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Ipswich Town 2-4 Nottingham Forest - Match Report Saturday, 15th Mar 2025 17:09
Town appear to need a miracle to stay in the Premier League after losing 4-2 at home to Nottingham Forest, while Wolves extended the gap to safety to nine points after winning 2-1 at Southampton. After an even first half hour, three goals in six minutes gave Forest a 3-0 half-time lead, Nikola Milenkovic opening the scoring before Anthony Elanga netted twice. Jens Cajuste pulled one back on 82 with his first goal for the club, Jota Silva grabbed a fourth for the visitors on 87, prior to George Hirst bagging Town’s second in the dying moments.
Omari Hutchinson returned to an otherwise unchanged Town XI having been a sub at Crystal Palace last week.
The ex-Chelsea man came into the side as the number 10 with Julio Enciso on the left, Jaden Philogene again on the right and Jack Clarke dropping to the bench.
Forest were unchanged from the team which beat Manchester City 1-0 at the City Ground last week with former Blues loanee Chris Wood up front.
The visitors started on the front foot and on three Callum Hudson-Odoi worked his way into the area and would have been in on goal but for Jens Cajuste’s leg dispossessing him.
Town began to get more into it, however, and on four Hutchinson was tripped just outside the box to the right by Neco Williams. The England U21 international took the free-kick himself but hit the wall.
On 11, with the Blues seeing more of the ball than the Premier League’s tird-placed side, Leif Davis sent over a looping corner from the right and Liam Delap rose high at the back post but nodded into the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand.
A minute later, a Forest cross from the left was half-headed away by Davis at a stretch at the far post and Ola Aina scuffed his volley wide and into the North Stand.
In the 14th minute, Elliot Anderson gifted the ball to Delap not far outside the area after Forest had got into a mess after a throw on their right and the striker took it forward before being dispossessed. The loose ball fell to Julio Enciso and his shot deflected behind for a corner.
The flag-kick was played to Hutchinson on the edge of the box by Davis and the forward took a touch before hitting a curling left-footed effort which flew just over Matz Sels’s crossbar.
Town continued to see most of the ball with Forest halting their progress forward by giving away tactical free-kicks on a couple of occasions.
However, on 21, following a corner, Hudson-Odoi wafted a cross from the left to the far post and Nicolas Dominguez turned the ball into Alex Palmer’s arms from a very tight angle.
A minute later, Forest threatened again after Davis’s clearance from the edge of the area was deflected into the path of Anderson in space, but his shot struck Wood and cannoned wide when Town might otherwise have been in trouble.
There was an even bigger scare for the Blues on 25 when Hudson-Odoi, the visitors’ main threat, burst past Town stand-in skipper Dara O’Shea on the Town left and got to the byline. As O’Shea and Luke Woolfenden both slid in, Hudson-Odoi sent over a low ball which flew past the two Blues defenders, perhaps clipping one of them, behind Palmer and across the face of goal a couple of inches from the line but without anyone being able to add a touch.
Soon after, Kalvin Phillips went to the sidelines due to a bleeding foot while play continued before returning to the game.
Forest were by now well in control and looking more and more dangerous with most of their attacks going through Hudson-Odoi down their left flank.
On 33, Wood got between Woolfenden and O’Shea to nod down a Morgan Gibbs-White cross from the right, but too close to Palmer, who blocked before claiming.
But the travelling Forest support didn’t have to wait too much longer for a goal. In the 34th minute, Palmer came out of his box to clear into the stand, but the ball smashed off Jacob Greaves and behind for a corner on the visitors’ right.
The flag-kick was half-cleared to Hudson-Odoi on the left by Greaves, the England forward clipped a cross to the far post to Dominguez, Delap was only able to get a weak head on the Argentina international’s nod back and the ball fell to Nikola Milenkovic, who gleefully slammed home.
Two minutes later, it was 2-0. Hutchinson lost the ball in the centre circle, Anderson swept a pass wide to Anthony Elanga, who took it on towards the Town box and with Greaves standing off him, the former Manchester United youngster shot across Palmer and just inside the post.
And on 41, Elanga made it 3-0 with his second of the game. Milenkovic played a long ball from the back, Woolfenden and Wood battled without either getting the ball and Elanga nodded between and beyond O’Shea and Greaves before slipping it past Palmer.
Having been in the game, if on the back foot, at the half-hour mark, the shell-shocked Blues were suddenly all but out of it via three goals in six minutes, all of which Town should have defended much, much better.
As the half moved into two additional minutes, Phillips struck a shot which flew over Sels’s bar.
At the whistle, there were muted boos from some sections of Portman Road after another half which had begun promisingly but with the Blues going in at the break behind and on this occasion with the opposition having an unassailable lead.
As in the previous two games against Forest, the opening 20 minutes or so had been an even contest but as the half-hour approached, the visitors began to threaten more and they had had a couple of chances before the opening goal.
That goal seemed to rock the Blues, who collapsed in the manner they did in a similar spell before half-time against Manchester City earlier in the year.
There was further bad news for the Blues elsewhere with 17th-placed Wolves leading 1-0 at Southampton.
Town made a change at the break, Cameron Burgess taking over from Greaves, while the trio behind Delap switched roles, Enciso, who had had his quietest half for the Blues, going to the centre, Philogene to the left and Hutchinson to the right.
It was Hutchinson who struck the second half’s first effort. A corner was cleared to the ex-Chelsea man, who cut inside a defender but hit his shot too close to Sels, who snaffled with comfort.
On 50, Delap should have pulled a goal back for the Blues. Davis forced another corner on the left and sent over a deep ball to the far post where Town’s 10-goal top scorer had been inexplicably left unmarked. Delap rose high but powered his header well wide, much to his clear frustration.
Four minutes later, Phillips was harshly shown the game’s first yellow card for a foul on Elanga. It had been a foul but there had been worse challenges which had gone unpunished.
In the 55th minute, Wood had his first sight at goal from a cross from the left, but the New Zealand international’s effort was too close to Palmer, who blocked. There was a moment of panic as Davis inadvertently touched before the keeper could pounce on it and the former West Brom man was forced to clear hurriedly.
Soon after, Palmer was off his line quickly to claim a Gibbs-White through ball at Elanga’s feet.
Dominguez joined Phillips in the referee’s book for a foul on Cajuste, the Forest player bizarrely claiming he’d been fouled and protesting at a length which probably wasn’t sensible.
In the aftermath of the free-kick, after Cajuste claimed he’d been fouled by Milenkovic, a number of Town players sought to work themselves space on the edge of the box, unsuccessfully until Davis shot wide. VAR upheld referee Michael Salisbury’s decision not to award a penalty.
As Forest prepared to take the goal-kick, the Midlanders swapped Dominguez, who had repeatedly taken to the turf since his booking while continuing to protest to referee Salisbury. Yates took over, while Elanga made way for Morato, the Sweden international having already done his job for the day very successfully.
Delap had his second opportunity of the half on 69, albeit a much harder one than the first. The strike chased a long ball down the left, Sels sold himself by coming out too far and Delap looped it over him but Milenkovic was able to nod wide before the ball reached the goal.
Four minutes later, Williams shot across the face of goal for Forest, then on 79 Phillips sold Cajuste short with a pass, Yates broke forward and fed Gibbs-White, whose low cross-shot went wide.
Town swapped Delap, Enciso and Philogene for George Hirst, Nathan Broadhead and Clarke, while Forest replaced Williams and Hudson-Odoi with Taiwo Awoniyi and Jota Silva.
Clarke was quickly into the action, playing a part as Cajuste pulled a goal back for the Blues. Hutchinson played it in from the right to Clarke, who moved it on to Cajuste ahead of him and the Swedish international tricked his way past Yates before shooting beyond Sels from just outside the box.
The goal, the on-loan Napoli man’s first for the club, briefly gave the home fans something to cheer about after another long afternoon at Portman Road.
On 40, Palmer was quickly off his line to claim at Gibbs-White’s feet, before Jack Taylor took over from Phillips.
Town went looking for another goal but in the 87th minute were caught with only Burgess back as Gibbs-White and Jota broke forward, the ex-Arsenal man playing inside from the left to the Portuguese international, who stroked past Palmer.
Ahead of the restart, Gibbs-White, left out of the England squad named yesterday, was replaced by Danilo and was given a huge ovation by the travelling fans.
In the third of four minutes of injury time, Hirst netted a second consolation goal for the Blues, rising above Jota to plant a header in the corner of the net to Sels’s right from an excellent O’Shea cross from the right.
Moments before the whistle, Jota smashed a shot over from not far outside the box before referee Salisbury brought another frustrating afternoon to an end.
Once again, for the first 30 minutes or so there was little in the game but the Blues again gave away a poor goal to give Forest the lead, then allowed two similarly badly defended goals to put the game out of their reach.
Delap netting his header might have given the crowd something to hold onto and Town to build on in the second half, but when Cajuste’s goal finally came it was too late to put the visitors under any serious pressure.
That they avoided the game going in the same direction of the Manchester City match was little consolation with Forest largely happy to contain the Blues and break in the second half.
Wolves’ 2-1 win at Southampton was further bad news for the Blues who go into the final international break of the season nine points plus a goal difference of 16 behind the Molineux club with only nine to play.
Even the most optimistic of Town supporters will now admit it will take a miracle for Town to retain their place in the Premier League.
McKenna has taken us on such a journey to get here that nobody can deny, However it’s his same tactics, poor in game management when it’s not working that’s been frustrating to watch this season Try something different we have nothing to lose now, 343 / 3421 / 3412??
Keep a good chunk of this squad for next season and hopefully we can challenge top six next year
When we were languishing in league One barely making 15K in attendance figures you did wonder, if we were to be successful in the future, who would be filling all those empty seats? I think with some of the comments on here, we now know who they were!
People say new signings no better than what we had? I'd like to know who for who? Is Muric better than Walton - by a long shot - stats prove it and the shorelines. Is Palmer better than Muric in stat terms no but composure yes Is Palmer bet than Walton yes So keeper signings tick
Right back is Tunazabe better than H Clarke yes
Defence is Greaves better than Woolf and Burgess I'd say not this season but really young and potential as assets
O'Shea better than above - yes
Cajuste and Phillips better than Morsy, Luongo & Taylor, yes of course they are both on loan from top clubs
Townsend better than Delap at defending yes forward play equal
Is Szmodicks better than Hirst of course he is he scored 34 last season, Hirst has only scored 14 in 3 season Is Szmodicks better than Chaplin yes - Szmodicks is a better striker and an international
Is Hutchinson better than Burns yes he is by a mile has he been played out of position yes most of season, played 20 mill for him, big asset and international, still growing
Is Hutchinson better than Broadhead I'd say in potential ability and gamechanger yes but experience no and the same with Phillogene
Is Phillogene better than Harness yes, potential, big asset , international
Is Jack Clarke better than Broadhead and Harness yes in skill, proven in Championship big assett still growing.
Is Delap better than Hirst and Al Hamadi - not even a question
Johnson and Godfrey better than Burns - Yes, wayore rxperience in Premier League.
Is Enciso better than Chaplin of course he is, peoven in Prem and an international.
I think thats about it so who do you disagree with aside Muric (that debate boring, stats dont lie)
Disappointed. No league win this year and when the opposition scores the team now seems to expect it. Yes...we've had a lot of injuries...but this team looks down already. 3rd from bottom is with an extra 3m...we must do all we can to ensure that.
Will we do a Sheffield Utd or a Luton next season? Personally feel we will be somewhere in between. Hopefully we'll make a good effort to get into the play offs and then...who knows?
I would have liked to have seen how the team, which got us up from the Championship, would have fared in the Premier League. I remember (please forgive me if my aged brain is being selective) how we fared, in the first season, when we previously got promoted to the Premier League & then how we fared in the second season after we started upsetting the team balance & camaraderie with so called ‘big name’ signings. I’m not saying we would be in any different position to how we are now - but it’s unlikely we would be doing any worse. There is an earlier post citing how new player X is better than old player Y, but the harsh reality is we are still 3rd (and quite likely soon 2nd) from bottom, irrespective of whether they are supposedly ‘better’ or not. Finally, to end on a contentious point, I’m not a big fan of the Delap club - I find his ‘bully boy’ tactics have been found out & his ‘selfishness’ to not use other teammates, when the situation arises, are frustrating. I personally think Hirst is more of a team player with more finesse at the moment. It’s just my opinion & I look forward to be proven wrong when Delap does ‘hit the heights’ to which are being exalted about him.
The 1st half was embarrassing. We can't defend and we carry no goal threat. Our 2 goals came when Forest had taken their foot off the gas. Playing out from the back cost Russell Martin his job but we still do it and it's a joke I'm afraid. Where does it get us? Which brings us to McKenna, who didn't make substitutions until the 80th minute (apart from a centre-half swap at half-time). He is intransigent, doesn't know how to adapt and I fear he's been found out at the highest level. How those clubs who were courting him in the Summer must be relieved they didn't get him.
@Carberry - appreciate what you have written, and I must admit the situation is very frustrating at the moment. I’m one of the old school who believe that managerial stability does, ultimately, bring its rewards (Bobby Robson & Alex Ferguson immediately spring to mind). I admit that some of Kieran’s decisions are, presently, baffling & difficult to comprehend - but I think the same can be said of most managers during their tenure. Leicester & Southampton have both changed managers & they haven’t exactly been a rip-roaring success. Maybe Kieran is not taking the decisions which us ‘fan managers’ are advocating - but you would just hope that, like any person, in employment, you will learn and improve as he develops in his football managerial career.
I hope we stay up just so we can move on from 2 promotion team, people raving about Hirst, 2 goals all season in Prem, he has had plenty minutes, I agree Delap has fizzled I said before he is work in progress still. All this comraderie nonsense, as if Luongo and Morsy can compete in Prem, they deserved a go, let's all face it, the club, the owners, the manager and the new signings all knew we most likely be relegated and bought the best in Championship, updated stadium so its Prem ready and the training ground , bought players who excell in Championship which gives us an amazing chance of promotion back to the Prem and we will buy a new midfield and another striker and that be about it and we will have a season with the new signings getting a winning mentality at Portman Road, happy fans and by the time we go back up next year the team will have has 2 seasons together and all the money can go on more players as stadium etc all done so we can build the squad. We as fans will be purring next year with Phillogene, Delap, Clarke etc destroying the Championship, look what they did to Coventry. We will go again and get promoted again I have no doubt, we are stronger than Southampton and Leicester squad wise by far. BUT We have to try while it's mathematical possibility we stay up and it is possible we have to beat Wolves whatever it takes and we have to fight Leicester for even third place because we don't know what's happening with Man City and imagine they are relegated and only bottom 2 go down with them which is a big possibility. 27 points is lot, Wolves have games they will lose.. We have to play Townsend and players in their natural position nd if we can get a point even at Bournemouth and then beat Wolves we are still in it even if Wolves beat West Ham next week and we lose and lose against Arsenal and Chelsea I still think it will come down to final games. Got to fight until relegation is certain and keep third bottom at least in case City are down(which is a high possibility)
I agree AndoverFist, managerial stability is to be encouraged and in a way the club are now signed up to it, if no one offers McKenna a job, because he is too expensive to sack. None of us know what goes on behind the scenes and our views are tempered with ignorance but the bottom line is we are more or less relegated with supposedly the brightest manager in the leagues, so we do have an excuse to question him, his tactics and selections. We can do that without suggesting he should be fired. I have no idea how the club is run with the many management and coaching roles but i do believe our situation is not just McKenna's responsibility.
@carberry on hindsight I think that Mckenna will stay based on the fact he is the only manager not dismissed from a bottom 7 current club. I think Ashton and the board are following their process and plan and knew staying up is almost impossible with the squad we have, so bought the top Championship players which should give us not only a good chance of returning but with potential and sell on opportunity. Got the ground ready, training facilities and if we go down they will by more top Championship talent but maybe some Prem players like Downes for example and go again, I don't think we will sell any of the new signings nor do I think we will buy many for Championship, when everyone is fit we have an outstanding squad for Championship with some additions. BUT I do think we need to fight in case we can catch Wolves or at very least come third bottom just in case we benefit from a City punishment. This time next season we could be comfortable at top of Championship and by next August back up with a more experienced, talented team with a winning mentality and use the money from parachute and from Going back up to really add experience to stay up next time. Let's see what transpired it's not over yet, but I think we need a formation change and Townsend in to stop us leaking goals
It's hard to say a bad word against McKenna. After all if not for him we wouldn't even be a Premier League club name once more HOWEVER he simply can't cut it at top league level. Maybe we'd have had more of a fighting chance if the manager didn't select the same start formation time and again, (why insist on one lone attacker in games of this nature where goals and victory is absolutely essential)
Not only that he makes bizarre sub changes, bringing players on to the field where it's too late to make a difference or some there should be involved from the start but are never utilized. Mckenna's done great, but the man's 110 per cent frustrating if not bizarre.
The defense we got is a disaster. 30 years back we went down and took a moment to wonder if the players we possess directly between goal and midfield are really any better or competent than back then. That's one thing that's really killed us this season, there's just no ability to defend. Playing one in attack again and again and again, you add that to the mix, no wonder it's been a struggle.
Nottingham Forest aren't really a favorite team right now, that's twice in as many weeks they've done us and kind of a relief we won't have to play them again. In truth the whole season thus far has been a big disappointment. If McKenna were to type up his resume and take it to another employer this summer there won't be no real hard feel or regret to it.
Today was probably Leif's poorest game, i see a player stripped of confidence who's decision making is way off, needs a rest not a bashing from fans!
I have never got on KMs back the guy has plenty in the kitty from his miraculous achievements with us so far! With hindsight its very easy to say after the event, however i want to mention something that doesnt require hindsight, the subs were introduced way to late, need to go back to when they were coming on around the hour mark!
Confidence is a wonderful thing. Ours has gone and Forest had bucketloads. KM will have to work another miracle to turn the shambles we saw in the first half into Championship contenders for next season. Loan players can go back now, unless they want to be here to play in the Championship. If only we had used the money spent on Philogene to sign Cajuste in January! One positive note was the second half rally, with Burgess showing the other defenders that it is possible to pass the ball forwards.
Thanks @dissboyitfc Why have so many turned on Phillogene now like you did with Muric? We beat off alot of clubs to get him, he wanted to come to Ipswich but had to go to Villa first so they could get a good fee for their product. Phillogene has only made 7 appearences and scored 3 and before you say 2 against Man Utd were given to us that's not the point he still had to be in the right place to score them and was MOM. Last season Phillogene scored 12 and 7 assists in 32 games and is an England International with a great future. He is predominantely a left winger but is being played on right meaning Hutch has to go in 10 and Enciso on left all out of position and like it or not that is purely to accomodate Leif Davis. If Townsend plays you would see Hutchinson on right wing, Encisco in 10 and Phillogene/J Clarke on left a balanced team with players in their most formidable positions. Who should be playing g instead of him? Only Jack Clarke can on left and he can't play on right so when they take off Phillogene Hutchinson goes to right, Broadhead in 10 J Clarke on left but Davis is still there so J Clarke can't play his game so really is a pointless sub also which isn't fair on him. Encisco on left yesterday was ridiculous he was stuck between Hutchinson and Davis. This whole team is being played out of position because Davis wants to be a winger, and Mckenna is letting him but picking him as a left back. Let's not do to Phillogene what we did to Muric (who still btw is in top 5 for saves all season) Ifor one would rather Phillogene playing for us than against us next season if in tge Championship and he is an exciting young talent, like Hutchinson and J Clarke, Delap. They are Ipswich Town players for goodness sake. People saying subs too late and players on bench who should start who? Walton instead of Palmer - no Johnson instead of O'Shea -no Burgess instead of Greaves you can make an argument for yes, as more experience Townsend for Davis 100% Morsy & Taylor instead of Cajuste and Phillips- No J Clarke- Can't start as is left sided player and Davis in way Broadhead instead on Enciso -no but good sub for him and he is only one we should of bought on sooner. Hirst instead of our top scorer no. So you see the whole team is being played out of position to accomodate Leif Davis, it leaves gaps and players out of position all over pitch, pundits all say it, fans all know it and that's on Mckenna to drop him without Davis it's very easy Palmer O'Shea Greaves/Burgess Woolfeden/Burgess Townsend Phillips Cajuste Hutchinson Right Encisco 10 Phillogene J Clarke left Delap
Subs is then easy Try and keep at least one of Cajuste/Phillips on for 90 mins but if one has come off put Johnson on go 5, 1, 3, 1 Sub Encisco for Broadhead in 10 and J Clarke or Phillogene on left and swap them in sub or if Huthison needs to come off Phillogene goes right and J Clarke left or put Davis on left wing as sub Then if Delap can't do 90 then Hirst but I agree if that's case put him and Broadhead on earlier to start linking up.
If Mckenna makes the bold and right move to drop Davis I think you see a very different team. We are not relegated as yet and can catch Wolves or even stay up thanks to City so have to beat Wolves and Leicester. Sorry long post I know. Here is a reminder why we signed Phillogene
Muric has form for being a clown, i gave him a chance and now i never want to see him in a twon shirt again and thats my opinion. Philogen on the other hand is being written off way to early, going to be a real asset for us! Delap started off l;ike a house on fire and now flames are mainly out, Philogene started slow and yet still yo ignite!
“I believe that the team has improved, I believe that individuals have improved...and I think we’re getting to a point where we’re really consistently competing well...''
Inclined to agree with the last two posts from Lee James. Unlike Blueboy1981 whose crystal ball is full of negative bile, Lee James puts forward constructive analysis most of which is sound. I don’t agree with everything but then this forum is about discussion and opinion…….. and respect.
