League 1 - Ipswich Town vs Port Vale Preview & Matchday Thread

[Blue Wilf]

Eight more points needed and we are up, Six from Exeter and Fleetwood, Two minimum from the next Two games.

Exactly that Mike - and Sheff Weds need to win all 3 of theirs to even make 8 the requirement for us. If we can win one of the next 2, it really is game on. We are soooo close... COYB's!!

[marko69]

Certainly the most relevant season since Berra in the Play-Offs.

Even though myself and 9’s prediction of a big win didn’t come to fruition, Ipswich certainly showed their grit & determination in coming through in the end……. 1-0 down & coming back and also winning the stats with ease. Did not see it being a tricky fixture at all……. But very well done ITFC.

[Bluemike]

It wasn't easy Marko, that's for sure. I really don't think it had anything to do with Ladapo being on the pitch though, the first half was just poor in general, McKenna admitted he changed the tactics which clearly didn't work. We had too many big players not on their game first half, Chaplin and Broadhead actually had poor games, the latter saving himself with Two excellent strikes, but there was zero movement from those Two and Freddie in the first half, Clarke and Davis weren't effective on the overlap while the drive and control in the middle from Morsy and Luongo just wasn't there, all too often they were outnumbered and overran. Only Burns for me looked on it.

The second half was much better, more movement all round with the strikers finally making runs etc, the Two central midfielders got a grip on the game with Luongo on particular excellent after the break, Clarke also had a big part to play in the turnaround.

The substitutions obviously improved us and Edwards once again was a real live wire and caused them problems. We did well to dig that result out when not at our best, in years gone by we lose that game, simple as that. The calmness of Broadhead for the penalty was insane with everyone else in the stadium at their wits end, I was convinced he'd miss it, not a chance. That game could ultimately prove to be as difficult as the next Two.

I saw Mach Polish Blue last night after god knows how long, he looked well, gave him a man hug and handshake, he's actually got a season ticket now so he can go to as many as he can.

[Shed on tour]

I was convinced that Broadhead would miss the penalty when the ref kept delaying it being taken by pissing about where the ball should be on the spot. Great composure by Broadhead and there was no way the keeper was saving that even if he went the right way.

[hallamblue]

If you read Broadheads’s post match comments . The ref was trying to help him where to place ball as pen spot was a bloody great hole in the ground apparently

I almost couldn’t bare to look . What bloody tension in that ground last night eh! I think the next 2 must win games being away might actually help our players as that PR tension will filter through to them IMO.

Not sure whose heart will give out first . Mind if Mikes !!!

[Shed on tour]

If you read Broadheads’s post match comments . The ref was trying to help him where to place ball as pen spot was a bloody great hole in the ground apparently

I almost couldn’t bare to look . What bloody tension in that ground last night eh! I think the next 2 must win games being away might actually help our players as that PR tension will filter through to them IMO.

Not sure whose heart will give out first . Mind if Mikes !!!

Think that comment by Broadhead might have been a bit tongue in cheek. He was obviously happy where he first placed the ball but the ref for some reason wasn’t. Anyhow, it turned out alright in the end. Had to laugh at the way that PV player went down like he was shot when Chaplin pushed him for trying to scuff up the penalty spot.

[Bluemike]

Best thing Chaplin did all night lol

[hallamblue]

McKenna said in his interview that “PV did a number on our number10’s ”. They got their tactics spot on and we struggled. But I also feel the front line chemistry , interaction and mobility is nowhere near as good with Freddie as the #9 . He’s too static , with his back to goal leaning into the CB all the time. He’s just a different type of striker and for me as a combination of players in the front line it doesn’t work as well. I’m fully expecting Hirst to be in the next 2 games.

COYBs

[marko69]

It wasn't easy Marko, that's for sure. I really don't think it had anything to do with Ladapo being on the pitch though, the first half was just poor in general, McKenna admitted he changed the tactics which clearly didn't work. We had too many big players not on their game first half, Chaplin and Broadhead actually had poor games, the latter saving himself with Two excellent strikes, but there was zero movement from those Two and Freddie in the first half, Clarke and Davis weren't effective on the overlap while the drive and control in the middle from Morsy and Luongo just wasn't there, all too often they were outnumbered and overran. Only Burns for me looked on it.

The second half was much better, more movement all round with the strikers finally making runs etc, the Two central midfielders got a grip on the game with Luongo on particular excellent after the break, Clarke also had a big part to play in the turnaround.

The substitutions obviously improved us and Edwards once again was a real live wire and caused them problems. We did well to dig that result out when not at our best, in years gone by we lose that game, simple as that. The calmness of Broadhead for the penalty was insane with everyone else in the stadium at their wits end, I was convinced he'd miss it, not a chance. That game could ultimately prove to be as difficult as the next Two.

I saw Mach Polish Blue last night after god knows how long, he looked well, gave him a man hug and handshake, he's actually got a season ticket now so he can go to as many as he can.

Thanks for that info, Mike, its appreciated. I know we differ on Freddie Ladapo and thats ok; its all opinion based anyway, albeit your opinion will rate higher due to you witnessing games “live”, you’ll see “off-ball” work. I just see Jimmy Boco from 90’s Hibs or the current Youan. I did think the only reason FL would be introduced would be a knock to Hirst…… and so when Hirst appeared in the 62nd; instantly thought, —->> “he’s feckin tinkering, and why?” …..
Thankfully all worked out.

Great that you saw MPB. Did you ask if he still lurks in the background here? Be good if he joined in again……. Definitely one of the more “football based” posters. Always insightful.

[Bluemike]

Marko, my opinion is no more valued than yours or anybody else's, Hallam attends the games live too and shares your view on Ladapo, mind you she is nuts too !!!

I will see how things are with Mach in regard to returning to the forum.

[marko69]

Marko, my opinion is no more valued than yours or anybody else's, Hallam attends the games live too and shares your view on Ladapo, mind you she is nuts too !!!

I will see how things are with Mach in regard to returning to the forum.

[Charnwood]

I thought Port Vale were very good first half. They played their game to compress the play and they had the better chances. We were as bit like we were against Wycombe until our first goal, looking nervous, trying to hard, with our passing not accurate enough. Not necessarily giving the ball away but a few yards out of place so we had to do and retrieve it, showing us down. Against Wycombe that changes once we scored. Today we failed to score in the first half and so the pattern continues with us creating very little of note. Their goal was against the run of play but they had looked threatening when attacking.
Second half was a better performance from us. A well taken first goal lifted the players and the crowd, some of whom had booed the team off at half time. I’ll never understand that; we weren’t at our best but it wasn’t through lack of effort. I think the penalty was for the third of three appeals in about 10 seconds. The right decision and a very clean and assured penalty.
Our position has changed little; we can still afford to lose one or draw two of the remaining games. At this stage even for me results are more important than performances.

Absolutely spot on Andym. We have to credit PV for getting their tactics right last night and running themselves into the ground and giving our boys no space to work in. I’m not sure they deserved to go in at half time in front but their game plan wasn’t negative and included some decent attacking play which often looked threatening.

As I said last night, so many of these lesser teams come to Portman Road and see it as their biggest game of the season and simply raise their game. PV certainly did last night and I expect Exeter City will do the same in 10 days time.

All credit to Town for the comeback in the second half which was superb albeit very nervy. Just a shame Plymouth managed to achieve the same yet again as they appear to do with regular ease.

[hallamblue]

Marko, my opinion is no more valued than yours or anybody else's, Hallam attends the games live too and shares your view on Ladapo, mind you she is nuts too !!!

I will see how things are with Mach in regard to returning to the forum.

Oi !!! Lol