Town’s Carabao Cup run ended at the first hurdle after an embarrassing 4-2 on-penalties defeat to League Two AFC Wimbledon after a 2-2 draw. Ali Al-Hamadi gave the Blues the lead against his old club in the third minute but Omar Bugiel levelled just before half-time. The Dons went in front via Mat Stevens and the home side looked on their way to victory until Conor Chaplin scored four minutes from the end but that proved only a stay of execution.

Six new signings were handed their Blues debuts, Dara O’Shea, Conor Townsend, Kalvin Phillips, Jens Cajuste, Chiedozie Ogbene and Jack Clarke, while Ben Johnson was the only player remaining from the side which started at Manchester City on Saturday.

Wimbledon made six changes from the team which won 1-0 away at Cheltenham on Saturday. Former Blues striker Joe Pigott was on the bench.

Town almost went ahead in the third minute. Chaplin fed in Ogbene on the right, the Irish international cut across but it wouldn’t fall for Al-Hamadi, one of six full internationals in the Blues XI. However, Chaplin seized on it but his effort deflected wide.

But the travelling Town support didn’t have to wait too much longer for a goal. Townsend sent over the corner from the right and Al-Hamadi lost his man and powered in a header.

The Iraqi international made it very obvious he wasn’t celebrating the goal and, unusually given they had just conceded, was warmly applauded by his old supporters.

Having gone in front, the Blues dominated and on 14 Ogbene cut the ball back to Cajuste on the edge of the box but the Swedish international’s shot was blocked.

On 19, Town claimed a penalty when Phillips was felled by Bugiel as he was taking the ball into the box but referee James Linington waved the protests away, while Wimbledon claimed a free-kick for handball by the on-loan Manchester City man as he fell, similarly without success.

Five minutes later, Bugiel felt he should have been awarded a penalty at the other end having been challenged by Phillips, however, it appeared the ball had been won cleanly.

Other than that incident, it had been all Town with the Blues dominating and passing the ball around confidently, despite having so many new faces in the line-up. On 26 Johnson shot well over from distance.

A minute later, Bugiel had the ball in the net for the Dons but with the linesman’s flag having been raised as the cross from the right had been whipped in, incorrectly replays suggested.

Town continued to see all the ball and look very comfortable and on 35 the lively Clarke cut in from the left and struck a low shot which Wombles keeper Owen Goodman saved low at his near post.

Having been harshly denied his earlier goal, Bugiel eventually levelled in the 41st minute. Dons’ captain Jake Reeves’s free-kick, awarded for a Townsend foul on Huseyin Biler, was sent over from the right and the Lebanese international found space between Town defenders to nod past Walton.

That was the last action of a half in which the Blues had been very comfortable for the most part having gone in front so early, perhaps too much so with the Dons more involved towards the break.

Town hadn’t really threatened again, aside from Clarke’s shot at Goodman’s near post, before Bugiel’s disallowed goal, the linesman too hastily flagging a player who played no part in the creating or scoring the goal, which should have served as a warning.

But the Blues were subsequently unable to deal with Bugiel, who seemed to get away from Burgess with the Australian international appearing to claim he’d been fouled, as Reeves’s pacy free-kick was whipped in.

However, for the most part, it was a positive first-half display from the somewhat scratch Town XI - albeit without creating enough - with Clarke direct on the left, Ogbene showing his pace down the right and Cajuste and Phillips looking assured in the middle.

Ahead of the second half, Town swapped Ogbene, who had been quieter towards the end of the first period and may have picked up a knock, for Marcus Harness.

The Blues began the second half brightly and on 49 Clarke played in Townsend on the left and his low cross was cleared. Moments later, Al-Hamadi sent a shot well over the stand housing the Town support.

But in the 56th minute, the Dons took the lead. Once again it came from a free-kick out on the right, this time conceded by Cajuste. Reeves’s high ball curled into the box and Mat Steves rose high to nod past Walton to his right.

