Brighton & Hove Albion v Ipswich Town preview & match thread

[herforder]

No doubt a great result - might even have nicked it, but for Stockdale's class saves. Such a pity that Tom Lawrence, for all his brilliance, talked himself into a two match ban. Few would have expected 4 points from AV and Brighton. Well done to all involved tonight - another notch up the confidence ladder.

[phily bon bon]

You have to be pleased with a positive performance at a good Brighton side. Well battled lads.

[marko69]

And meanwhile....... Paris St Germain 4 Barcelona 0

Wow! Even the collective best that have ever graced the game can have a collective stinker!

[patthegimp]

Six points from the next two - easy!!
Coyb

[patthegimp]

We took Barca 3-0 at PR many years ago. Forget the return leg. Easy!!

[marko69]

Barca 5 PSG 0, book it!

[Bluemike]

Yes !!!! Be proud of the boys tonite, we played so well and could just as easy have won it as much as they did. Matched them for the entire game. COYB'S

[Shed on tour]

Great result and sounds like the commitment shown at Villa was very much in evidence again tonight.
Just one thing though Mick, as Lawrence gets on the team coach for the journey back just make sure you put your foot up his backside for getting booked for dissent tonight.
As somebody said plain stupidity.

[Mr.Punch]

http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sp ... -1-ipswich

[Andym]

Sounded like an entertaining match and another good performance. Delighted for the team and well done MM for not changing it.

3 random comments:

1. It'll be interesting to see how we play without Lawrence. It's a shame because the Lawrence / McGoldrick combination seems to be working well.

2. Interesting that MM preferred Sears and Moore as subs to bring on instead of Pitman. I'm not criticising, I think Pitman is a lazy arse.

3. I have said before that I worry about Emmanuel's and Kenlock's defensive abilities. It sounded as though both - Emmanuel in particular - struggled last night. They probably fit better into the current back 3/ back 5 formation than the previous back 4 as there is a bit of protection for them. Sounded as if the back 3 did well again.

5 points from the last 3 games that I wasn't expecting. Can't be bad.

[charlton837]

really happy with that point. Listened to first half on radio and to be honest sounded like we were well in the game. We created more chances and tested their keeper more than we have of late.

Had to ride our luck at times but sounds like we probably just about deserved the point. Must admit im frustrated with Tom Lawrence for getting booked for dissent, I wouldn't be complaining if it was a tackle but with 2 tough games coming (including a game at Norwich) just keep your mouth shut. Whats done is done, will be interesting to see how we line up for these next 2 games with his absence

[Shed on tour]

really happy with that point. Listened to first half on radio and to be honest sounded like we were well in the game. We created more chances and tested their keeper more than we have of late.

Had to ride our luck at times but sounds like we probably just about deserved the point. Must admit im frustrated with Tom Lawrence for getting booked for dissent, I wouldn't be complaining if it was a tackle but with 2 tough games coming (including a game at Norwich) just keep your mouth shut. Whats done is done, will be interesting to see how we line up for these next 2 games with his absence

We all moan about managers and their failings but sometimes it must be the most frustrating job when players do something like that.

No doubt Mick muttered a few words under his breath when it happened.

[Bluemike]

Another really tough game has come and gone and with it another good Town performance in the current rebirth of ITFC. The starting line up pleased me as it gave those that did so well at Villa another chance to impress and they didn't let us down. Mick's comments about it being far more than "A nicked point" should not be underestimated, Town played well, very well, let's not forget who we were up against here, a team heading to the Premier, a team who had won Six on the bounce at home and who for the most part this season have been taking teams apart so it is all the more encouraging to me that it was Town who had the better chances throughout the game and it was their keeper that made more saves than Bart.

The very first minute gave us an earliy glimpse of the ineptitude of possibly the worst referee I have seen all season with Kenlock getting his name taken for what was a nothing challenge in truth, straight away the lasd was walking a tightrope and being up against a player as good as Knockeart it was going to be a long night for him. From the resultant freekick Bart fumbled the delivery but thankfully it came to nothing and away to safety. In a strange chain of events we lost Huws to what was by all accouints a really nasty gash to the back of the head but incredibly while down to Ten men we took the lead, an excellent frrekick from Lawrence saw Chambo lunge in to head home and in doing so taking a heavy knock, at first we all start to celebrate but with no Town players doing the same it seems the goal had been chalked off, thankfully it was because our Skipper was down and out in the box and as the ref pointed to the centre spot cue the celebrations again, a great start and just what we needed so early.

