Town ended 2023 with a 0-0 home draw with QPR, the first time they had failed to net at in the league Portman Road during the calendar year. The Blues, shorn of several regulars through suspension, injury and illness, were never at their best with QPR coming closest to breaking the deadlock when a Steve Cook header struck the post and ran along the line before being forced away.

Town fielded a team featuring six changes from the side which drew 1-1 with leaders Leicester City on Boxing Day with Leif Davis, who had picked up a calf problem, and Wes Burns, who was ill, joining George Hirst, out with a hamstring injury, and suspended skipper Sam Morsy out of the squad.

Vaclav Hladky continued in goal with Brandon Williams returning at right-back, Cameron Humphreys making his first Championship start at left-back and Luke Woolfenden and Cameron Burgess the centre-halves.

In Morsy’s absence, former QPR man Massimo Luongo captained from central midfield alongside another ex-R, Dom Ball.

Ahead of them, Omari Hutchinson was on the right and Conor Chaplin in the middle with Marcus Harness on the left, the former Portsmouth man having initially been down as a sub before being called into the team just before kick-off after Nathan Broadhead had pulled up in the warm-up. Freddie Ladapo was the central striker.

Of those who started the 1-1 draw with Leicester on Boxing Day, Harry Clarke, who is managing an achilles issue, and Jack Taylor and were on the bench.

Also among the subs were Sone Aluko and George Edmundson, while U21s striker Gerrard Buabo, 18, was on the first-team bench in the league for the first time. Elkan Baggott was a late addition following Harness’s elevation into the starting XI.

QPR made five changes from the team which lost 2-0 at Millwall on Boxing Day with Reggie Cannon, Cook, Chris Willock, Elijah Dixon-Bonner and Sinclair Armstrong coming into the XI.

Former Blues loan keeper Asmir Begovic skippered, while ex-Town midfielder Andre Dozzell also started.

The visitors were the first side to threaten, Armstrong, who had been a threat through the Blues’ 1-0 win at Loftus Road in August, shooting from a tight angle on the right and Hladky bundling behind.

But Town had an even better opportunity in the sixth minute when Ladapo was played through on goal but the striker was a bit hesitant and after turning rather than heading towards goal, lost the ball. Harness subsequently looped the loose ball into Begovic’s arms.

Three minutes later, Harness reacted quickly to cut out an under-hit QPR pass and fed Ladapo in on the right of the box. This time the frontman got in a shot but it struck the advancing Begovic on the legs and looped over.

The Blues went close again from the corner, Humphreys playing a now familiar low corner towards Chaplin on the edge of the box but on this occasion the forward’s shot was scuffed and Begovic was able to save.

On 16, following a long spell of Town possession, Ball found Humphreys in space on the left of the box but the youngster overhit his cross when in a promising position.

However, four minutes later, Williams was caught in possession not far outside the Blues area and Armstrong forced Hladky into another save, this time at his other post, but again from a tight angle.

As the clocked ticked over into the 22nd minute, fans applauded in tribute to 22-year-old supporter Ben Moore, who died on Thursday following a battle with leukaemia.

There was a huge scare for the Blues, who were continuing to put in a rather disjointed display, in the 31st minute when the ball flicked off Cook’s head at the near post from a corner, struck the inside of the post and ran along the line. Hladky palmed it away from the line and it was hastily cleared by Burgess.

The incident seemed to wake up the previously rather sullen Portman Road crowd and in the 34th minute, the Blues weren’t too far away from an opener when Hutchinson cut in and shot from a tight angle on the right, forcing Begovic to tip over.

Town’s corner came to nothing and soon afterwards Chaplin was yellow-carded for a foul, having previously been pulled up for an earlier indiscretion.

Neither side created an opportunity in the remaining minutes of an unusually drab Portman Road first half.

Given all the changes, it was perhaps not a surprise that the Blues were lacking a little of their regular lustre.

They had had spells in control but without looking particularly dangerous for the most part, although Hutchinson wasn’t too far away and Ladapo probably should have done better with his two early chances.