Town set about getting themselves back into a game which they had been dominating. On the hour, Joe Lewis was booked for tripping Al-Hamadi as he chased a threaded ball just outside the area, although the former Don seemed unlikely to reach it in any case. Townsend’s free-kick flew well over.

Four minutes later, Clarke brought the ball through the middle and tried to feed Al-Hamadi on his left in the area but it was taken away from the Iraqi. The ball ran loose to Townsend on the edge of the box, but again the left-back’s strike was very much too high.

On 66 Town swapped Cajuste and Phillips for Jack Taylor and Massimo Luongo with the duo short on recent match action. Both showed glimpses of what Blues fans can expect from them in the season to come once they’re up to speed.

Four minutes later, a Townsend corner from the right reached Luongo at the far post with his back to goal. The Australian tried to backheel it goalwards but it was forced away and beyond the lurking Al-Hamadi for a flag-kick on the opposite side.

The Wombles made their first changes moments later, Alistair Smith replacing James Ball and ex-Blues frontman Pigott coming on for Bugiel.

On 75 O’Shea headed powerfully but into a crowd of players from a deep corner from the left.

Town made a double change with 12 minutes left as they sought to avoid an embarrassing cup exit at the hands of League Two opposition, Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson replacing Al-Hamadi, who was again given an ovation by the Dons support, and Clarke, who did much to suggest he will become a fans’ favourite in his time at the club.

It had been a scrappy second half from the Blues with few chances being created, with many of the new signings tiring with many of them short on game time.

However, the Dons hadn’t threatened to add to their goals until the 81st minute, when Stevens made the most of a Burgess slip just inside the Town half but was felled by the Australian international as he was about to break away towards goal. Referee James Linington decided a yellow card would suffice, much to the annoyance of the home support.

Town had been huffing and puffing but without looking like scoring, but on 86 they equalised.

After a Taylor ball in from the left had been nodded out, O’Shea looped a cross back in from the other flank. Burgess mistimed his header well away from goal but inadvertently found Chaplin, the shortest man on the pitch, who somehow beat Goodman in the air and headed into the net, much to the relief of the Town support behind the goal.

As the game moved into its penultimate scheduled minute, Hutchinson appeared to be hauled over on the right of the area but referee Linington showed no interest.

Town attacks were by now coming in waves as the Blues went looking for a late winner. Wimbledon swapped James Tilley for James Furling for the final seconds of normal time and four additional minutes.

Seconds before the whistle, Delap made a powerful run forward with the ball before losing his feet and showing his frustration by catching a Wimbledon player with an arm. The striker was fortunate only to see a yellow card. The referee’s whistle blew moments later to signal a penalty shoot-out.

Former Blues striker Pigott sent Walton to his left and the ball to his right with the first kick before Delap smashed his powerfully to Goodman’s right and into the net to make it 1-1.

Stevens also sent Walton the wrong way, although in the opposite direction, before Burgess belted his to Goodman’s left and into the net.

Up to then, the penalties had all been excellent but Dons skipper Reeves put his over the bar to give the advantage to the Blues.

However, Town failed to take it with Taylor stuttering as he ran up before hitting a low shot to Goodman’s right, which the keeper saved.

Biler made it 3-2 to the home side with his kick hit low to Walton’s right with the keeper getting a hand to it.

Hutchinson shot straight down the middle but Goodman saved with his feet to give Isaac Ogundere the chance to confirm the Dons’ victory, which he did with a spot-kick hit high into the right top corner of Walton’s net.

An embarrassing cup exit for the Blues, who had been well in control in the first half but without creating enough chances having gone in front via Al-Hamadi’s early goal.

They allowed the Dons back in the game towards half-time before a scrappier second-half display in which they conceded their second set-piece goal of the game with their defensive organisation presumably impacted by the number of new signings in the side.

Chaplin took the game to penalties with his determined goal but the Blues, as so often over the course of their history, were second best in the shoot-out.