Following the goal it was end to end stuff with first Brighton having a half chance and then Didsy likewise for Twon but it was well wide. The ref was giving out Albion freekicks like they were going out of fashion and the home team were going down so easy at every opportunity, Knockeart was having a lot of joy down outr left and it was he that had the next effort which was comfortably gathered by Bart. Unfortunately Brighton drew level from a soft penalty, and while we can feel a bit unfortunate there is no doubt there was a tug by Huws on Bruno, initially the ref waved play on but the Lino had other ideas and Hamed put the spotkick away. To make matters worse Lawrence fails to keep his big gob shut and gets a yellow card, you know the rest, that was the Third Town player to go into the book. The cards continued to flow with Chambers the Fourth Town player to see yellow. With the half getting close to its conclusion Town really should have gone ahead, this time McGoldrick having a great opportunity to score but puts his shot right at the keeper, a yard or two either side and it would have been 2-1, good work by ward in the build up. So at Half time I felt Town had done really well and matched the hosts, yes they had lots of the ball but aside from a routine save or two by Bart it took a soft spot kick to get them level, in contrast Town had that great late chance to score which should have been taken.

Straight from the kick off Town had another good chance to get back in front, this time Lawrence bursting into the box and getting his shot away, the boot of Stockdale diverting away for a corner, another good chance missed. We had started the second half playing some decent stuff with Huws again looking to break forward and Diagouraga calling the shots in the centre, our Two young wing backs were being targeted by Brighton with Kenlock in particular having a hard time of it against Brighton's best player Knockeart. Incredibly it was Town again going so close to restoring their lead, first Spence heading another good Lawrence freekick against the post, from the scramble Chambers clever backheel back into the danger area sees Didsy smack a shot which is destined for the roof of the net from no more than a few yards out, agonisingly it takes a fortunate deflection off a Brighton player and just clears the bar, the Town players holding their heads in disbelief, it had been a good spell of pressure by us.

Brighton began to step it up and a couple of long range chances fizzed past Barts uprights but again both off target, not long after Bart pulled off a stunning save, not sure who the striker was but from the shot his outstretched arm brilliantly diverting it away when it looked a goal all the way. With time running out Town were being pegged back and soaking up a fair bit of pressure, the Back Three stood firm superbly with Chambers, Spence & Knudsen all doing so well. Into the final Ten minutes and Twon still kept breaking when they could and could well have gone back in front, this time Huws shot being saved just inside the post, againt Stockdales boot to the rescue. The six minutes of injury time seemed like a life time and with Town now defending so deep it was heart stopping stuff, could we hang on the point we so richly deserved, well yes we copuld but not before the dangerous Glenn Murray had smashed one off the inside of the post, thankfully it finds it's way to safety. The final whistle was such a relief and near 700 Town fans celebrated in grand fashion.

Bart (8) Spence (7) Chambers (9) Knudsen(7) Emmanuel (6) Kenlock (6) Ward (7) Diagouraga (8) Huws (7) Lawrence (7) McGoldrick(7) SUBS :- Douglas (6) Moore (6) Sears (6)

It was an absorbing and pulsating game, end to end stuff and chances at both ends, Two keepers pulling off saves and both teams hitting the woodwork, it had it all but this is not Blue tinted specs stuff, we had the better chances, their keeper made more saves which as MM said it kept them in the game, they had several chances which flew wide but ours were more clear cut, quite how the one from Didsy was deflected over the bar god only knows.

Like at Villa yet again every player in a Town shirt worked their socks off and did their job, suddenly it all looks so different, I cannot emphasise how much difference the new boys have made, Diagouraga was for me superb last night, while Spence & Knudsen have adapted really well to the new job in hand, Huws is the energy our Midfield lacked for so long while Lawrence iand Didsy look like they have played together for years. As Andy rightly said after the Villa win, one shot on target was a concern but last night we mush have had a good half dozen and good chances at that, onlt Stockdale's boot saved them from conceding more while Bart pulled off a worldie in the second half.

I can't finish without special praise for Luke Chambers, what a warrior this guy is, he marshelled the troops from the first minute through to the 102nd minute and was brilliant, he threw himslef into a dangerous situation to put us ahead and then so nearly set up another goal with his clever back heel, they guy has taken all the recent crap on the chin and come out figthing, he is everything I want to see in a captain, as genuine and honest as the day is long, some prat on here suggested he has no passion for ITFC....moron springs to mind. Chambo my MOTM. Bring on the Leeds.

[Tangfastic]

So we can go toe-to-toe with league high-fliers. And we can do it with non-regular players and a patched-together team.

If Emanuell and Kenlock were struggling defensively - then maybe its a learning curve. They won't learn anything more from playing in the U-23's or for a Vanarama side. Let them learn on the job.

That has been my main gripe and frustration for a long time - MM not really wanting to change things and going with same old, same old until he's forced to change things. The reality is - the unknown isn't so scary ... in fact, going with the same bunch of 30 somethings week in, week out is far more scary ... as its just short-term and offering nothing for the future.

