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Ipswich Town 2-5 Bolton Wanderers - Match Report
Saturday, 11th Sep 2021 17:04

Town’s disappointing start to the season hit a new low as Bolton Wanderers came from behind to defeat the still winless Blues 5-2 at Portman Road. Macauley Bonne put his hometown club ahead on five but Dapo Afolayan levelled for the Trotters in the 10th minute, then eight minutes later won the penalty which Eoin Doyle converted to put the visitors in front. A Ricardo Santos own goal put Town on terms on the half hour but just before the break Afolayan added his second in first-half injury time to make it 3-2 and after the break Josh Sheehan and George Johnston made the most of calamitous Blues defending on 47 and 57 to complete Town’s misery.

Christian Walton and George Edmundson were handed their Town debuts, Sone Aluko his first league start and Macauley Bonne and Conor Chaplin returned from injury.

Walton took over from Vaclav Hladky in goal with the Czech dropping out of the 18 and Tomas Holy on the bench.

Edmundson, who has been recovering from a hamstring problem since his move from Rangers, was at the centre of the defence alongside Cameron Burgess - for the first time since a 5-4 EFL Trophy defeat to Carlisle while they were both at Oldham in 2016/17, their only previous game together - with Luke Woolfenden missing from the 18.

Aluko was on the left of the three behind striker Bonne in place of Kyle Edwards, who is injured.

Scott Fraser was also absent from the squad, while Bersant Celina is not yet ready to be involved and Samy Morsy is suspended.

Aside from Bonne, who was released by the Blues at 14, there was no academy player in the Town 18.

Bolton made one change from Monday’s 0-0 draw with Burton with Sheehan taking over from Kieran Lee in midfield.

As has been the case all season, the prior-to-kick-off taking a knee was warmly applauded by the Blues support.

Bolton were first to threaten in the third minute, skipper Antoni Sarcevic looping a header well over from a Sheehan corner, conceded by Burgess as he defended a free-kick in from the right.

But a minute later, the Blues went in front with their first attack of the game. Wes Burns beat Trotters left-back Liam Gordon and, with the defender having gone to ground somewhat easily, crossed low to the far post where the unmarked Bonne was able to tap into the net for his fourth goal of the season. Bolton protests came to nothing.

In the ninth minute Bolton might well have levelled when Lloyd Isgrove chased Doyle’s flick-on and burst towards goal, however, Edmundson slid in to block and then dispossess the Wales international.

But the visitors only had to wait a minute for an equaliser. A long ball from Santos was nodded inside to Afolayan, who had been left a gap in which to shoot low through Walton’s legs and into the net to claim a birthday goal.

Kane Vincent-Young was yellow-carded for a foul on Afolayan in the 13th minute with the game almost like a basketball match with play quickly moving from one end to the other.

And in the 19th minute the Trotters took the lead from the penalty spot. Vincent-Young, already on a booking, mistimed a challenge on the right of the Blues’ box and felled Afolayan.


There were few protests prior to Doyle confidently slamming the kick down the middle as Walton dived to his right.

Isgrove was booked for a foul on Hayden Coulson in the 20th minute before Town boss swapped Vincent-Young for Janoi Donacien, almost certainly to avoid the risk of the former Colchester man being shown a second yellow card having already been booked once and conceded a penalty for challenges on Afolayan.

Bolton subsequently had a spell where they were well in charge but without threatening Walton’s goal further, but as the game approached the half hour mark the Blues began to get more into the game with Gethin Jones picking up the afternoon’s third yellow card for a foul on Aluko.

And on 30 Town levelled. Burns again burst away on the right, crossed low and Santos mis-cleared past his own keeper and into the roof of the net.

Their second goal seemed to give the Blues a huge shot of confidence and on 33 after a spell of possession on the right, Chaplin shot over from the edge of the box. Moments later, the former Barnsley man flicked a header wide at the near post from Coulson’s left-wing cross.

