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Ipswich Town 3 v 0 Bristol Rovers
FA Cup
Sunday, 12th January 2025 Kick-off 15:00
Ipswich Town 3-0 Bristol Rovers - Match Report
Sunday, 12th Jan 2025 17:02

First-half goals from Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Jack Taylor saw Town safely into round four of the FA Cup after a very comfortable 3-0 victory over League One Bristol Rovers at Portman Road. Phillips opened the scoring with a low shot on 18, Clarke stabbed home from close range six minutes later and Taylor added a controversial third on 37 with Ali Al-Hamadi missing a second-half penalty.

Boss Kieran McKenna made 10 changes with Luke Woolfenden, who skippered his local club for the first time, the only survivor from the 2-2 draw at Fulham a week ago.

Aro Muric returned in goal with new signing Ben Godfrey, given a big cheer when his name was read out over the PA, making his debut at right-back and Conor Townsend his home debut at left-back. Woolfenden was reunited with Cameron Burgess at the heart of the defence.

In midfield, Phillips was partnered by Massimo Luongo with Wes Burns, Taylor and Clarke the three behind striker Al-Hamadi. The bench was made up of first-team regulars with Cieran Slicker the sub keeper. George Hirst made his return to the squad after his knee injury.

League One Rovers made two changes with Connor Taylor and new signing Romaine Sawyers coming in for Jamie Lindsay and one-time Blues loanee Thomas, who were both on the bench.

Ex-Town James Wilson and Grant Ward started, as did Suffolk-born former Norwich striker Chris Martin.

Town began on the front foot and went close for the first time in the second minute, Burgess flicking a header over at the near post from Townsend’s corner from the right, a Luongo cross towards Burns having been nodded behind.

The Blues won a series of early corners, but were unable to trouble visitors keeper Josh Griffiths, an England U21 international on loan from West Brom.

On 13, the Blues had what looked a decent shout for a penalty when Clarke tried to go between two defenders on the left of the area and appeared to be brought down by Shaq Forde, however, referee Oliver Langford showed no interest.

Taylor scuffed a shot well wide from the edge of the box, then on the quarter-hour, the Blues went close again from a corner, Burgess heading against a defender, then Al-Hamadi and Burns got in one another’s way and the follow-up was straight at the keeper.

But the majority of the 27,678-strong crowd didn’t have to wait too much longer to see their side to go in front.

After a cross from the right had been cleared in the 18th minute, Clarke squared to Phillips just over 20 yards out, the on-loan Manchester City man taking a touch before hitting a low shot past Griffiths to his right, the England international’s first goal for the club.

Five minutes later, it was 2-0. Taylor played a ball inside to Al-Hamadi in space on the right of the box, the Iraq international’s shot was blocked by ex-Town defender Wilson, but the ball ricocheted across the area and Clarke slid home his first goal for the Blues from six yards.


And in the 38th minute it was 3-0. Townsend drove forward and played a through ball which Al-Hamadi flicked on to Taylor just inside the area and the Irish international made slotted to Griffiths’s left.

Video evidence showed VAR would probably have disallowed it for offside had it been in operation with the former Peterborough man, who coincidentally scored his first goal for the Blues in the Carabao Cup against the Gas last season, well offside.

Town continued to look for goals, Taylor and Luongo exchanging passes on the right of the box in the 40th minute but the earlier scorer this time screwed well wide.

Three minutes later, keeper Muric caused a scare for the Blues with a pass out from the back which found Ruel Sotiriou. Fortunately for the Kosovan international, he was able to stop the Cypriot international’s low first-time shot with his foot.

In the final scheduled minute, following a corner on the right, Clarke played the ball across from the left towards Townsend, who air-kicked when the former West Brom man might also have been celebrating his first goal for the club.

That was the last action of a very comfortable 45 minutes for the Blues with any concerns regarding a repeat of last year’s shock defeat to Maidstone allayed by the three goals.

The Blues had dominated from start to finish and might have scored before Phillips rifled his low shot into the corner of the net.

