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Comment | AFC Wimbledon 2-2 Ipswich Town (4-2 on pens) - Match Report
at 11:26:15
@bluemay77 - these are professional footballers earning sums of money we can only dream off, criticism within the media, fan pages, social media etc is par for the course I'm afraid, nothing for anyone to feel ashamed about, we pay our money travelling to watch them up and down the country, opinions on valid.
Nothing personal or derogatory has been said, it's comments on players performances on the pitch.
We're a premier league team who has been knocked out by a league two side - doesn't matter how we fancy it up, or what excuses are made, it shouldn't happen.
Let's pop this on the Maidstone pile and focus on Fulham.. |
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Comment | AFC Wimbledon 2-2 Ipswich Town (4-2 on pens) - Match Report
at 08:43:05
I don't like to bang on with the same rhetoric, but this also applied last season as we fought for promotion, as in, we're (supporters) seemingly not allowed to post any negative comments or feedback following poor performances?
Why have a small selection of supporters suddenly become the 'support umpires' - dictating what we can or cannot say.. the mind boggles.
We've been on an upward trajectory for a while, and the lads (and management) have rightly deserved their flowers, but that shouldn't mean we can't also offer our opinions when stuff goes wrong, just like it did last night - that's professional sports, and it also applies in life too, within workplaces, relationships etc - if something doesn't go well, you seldom get a pat on the back without some form of criticism, either firm or constructive.
But there we are!
Anyway, on to last night - went into the game with a bit of trepidation, basically a whole new squad with a real lack of playing time together, but thought the class on the pitch (around 60-100 worth of talent on there) would see us through against a league two team, and for the first 20, it looked like we'd progress at a canter.
Let's not split hairs, the dons weren't that good ; I've seen some bizarre comments on Twitter, about them being 'excellent' - they had literally two attempts, and yes, they defended resolutely, but that was by sticking 10 men behind the ball.
It wasn't really a heroic home team display, we were just a little toothless going forward; maybe that's down to a lack of cohesion, which is understandable, but their keeper didn't really have a lot to do, and that was the disappointing element to it - after all, it's AFC Wimbledon, not Manchester City.
Pro's - Townsend looked lively, offered more attacking presence than i thought he would, I'd also suggest he's probably defensively better than Leif, but expect his game time will be limited initially. Clarke looked dangerous on occasion, and Cajuste looked promising in parts, faded a little second half but needs time to adjust, perhaps the same applies with Phillips, we'll see.
Con's - Burgess, at fault for both goals, and booked for a cynical challenge, lack of game time apparent and it's unlikely he'll see much more now going forward as Greaves has that place nailed down; aside from the goal, Al-Hamadi was largely ineffective, he looks as if he's always running with a limp; I'm unsure if that's just his form/gait but it never looks right, understand he's here as we're short on numbers but a year in the championship playing regularly is required. Taylor's penalty was, awful - for a man who's striking of the ball is one of this best attributes, why he decided to take a penalty in that style, is frankly bizarre - I'd loan him out too, we have four centre midfielders now, and he's not going to dislodge any of those four, realistically.
I guess you have to take these results with a pinch of salt, but it's still a shame to have your cup run ended so prematurely; losing becomes a habit too, so it's important to put things right on Saturday with an improved performance.
Appreciate the team will look a lot different, and the intensity will kick up a notch, but we need to take a point as a minimum i think leading into the international break, which won't be a given, against a good, solid Fulham side.
Let's see how we go.
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Comment | Ashton: Five In, But That's Not the End of It
at 09:54:41
Still need a CM. LM or left winger of some sorts, a striker and potentially another LB to cover Leif if and when required.
Expect we might utilise the loan market for a couple |
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Comment | Blues 'Preparing Move' For Sunderland's Clarke
at 08:41:48
Tongue in cheek here but do we actually have any scouts that work on the continent, or is all our business going to be via the domestic transfer markets?
Clarke's a good player, I'd get him in if possible, but transfer fees area always inflated when you buy within the prem/champ, and surely it pays to look into Europe for additions at some point?
