Ipswich Town’s wait for a win continues after a late Armstrong Okoflex penalty saw West Ham’s U21s to a 2-1 victory in their opening Papa John’s Trophy tie of the season at Portman Road. James Norwood gave the Blues the lead in the second minute but Keenan Appiah-Forson levelled for the Hammers’ youngsters on 12. With a minute left on the clock, keeper Tomas Holy conceded a penalty which Okoflex converted, before the visitors were reduced to 10 men in injury time when Pierre Ekwah was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Town boss Paul Cook made 10 changes from the weekend 5-2 loss to Bolton on Saturday with Sam Morsy skippering on his debut and young centre-half Albie Armin handed his senior bow.

Holy was in goal with Kane Vincent-Young - the only player to have started against the Trotters but who lasted only 21 minutes before being subbed - at right-back and Matt Penney on the left.

Luke Woolfenden and Armin were the centre-halves with Morsy and Tom Carroll - making his first Town start - in the middle of midfield.

Idris El Mizouni made his second start of the season in the number 10 role with Louis Barry on the left and Kayden Jackson the right with Norwood the lone out-and-out striker.

Jon Nolan was among the subs for the first time this season, while youngsters Cameron Humphreys, Zanda Siziba and Elkan Baggott were also on the bench.

After both teams taking the knee had been warmly applauded, the game got under way in steady drizzle.

And Town went in front in only the second minute via the first attack of the game. After good work from El Mizouni on the left, Penney drove towards the area and fed Vincent-Young breaking on the right.

The former Colchester man cut inside to Carroll, who looped into the area. Norwood appeared to get a flick on it causing West Ham keeper Kristian Hegyi to mishandle and the Blues striker stabbed in his first goal of the season.

Town continued their bright start and on seven Vincent-Young crossed for Norwood from the right but the Blues’ number 10 was already through his shot when the ball arrived and it bounced off him for a goalkick.

West Ham threatened for the first time in ninth minute when Daniel Chesters was sent away down the right behind Penney but Woolfenden did well to get across to cut out his low ball into the area.

That attack proved to be a sign of things to come and in the 12th minute the visitors levelled. The ball was neatly worked in from the left with Town failing to put in a serious challenge and Appiah-Forson shot across Tomas Holy and into the net. The Czech keeper got his right hand on it and will feel he probably should have kept it out.

In the 22nd minute Hammers skipper Ajibola Alese was booked for felling Norwood after the goalscorer had successfully chased a long Jackson ball down the right.

The visitors almost created a second in the 24th minute when Okoflex sent a dangerous ball across the six-yard area which the shaky Holy allowed beyond him but with no Hammers player there to add the final touch.

The Blues, whose performance had drifted after their bright start, began to show more of a threat and on 28 Jackson crossed low from the right but Norwood was unable to turn towards goal at the near post and it was cleared ahead of Barry behind him.

A minute later, Jackson shot first against Norwood and then over the bar from some distance out.

Just after the half-hour, Kamarai Swyer was played in on the left of the box and hit a shot which Holy was forced to palm behind.

On 35, Norwood took down a long ball forward from Woolfenden and fed Jackson breaking on the right. The former Accrington man sent it low across the six-yard area but too far in front of Norwood and Barry. Five minutes later, Norwood flicked a Carroll free-kick from the left wide, Penney having been fouled.

As half-time approached, the Blues were well in control, passing the ball around confidently with Carroll and Morsy at the centre of things, although without creating another chance.

During two minutes of injury time El Mizouni was booked for a foul on Harrison Ashby, the Tunisia international’s second transgression of the night.

Town had got off to the ideal start via Norwood’s early goal and might well have scored again in the opening minutes, however, once again they quickly allowed the opposition to get back into it, although from a West Ham perspective it was a well worked goal.

Both sides had one or two opportunities to go in front after that - Norwood had looked dangerous throughout - with the Blues finishing the half in a controlled manner with experienced midfield pair Carroll and Morsy increasing in influence.