Clarke took his opportunity clinically, a goal which will do the summer signing from Sunderland good, and Taylor his with similar aplomb but with Town profiting from VAR not being in operation.

Ahead of the second half, the Blues swapped Burns for Ben Johnson and five minutes after the restart they went close to scoring their fourth, Clarke sweeping the ball wide to Townsend, whose teasing cross was just too far in front of Al-Hamadi and Connor Taylor slid it behind ahead of Clarke, who had made a lung-busting run into the box.

In the 49th minute, Town were awarded their third penalty in three games. Townsend laid the ball off to Luongo on the edge of the area and the Australian international’s shot was blocked by ex-Blues midfielder Ward’s arm. Despite Rovers protests, referee Langford pointed straight to the spot.

Al-Hamadi took the kick but scuffed his effort well wide of Griffiths’s right post giving the travelling fans something to sing about for the first time all afternoon.

Play moved to the other end and new boy Godfrey made an important challenge inside the Blues box.

It was Luongo’s turn to air-kick soon afterwards a cross from the right by Johnson deflecting to the midfielder.

As the game reached the hour mark, a Johnson shot was blocked after Al-Hamadi had found him with a pass from the other flank.

Town continued to control the game and look for more goals with the Pirates every bit a side which is struggling at the wrong end of League One.

Rovers made a double change in the 68th minute, Forde and the entirely anonymous Martin making way for Gatlin O’Donkor and ex-Blues loanee Thomas.

The Blues made a double change of their own in the 73rd minute, switching Al-Hamadi, who won’t want to watch his penalty kick back, Taylor and Godfrey, who was comfortable and rarely seriously tested on his debut, for the returning Hirst, Nathan Broadhead and Harry Clarke. The Gas swapped Sawyers and Sotiriou for Lindsay and Isaac Hutchinson.

Town kept looking for goals with Townsend, excellent on his home debut at left-back, cutting back from the left to Broadhead but the Welshman’s first-time strike was blocked.

The Blues swapped their keepers for the final nine minutes, Slicker, who was called up to the full Scotland squad earlier in the season, making his third appearance for the club and second against Rovers at Portman Road, his previous two games for Town having been in the Carabao Cup last season.

Hirst wasn’t far away from making it 4-0 in the 82nd minute, the striker lifting the ball over the advancing Griffiths but the keeper getting enough on it to allow Wilson to clear in front of the line.

Rovers made their final sub in the 86th minute, Joel Senior taking over from Connor Taylor and, following one additional minute, referee Langford brought the game to an end.

A thoroughly dominant display by the Blues, who never looked in any danger of being on the wrong end of a cup upset once Phillips had put them in front. As in last year’s cup games, a much-changed side played very fluently.

They may be a little disappointed not to have added to their goals in the second half, particularly having been awarded their third penalty in three games, and having had plenty of chances with Pirates keeper Griffiths, who had a decent match for the visitors despite the scoreline.

New signing Godfrey had a solid game on his debut but wasn’t really tested by a disappointing Rovers attack.

Perhaps the brightest spark was Townsend, the summer signing making a belated home debut at left-back and at the heart of much of the Blues’ best play going forward and creating a number of chances, including Taylor’s fortunately allowed third goal.

A result Town will hope may prove to be an omen with their run to Wembley in 1978, the only year in which they won the competition, having included a 3-0 victory over Rovers at Portman Road, a fifth-round replay following a 2-2 draw at Eastville.

The Blues move on to the fourth round with the draw this evening following the completion of the Arsenal-Manchester United tie, which was level at 90 minutes and in extra-time.

Town: Muric (Slicker 81), Godfrey (H Clarke 73), Woolfenden (c), Burgess, Townsend, Phillips, Luongo, Burns (Johnson 46), Taylor (Broadhead 73), J Clarke, Al-Hamadi (Hirst 73). Unused: Slicker, O'Shea, Morsy, Cajuste, Delap.