While the Carabao Cup is far from the priority this season, a win would have been a boost of confidence after defeats in the very tough opening Premier League games, while a run would have given the players on the fringes opportunities to play regularly in the opening months of the season.

Town: Walton, Johnson, O’Shea, Burgess, Townsend, Phillips (Luongo 66), Cajuste (Taylor 66), Ogbene (Harness 46), Chaplin (c), J Clarke (Hutchinson 78), Al-Hamadi (Delap 78). Unused: Slicker, Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Davis.

AFC Wimbledon: Goodman, Johnson, Lewis, Ogundere, Tilley (Furling 90), Ball (Smith 72), Reeves (c), Maycock, Biler, Bugiel (Pigott 72), Stevens. Unused: Ward, O’Toole, Kelly, Neufville, Hippolyte, Williams. Referee: James Linington (Newport, Isle of Wight). Att: 7,934 (Town: 1,834).

Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Karlosfandangal added 22:51 - Aug 28 Home to Newcastle if we had won so really not bothered that we lost as there is no way our second string would bet them
0

EssexTractor added 22:55 - Aug 28 Interesting that Grant was the only one talking to penalty takers Kieran took a back seat on that Last year we all “ loved” Taylor when he belted in two marvellous goals so why on earth did he take that penalty tonight in the way he did .and Omari well that was sad too. Delap and Burgess hit good old fashioned penalties , but truthfully that was Burgess’s only really good moment. Maybe he feels disenchanted Yes the players had not played together before but despite possession there was no oomph in the match , despite the value personally and collectively . After the First two defeats here was an evening to put some smiles on faces, but was it just only about “ doing some minutes on the grass” However, all might be forgotten if Saturdays outcome is positive, lots of work before then . Lastly , Overall Jack Clarke did look classy, playing at only about 50% of his natural pace and skill.

0

SickParrot added 23:03 - Aug 28 FFS, not again. Lincoln, Barrow, Newport County, Maidstone and now Wimbledon, when will the embarrassing cup defeats end? Every small club in the country will now rightly fancy their chances against us in the FA Cup in January. However, more important is how the players react in the short term. Will confidence suffer? Will players have doubts about the quality of their new team mates? Hopefully not and we will produce a good performance against Fulham and get a point or three. It's not a must win game but, with no points so far and tonight's poor display, I think it is now a case of mustn't suffer a big defeat! That could start to erode belief that we can compete at this level.

2

Cafe_Newman added 23:15 - Aug 28 I'd much rather give 6 new signings a competitive run out, have half a dozen clear weaknesses exposed for KMcK to work on and lose than breeze past L2 opposition only for the same weaknesses to be exposed during the next few Premier League fixtures. Yes, it's not nice to lose but Kieran's a fantastic manager and will turn this setback into an opportunity to build character and strengthen this young team. Have faith and patience - it's very early days still, and there's absolutely no need for despondency.

2

Carberry added 23:15 - Aug 28 Not quite sure why this match report is so upbeat? We were beaten by a very hard working, committed League 2 team. We made some pretty patterns but showed very little quality and conceded 2 set piece goals, none of our players took the game by the scruff of the neck and imposed our status on the contest. Sometimes it needs character rather than a tactics. There were some worrying individual performances, not sure who will take Al Hamedi on loan after that, Chaplin pretty anonymous apart from the goal, Johnson not at all assured and poor Calvin Philips huffing and puffing so had to be taken off after an hour. Why play the kid from Luton so soon? I don't think McK relishs coming up against these lower league sides who want it more than we do.