Appreciate the current model has worked thus far, but we do need to cast the net a little wider - there's some gems out there, and you won't be driven out of a deal due to club's unrealistic expectations, fee wise. |
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Comment | McKenna Among Chelsea's Top Targets
at 08:09:50
@Fromipswichtophoenix - you mention who goes with him, on paper, not one of our players gets into any of the sides he's been linked with, that's a fact.
McKenna improved the team markedly by implementing a set way of play, which the nucleus of the group took to - that's largely been the key to the success the past few years, as squad wise, we're inferior to all the premier league teams, including those we'll be heading up with.
I'd be more concerned at someone coming in and these players having to adjust to a new system, a new vibe behind the scenes, and so on - that would be to our detriment, every player in the team is replaceable, losing that togetherness we've had the past few years.. not so much.
Regardless of how we feel, this needs to be resolved as soon as possible - all this speculation is just unsettling for everyone.
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Comment | McKenna: Players Handling Big Three-Game Week Really Well
at 14:00:26
@JewellintheTown few points with your post that I disagree with - a draw isn't a bad result, winning at home against a poor Huddersfield side who are already relegated (don't mention the mathematically caveat here, the goal swing isn't feasible..) is very much achievable, isn't it.
In our own hands going into the final day - can't ask for much more than that; it'll need to be too, I think, as Southampton are planning for the playoff's now and I'd be surprised if they field a full strength team on Saturday.
We're not going to go up as champions, that's not really been on the cards after Leicester's recent winning spell, so dismiss that altogether - it's a straight fight for 2nd place.
You also mention next season and no getting thrashed, which has little if any relevance to tomorrow's game; the more I read through your comment, the more bizarre it got, I must say.
Hoping for a win, happy with a draw - a sensible stance at this point I'd suggest.
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Comment | Leicester Thrash Saints to Go Four Points Clear
at 08:32:00
Leicester have gone now, that's not up for debate really.
Agree that the Leeds QPR game is massive, I don't want to be a pessimist, but it's very unlikely that we win all three, two very tough away games with both clubs still chasing a slim chance of the playoffs - need QPR to squeeze a point out of Leeds on Friday, then 6 from three will do it.
Those dropped points in the Watford/Middlesbrough home games are even more frustrating now, in hindsight.
Anyway, if's and but's are all irrelevant now - a favour in shepherds bush Friday eve, and three points in Humberside Saturday night, and we'll be rocking and rolling.
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Comment | Norwich City 1-0 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 08:38:24
The most abject derby performance for many a year - even the teams thrown together within the dark days of the Marcus Evans era put in more admirable efforts than that, and those sides pale in comparison to the quality and unity we've seen from a Mckenna side over the past two seasons.
I can't think of one player who came out of that with any ounce of credibility - flat from minute one, petty fouls given away constantly, sloppy passes and slow build up play - I don't want to hear the 'look how far we've come, we're top of the league' narrative played again here - it's derby day, it doesn't matter if we're 24th or 1st, the performance and effort levels were way off.
So, so poor.
Throughout the 90 minutes, not once did I think we looked dangerous when going forward - Norwich weren't really even a threat themselves, which makes the result that much more disappointing.
Axel had his worst game of the season, was blowing from minute one and his passing was horrific; it's time for Clarke's return to the 11 now.
Taylor deserves a run in the side at the expense of Luongo - we need a different, more attacking dynamic in the middle, the central midfield pairing were poor on Saturday, change is needed.
We've been very lucky of late, prior to the Norwich game, and performances need to improve ten fold for the last 5 games of the season.
The players owe the fans a response this week, two wins a must now if automatics are to remain a possibility.
People say a lot can change in a week and spirits will lift if we're looking back on six points this time next week, and yes, I agree, to an extent - but it's going to be hard to shake another L in the derby column, from a team that promised so much and failed to deliver.
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Comment | Cardiff City 2-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 08:49:33
Monday morning - nearly 48 hours have passed since, and I've finally calmed down (I think, anyway..)