Bristol Rovers: Griffiths, Sousa, Moore, Wilson, Sinclair (c), Ward, Sotiriou (Hutchinson 73), Sawyers (Lindsay 73), Taylor (Senior 86), Martin (O’Donkor 68), Forde (Thomas 68). Unused: Hall, Senior, McCormick, Bilongo, Dixon. Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands). 27,678 (541).


Photo: Matchday Images



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Ipswich_Sniffer added 17:04 - Jan 12
Al Hamadi must go and get game time
14

BlueWax added 17:07 - Jan 12
Great win lads, majority of second string proving a point that they are eager for a first team start. Another master move by super Kmck.
4

Stato added 17:08 - Jan 12
Albeit against lower league opposition but what a good player Godfrey looked. And the other massive positive was the return to action fir Hirst
9

aas1010 added 17:10 - Jan 12
Great win , great goal for Phillips , al-Hamadi has to go he’s not really up to the job of premiership football , hopefully we’ll get a striker this week and help delay . Otherwise well done
4

aas1010 added 17:11 - Jan 12
Predictive txting soory delap
0

Leejames99 added 17:13 - Jan 12
Definately agree re Al Hamadi, that's both Bristol teams he fluffed pens.
Jack Clarke, Phillips, Broadhead were quality along with backing, good all round performance.
I have a feeling Muric may go, love us to buy Kelehner from Liverpool he be easy to get as is ROI keeper, but if not Slicker looks good size, think Muric confidence shattered and move not worked out.
Was Philogene at Portman Road?
Good win, good cup run be nice as long as league doesn't suffer obvs.
COYB
2

Broadbent23 added 17:20 - Jan 12
Good but we should have buried Bristol Rovers in the second half. Shows we have good moral in the squad but not enough to push for a first team appearance. LIef Davis could be suspended with current bookings so Townsend sounded capable to take his place. Same with KP who had a decent game and could be used again if SM 's bookings get him suspended in the next month. Very strange about JP but we have to trust MA. 4th round is progress considering our lousy FA cup recent past.
Believe in 2025 being good for us. Any team for a home tie please.
0

RobsonWark added 17:29 - Jan 12
Wow!! Over 27,000 Town supporters at the game today. That must be a record at Portman Road for a third round FA Cup tie. There is sooooo much interest in our club these days. We need a bigger stadium MA.
5

SickParrot added 17:34 - Jan 12
I was worried that Kieran had made too many changes but it was a very comfortable win. Only negative was Al Hamadi's embarrasing penalty. How can a professional footballer (under no pressure) scuff a penalty a foot wide? Further evidence that we must sign another centre forward but will anybody take him on loan after that?
8

RobsonWark added 17:36 - Jan 12
Leejames what do you not like about Walton? Have you not watched any of our games over the last three years? He was excellent when we got promoted from League 1. He had a great game against Chelsea and an even better game against Fulham but he was let down by 2 stupid tackles by Morsy and Davis.
9

oioihardy added 17:47 - Jan 12
It was nice to see some of the boys that got us to the prem play .....
Really nice to see mass playing again . I know he's not prem level but it's nice to see him on pitch playing some nice balls and putting in some tough tackles.

It felt like a friendly game but have to say townsend and goddfrey were very good
8

Leejames99 added 17:50 - Jan 12
@robsonwark I do like Walton? I said I think Muric might go maybe we cash in on him bit we would need another keeper then and Kelhner is available and plays with Republic Of Ireland players or Nick Pope might be good shout to come back to Town.

Just think Muric confidence shot, abuse from fans etc he has settled, it happens.
Walton has done great so far and your right re Fulham neither goal his fault penalties are 50/50.
See what happens
2

Hatman2 added 17:56 - Jan 12
Job done comfortably, well done lads. KP definitely MOTM, Jack Clarke still a little underwhelming for me, Godfrey looks solid. Broady lifted it coming on, and great for Hirst to be back on the field. We need another striker in, and AAH moving on.
2

Northstandveteran added 18:05 - Jan 12
Coventry away.