Three minutes after the restart, Okoflex was booked for a foul on Vincent-Young as the right-back broke forward at pace into the West Ham half.

In the 54th minute Jackson underwent treatment for what looked to be an ankle injury but after treatment was able to continue. Ekwah picked up a yellow card for the challenge that led to his knock.

Two minutes later, Barry, who had had a frustrating evening, robbed Jamal Baptiste and burst down the left and into the area. However, he was outmuscled as he looked for space to cross and his claims that he had been fouled fell on deaf ears.

Jackson succumbed to his injury in the 57th minute and Conor Chaplin took over playing in the number 10 role with El Mizouni moving out to the right.

Chaplin quickly got involved around the edge of the area but was unable to carve out an opportunity. On the hour mark Penney shot not too far wide from just outside the area on the left.

The Blues began to play the controlled football of the latter period of the first half, then in the 67th minute Barry was replaced by Zanda Siziba, among those to have impressed for the U23s this season.

On 70, following a long spell of Town possession, Vincent-Young crossed from the right just in front of Norwood with keeper Hegyi failing to hold onto it, however, the linesman’s flag was raised.

Soon after, the Blues played themselves into trouble midway inside their own half on their right and eventually Woolfenden was forced to stab away from Okoflex for a West Ham corner.

The Hammers thought they’d scored from the flag-kick, Holy mishandling it goalwards and appeared very fortunate that referee Charles Breakspear and his linesman didn’t adjudge it to have crossed the line, much to the frustration of the visitors.

Having grabbed hold of the ball, and with the Hammers protesting that they had scored, the Czech keeper threw it long for Chaplin to chase into the West Ham half. The former Barnsley man rode a tackle and fed Siziba who had joined him in breaking forward and the youngster looked to be tripped as tried to take the ball between defenders as he sought to find himself space to shoot. Referee Breakspear waved away the Town protests.

The incidents at both ends livened up what had been a dreary half and woke the previously soporific crowd up. Moments later, Siziba headed over at the near post from Norwood’s right-wing cross. Soon after, El Mizouni was swapped for Joe Pigott.

After Pigott had shot deep into the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand from distance, Morsy, currently serving a three-match ban which covers league games for a sending off in his final Middlesbrough match, was shown the first yellow card of his Town career for a foul.

From the free-kick, the visitors were awarded a penalty with a minute left on the clock. The ball was floated into the area, Baptiste headed wide but was sent flying by Holy’s late punch. Referee Breakspear pointed straight to the spot and Okoflex confidently sent the ball into the corner of the net to give the young Hammers the lead.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men in injury time when the already booked Ekwah dived in at Siziba’s ankles and was shown a second yellow card.

The Blues desperately went looking for an equaliser in the remaining minutes, Penney hitting a shot which deflected behind, moments before the final whistle confirmed defeat to an U21 side for the second time in two seasons.

Once again Town got their noses in front but let their opposition back into the match soon after going in front.

Again they were made to pay for an individual error at the last, Holy, who earlier looked to have conceded an own goal, arriving late to punch clear and taking out Baptiste.

Town’s second-half display had lacked urgency up to that point but it came too late to prevent a second embarrassing result of the week.

The Blues travel to Lincoln - far from a happy hunting ground in recent seasons - on Saturday as they continue to look for a first victory of the season.

Town: Holy, Vincent-Young, Woolfenden, Armin, Penney, Morsy (c), Carroll, Jackson (Chaplin 57), El Mizouni (Pigott 78), Barry (Siziba 67), Norwood. Unused: Hladky, Baggott, Humphreys, Nolan.

West Ham U21: Hegyi, Okoflex, Alese (c), Ekwah, Ashby, Chesters (Rosa 88), Laing, Longelo, Swyer (Perkins 71), Appiah-Forson, Baptiste. Unused: Kinnear, Dju, Diallo, Forbes, Casey. Referee: Charles Breakspear (Surrey). Att: 4,231 (West Ham: 150).

Photo: Matchday Images

Yorkshire_Townie added 23:30 - Sep 14 I was never thrilled at the prospect of, nor the appointment of Cook. I have been less than impressed he has failed both in completing the job last season of continuing our play-off push (telling the players they are all out come the summer, etc) AND in making about our worst start ever taking into account the level involved, spending etc. Cook out now - we are facing a relegation battle now, never mind leave it a few wks. If that happens we will be in the Hurst/Lambert position of being beyond saving then the new man is planning for the FOURTH division folks! Let that sink in. I have warned in the recent past we might not have hit rock bottom yet! Yes they had some issues off the pitch but clubs like bradford, coventry, pompey, bolton have all fallen that far... it is horribly possible we could too!

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multiplescoregasms added 23:30 - Sep 14 Well I have given him as much support as I can, but now I have no belief that he will get us anywhere close to promotion. Lincoln could be his last game if we get stuffed, which sadly I think we will. Too many excuses, and too many players just not knowing what they are expected to do. I don't care who you get in, just get him out.
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budgieplucker added 23:42 - Sep 14 @ITFCOYB. Carroll awful? Really what game were you watching.? Yes it wasn't a great performance this evening from the team overall but here are Carroll's stats this evening: Touches 107 Pass accuracy 87% Crosses 7 Long Balls 9 Ground Duels Won 6 A credible high 7.6 score from SofaScore which I agree with. Morsy and Carroll are two very good players and gave us a far more fluid feel in the middle of the park tonight. Unfortunately 3 players were given a chance to impress and its not as if we were playing a Division 1 clogging side, and they failed to take their chances, these were:- Barry - who looked poor El Miz - a favourite of mine, who showed one or two nice touches but was largely ineffective and: Jackson - who in fairness started well and put in some good effort but really is not going to challenge the likes of Celina, Aluko, Burns or Edwards for a wide position. These 3 failed to provide the penetration and adequately support James Norwood who was busting his gut and understandably cutting a frustrated figure. Chaplin excellent? Not from what I saw, very disappointing again. Woolfie actually looked very assured to me. Quite frankly the strongest team in a formation that I think would work is as follows: Walton Burns, Woolfenden, Burgess, Coulson Edwards, Morsy, Carroll, Celina Bonne, Piggot (or Norwood) Unfortunately, Mr Cook will not play 4-4-2!!!

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Yorkshire_Townie added 00:03 - Sep 15 What are our options...? Frank jnr... nope. A spender who needs to be at a richer/better placed club to get his chums from the Premier lge to drop down, and be paid their sort of wages. Howe? no- he is a big spender too ...bought his way thru 2 promotions at bournemth remember. He jacked in there originally as Burnley had parachute money in the 2nd div, then when the rich russian fella appeared on the south coast he bailed on them for the bigger spending power on offer. This is 1 reason he hasnt got a new job yet -no one with the money he'd want will let him spend it as they are not convinced by him & those who do want him haven't got the depth of pockets he seeks/needs. He wouldnt come here. Burley (with assorted Town heroes too)...maybe as a short-term' keep us up' situation (which IS the point we are reaching!) tho' I have my misgivings about his rustiness. Would be welcomed home tho'. Wilder - defo IF we could get him. As stated elsewhere he is probly still being paid off by the blunts. Allardyce? Would jar with many but if we could somehow get him, then we would surely stabilise at least, then can progress. The only other option as said further up this stream is get in a new brain/No2 for this mouthpiece. McGreal? Local still (i think) and has done ok in managmt/coaching. Sammy Lee - Allardyce's regular no2 so has a lot of experience of this role and successes. 1 Sure thing is- we already need to take action as we have reached a very serious situation. The business model/managemt theories that have been put forward as reasons for patience do not generally apply to football or our specific situation. Your business cant be relegated in a few months time. Similarly US sports teams get time to build/develop due to no relegation. Here, a couple of bad months can be all it takes to fall into the relegation places, and they can be devilishly hard to escape from