Football hey.. bloody hell!
The lads look tired now, the intensity that was evident throughout the majority of the season is now pretty much non-existent, and the first half was very laboured, can't recall a real chance of note and Cardiff looked dangerous, especially down our right hand side.
Second half was improved, we dominated the ball albeit without any real chances, and I thought that once we scored, we'd continue to press, but in sitting back and inviting pressure, the inevitable happened - you could see it coming, couldn't you, well, the first goal perhaps, but to concede again was criminal.
Game management, poor marking, switching off - all applicable here.
Defensive frailties are ultimately going to cost a team promotion - the old adage of 'if they score 2, we'll score three' coined by Keegan whilst in charge of Newcastle's great entertainers, is no more apparent than at Portman Road this season - yet, eventually, as it cost them the title back in 95/96, the luck runs out.
49 goals conceded, around the same as QPR & Stoke, who are both fighting relegation.
We can sit there and wax lyrical about how so and so has improved, how one is the 'best left back in the country and should be starting in the Euro's for England' (come on, now guys..) and so on, yet, the prime objective is to not concede goals, and the weaknesses have been apparent on that front from game one.
At the FT whistle, a real mixture of anger and shock (did that actually just happen?) within the away stand - afternoon/evening subsequently tarnished as a result, I wish football didn't have that effect on me, but it does, sadly.
Yet, i guess these things happen, right?
Whether you lose by being 3-0 down at HT (the visit to Deepdale) or in crazy circumstances like Saturday afternoon, the prize on offer remains the same - zero points.
My rationale afterwards was, we've become so used to not losing under Mckenna, that every defeat seems like the end of the world - 'it's over' 'top 2 is gone' 'rubbish performance' - the usual go to's, I myself am guilty of just that, in fact, those phrases formed the basis of my rant as I walked back from the stadium on Saturday..
A real reactionary response, yes, but I and other fans can be forgiven, surely, given the circumstances.
Every team loses, even the very best - very cliche, but it's the response is what matters.
A win and a solid performance vs Sheffield Wednesday, and we'll be back in the top 2 (for 24 hours at least) and firmly still in the hunt with 8 games to go - certain to be a few more twists and turns between now and May too, I bet.
Once this season is over, however it ends, I'm sure we'll sit back and realise just how incredible it's been, when you weigh up all the different variables in play.
In the meantime, the objective stays the same - take one game at a time, and get as many points as you can on the board, whilst hoping those also vying for promotion fail in said objective.
Seems easy, but it never is, is it?
I know one thing, any more afternoons like Saturday and me and football might be done for good you know, although, I suspect, just like a relationship with a toxic ex, it'll always have me coming back for more, however turbulent things might be!
Uppa Towen!
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Comment | Ipswich Town 3-2 Bristol City - Match Report
at 11:47:58
Incredible turnaround and at this stage of the season, the 3 points are all that matters, to a certain degree, although the first 60 minutes were up there with the poorest I've seen at Portman Road this season - perhaps only the QPR game runs parallel to this, from memory anyway.
Pro's and Con's time - let's get the negatives out the way first:
- First half, the forward four were very poor, and any, usual joy we find down the flanks was completely nullified, partly by Bristol City's set-up, but also it had a lot to do with the hold up play.
As much as Moore is a danger in the air, in both performances the past week or so, he's struggled, mainly in holding the ball up for the advancing midfielders to join with the attack (the ball seems to literally bounce off him at times) and with playing the final ball, and his general lack of pace.
Hirst was very effective at that (hold up play) which is why we had so much joy in the first half of the season via Burns, Broadhead/Davis etc.
Mass was off the pace yesterday, anonymous for the majority of his time on the pitch; Taylor looked good when he came on, he hasn't made his mark enough this season but I'd be inclined to include him vs Cardiff - he offers something the other three don't I.E a popping up with a potential goal, and a bit of pace - Travis, Morsy and Mass all very similar in profile.
Wolfy made a few errors, and Cam not quite his usual self; Leif's defensive frailties are the reason he's not a premier league player already, no one can disagree with this contribution going forward, but he needs to improve markedly to make the big step up.