-4

victorysquad added 23:23 - Aug 28 What a lot of nonsense postings here. The game served its purpose the main downside was we wanted more time in this cup so we can rotate squad and keep people fit. Perhaps too many debutants in one go but McKenna will learn from tonight too.
3

Cafe_Newman added 23:23 - Aug 28 @Carberry A lack of familiarity with the system we play (ie tactics) was precisely why we didn't perform today and it was no surprise to many. Kieran will get everybody singing from the same hymn sheet soon. No need to have a pop at individual players, they are all good characters.
3

Carberry added 23:29 - Aug 28 I'm not having a pop at their character, I don't know what they are like as blokes and probably neither do you. I'm commenting on football ability, that's all.
0

RobsonWark added 23:36 - Aug 28 and 1981 Eeyore
0

SoCalTownFan added 23:41 - Aug 28 These big money players, against a team like wimbledon, as individuals, should be good enough to turn the game, take control and make it happen. That no one stood out and we lumbered on, and lost, is a big red flag to me. Seems like McKenna has been stitched up by a bunch of slimey agents and clubs looking to off load some 4th (or is it 5th, given we lost to a 4th division side?) rate players. Walton has let in 6 goals in his last 3 games. Fair enough one opponent was Liverpool, but the other two...... The new keeper is a liability, so step forward Mr Slicker. Al Hamadi is probably off anyway which leaves Chaplin who can outjump the body and arms of a 6ft goals, even though he is clinically a dwarf. The only decent player from today Next game Chaplin and 10 other players we KNOW are good please, aka the team from last year. Stick these jonny come latelys on the bench and give them a second chance as and when we need some cover, if desperate. Or have we got a day to find some other mug, sell them and cut our losses???

-9

Cafe_Newman added 23:44 - Aug 28 @Carberry Perhaps you need to explain what you meant by "Sometimes it needs character rather than a tactics" if you are not suggesting that there was a lack of character on display from certain players.
0

RobsonWark added 23:52 - Aug 28 jas0999 added 22:13 - Aug 28 Phil - sent you a personal note. Please respond. After 10+ years on this site, unless you can accept this embarrassing result or a Labour supporter sadly you are no longer accepted on this site. I can't believe anyone would have voted Labour unless they are under 30 and not lived under a Labour government. Everything Two Tier Keir has promised has turned out to be all LIES! (as expected). This country is fcuked now!

1

stiffy501 added 23:58 - Aug 28 Dont panic, it will take time for the new players to gell, it will get better rest assured !!
0

Oldozblue added 00:44 - Aug 29 Maybe two scenarios 1. McKenna coaches disparate group of players into a well oiled machine of similar standard to Brentford, Palace etc 2. Basically Championship players struggle to break out of bottom 3 for most of season - whatever I think too many players have been signed as some are no better than what was here. Preferred to have seen 5 or 6 of top quality
-1

algarvefan added 01:01 - Aug 29 RobsonWark take you blooming politics elsewhere, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we don't want politics on here, just football. As regards this evening I listened to the game on line, when I saw tonight's team I didn't expect much and it sounded like that's what we got, a practice match and we are out of the Milk Cup, not at all bothered but how KM pulls this result around on Saturday will be crucial, personally I'd stick with the squad who got us promoted as much as possible and introduce others where there are injuries, blood the signings in slowly, not all at once. This is the first difficult period KM has faced, lets see what he is made of, personally I think we will be fine!

5

Reuser_Who added 01:31 - Aug 29 Football fans are arguably the most fickle subset of people in the world. I am optimistic about the upcoming season and the players we have brought in. Anyone who suggests that we should solely rely on the players who got us to this point are incredibly naive. The players we have brought in are young, with high re-sale value and were top players at their previous clubs, with the potential to excel if given an opportunity. It is a shame that a portion of the fan base immediately dismiss them after just one Carabao Cup game, which let's be honest, is not a cup that anyone cares about