Town might have gone back into the lead in injury time when Burns, already with two assists to his name, beat his man on the right and cut back to Bonne, who scuffed his shot the wrong side of the post.

Bolton immediately went up the other end and claimed the lead themselves. Afolayan was found in acres of space on the left by a cross-field ball from Jones and curled an inch-perfect shot beyond Walton’s left hand and into the corner of the net.

Moments later, referee Madley ended what had been a frenetic half which could have ended with either side in front.

The Blues had grabbed themselves an early lead but once again left themselves too open at the back, allowing the Trotters to level and then go in front with Vincent-Young having been unable to deal with Afolayan.

Having weathered a spell where Bolton threatened to take control, the Blues got back into it via the own goal forced by Burns and had a spell in which they might well have gone back in front.

Bonne will have gone in rueing his late miss with Town again defensively at sea as Afolayan gave the visitors the half-time lead.

On-loan QPR frontman Bonne struck the second-half’s first shot from just outside the box in the 47th minute but Bolton keeper Joel Dixon saved with ease.

The visitors immediately went up the other end and scored their fourth of the game. Walton initially did well to save from Sarcevic with his feet, after Doyle again had been given far too much space, but the loose ball was played to Sheehan, who deftly curled low into the corner of the net.

Having extended their lead to two goals, Bolton sought to plunge the knife in further, Afolayan hitting a half-volley not too far wide, before Sarcevic looped a 51st-minute overhead effort well over following a corner.

The fourth visitors goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Town with the Blues unable to get out of their own half and Bolton pushing for a fifth.

And in the 57th minute it came. Shortly after Walton and Burgess had collided as one sought to clear and one claim, the ball was sent in from the right by Santos and Johnston hooked into the roof of the net at the second attempt.

The fifth Bolton goal triggered loud and prolonged boos around Portman Road, the clearest sign of fan frustration since the start of the season.

There had been little sign that Town would mount anything in the way of a comeback and on 64 Chaplin, who again had looked a threat in brief spells but had been quiet overall, was swapped for Tom Carroll.

The Blues were within an inch or two of reducing the deficit in the 65th minute when Coulson’s free-kick from the left was flicked on to the inside of the post by Bonne, the ball agonisingly bouncing along the line before being cleared. Two minutes later, Evans curled a free-kick into Dixon’s arms.

Walton saved from Doyle on 71 with the visitors looking more likely to net their sixth than the Blues their third.

"Sarcevic belted well over from distance on 80 with the game appearing long over from a competitive perspective.

Four minutes later, moments after Kayden Jackson had replaced Burns, a well-worked Blues move ended with Evans crossing from the right of the box but just too far in front of Bonne at the far post.

The final minutes were played out to test match like chatter around Portman Road rather than the buoyant atmosphere in which the afternoon had begun and the final whistle was greeted with more boos, loud but briefer than earlier before the Sir Bobby Robson Stand applauded Bonne and other members of the team after they went over to clap their appreciation on another very disappointing afternoon for Blues fans.

The sixth goal of the game proved key with Town looking beaten as soon as Bolton scored it so soon after the break and their fifth ended any doubt that the points would be going back to Lancashire.

It was the Blues’ first home league defeat of the season and Bolton’s first league win at Portman Road since November 2001.

Town, who have now conceded 15 goals in six in league matches, were defensively more chaotic than at any time previously this season with the backline looking every bit one which had never played together previously and was regularly on a different wavelength from keeper Walton, who had a debut to forget.

Patience from the Blues’ support has been urged with it inevitable that it will take time for a team to settle after such a turnaround in personnel over the summer.

However, after such a comprehensive defeat to foes of old, it’s similarly inevitable that supporters will start to show their frustrations and start to question the manner in which the Blues have begun the campaign - and perhaps also that recruitment revolution - with the same frailties on show every week.

The result sees the Blues, who last conceded five at home when they were beaten 5-2 by Southampton in August 2011, drop to 22nd in the table now 10 points off second and 13 from top spot, although with 40 games of the long League One season still to play.