The decision on the penalty taker - now, do we have an official penalty taker? Is it Chaplin? If so, that should be his to take in such important circumstances; if it's up for debate, and there's no confirmed taker, then I can see why Ali would take his chance, although that effort was poor - nerves got to him, quite clearly.
From a positive perspective, the substitutions were well timed and changed the game.
Burns very effective from the get go, has to start on Saturday - both Hutchinson and Sarmiento always look more effective from the bench, although I'd be inclined to start Sarmiento on the left, as Harness was very out of sorts yesterday.
Morsy MOM, was terrific first half, albeit a little reckless with some challenges.
Axel did OK again, few miss timed passes but solid enough at points, although Clarke offers more going forward so back to the Burns/Clarke combo on Saturday please.
Ali is still learning, but you can't fault his work rate; decision making needs to improve sometimes, but again, that'll come in time.
Overall, the tenacity and never say die attitude is always apparent with this time, and that is something that can't be understated - those three points could be crucial come May, we'll see.
Onto Cardiff - team would be Hladky, Clarke, Burgess/Wolfy, Davis, Burns, Morsy/Taylor, Sarmiento, Chaplin, Moore.
Another three points in less crazy circumstances would be great!
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Comment | Town Target Six in a Row Against Bristol City
at 11:48:33
All home games, bar Southampton, you'd expect to be winning now heading into the business end of the season.
Bristol City are on a poor run, a big backlash ongoing from the fans following the derby defeat Saturday - you'd like to think we'll be far too strong, but this is the championship.
I'd bring Harness in this eve, Sarmiento still looks more effective coming off the bench, seems more a 10 than a left winger, still lacking a bit positioning wise.
The rest picks itself, on current form - maybe Clarke comes back in if Axel is struggling with playing a string of games, we'll see.
A professional three points please - come on Town!
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Comment | Millwall 0-4 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 09:01:48
A good win, nice confidence boost heading into Saturday.
Milwall were one of the poorest teams we've faced this season, both home and away, devoid of any real attacking threat and awful in terms of their general set up, I'd be hard pressed to name one player in their squad who I'd have at Portman Road - wouldn't surprise me if they go down.
Clarke very good, toss up between him and Broadhead for MOM - glad to see Broady showing glimpses of his old self, hopefully he starts peaking at what's going to be a crucial point in the season.
Time to knuckle down now for the next five games, so we get an understanding of where we're likely to be as we head into the business end of the season with 10 games to go.
Anything between 10-13 points would be a good return , from three home games and two aways.
Hard to know what to expect with Swansea, although confidence can't be great after the hiding that Leeds gave them; Plymouth away is always a difficult place to go, a point there would be solid enough.
Win the three home games and we'll still be in the mix - Leeds/Southampton both entering more difficult runs, on paper anyway, but anything can happen in this league, still a few more surprises to be thrown up I'm sure.
On we go! |
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Comment | Town Targeting Wimbledon Striker Al-Hamadi
at 14:48:35
@ITFCSG - the teams you've referenced have all recently come down from the premier league, with their squads still fairly intact; in fact, only Piroe of the players listed above has been purchased by the aforementioned clubs whilst in the championship.
The striking options available at present are slim - we'd all LIKE a star, marquee signing, but working within FFP, vs other big clubs, in what is an already saturated market, it makes things tricky - you have to be shrewd, and i think this would fall into that category.
We all know there's a gulf in glass between making the step up divisions, but there's enough success stories to counter this, two of which are in the England squads at present (Ollie Watkins LG 2 Exeter to Brentford, James Maddison, LG 1 Coventry to Norwich etc)
Al-Hamadi is one of the most sought after strikers in the football league at present, with a host of other championship teams interested; he's young, direct, quick and strong, as well as being 6ft 2, with the ability to hold the ball up well.
There's all the potential there for him to make an impact - at 21, he's probably still a bit rough around the edges, but i advise you to watch a few of the compilations of his performances on Youtube/Twitter, as well as seeing what the general consensus is with the AFC fans and fellow LG 2 opposition supporters who's sides have faced him so far this season.