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TimmyH added 00:13 - Sep 15 Another game passes where the players/squad lose a degree of confidence with not knowing what the word 'win' means!...and that pre-season optimism draining down the plug hole. Burley for me to at least the end of the season if Cook does go (but I can't see it in the immediate)...get in a no.2 like McGreal or Holland.
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Yorkshire_Townie added 00:16 - Sep 15 This is Ipswich Town- yes, no club is guaranteed success, but this is a big club at this level, and should be at least competitive in the 3rd division. You may get time to go thru the dip & rise business model at a lesser side, who would not be horrified by 4th div status. We should not be even having to contemplate it. As I said above other large/big city clubs have fallen to the 4th div but this is often due to off-field issues. We supposedly do not suffer from these. So Cook's record should not be nudging towards Hurst's but at this rate he will surpass it in terms of awfulness

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bobble added 01:47 - Sep 15 wheres burley ?
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Reusers_Tash added 03:55 - Sep 15 I live in the US right now. Game time is middle of my work day. I casually logged on to see by how many our “string team” of hand picked experienced hardened professional league footballers had beaten West Ham kids by. Can we sign the ladies team and their manager? Likely I'll get thumbs down but really??????
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Burley4ever added 05:49 - Sep 15 Paul Cook is a joke!!! I'm afraid this is the worst set up at ITFC and will only get worse if the yanks don't take action. Somebody mentioned Burley to come in and take charge, I think that would be a safer bet than we have now!!!
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Nobbysnuts added 06:03 - Sep 15 Pathetic.....just go cook you fraud....I'm sick to death of this clown. This club is just a laughing stock......
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townthroughmyveins added 06:39 - Sep 15 Please can somebody knock on George Burleys front door and ask him to quickly change his first name by deed poll to PAUL. We have only used up the C, H and L and there's still another 23 letters do go yet! I would take 'B' any day after this shambolic start to the season. As for this coming Saturday, i will act like a tortoise and retreat into my shell to avoid having to see the result. I fear another severe drubbing on its way. 'Judge me after 10'...time is running out Cookie boy.

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64Townman added 08:00 - Sep 15 Even the women side would do better last night at least one thing the women side are winning games . What are the owners of this wonderful club thinking about they must sack Paul Cook and bring in some one who knows to manage this club.
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Lukeybluey added 08:16 - Sep 15 I reckon we are actually best suited to a 5/3/2 or a 3/5/2 Walton Burns Woolf Edmundson Burgess Coulson Evans Morsy Carroll Bonne Norwood We get exposed too much at full back. If we had an extra player back there that could cover that area and then allow the full backs to bomb on as cook wants them too. Will also allow us to have two up top and Bonne and Nors would absolutely harass teams if played together I reckon. But what do I know? I'm not a manager...

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blueboy1981 added 08:36 - Sep 15 Is there some kind of curse on our Club ??? - or is Liam Richardson the missing link .... ??? Both questions just have to be asked - because on current form and results League 2 beckons ... !!! The focus now only leaves us with avoiding relegation - even at this early stage of the season.
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RobITFC added 08:36 - Sep 15 Just change the formation , 4.2.3.1 does not work , get a draw at Lincoln 0.0 will do and start the season.
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blueboy1981 added 08:50 - Sep 15 I don't think we should be surprised whatever happens now - it must have reached a point where the new owners are concerned, having doubts, and making plans. They won't be impressed with this thus far. Is it the players not up to the task ? - or is it the Manager missing his all important side kick, and now being exposed with his recruitment ... ??? As always - time will tell with all issues.

