher and press. When we were playing a high tempo game and closing opposition down fast we were the best side but we just can't or won't maintain that level of competition on the pitch. All other teams we play do. That's the difference. Opposition players aren't much different to our players but they seem fitter, hungrier and maintain the performance throughout the game. We only do it for 15-20 minutes. Keep Norwood and KVY, the others have had their chance and/or their day. I've had enough of them all now. Watched every game this season and the players either aren't good enough or don't give their all for 90+ minutes. It's a mental thing. They have the wrong mentality to be footballers and it's been allowed to creep in we've had to put up with it for far too long. Evans needs to sell up because we haven't a hope in hell with his transfer restrictions he puts on getting players in. They either have to be too old, too young and inexperienced or freebies. What is the point of having over 50 players of crap quality using up all the kitty in wages. Surely loose 20 of the players and fund a total squad of 30 better players for next season. Unfortunately we all know Evans too well now, despite all the positive talk before season tickets go on sale the club will remain grossly underfunded whilst that man is the owner. I feel sorry for Cook but he's not going to turn this club around in just one season, especially with the same owner as all the other failed managers have had.

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Gforce added 16:29 - Mar 20 A reminder for all those fans who believe we will still make the top six due to our favourable run in against bottom half opposition, should remember we have already this season failed to beat the Mk Dons/Swindon/Crewe/Northampton /Gillingham and Fleetwood, so it's hardly a given we will beat the rest of them. I'm afraid Mr Cook has to honest and ruthless come the end of the season and tell the older pros such as Chambers, Skuse, Sears and Judge that their time is up. Sadly I also believe at least six of today's starting line up should no longer be here next season regardless of which league we are in.

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blueboy1981 added 16:31 - Mar 20 Some of the naivety on here is laughable. Who as a Manager or Owner in Division 3 is going to flash big money on players that would not want to come to a Division 3 Club anyway ? It beggars belief that anyone should think any of the above would actually happen - but that's how unrealistic some people are. Success at this level has to be achieved by a Manager improving and extracting the best out of what's available at this level. We haven't had a Manager doing that for far too long, we've even had players move on saying nothing was expected from them at Ipswich, McGoldrick as an example. If players cannot, or will not, then they have to be replaced by others that will. That is the game at this level - no big Cheque Books in the 3rd Division, just ask some of the Clubs around us - many if not all surviving and succeeding on less that half what it costs Evans to fund this lot of ours.

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DurhamTownFan added 16:33 - Mar 20 I know a lot of people pick out chambers as an easy target, but he's been our worst defender today. First goal he let his man go without trying, and second he's waving his arms about appealing when they ran down his side. If KVY starts next week, it's extremely harsh on either Wilson or Nsiala if Chambers gets moved inside for one of them. Fed up with him as captain. All he does is pump fists if we win.

7

norfolkbluey added 16:34 - Mar 20 Another depressing loss. I just don't get the present formation being played every game. The players are not there to do it to get out of this league. Too young or too old. 'There is no promotion this side in motion, so cheer up my lads bless em all' to paraphrase an old wartime song. If we get into the playoffs (which I doubt) we will have to overcome most teams who have beaten us already! We haven't improved as yet under PC so don't hold your breath. Its going to take another year of goings and new faces coming. As a fan for 61 years things are the worst I have seen and yes that includes the last 18 years. PC has yet to make an impact but lets keep the faith, nobody said it would be a quick fix. It just hurts especially when we see where Norwich are heading.

4

norfolkbluey added 16:34 - Mar 20 Another depressing loss. I just don't get the present formation being played every game. The players are not there to do it to get out of this league. Too young or too old. 'There is no promotion this side in motion, so cheer up my lads bless em all' to paraphrase an old wartime song. If we get into the playoffs (which I doubt) we will have to overcome most teams who have beaten us already! We haven't improved as yet under PC so don't hold your breath. Its going to take another year of goings and new faces coming. As a fan for 61 years things are the worst I have seen and yes that includes the last 18 years. PC has yet to make an impact but lets keep the faith, nobody said it would be a quick fix. It just hurts especially when we see where Norwich are heading.

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stocktractor added 16:37 - Mar 20 Chambers out
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Blue_Meanie added 16:37 - Mar 20 Wolfie Kenlock? KVY Downes Norwood Only another 6 needed for the first team.
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runningout added 16:42 - Mar 20 Firstly we are lucky enough to have probably one of the best managers around, if he doesn't know it yet. If we admit it under a dull MM team we still had something about us. To then appoint Paul Hurst and his oppo was shocking. We are still limping from that!! But there shouldn't be excuses! We could have employed anyone as there wasn't worse. We as a club do not deserve promotion!! Every lucky win we muster is just getting over the line. Until we win well and know what consistency and ruthlessness means we may thrive.

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Skip73 added 16:44 - Mar 20 Gforce, not just them but about 90% of the rest have never been or ever will be good enough.
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blueboy1981 added 16:47 - Mar 20 Norwood, Judge, Wilson ?, Kenlock ? KVY ? (depending on successful return from Injury ) - are all players that are, or can be, good enough to keep and move forward with. The rest are either too far gone, can't be arsed, too lightweight, or never will be. I don't think this will be far from Paul Cook's assessment of what he has at his disposal - and the word disposal becoming more prominent in his thoughts with every game.

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stiffy501 added 16:52 - Mar 20 Well unless there is going to be a wholesale clear out of sub standard playing staff in the close season i'm not being encouraged to renew my season ticket on whats being served up by this squad of players, of our group of 4, 3 are not renewing unless something drastic happens ( take over & clear out ) sad days.
1

Wishing4arightback added 16:52 - Mar 20 Sorry Mr Cook but gone down in my estimations today. If you want to replace your right back, replace the right back! Not accommodate a player who lost his marker for their first goal and made several other mistakes and take of a solid performing player who has been one of our most consistent players of late. Chambers is undropable already......... Really!!!!

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warktheline added 16:54 - Mar 20 Blueboy 1981, total tosh! The lack of ambition came via the owner which unfortunately over time filtered down to the then manager McCarthy and thereafter his playing squad, which was full of has beens, freebies, journeymen and injury prone players! It's been well documented about the lack of interest and ambition from Evans, stop twisting facts!!
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