Town are next in action at home to West Ham’s U21s in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday before a visit to 17th-placed Lincoln - who won 5-1 at Cambridge today - next Saturday.

Town: Walton, Vincent-Young (Donacien 21), Edmundson, Burgess, Coulson, Harper, Evans (c), Burns (Jackson 84), Chaplin (Carroll 63), Aluko, Bonne. Unused: Holy, Penney, Barry, Pigott.

Bolton: Dixon, Jones, Williams, Santos, Johnston (Baptiste 81), Sheehan (Lee 74), Doyle, Sarcevic (c), Afolayan, Isgrove (Kachunga 62), Gordon. Unused: Gilks, Delfouneso, Aimson, Thomason. Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire). Att: 19,267 (Bolton: 553)


Photo: Matchday Images



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abandon_hope1978 added 01:32 - Sep 12
Sad to see that I was right……… criticised for my negative comments a few weeks ago, but look at the majority of the comments now. Don't like to say I told you so, but …….
Division 2, here we come !!!!
2

Minneapolis_ITFC added 01:37 - Sep 12
Well that was bu1lsh1t. Let's make it clear, I got nothing against Cook as a standalone individual, realize he had a family loss very recent and i'm truly sorry, but it's just not working for him here. Not just today but for nearly the mainstay of his tenure with us. It's no good and most likely get worse before it improves. There'll be no animosity from me just do the honorable thing and resign while we still got a chance with enough games remaining.

Walton had an awful debut, sorry for the kid but going to be tough to recover in future games ahead. Vincent-young made his customary errors at times out there when on but Bonne at least looks a promising signing. Today was always going to be a sombre occasion given the date, the team chose a bad day to put on one of the worst performances and scores in recent memory at this club set-up.

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luckydiddy added 04:20 - Sep 12
There comes a time in the life of every manager at any club at which point they lose the supporters. It doesn't really matter what they say or do afterwards its just a matter of time till they are shown the exit door.

For example...

For Mick McCarthy it was when he reacted to the fans at Norwich.
Paul Hurst - I think was the loss to Exeter in the FA cup and berating the players on the pitch.

Felt until today his job was fairly safe with all the money he has been given for investment in the team, the numbers of players he has brought in for whom he was allegedly one of the reasons so many came/dropped down a league.

BUT I think today was that day for Paul Cook. Where despite the optimism of all the new signings, and the hope was the international break would give the team more time to gel, and settle. But things went backwards. A LOT.

He needs a miracle now to keep his job and I can't see any sign of one coming at this rate.

He's lost the majority of supporters now I feel.

AND He's heaped all the pressure onto Morsy ... I know the characteristics of a Samy Morsy type, for example, which will be everything that we lacked today. He will be there times 10 for that. ... what happens now if we lose when Morsy makes his debut???!!!

Think he's got maybe 2-3 league matches now to save his job. If that.

Would love for him to succeed, because I want the club to succeed, but TICK ... TOCK ....TICK.. TOCK.. time's running out Mr Cook.
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Blue_Meanie added 07:01 - Sep 12
My £20 @ 14/1 to be outright winners is looking a bit iffy 😯
3

Billysherlockblue added 08:16 - Sep 12
Im as peed off as everyone! BUT its not our defence its our midfield. Completely overrun! Either change tactics which would be my opinion to 442 or even liverpools 433. We have the staff. Going back to yesterday im not going to panic till xmas. Ive supported the blues thru worse . Lets give cook time but i still say he needs a no 2. To me every team we have played has sussed us out early. We are always ahead or in the game first 30 mins then there is space everywhere! 4231 is not the way forward unless u have 2 holding midfield ers like chelseas KANTE. Cup game next... try 433 or 442. I am certain this will work to steady us down. Again mr COOKK grow some drop ure skipper he is slowing ure game down and cant take a dead ball kick! Then u will see change. Only my opinion. Super blues forever 💙
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Northstandveteran added 08:30 - Sep 12
No other team in division pub ( consisting largely of teams that were non league not so long ago ) has conceded more goals than Ipswich ( who beat Inter Milan 20 years ago in the U.E.F.A cup ) that is a measure of how catastrophically low Ipswich have fallen.