2

Minneapolis_ITFC added 02:22 - Aug 29 This should have been a very good opportunity to progress to further rounds taken in context the nature of the opposition but it's us against lower league in a Cup tournament game - more often than not there's only going to be one winner. It's a frustrating score but how often do we f-ck up against teams like this we ordinarily should be beating when the time arises. Imagined lessons would have been learned after the Maidstone debacle only a few months back but here once again discussing another Town elimination to inferior opponents. I'm real tired of it by now if not disappointed of course but it happens so often, by now it's really nothing new. We put out a strong team also. No extra 30 minutes which may just have seen us through, they have to go straight to a penalty shoot to pick out a winner. This competition's lame now, they've picked so many holes in it and further devalued what was already a third-rate tournament it's perhaps just as well we're no longer involved. I just would have hoped for more from the team selection put out and the caliber of opponents that stood before us. Sh-t competition it may be, but the chance was there to progress and would have added some further early season morale if could have made it through. Hate cup games involving us and lower league opponents as so often these things happen. It's a mystery to some why we so often struggle to get past these rounds and opponents.

1

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 05:27 - Aug 29 Disappointing to say the least. We don't look all that secure at the back, and goals will be very hard to come by against PL defences on this performance. But no point dwelling on this defeat. We must move on and hope for better things against Fulham. A striker before Friday might help.
0

JewellintheTown added 06:03 - Aug 29 Expectations of SOME "fans" on here & how quickly they fickly turn on the manager, players, club with their "expert" opinions on what miracles should be performed by the very people who have proven success & deserve our respect, gratitude, trust & patience, is staggering. Entitled doesn't come close. I'm not in the least bit concerned at the result compared to SOME fans ignorant, condescending response to it. The delusion we had a side capable of needing minimal additions to be good enough to stay up is staggering. We needed upgrades & sadly casualties of that will be obvious, whether losing fan favourites, temporary performance drops, losses etc, all part of known & expected consequences we are all too familiar with & so recently experienced. However we all know the drill & know how this will end if we stick to trusting the proven experts. Melodramatically throwing teddies out of the pram at the first blips of losses under the circumstances shows a deep immaturity & ignorance of a spoilt & entitled small minority that are an embarrassment to our club. Fans may have the right to feel that way, but some on here seem to get off on this kind of doom mongering behaviour at every opportunity. Have those "fans" not learnt anything, or is this just another excuse for a pitty party. Ipswich fans are generally known for their loyalty, patience, support & trust. The vast majority are proud examples of this. This feeds confidence to our players & staff who are human. They repay us with long term more positive results than a more negative attitude would give. Now is too early to be on anyone's back. Let McKenna & players & club analyse the results, make adjustments, try again & keep repeating this like they've done for the past few seasons. Let's see where we are at the end of the season & pass judgement way into the future. Now is not the time. Suck it up. Trust in the process, as Ashton & club say. It's not let us down so far. Angry rant over.

6

bluebullet29l added 06:05 - Aug 29 Don't worry our season starts on Saturday! Beattiesbackpocket said so....... And Fulham are rubbish...apparently
2

tractorboybig added 06:50 - Aug 29 Fulham laughing their ^^ off
0

papashango87 added 06:57 - Aug 29 The state of some of the posts on here, you can tell your not really football people. 3 games into a new season and already moaning. You haven’t got much loyalty or patience at all, have a bit of trust in the manager and staff that they know what they are doing.
2

blueboy1981 added 07:20 - Aug 29 Cut the excuses the normal brood, that was a Total Club Embarrassment. Everyone involved in that - HANG YOUR HEADS IN SHAME !!
0

joyousblue added 07:22 - Aug 29 I was there , what was the most stupid comment on here ,( we lost because we brought all new players ?we should have played the band of brothers who got us promoted) blue ruin 69 your entitled to your opinion but your an idiot , the most stupid comments ive ever read , mckenna knows what he wants and it will happen , we are premier league we will come good then you can hide because you wont be able to spread your utter rubbish

0

SickParrot added 07:33 - Aug 29 It was inevitable that we would lack fluency with 6 debutants in the team and I said this before the game. That doesn't justify the result though. Premier League players should still be able to defend set pieces and find a way to beat League 2 opponents. With their higher skill levels they should at least win a penalty shootout!
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls