Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest preview and matchday thread

[shamm]

[Dubai Blue]

Great set of results. Sounds like a good performance and another Pringle goal. Feels good.

[derick_ipsw]

Good result Town and by playing it on the ground.

[Shed on tour]

I couldn't make the game and Town win.
Perhaps I had better stay away for the rest of the season!

[lucy]

Everton were 2-0 up, they lost 2-3

[sonofwark]

That's a decent result for Town and shows we can play without Murph. Some posters have alluded to the ball on the ground too which is nice to hear. Pringle and Foley combined for the goal which affirms Mick's canny eye for an effective loanee. Still a big battle to hit a play off spot but a step in the right direction. Be very interested to read the reports here as they come in.

[loudnproud]

Brazil 1 Forrest 0 amazing what you can do when playing to feet.....Happy entertained fans,

[Tangfastic]

Good win..... but also playing some passing football with a re-jigged team!

There's could be a bit of a selection dilemma when Douglas, Skuse and Murphy are fit.

[lucy]

For our non UK fans

http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sp ... ttm-forest

[Tangfastic]

For our non UK fans

http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sp ... ttm-forest

'This video is not authorised in your location' .... Not available in this non-UK location

[sonofwark]

For our non UK fans

http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sp ... ttm-forest

Watching that it looks like Forest had plenty of chances to win and Bart kept us in it. But highlights don't tell the whole story. BBC stats say Town had plenty of possession anyway

[marko69]

Well done ITFC, and big thanks to Rotherham.

[Bluemike]

Another gritty and resolute display in what was for me a deserved win. As has already been mentioned not really a hoof ball in sight until the closing moments when we were clearing our lines. The purists will be well happy as we actually played some football while getting the win too.

After a couple of Bart saves in the first half we weren't really troubled in truth but we were finding it hard to work their keeper. I think a draw at HT was about right, we had plenty of the ball while they had two decent efforts.

For me there only looked to be one real winner second half and thankfully we did it, another sweet finish from Pringle after some good work by Foley and Pitman, the latter had a fierce shot well saved by the keeper which could have doubled our lead.

There were some good individual performances today with Bart, Sears, Hyam, Berra and Knudsen all playing well but for me special praise should go to Kevin Foley who I thought had a super game which culminated in a big hand in the winning goal. He broke up so much of what Forest were trying to do, he won loads of tackles and loose balls, he sat in front of the back Four and protected them when required, very impressive.

I asked for 7 points from the Three games so to have six from Two is most pleasing, we are right back in it after Wednesday cocked it up today and it is very much in our hands. Maybe this most uninspiring and disastrous of seasons isn't over just yet.

[bluejacko]

THANK YOU Town!!
Good result and footie on the floor!!!

[James Scharmann]

Bart pulled off two outstanding saves in the first half which kept us in the game. Then Pringle came up with the winner. But for a full-back in Foley playing in centre midfield I was very surprised and impressed with his display.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

How wonderful it was to see us pass the ball around on the ground. See, we CAN do it if we try.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and of course the result.
I was a bit concerned for the first 5 minutes or so, as Forest started brightly and once again Bart kept us in the game with a couple of smart saves. But as the game went on we started to get hold of the ball in midfield, kept the ball on the ground, and thoroughly deserved the win.
My MoM? Without a shred of doubt it was Kevin Foley - always looking for the ball and trying to use it intelligently. And the partnership with Luke Hyam worked really well, in fact I would say it's the best performance from a central midfield pairing I've seen from us all season. A real headache for MM when Skuse and Douglas are fit, because I for one would not want to see todays pairing split up.
I thought everybody played well today apart from Pitman who was largely dire - one decent long range dipping shot was the only positive from him today, and I hope that when Murphy returns it will be Sears who partners him up front and not Pitman.
It's been very encouraging to pick up 6 points from the last 2 games, and every chance of another 3 on Tuesday.

[arana peligrosa]

Spent the day at Hampton Court Palace so missed all that occurred. First and foremost the win is all-important although the club still finds itself in ninth position despite the recent two victories. Couldn't believe the eyes when learning the team actually played the ball to feet for once, and reading a post-game report, appears it was a well deserved win and things are turning once again in our favor. Bolton in midweek represents a fair chance of three successive wins that dependant on other scores, could put the club back in the play-off zone once again.

Pleased for the Pringle kid getting a second goal in as many games and once again this score should motivate enough personnel to realize the season is still very much alive and there is all to play for. Got to admit a few weeks back did think our promotion aspirations had hit a brick wall, but such a relief to see the team making progress once again - such a relief to learn the team eradicated the high-ball tactics for once also.

[jaykay]

really good game.football not hoofball.i think forrest were expecting the long ball game and were took by suprise.bart keeps proving he the beter keeper .was impressed by our d m 2,they broke up play and then looked to play the forward ball, not just win it and play it square or a hopeful punt upfield.hope mick keeps the same side for our next game.in a strange way our injuries have brought something a little different about our game.pringle ,foley and bart are all blossoming.would love to see this side with bishop and frasier in for niles and bru.also what made a change today was didnt hear the normal moaning about knudsen around me.although i did hear hit long several times so we dont have to play ugly to win,away yes but not at home.more of the same please mick

[Bluemike]

How wonderful it was to see us pass the ball around on the ground. See, we CAN do it if we try.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and of course the result.
I was a bit concerned for the first 5 minutes or so, as Forest started brightly and once again Bart kept us in the game with a couple of smart saves. But as the game went on we started to get hold of the ball in midfield, kept the ball on the ground, and thoroughly deserved the win.
My MoM? Without a shred of doubt it was Kevin Foley - always looking for the ball and trying to use it intelligently. And the partnership with Luke Hyam worked really well, in fact I would say it's the best performance from a central midfield pairing I've seen from us all season. A real headache for MM when Skuse and Douglas are fit, because I for one would not want to see todays pairing split up.
I thought everybody played well today apart from Pitman who was largely dire - one decent long range dipping shot was the only positive from him today, and I hope that when Murphy returns it will be Sears who partners him up front and not Pitman.
It's been very encouraging to pick up 6 points from the last 2 games, and every chance of another 3 on Tuesday.

Great to see you yesterday Rossi, I thought you would have enjoyed that after the discussion in the pub LOL. How good was Foley ? Happy to eat my words on that guy, hopefully more of the same to come from him and Pringle has been a great addition, we need to extend his stay until the end of the season and then get him signed up, I don't think he wasted a pass all afternoon, add to that his delivery and goal threat and he has brought something to our Midfield which has been lacking for so long.

[barmy billy]

Away for the weekend and unable to listen unfortunately.

Good result and a different style by the sound of it. Let's hope it continues.

[TODD66]

Jeff Stelling yesterday:

"There's been a goal at Portman Road, Pringle - a crisp finish by all accounts!"

[Quasar]

That Pringle. Once you pop you can't stop

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

How wonderful it was to see us pass the ball around on the ground. See, we CAN do it if we try.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and of course the result.
I was a bit concerned for the first 5 minutes or so, as Forest started brightly and once again Bart kept us in the game with a couple of smart saves. But as the game went on we started to get hold of the ball in midfield, kept the ball on the ground, and thoroughly deserved the win.
My MoM? Without a shred of doubt it was Kevin Foley - always looking for the ball and trying to use it intelligently. And the partnership with Luke Hyam worked really well, in fact I would say it's the best performance from a central midfield pairing I've seen from us all season. A real headache for MM when Skuse and Douglas are fit, because I for one would not want to see todays pairing split up.
I thought everybody played well today apart from Pitman who was largely dire - one decent long range dipping shot was the only positive from him today, and I hope that when Murphy returns it will be Sears who partners him up front and not Pitman.
It's been very encouraging to pick up 6 points from the last 2 games, and every chance of another 3 on Tuesday.

Great to see you yesterday Rossi, I thought you would have enjoyed that after the discussion in the pub LOL. How good was Foley ? Happy to eat my words on that guy, hopefully more of the same to come from him and Pringle has been a great addition, we need to extend his stay until the end of the season and then get him signed up, I don't think he wasted a pass all afternoon, add to that his delivery and goal threat and he has brought something to our Midfield which has been lacking for so long.

Yes it was great to see you Liz and Foxy too, and am looking forward to pre-game against Rotherham . The biggest thing yesterday that I noticed was that both of our central midfielders were a lot more forward-thinking that the usual partnership of Skuse and Douglas - I'm wondering if this might have made any difference to the hoof-ball mentality of the defenders. Don't get me wrong, I think that both Skuse and Douglas have served us really well, but I can't help thinking that either or both of them is too defensively minded and that it IS possible to play better without either of them. No doubt we will discuss further in a couple of weeks

[Tangfastic]

How wonderful it was to see us pass the ball around on the ground. See, we CAN do it if we try.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and of course the result.
I was a bit concerned for the first 5 minutes or so, as Forest started brightly and once again Bart kept us in the game with a couple of smart saves. But as the game went on we started to get hold of the ball in midfield, kept the ball on the ground, and thoroughly deserved the win.
My MoM? Without a shred of doubt it was Kevin Foley - always looking for the ball and trying to use it intelligently. And the partnership with Luke Hyam worked really well, in fact I would say it's the best performance from a central midfield pairing I've seen from us all season. A real headache for MM when Skuse and Douglas are fit, because I for one would not want to see todays pairing split up.
I thought everybody played well today apart from Pitman who was largely dire - one decent long range dipping shot was the only positive from him today, and I hope that when Murphy returns it will be Sears who partners him up front and not Pitman.
It's been very encouraging to pick up 6 points from the last 2 games, and every chance of another 3 on Tuesday.

Great to see you yesterday Rossi, I thought you would have enjoyed that after the discussion in the pub LOL. How good was Foley ? Happy to eat my words on that guy, hopefully more of the same to come from him and Pringle has been a great addition, we need to extend his stay until the end of the season and then get him signed up, I don't think he wasted a pass all afternoon, add to that his delivery and goal threat and he has brought something to our Midfield which has been lacking for so long.

Yes it was great to see you Liz and Foxy too, and am looking forward to pre-game against Rotherham . The biggest thing yesterday that I noticed was that both of our central midfielders were a lot more forward-thinking that the usual partnership of Skuse and Douglas - I'm wondering if this might have made any difference to the hoof-ball mentality of the defenders. Don't get me wrong, I think that both Skuse and Douglas have served us really well, but I can't help thinking that either or both of them is too defensively minded and that it IS possible to play better without either of them. No doubt we will discuss further in a couple of weeks

Im looking forward to seeing the next team selection when Skuse/Douglas are fit.

It's not as if we've turned into Barcelona, but there's just a greater sigh of relief and a little bit of joy because players want to pass to feet.

I was under-whelmed by Foley arriving, but so many have commented on his MOTM performance and his wanting that football from the defence to link play. Maybe not just a back up RB for Chambers after all.... we'll see. Many will be looking at Micks next team sheet to see if his preferred MF boys are back in the team.

However we play, you still need the players to do the dirty work, but lumping the ball forward to the strikers means there's always the element of just hoping we get the luck of the bounce..... and usually it means we lose possession and are on the back foot again.

[Bluemike]

For me you don't change a winning team and if I was MM I would go with the same Eleven at Bolton although Bru out wide is not the answer so he may be the one that gets changed possibly for AMN although he is very in and out right now.

With possibly Murphy, Skuse and Douglas fit for Tuesday we will at least have a stronger looking bench available to us.

[jaykay]

if we keep playing like we did saturday till the end of the season,those who buy seasons tickets will have 19 not 23 games .

[arana peligrosa]

Who was it who told McCarthy (yesterday) to play ball on field level and stop with the bullshit high-ball tactics ? We were never going to make progress with the latter and can only hope this game wasn't a one-off and we never revert back to the other style of play. Putting another home victory in statistics was also important after previous setbacks and looking ahead at remaining fixtures at Portman Road, there isn't an awful lot to fear.

Yesterdays opposition were by no means promotion material and truth be told the last two victories have been over average teams with little to play for but we're at a stage of the season where every point is all important if we're to be in the top six again. Looking ahead at subsequent games there is real opportunity to take further points and really establish a run into the play-off positions :

Bolton Away

Cardiff Away

Blackburn Home

Rotherham Home

These are the last remaining games for March and Cardiff aside, three points from all other opposition is well within our capabilities. 3 wins (from those fixtures) will see the club on 63 points with some five weeks remaining, and even then it may not be enough, but if McCarthy can put an effective end to the high-ball tactics and the team can play better like yesterday, it will present enough opportunity for the club to achieve something again by end of season.

[Charnwood]

Just home from a weekend away (in Norfolk of all places)... and great to catch up with match reports and read so many positive comments.

Any suggestions where I can find the best highlights?

Was Murphy dropped or is he injured ?

... and Ben Pringle, how long is his loan period for ?

What a difference two wins makes and how quickly the feel good factor returns..

[Charnwood]

Who was it who told McCarthy (yesterday) to play ball on field level and stop with the bullshit high-ball tactics ? We were never going to make progress with the latter and can only hope this game wasn't a one-off and we never revert back to the other style of play. Putting another home victory in statistics was also important after previous setbacks and looking ahead at remaining fixtures at Portman Road, there isn't an awful lot to fear.

Yesterdays opposition were by no means promotion material and truth be told the last two victories have been over average teams with little to play for but we're at a stage of the season where every point is all important if we're to be in the top six again. Looking ahead at subsequent games there is real opportunity to take further points and really establish a run into the play-off positions :

Bolton Away

Cardiff Away

Blackburn Home

Rotherham Home

These are the last remaining games for March and Cardiff aside, three points from all other opposition is well within our capabilities. 3 wins (from those fixtures) will see the club on 63 points with some five weeks remaining, and even then it may not be enough, but if McCarthy can put an effective end to the high-ball tactics and the team can play better like yesterday, it will present enough opportunity for the club to achieve something again by end of season.

..... and we've only lost once to Cardiff City on our last six visits there!

[Bluemike]

Just home from a weekend away (in Norfolk of all places)... and great to catch up with match reports and read so many positive comments.

Any suggestions where I can find the best highlights?

Was Murphy dropped or is he injured ?

... and Ben Pringle, how long is his loan period for ?

What a difference two wins makes and how quickly the feel good factor returns..

Highlights Andy

http://www.skysports.com/football/ipswi ... ort/339944

Murphy & Douglas were injured.

Pringle is for an initial month with the option of the rest of the season .