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BerkshireBlue78 added 09:17 - Sep 15 We dominated possession last night, yet lacked the flare or direction in the last 3rd. I thought Morsy was solid, especially in the first half. He was the stand out player for me. Looking forward to seeing how to conducts the tempo once his suspension is over. Kane was good - much improved and showed pace at times. It felt that flare is what was required last night. We have the players but there doesnt seem to be the confidence to go for it... It does feel some players are holding back. I wonder for fear of making mistakes so then they lose out on a team place, what with the massive squad. Hard to say. Personally, I'd love to see more risk. With that comes reward. More flare, more confidence in the opposition half. The passing at times is top notch. Signs of the gel slowly coming together, but we need stability - a regular starting 11 which will come once Celina / Morsy are a combination in the team. Sorry to say at the moment Holy doesnt look right. Again lacking confidence? It was a bit of a Schumacher '82 foul that gave the penalty away. Clumsy... when things like that happen, especially at the end of a match, and build in confidence is wiped out.

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BerkshireBlue78 added 09:23 - Sep 15 I do still believe it'll come good. It has to. COYB!
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Unhinged_dynamo added 10:32 - Sep 15 I know it will be unpopular but I'd say allardyce If we can get him, I doubt he'll drop to our level when he knows he'll probably get a keep us up job in the prem. But he will stabilise us and he DOES play good football if the players are there and I think without doubt they are here if played consistently in the right system
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Bomber added 11:21 - Sep 15 At the beginning of this season I was so full of hope after the takeover, I really thought that Cook was the man for the job. However despite all the player changes we have got worse we take the lead in a game & you just know the opposition will score shortly afterwards so something is wrong with the tactics & the team ethos. Cook just isn't right without his number 2. So I think Ashton needs to step in & either insist he has an experienced number 2 or he leaves & we get in either Eddie Howe or Chris Wilder in.

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GiveusaWave added 11:36 - Sep 15 Think we will get better eventually....just hope eventually is very soon. Loss to Lincoln and a draw or loss to Wednesday and we will be in serious trouble. At some point the new owners will have to do something unless results improve substantially and very soon. Five straight wins and I might start to believe again in this team....but right now I don't believe in them at all. Five straight wins and with movement of other teams we should be in touching distance off the play-offs. That is how far we have fallen behind....

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KernewekBlue added 16:26 - Sep 15 Holy needs to pack his bags... what a shambles of a keeper that guy is! I'll call him a taxi and pay his fare!!! I'm hopeful that with just a little rejigging in midfield and the inclusion of Morsy and Celina in upcoming teams, we can turn the tide of results in our favour. If better results prove elusive however, Cookie is on a loser himself. He's sitting on a ticking timebomb and it gets louder by the game. If he goes, personally, I wouldn't want an oaf like Allardyce anywhere near our club... the man's a disgrace to the game. We'd need a solid manager with higher league experience who can appreciate the opportunity of reshaping a big club, currently languishing in League One, but with aspirations to push forward up the league tables, backed by a healthy cash investment. As already mentioned, Eddie Howe or Chris Wilder wouldn't be a bad shout. George Burley is a Town legend and would do a good job for us too. Other than that, German managers seem to be having a bit of success in our domestic game at the moment... well, most of them anyway... ;)

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istanblue added 18:50 - Sep 15 Embarrass ourselves yet again by losing at home to a youth side for the second year running: tick Lose another cup game in as many months: tick Go 8 games without a single win: tick New era, same old Ipswich
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shakytown added 02:04 - Sep 16 The formation is the problem. We have a whole new squad who are good players but Cook is trying to do too much too soon. Go back to a 442 or 532 and play people in their correct position. Simple really.
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:08 - Sep 16 i always liked Burley ,but i really dont think he would be the right man now, a lot has changed whilst he has been out of the game, He would struggle now then fans would turn against him too, i wouldnt want to see a legend like him get a mauling now. Greatest respect as with all our great players of the past, but to make George manager now, would be a no from me.

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