I have given up saying,
" At least it can't get any worse"
Only to be proved wrong time and time again.

Personally, I was totally underwhelmed with the appointment of Cook.

I'm not sure if he was genuinely the man the new owners wanted but one thing I do know, is despite all this talk of this project taking time, the new owners will not tolerate these performances.

In conclusion, things really can't get any worse.

And if they do, could the owners please put me out of my misery and build a k-Mart on Portman road to put an end to the relentless suffering and empty hope and release me from this abusive relationship with Ipswich town and free me to support someone else?

Having said that, my 2nd team is Cowdenbeath.

I just love a bad boy!
3

blues1 added 08:39 - Sep 12
Monkeyblue. Was actually thinking of upmarking some of ur comments on here after starting to read them. But then the same rubbish comes to light. Blackpool spent a fair bit last season. And Wigan's budget isnt much less than ours. And anyway weve spent very little this year. In fact we almost broke even on our transfer dealings, in and out. Then u continue with the use of what happened last season. Its irrelevant bcse of it being a new squad. Yesterday was poor and I have to question why hed bring jackson on ahead of piggott. And it's fair of people to ask questions of him. But anyone who thinks he should be sacked 6 games into the season is talking crap. Maybe the fans who are booing during the game and slagging players off rather than trying to get behind them should be the ones being booted out. While I could understand it at the final whistle, during the game does not help the players. But let's say they sacked him(which they wont). Who we gonna get with a better cv than him? And dont say Eddie howe or Lampard. They're not coming to a lge1 club. Plus us have to pay off not just him but all the backroom staff and replace them? Not gonna happen anytime soon.
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Michael101 added 09:44 - Sep 12
Frank marshall. You are dead right with the other 3 players but downs down tools for both Lambert and cook so I think it was correct to get rid of him even though he was the best player on our books. And I think our defence would not have been such a shambles yesterday if Wilson was there.
1

Kickingblock added 09:49 - Sep 12
I thought that they'd be much better than this by now. The taste of humble pie is hard to take.
I didn't see much running towards adversity when the chips were down.
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leagueonescum added 10:51 - Sep 12
I think we should play #17.
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Dog added 10:57 - Sep 12
Blues1 - i kind of agree that it is too early to sack him bit we have to look at the big problems.

No number 2 - why??. He desperately needs one

No defensive coach - definitely need one now.

No plan b - his formation, tactics and subs are not working.

He needs help and this has to be the best signing of the summer or he will be gone.

As for not counting last seasons results, lambert could have used the same excuse with what he inherited. He didn't. He manned up and took the losses on the chin. And that his part of the reason his record was bad. Plus he was stubbon like this incumbnent.

Ps - not sticking up for lambert . The only good thing was reconnecting the fan with the club after MM. And those early season good starts. Twtd - lol.
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ChantryParkBlue added 11:24 - Sep 12
When are all the McCarthy haters going to admit that they were wrong? He made us a top-half of the table Championship team on a shoestring budget whilst continually being forced to sell his best players.
Let's not make the same mistake twice. We're all disappointed and hurting BUT we have a good manager who will (hopefully soon) sort out our defence.
Now more than any other is the time for us fans to get behind our team and manager.
-2