Pity about Lawrence - but we're going to have to live wthout him at some stage. Who knows - might be a kick up the behind for the likes of Sears, Dozzell, Bishop to go in and sieze their chance.
Another unexpected point - and a nice boost for the club once more.

[Frosty]

Great report Mike

Thanks for always taking the time to share your thoughts from each match.

[bluepeter]

Chambo transformed or what?A true captain when switched on.Lets hope for fist pumps in the next 2 games.
PS Nice report Bluemike.

[herforder]

Great report Mike

Thanks for always taking the time to share your thoughts from each match.

Echo, echo, echo that! Much better report from Mike, and more generous marking, than appears in today's EADT, courtesy of Stuart Watson. He gives MoM to Jonas Knudsen, as opposed to LC or even Bart. Funny how different folk view things - Watson of course will say he's being impartial and objective. Well there's always room for improvement, Stuart!

[charlton837]

Another really tough game has come and gone and with it another good Town performance in the current rebirth of ITFC. The starting line up pleased me as it gave those that did so well at Villa another chance to impress and they didn't let us down. Mick's comments about it being far more than "A nicked point" should not be underestimated, Town played well, very well, let's not forget who we were up against here, a team heading to the Premier, a team who had won Six on the bounce at home and who for the most part this season have been taking teams apart so it is all the more encouraging to me that it was Town who had the better chances throughout the game and it was their keeper that made more saves than Bart.

The very first minute gave us an earliy glimpse of the ineptitude of possibly the worst referee I have seen all season with Kenlock getting his name taken for what was a nothing challenge in truth, straight away the lasd was walking a tightrope and being up against a player as good as Knockeart it was going to be a long night for him. From the resultant freekick Bart fumbled the delivery but thankfully it came to nothing and away to safety. In a strange chain of events we lost Huws to what was by all accouints a really nasty gash to the back of the head but incredibly while down to Ten men we took the lead, an excellent frrekick from Lawrence saw Chambo lunge in to head home and in doing so taking a heavy knock, at first we all start to celebrate but with no Town players doing the same it seems the goal had been chalked off, thankfully it was because our Skipper was down and out in the box and as the ref pointed to the centre spot cue the celebrations again, a great start and just what we needed so early.

Following the goal it was end to end stuff with first Brighton having a half chance and then Didsy likewise for Twon but it was well wide. The ref was giving out Albion freekicks like they were going out of fashion and the home team were going down so easy at every opportunity, Knockeart was having a lot of joy down outr left and it was he that had the next effort which was comfortably gathered by Bart. Unfortunately Brighton drew level from a soft penalty, and while we can feel a bit unfortunate there is no doubt there was a tug by Huws on Bruno, initially the ref waved play on but the Lino had other ideas and Hamed put the spotkick away. To make matters worse Lawrence fails to keep his big gob shut and gets a yellow card, you know the rest, that was the Third Town player to go into the book. The cards continued to flow with Chambers the Fourth Town player to see yellow. With the half getting close to its conclusion Town really should have gone ahead, this time McGoldrick having a great opportunity to score but puts his shot right at the keeper, a yard or two either side and it would have been 2-1, good work by ward in the build up. So at Half time I felt Town had done really well and matched the hosts, yes they had lots of the ball but aside from a routine save or two by Bart it took a soft spot kick to get them level, in contrast Town had that great late chance to score which should have been taken.

Straight from the kick off Town had another good chance to get back in front, this time Lawrence bursting into the box and getting his shot away, the boot of Stockdale diverting away for a corner, another good chance missed. We had started the second half playing some decent stuff with Huws again looking to break forward and Diagouraga calling the shots in the centre, our Two young wing backs were being targeted by Brighton with Kenlock in particular having a hard time of it against Brighton's best player Knockeart. Incredibly it was Town again going so close to restoring their lead, first Spence heading another good Lawrence freekick against the post, from the scramble Chambers clever backheel back into the danger area sees Didsy smack a shot which is destined for the roof of the net from no more than a few yards out, agonisingly it takes a fortunate deflection off a Brighton player and just clears the bar, the Town players holding their heads in disbelief, it had been a good spell of pressure by us.

Brighton began to step it up and a couple of long range chances fizzed past Barts uprights but again both off target, not long after Bart pulled off a stunning save, not sure who the striker was but from the shot his outstretched arm brilliantly diverting it away when it looked a goal all the way. With time running out Town were being pegged back and soaking up a fair bit of pressure, the Back Three stood firm superbly with Chambers, Spence & Knudsen all doing so well. Into the final Ten minutes and Twon still kept breaking when they could and could well have gone back in front, this time Huws shot being saved just inside the post, againt Stockdales boot to the rescue. The six minutes of injury time seemed like a life time and with Town now defending so deep it was heart stopping stuff, could we hang on the point we so richly deserved, well yes we copuld but not before the dangerous Glenn Murray had smashed one off the inside of the post, thankfully it finds it's way to safety. The final whistle was such a relief and near 700 Town fans celebrated in grand fashion.

Bart (8) Spence (7) Chambers (9) Knudsen(7) Emmanuel (6) Kenlock (6) Ward (7) Diagouraga (8) Huws (7) Lawrence (7) McGoldrick(7) SUBS :- Douglas (6) Moore (6) Sears (6)

It was an absorbing and pulsating game, end to end stuff and chances at both ends, Two keepers pulling off saves and both teams hitting the woodwork, it had it all but this is not Blue tinted specs stuff, we had the better chances, their keeper made more saves which as MM said it kept them in the game, they had several chances which flew wide but ours were more clear cut, quite how the one from Didsy was deflected over the bar god only knows.

Like at Villa yet again every player in a Town shirt worked their socks off and did their job, suddenly it all looks so different, I cannot emphasise how much difference the new boys have made, Diagouraga was for me superb last night, while Spence & Knudsen have adapted really well to the new job in hand, Huws is the energy our Midfield lacked for so long while Lawrence iand Didsy look like they have played together for years. As Andy rightly said after the Villa win, one shot on target was a concern but last night we mush have had a good half dozen and good chances at that, onlt Stockdale's boot saved them from conceding more while Bart pulled off a worldie in the second half.

I can't finish without special praise for Luke Chambers, what a warrior this guy is, he marshelled the troops from the first minute through to the 102nd minute and was brilliant, he threw himslef into a dangerous situation to put us ahead and then so nearly set up another goal with his clever back heel, they guy has taken all the recent crap on the chin and come out figthing, he is everything I want to see in a captain, as genuine and honest as the day is long, some prat on here suggested he has no passion for ITFC....moron springs to mind. Chambo my MOTM. Bring on the Leeds.

I echo what others say, thanks for the reports, I always look forward to reading them. Even when I go I like to read them as its so interesting to see how we all see it slightly differently! I think so many people on here (me included) have been dragged down by so much negativity, you have always remained more on the positive side (perhaps a couple of reports where you weren't but that's more than understandable!) I have been saying I want MM gone, im not sure hes changed my opinion on this completely, but I certainly am thinking more about things. All I have ever wanted is to enjoy games again, I could count on one hand last season how many home games were enjoyable, Win, lose, draw, its not the be all and end all, enjoyment and entertainment is all we want. I don't believe ITFC fans are above themselves and expect us to walk the league, we are not suggesting we need investment for that, we just want to be competitive and play football that fans can enjoy and be proud of. What position that gets us in the league will follow.

I think the Ipswich fan base has been misunderstood, both internally and by the outer football world, people always telling us be careful what you wish for, but they never understood what we really wanted...

[Bluemike]

Thanks for the kind words, all I try to do is say it as I see it, my thoughts and opinions and nothing more, obviously I don't always get things right but hopefully it gives those who can't get to games a bit of an insight as to what went on.

I have seen Stuart Watson's marks and report and while they are pretty close to mine as a rule I think for a couple of players he is way off the mark last night, but again just my opinion. Was he even there ? LOL.

[Watership Down]

Very good point from a tough team at home. As Frosty said ...... from the song I Ran by A Flock of Seagulls

[shamm]

Thanks for the kind words, all I try to do is say it as I see it, my thoughts and opinions and nothing more, obviously I don't always get things right but hopefully it gives those who can't get to games a bit of an insight as to what went on.

I have seen Stuart Watson's marks and report and while they are pretty close to mine as a rule I think for a couple of players he is way off the mark last night, but again just my opinion. Was he even there ? LOL.

Thanks Mike. Great to get a pespective from a fan at the game.
I enjoy your balanced view even when the team is not performing well - no extreme emotions!
What a difference in Captain C. Is it because he is enjoying playing in his preferred position?
Looking forward to our next win.

[Bluemike]

I think it is definitely because he is in his preffered position, I also think the loss of players around him has galvanised him to a new level, maybe just maybe he has also been told a new contract is on the table, I hope so.

[marko69]

Just had time to read the match report there. Great to read that it's all sounding like the lads are all playing for each other as well as Mick & TC. Also good to read that Kay-Nood-Zen had a good game. Not good to read that "the ref waved play on, but the Lino had other ideas"....... the linesman saw a penalty in the box that the ref didn't?! Typical eh.
And the part about Albion players falling down all over the place. Straight red for simulation is the only solution....., and if the ref (or the f**king Lino) is watching, shouldn't be too difficult to notice it. And if it IS too difficult, go American and get the "guy in the booth".

[Dubai Blue]

To be honest having seen the highlights I don't think there can be much doubt about the penalty. Sure the guy went down late but he was pulled back in a very promising position. No complaints on my side.