At the other end, QPR had had one or two opportunities with Cook very unfortunate with his header, the ball hitting the post and running along the line in a similar manner to an Armstrong shot in the game at Loftus Road.

The start of the second half was delayed for 20 minutes due to a medical incident in the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand, before the ill fan was wheeled away on a stretcher towards the tunnel to applause from the crowd.

The two teams returned to the field and took part in a six-minute warm-up prior to the restart with the visitors making a change, Paul Smyth taking over from Willock.

The second half started in a similar manner to the first with the Blues still scruffy. On 51, Armstrong chased a ball down the QPR right and Hladky was quickly off his line and well out of his goal. The Czech didn’t make a save but Armstrong’s heavy touch took it out of play for a goal-kick.

On 51, Woolfenden was booked for a foul on Armstrong with the Town centre-half adamant he had got a touch on the ball.

Three minutes later, Humphreys burst away down the left and sent over a cross from midway inside the QPR half which Ladapo nodded wide.

In the 56th minute, Williams got caught in possession having repeatedly tried to twist and turn away from Chair, who eventually won it and sent over a cross, which was too long for his teammates.

As the hour mark approached, Armstrong cut in from the left and hit a shot which deflected through to Hladky. Play was then stopped for an injury to Sam Field.

Right on the hour, the Blues carved out their best-worked move of the match so far. Chaplin fed Humphreys, who played in Harness on the left of the box from where the forward hit a shot which Begovic appeared to palm behind, although referee David Webb gave a goal-kick.

Soon after, Town, who looked to be getting more into their stride, made a triple change with Kayden Jackson, Taylor and Clarke taking over from Ladapo, Ball and Williams in changes which looked pre-planned. QPR swapped Dixon-Bonner for Lyndon Dykes.

As the clock ticked the 65-minute mark, fans again applauded, for another supporter, Peter Taylor, who also died this week having fought mesothelioma.

During the applause, Hladky palmed a low cross from the QPR left against Smyth, the ball cannoning wide, much to the visitors’ sub’s frustration.

Smyth was frustrated again moments later when he went to ground as he went past Woolfenden on the right of the box, referee Webb making it clear he thought the QPR wideman had made a lot of nothing.

On 70, the West Londoners swapped Cook, who had undergone treatment on the pitch, for Jimmy Dunne.

Five minutes later, with Chair sitting down in the other side of the field, the latest of several QPR players to take to the turn, a long spell of Blues possession ended with a Hutchinson cross-shot deflecting away from goal.

The visitors made two more changes on 78 with Ziyad Larkeche replacing Chair and Ryan Kolli taking over from Armstrong.

Begovic was booked for time-wasting in the 83rd minute, before a corner was cleared to Dozzell and the former Town midfielder struck a shot which deflected wide. On 86 Harness was yellow-carded for a foul on Cannon.

Soon after, the Blues handed a league debut to Buabo, who previously had made two cup sub appearances, for Harness with Aluko taking over from Hutchinson.

In the final scheduled minute, just before the fourth official indicated eight additional minutes, Larkeche was cautioned for a foul on Clarke on the right.

Just before the end, QPR claimed a penalty after a cross from the right appeared to catch Jackson’s arm as a cross came over from the right, then, after Buabo, who had made an impact having come off the bench, was fouled, a free-kick was cleared and Aluko volleyed well off target.

It was perhaps a fitting end to an unusually scrappy affair. A 0-0 draw, Town’s first at home in 2023, was a fair reflection of a frustrating game for the much-changed Blues, who were never really convincing and rarely threatened in the second half.

Town last drew 0-0 at Bristol Rovers in February and at home in the league in March 2022 against Portsmouth, although more recently the FA Cup third-round tie with Burnley at Portman Road also ended goalless.

The disappointing performance illustrated that Town have work to do in the January transfer window to strengthen the squad for the second half of the campaign.