fizzyblue added 11:31 - Sep 12
Pfffff what an absolute shambles… The reality is I can't see the owners handing cookie his P45 just yet as they have just bought a new team of HIS players. If I was Paul cook I would be on the phone to John Mcgreal ASAP, begging him to come in (be it short term) for some much needed help cus by god does he need a reliable number 2. I watched the game, be it at home here in Norway, debating if it was wise dropping the wolf, who I thought had a decent last game. Also thought he could have stuck with hladky (keeper- can't spell his name). Leaving time for the new lad to settle in a bit. As for the middle two, well they are just not working. Both sit two deep and lack the bravery to take players on and penetrate the middle, relying on backwards and sideways passing. This resulted in the number 10 not getting any balls to his feet and feeding of Ariel balls that he was never gunna win against the 13 ft santos. The spine of our side was dreadful today as it was in the last match. I like Harper and think he will come good but he does need a general next to him, as well as being pushed further up the field. It's Evens on the bench for me once morsely can play. I even think Downs would have done a job for us today and would have broke down the play nicely. Well, I'm just hoping for a miracle really and things to change sooner rather then later. Give Mcgreal a call cookie!! Sure he will come in short term and give you and the defense some much needed help
2

Lloyds added 11:55 - Sep 12
First post in years - watched all League matches this season apart from yesterday due to Covid.
As tough as it sounds to some, I think we need to put an arm round Paul Cook and show our support, he will be hurting more than anyone today, he's been immensely backed in the transfer market for his most ambitious project... I think we can discount his last seasons results and there hasn't been much in most of the previous games apart from yesterday. Getting rid of him now could do more harm than good, he is just a part of the overall plan, a key part I agree, the Composer as it were.
He doesn't become a bad manager in such a short space of time, he is highly thought of by other Chairmen and CEO's and players alike... there is no guarantee another manager can get these players to play any better. He is part of the Plan - Mark Ashton has performed, Chairman is good and steadying, many players are looking the part... we all know it takes time and I believe his brand of football will be great when it does click......SO my 10 point plan is :-
1) Play your best team on Tuesday night, he should never have run down this Cup, it could be his saviour. He needs a bit more media training now, this is high profile stuff than previously I think.
2) Consider 4321 instead of 4231 - Carroll an experienced Pro with Morsy and Evans in the 3 on Tuesday night.
3) No 10 position is a luxury at the moment and not working - Fraser is a bit lightweight but technically very good, Chaplin is not showing that he is a Champ player.
4) Execs to get in on Sunday to discuss if Paul Cook needs an experienced, recognised coach to challenge some of his tactics in a healthy way.
5) We have too many rookies against teams with hardened Pro's - rest Rekeem on Tuesday as he will have to play on Saturday. Lets build up some of the more junior players a bit more when confidence stronger in the team but not much we can do with the defence, they need games together now.
6) Get a senior Pro to speak to the Press to face up that the players aren't doing it - done today with Aluko. Good.
7) We are clearly looking like we lack leadership and accountability on the pitch and I think Cook needs judging 5-10 games after Morsy in.
8) Morsy has a huge amount of responsibility now to lift the players but seems to have the qualities to succeed. We need Leadership from a player that will hold others to account and lift them with a central and strong display.
9) Please don't boo - we are a Club / a family, We are Ipswich, We are different. You wouldn't boo a Sunday football team or kids team or your Mum or Dad for no Yorkshire Puddings today! We are supporters, we support our team by getting behind them and create an atmosphere that the players know we have their back after a goal down. I know that would make me run more.
10) Is KVY not fit enough? Taped up hamstrings and knows he has more to give - would probably be more solid with Donacien for now.
Hope that helps and I have never looked forward this much to a Papa Johns Trophy match... you have to win this one Cooky.
3

Lloyds added 12:21 - Sep 12
Looking at the goals yesterday....
1) Edmundson not tight enough - shows he is not match sharp. Needs time.
2) KVY poor tackle - just didn't need to do it there in the box.... stand up.
3) Donacien sucked into a central position - it really shows that this back 5 haven't played together, needs time.
4)Evans should have noticed Edmundson on the floor and then should have marked Sheehan. Maybe we need a Captain to start barking at some of these players.
5)Centre Backs should have challenged the ball in the box...
All lamentable but clearly shows lack of game time together, lack of leadership and cohesion, lack of concentration.... I dont think much to do with Cooky but quite rightly he should take the wrap and pressure off the players in public which he is doing.
They need time, they need to go over all these mistakes which they will do and they need to eradicate them... it will happen. Lets back our boys and get behind them, we are so much stronger together.... We are Ipswich. We are different.
Play your best team on Tuesday Cooky... this back 5 need playing together, we need 3 in Centre Mid for now to include a seasoned Pro in Carroll - No 10 is too much of a luxury when we need results and confidence to flow.
Good luck...
Please could I get on a Podcast ?
2

Kingfisher49 added 13:35 - Sep 12
With all the players ITFC have signed perhaps the problem is the formation they are playing. We know PC has his favoured formation but with a leaky defence then perhaps 5 3 2 or 5 4 1 or even 5 3 1 1 might be a way forward. If you do not concede it is a point at least gained. I feel once you stop the goals going against you then you gain confidence and go onwards and upwards. Also I think PC needs someone like John McGreal as a number 2. Defensively minded, played there and has management experience. All our coaches seen attack minded and I feel we need a better balance on the coaching front.
Never easy to find a solution when your down but I think PC needs to try a different way especially as he has so many players who can adapt.
0

Lloyds added 13:49 - Sep 12
Looking at the back 5 yesterday, there has not been an awful lot of League Game time over last season or two and it possibly tells...
Walton - no League appearances last season but full season in 19/20
KVY - 18 in last 2 seasons
Edmo - 18 in 2 seasons
Burgess - 73 in 2 seasons
Coulson - none last season but 15 in 2019/2020

That's not a lot of game time in the last season from this back 5 and another reason why we need to be patient, we are building a huge project here and the foundations are only slowly being laid... there is so much to do. Keep the faith...
0

tallguy6767 added 14:47 - Sep 12
Not acceptable at any level! to have a fortnight to prepare and come up with that sh@t show is total incompetence. Get rid now of this comedian.
1

tallguy6767 added 15:05 - Sep 12
Even if things do click ,pretty much the spine of the team are loanees! So we won`t get much momentum going into next season anyway ! Clueless!
0

algarvefan added 10:50 - Sep 13
I can take being beaten, badly beaten at that, I can understand why even. What I can't understand or expect is that one of our fans videoed a Bolton player being racially abused, videoing it and putting it on the internet. That ladies and gentlemen has upset me more than any result and I hope you will stand with me in condemning totally that action. Racism is a cancer in brave new Britain and we all need to stand against it.
3

Cheshire_Blue added 12:09 - Sep 13
Since this time last year we have gone backwards, despite the great upheaval. Was there anyone on the pitch better than Downes, Dozzell or Bishop ?

It is now quite clear what a BIG BIG mistake it was to hound McCarthy out and Paul Cook is certainly not the answer. Manager of ITFC is no longer the attractive proposition it once was and there would certainly be no rush of applicants for the job. League 2 awaits.
1

Razor added 13:49 - Sep 13
This guy is clueless and has got no idea----why still play with only one forward when we are 3 goals down, he is ruining Pigot as a footballer and has now incresed our dodgy goalkeeper numbers to 3.

Very few of the new players are better than what we had----he just has to go, end of.

EDDIE HOWE NOW EDDIE HOWE NOW
1

jonju11 added 22:09 - Sep 14
No excuses this was an absolute shambles. 20 players out= 19 in of lesser quality.
The team should be called “me old mates eleven”. This team in anybody's view is worse than the last 2 years. It's about time we saw through Cook. He totally relied upon Liam Richardson & should be credited with their promotions. Back room staff incl coaches are not fit fit purpose.
What now? Ashton has to get real & tough otherwise the Americans will pull the plug. This is not about time but in reality the players are no better than last season. I can't believe that this mess would have been the same if the reigns were handed to Chambers & Skuse. ( or at a push with Chris's Wilder.
Play 22 players on Saturday & hope for a draw!!
0


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