Less of the pessimism, and trust the recruitment team to get it right, hey?
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Comment | Leicester City 1-1 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 08:51:23
Deserved point in the end, still firm that Leeds are a better all round team than Leicester, especially from an attacking standpoint, anyway.
Issues first half stemmed from the fact that our central pairing is noticeably inferior to that of Leicester's - Travis a bit too slow, and sloppy at points, and Mass definitely blowing whilst tracking back, due to lack of match fitness.
Turning them round I.E playing the ball into the channels was the best route for success, Leicester's defence is shaky when you run in behind or run at the full backs, as they are constantly playing a high line.
Decision making in the final third needs to improve - Broadhead still out of sorts, and made the wrong decision on three or four occasions, as did Clarke.
Sarmiento and Hutchinson looked lively when introduced - if Omari can execute that explosiveness from the start, he'd be worth his weight in gold, but for now he's better coming on and running at tired legs.
For the Preston game (we'll ignore the Maidstone fixture for now..) I'd look at starting Sarmiento on the left, bringing Morsy in for Travis, and keeping the rest of the side the same, albeit, a new striker 'should' be in the squad by then, so whether Jackson remains as the starting forward is up for debate, but I can't fault his work rate and effort the last few games.
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Comment | Leicester Return to Top
at 12:01:29
Leicester aren't the concern, they can do as they please.
The main positive of last night was Southampton dropping points, as with Leeds on Tuesday.
It's the chasing pack we need to monitor, keeping that between 7-12 point gap over the course of the Xmas period will be tricky, so any dropped points from those immediately below should be welcomed.
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Comment | Watford 1-2 Ipswich Town - Match Report
at 09:22:54
Six points from two tricky away games is a great return (would of been satisfied with two, to be honest)
Wasn't much between the sides over the 90 minutes in truth, but this team know how to grind out a result when required.
A fantastic time to be following the club, I'd suggest that not even the most ardent of supporters could of predicted this.. seems to get better by the week!
Onto Saturday, the big one - a derby win would be the cherry on top of the cake on what's been an incredible first half to the season.
Burns, Clarke and Broadhead to return to the side, presume we'll also see the usual change in the CB pairing with Wolfy coming in for Tuanzebe, although i thought he was pretty solid last night, aside from one or two mistakes in the first half.
Saturday promises to be a great day..! |
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Comment | McKenna: We'll Have to Be at Our Best Against Millwall
at 14:31:36
@IpswichT62OldBoy - i tend to agree, with the run coming up, the old mantra of 'win your home games, draw the aways' rings true.
Leeds, Middlesbrough, Watford - all tough assignments.
One game at a time though hey! |
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Comment | Hirst: A Lesson Learned
at 09:48:14
Saturday was pretty pitiful all round, no player of note that stood out as having a good game - one to just park and move on.
Two wins this week and everything is hunky dory again - with the run coming up in Dec, a reaction is needed.
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Comment | Additional Sales Restriction For Norwich Tickets
at 14:13:16
Definitely the fairest way of doing it, I guess the only fallback being if you want to go with a friend and/or family, you'll have to wait until general sale (potentially won't even make it that far) given the one ticket per membership guidelines.
We all knew it was going to be a match of high demand, and personally , i feel that if you haven't been to three matches out of 11 or so this season and what, 30 approximately last year, can you really complain if, purchase wise, you're down the pecking order?
It is what it is, I'm afraid.
I myself am hoping on general sale, but then again, i'm also hoping on taking Margot Robbie as my date to my works Xmas party, both of which, seem just as unlikely.
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Comment | Taylor: We've Got to Do Better to See Out the Game
at 12:00:29
Tricky month coming up (although all games are in this league) pivotal that we get 3 points on Saturday leading into the international break.
WBA away will be a very tough game - don't like to be pessimistic, but I'd shake your hand for another point here and now and move on to two winnable home games vs Milwall and Coventry. |
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