The Blues were perhaps fortunate they were facing QPR rather than tougher opposition with the visitors similarly never really looking like breaking the deadlock in the second period. However, the West Londoners will be happier with the point which moves them a point closer to fourth-bottom Huddersfield.

Town end 2023 second in the Championship, but are now only three points ahead of Southampton, who beat Plymouth 2-1 at home, while Leeds in fourth are now nine points behind Kieran McKenna’s men, having lost 1-0 at West Brom.

The Blues will have skipper Morsy, who was much-missed in the centre of the midfield, back for New Year’s Day’s game at Stoke and they will hope a number of tonight’s other absentees will also join the Egyptian international.

Town: Hladky, Williams (Clarke 63), Woolfenden, Burgess, Humphreys, Luongo (c), Ball (Taylor 64), Hutchinson (Aluko 88), Chaplin, Harness (Buabo 88), Ladapo (Jackson 63). Unused: Walton, Edmundson, Baggott, Tuanzebe.

QPR: Begovic (c), Cook (Dunne 70), Clarke-Salter, Willock (Smyth 46), Field, Chair (Larkeche 78), Dozzell, Dixon-Bonner (Dykes 64), Cannon, Paal, Armstrong (Kolli 78). Unused: Archer, Kakay, Drewe, Adomah. Referee: David Webb (Lancashire). Att: 29,100 (QPR: 1,698).

Photo: Matchday Images

carsey added 23:40 - Dec 29 Ladapo - what is the point? Humphreys - MOM Hladky - has to get his head up and get restarts going more quickly sometimes when the opportunity presents itself Disappointing end to 2023 but we're still 2nd and have the January window to bring in some fresh blood. In McKenna we trust. COYB.
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RobsonWark added 23:45 - Dec 29 algarvefan you can not blame tonight's results on players being tired. Most of them in the team tonight hadn't played much this season. They looked like 11 individuals on the pitch and not a team. We desperately missed Morsy tonight. Our inspirational Captain is here, there and everywhere on the pitch. If he goes off to the African Cup, we will struggle in his absence.

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Linkboy13 added 23:53 - Dec 29 It's obvious after this poor display against a weak QPR team that the squad is not strong enough. Poor Freddie had a nightmare and looks Div 1 Jackson's pace is not a threat at this level and he lacks technical ability. Ball didn't make any sort of forward runs from midfield and done most of his work stationary. These are all Div one players. Humphreys all though out of position showed promise and tried to get things moving down the left. McKenna needs to be very busy in the transfer window if we are going to get promoted this year. Having said this i wouldn't be to unhappy with another season in the championship as the football has been very exciting but there's no guarantee that we might not get a better chance of promotion.

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Nomore4 added 23:59 - Dec 29 5 key players missing…..all key to how we play. Unfortunately our squad doesn’t have the personnel to even come close to replacing any 1 from them. Only any good for last 5minutes of games. Good (ish) as subs not a lot else.
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OliveR16 added 00:28 - Dec 30 A thing of wonder that, so many years on, the spirit of McCarthy can return to PR to haunt us once more.
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budgieplucker added 00:33 - Dec 30 We have had an absolute fabulous year of football under KMack, probably the last months 7 games has been the toughest run of fixtures with QPR on paper a home banker and one of the potentially more easier fixtures. We managed 12 points which is only 2 a drift from our target 2 points a game auto promo form. So still an achievement given the absences we found ourselves with this evening. I do feel second is going to be wrestled from us and that whilst we had a great squad for Division One, tonight confirmed our limitations at this level and how much we rely on our skipper, also a player in the Hirst mould who can physically challenge the centre halves and give an outlet option for the team when under pressure. I am sure Kieron will not have learnt a great deal tonight, several players will be moved on in the summer and we still need strengthening in several departments not least a target man to cover for Hirst. Chaplin started the season on fire with momentum from last season but now the goals have dried up he looks in need of a rest or more competition. A right back (Williams to return to United)

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budgieplucker added 00:35 - Dec 30 ….2 strikers, a centre back and a Morsy backup needed.
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eddiespearitt03 added 00:49 - Dec 30 Like the look of our young sub who came on...Buabo.. Got a feeling he might cause a few problems to opposing defenders.
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Nomore4 added 00:54 - Dec 30 Problem is budgieplucker……that’s now all part of the 1st half of the season stats. On current form, issues, suspensions, injuries, players leaving to play in international tournaments etc being taken into consideration…..7 points from next 12 available would seem like a good return. But that would probably see us in 3rd with Leeds and West Brom breathing down our necks. And needing to get minimum 10 points from 15 in February to keep with the pace.