That'll do.
2

RobsonWark added 18:14 - Jan 12
Leejames We have Slicker as a backup.
I agree Muric is not good enough. He is not a Premier League goalkeeper and there is no way back for him as far as I am concerned. The trouble is we are stuck with him until his contract expires. Who would sign him? I don't think we could give him away right now.
6

bluebullet29l added 18:16 - Jan 12
Al hamadi must be sold....he is terrible...I can only think that kmk brings him on in the Premier league in the hope the opposition fall about laughing.... he's that bad I don't think even Colchester utd would want him.... pleased for Jack clarke today. Not a great draw but a winnable game nonetheless.
-2

Leejames99 added 18:24 - Jan 12
@robsonwark I thought we would have to have 3 keepers, Slicker looked composed though.
Yes I feel for Muric, just happens with signings sometimes, good shot stopper but no confidence or it seems ability to pass out at all, not sure fans have helped but that's where we are also, Al Hamadi, he is just nowhere near ready, few little flicks but that penalty was shocking, the commentator said it was tge length of a tractor wide, also he laughed when he missed but I think that was embaressment, J Clarke didn't want to give him it but fair play he did.
But still 2 weeks of comings and goings, see what happens.
2

Bert added 18:32 - Jan 12
Good team selection, right approach and right result.
2

budgieplucker added 19:00 - Jan 12
Very good first half performance. Phillips stood out but then we should expect that with the level of opposition. Second half very sloppy and whilst lots of games tend to peter out in the second half following a good first half lead it wasn’t for me anything to do with Bristol upping their game but more down to us allowing sloppiness to creep into our game. Competent performances from the back 4, difficult to judge Townsend who didn’t do anything wrong but whether he can put in a credible performance at premiership level will only tell if Leif gets injured. Ben Johnson still looks a very clumsy player for me, Massimo had a very good first half, but struggled a bit in the second half, maybe lack of match fitness. Ali,still very much a Div 2 player, very poor first touch, lacking pace and doesn’t read the game well enough. I am inclined to think it would be better to sell him, think we would struggle to get anywhere near th £1 million we paid for him. Thought Jack Taylor did well in the advanced role. Jack Clarke looked very good and promised the most from the advanced players. Some nice splitting passes and interplay from him, for me he should have taken the penalty, had we scored then I believe our momentum would have continued and I am convinced we would have managed at least 5 goals. Not wanting to be to greedy after a very good first half display as often games peter out after the point of no return for the opposition who were offering no real threat. We picked up again towards the end when Hirst and Broadhead came on and Hirst immediately showed what we had missed up front when Ali was attempting to lead the line. Sadly I don’t think we can rely on George’s fitness so another target man in my mind is needed before the window closes.
3

VanDusen added 19:01 - Jan 12
Shout out for Luongo from that game.He was everywhere and at the heart of everything today. Massive Massimo!
7

blueboy1981 added 22:12 - Jan 12
A Good, maybe expected result, but with as many changes a most creditable Win for all.
Would be refreshing to have more serious interest in the Cup than of late, but the key aim has to be to avoid Relegation - anyone who thinks a swift return would be easy, could be well off the mark !
Much could change at the Club, should that happen.
The changes and result today did the Club proud.
Now lets deal with Coventry likewise, and at least go a bit further Hey ?
0

FabianMalyon added 08:49 - Jan 13
Interesting that the BBC highlights showed yet another dodgy Muric pass out from the back. Luckily he got away with it this time but it needs to stop.
Walton back for the next Prem game please.
1

Alphawhiskey added 09:12 - Jan 13
Sorry, But that pen was absolutely shocking.
How can a professional footballer, under no pressure fail to even hit the target?
He needs to go out on loan for some serious confidence boosting game time.
And I see Muric hasn't changed much either....
Other than that, a decent game.
Phillips was class yesterday as was new signing Godfrey. He will be another great loan signing for us.
Bring on the sky blues....
0

Razor added 14:00 - Jan 13
I think in all my 50 years plus that is the worst penalty I have ever seen----an embarrassment think it bounced twice before it went out man of match between Phillips and Clarke and great to see Hirsty back on pitch and unlucky not to score----winnable game next round.
0


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