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shakytown added 01:35 - Dec 30 Tough tonight tonight but with so many players out a point was not awful. Showed our lack of quality depth in some positions but i'm sure that will be looked at in the January window. All in all a great year and positive all round at Ipswich Town so lets look forward to the next year.
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ThaiBlue added 05:07 - Dec 30 Poor night huffed and puffed not one big save from there keeper in 2nd half.ladapo very poor and Williams was not much better trying to beat lots of players and loosing the ball.humphreys and burgess best for town stoke a big game with saints right up our back.
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grumpyoldman added 07:33 - Dec 30 Only complaint about last night was why oh why did they keep putting over high crosses when we are well aware that their keeper has always been great at dealing with high crosses?
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tractorboybig added 07:39 - Dec 30 poor starting eleven, no hope with ladapo leading the line. we are moving into a period of reality but at least our start means we will not be relegated
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dirtydingusmagee added 07:57 - Dec 30 First of all thoughts for those connected with the emergency. I came home in silence last night . Seemed like waking from a nighmare this morning the whole evening was awful. The game result and performance was very disappointing. The inforced changes couldnt be helped but nobody stepped up last night.It wad a mid yable lge1 performance at best lmo. Twice in last couple of weeks i have said i thought our position would not be so cosy come NEW YEARS DAY but ladt nights game should have been the start of rebound.A bitter pill to swallow. Gutted. .

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Dissboyitfc added 08:06 - Dec 30 Feel flat after last nights game, but let's not lose sight of last nights positives Leeds and Norwich lost! But keep things in perspective, we are mixing with relegated teams with better squads and parachute payments! We are in fact still very much the same squad as last season, those players earned the right to be given the chance at championship level. Too many unforced changes which highlighted how the signings we need in this transfer window. Whilst it's true that all teams have to face this hectic schedule it's no coincidence that the relegated teams (well 2 of them) coped better with bigger and better equipped squads! As for Omari, great talent who is exciting to watch but his final delivery is very disappointing in the main! Think we have a real prospect in that Buabo, but not going to be what we need this season, but then again who remembers when Dalian Akinson burst on to the scene? I can and I remember him being a bit of a sensation when given his opportunity! Poor game but let's not get carried away, said this before but there are 70 elf teams below us, all of whom would swap positions with us and only one above! me personally I am going to enjoy those facts rather than concentrate on last night drab encounter. Happy New year everyone!

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warktheline added 08:06 - Dec 30 Totally agree with bluboy’s last comment! We are now entering a pivotal phase in which the club are in the process of playing catch ups with McKenna’s phenomenal success rate! Again as I predicted a top six finish, really don’t think anyone could doubt that, but ‘bridging that gap’ between parachute clubs and premier clubs is a humongous task! I’ve no doubt McKenna is going to be financially supported, but IF he does achieve promotion, will those finances match the manager’s success rate?

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Kickingblock added 08:10 - Dec 30 They didn't loose and unfortunately, a lot of players were not on their game. Everyone saw that reinforcements are required. Some (expected to be on their way out) should have been playing for their futures elsewhere. An anticlimactic end to a fantastic year of football. Happy new year!
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warktheline added 08:12 - Dec 30 …for those unaware, we as a club are responsible for staying within the financial fair play regulations!
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Help added 08:26 - Dec 30 Another bad day at the office for a variety of reasons. Morsy clearly the biggest miss. Evans not available through injury. However a number of players with sickness running through the club cannot be helped. The back up was not there with rusty incapable players. Then you have young Cam Humphreys playing out of position. But one of a few who actually tried, Cam the MOM for me, not a natural winger but once we tried to get him up to use his left foot for crosses we were better down the left. Two RB injured with the least injured playing first. Where was JD, injured. With players coming off the pitch and throwing up proves they even played with the sickness bug, that was how bad it was. KM picked what was left and tried to put a team together, that was obvious with players out of position and out of sorts trying to play 100% when not feeling 100%. 2 points dropped no goal scored, but we did not lose. Still 2nd in our first season back in the Championship. I will take that with half a season to go. Just need a couple of new players coming in with players returning from injury/sickness, and a few moving out the back door finally as this level is to much for them

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Marinersnose added 09:04 - Dec 30 We should be grateful of the point and move on. Those that watch the team regularly are abundantly aware that without Hirst we haven’t got a striker who can fulfill that role. Worries me that Davis maybe long term as we are light in that area but Humphrey’s did a fantastic job. Williams has been exposed and is going through the motions. I think he should return to Man Utd. Stoke will be incredibly tough without key players as they are playing well. I’d give the young lad a start up top. He’s mobile and held the ball well. Stay positive this was always going to be a tough period even with our best eleven

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Kirbmeister added 09:05 - Dec 30 There’s an awful lot of negativity. Any team losing their best 5/6 players aren’t going to be at their best. The Xmas period and going into the new year is a tough old time. This is basically a league one squad battling it out with ex premier teams so some need to have a bit of realism. And don’t think we’ll magically sign a few quality championship players in January either. Who is going to let their best players go at this stage of the season? For me, 54 points from 25 games is remarkable. I would have been happy with about 36 for a newly promoted club. We’ll come out of this blip in the new year.

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cat added 09:43 - Dec 30 A disappointing performance and a fair result. We showed our lack of strength in depth last night and although we had the better clear cut chance’s we offered very little in the final third. A top 6 finish will be a huge achievement this season, but we need to build slowly so when we do get promoted we are ready. This season might be too soon for that but let’s not forget what a huge success 2023 has been. The match day experience is up there and the entertainment value has been top draw.

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Steelmonkey added 09:54 - Dec 30 We really missed not having five go to players, ones that you would automatically pencil in on the first team sheet. That’s half of the outfield player's, any team missing that amount would have an adverse effect well any team like us because we are not Leeds, Leicester or Southampton who have vast squads because they are ex premiership sides and spent big because of the Premiership status and the monies that bring into the club, all on 50m parachute payments. If we had that amount to spend on players we wouldn’t be able to because of FFR. And let’s not forget that how few championship games those five have played this season. They got us a point last night, they didn’t lose us three and also some played out of their preferred positions let’s not forget that. We are punching so far above our weight and are being entertained by some awesome performances so it’s natural to expect that from every side we put out, well it didn’t happen and it’s testament to the way we have been playing with those that were missing last night. So to those that did boo them off last night please engage brain before opening your gobs next time.

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Cadiar added 10:23 - Dec 30 This is a bit reminiscent of last season, doom & gloom all around despite our league position in 22 & now. So, isn't it time for the usual whingers to get on KMs back & demand he's sacked. Seem to remember we went on a ridiculous run of results in the New Year so why can't we do it again with some new players in January & only Leicester away & Saints home of the teams with real financial clout to play. We can do it!!

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warktheline added 10:41 - Dec 30 There’s definitely no reason for ‘doom and gloom’! As kirbmeister mentioned, to be where we are in the championship race is beyond belief! Leicester aside, Leeds and Southampton have struggled to emulate or match our points tally. Cat is spot on! Another season in the championship wouldn’t be a failure, it’s critical that the club are fully prepared for the huge step up! That said, another season in the championship could see McKenna pouched by a Premiership club! As I’ve already mentioned we’ve reached a pivotal stage….a big task ahead to maintain the tremendous momentum started by the outstanding McKenna! It’s a crossroads WE all should positively embrace!

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