Ipswich Town vs Blackpool FC Match Preview

[arana peligrosa]

Couldn't remember who our next two opposition is so used the official site to help me out. A home game with Cardiff and away at Wolverhampton. The latter is a concern for sure and going to be a nervous occasion for both teams and while Cardiff have little to play for, picked up a win today at Elland Road..

As many have alluded to, just want this season over with now. Thing are getting too tense and it's only going to escalate in the days and weeks ahead. In a sense it's all kind of new around here as for so long we've been finishing well outside the top six places and haven't entertained the thought of a play-off again under recent other managers.

As before all we need do is win the last four games remaining and we have ourselves a top six finish. The game at Molineux aside there's nothing really ahead to stop that objective.

[Dazzz67]

Just reading Larry's match report, does not sound we are doing to good at the mo, still making silly mistakes, but we managed to win it, just! We have been playing pants for a while now and surely it is only a matter of time before we do actually find form, at the crucial time, this would surely bode well for the playoff's (should we manage to make it).

Let's keep positive, remember final 6th position normally do well!

COYB!!

[James Scharmann]

Man I so thought we were going to throw the 3 points today. I mean 4 minutes in and Blackpool score ball down the left squared to a free Orlandi in the middle to tap home which provided a complete hush at Portman Road, then Sears lovely goal smashed in the top corner following a Mings knock down, then for once Town got 2 big slices of luck in the game today and yes it had to happen against team against Blackpool where lucky for us a defender's block fell to Sears where somehow it goes through the keepers legs. Then Berra's back header beats Bart but goes just wide of the post. Then we gift them another goal where we switch off a quickly taken free kick an identical goal but from the right squared for Cameron to tap home at the back post. Then for once we saw a late goal by Town at Portman Road Murphy lovely dinked ball at the back post for Berra to head home, anyone know if he was offside or not? In all honesty who cares as I can't believe we are back in the play-offs after losing to Huddersfield on Monday! What a difference a game makes

[Shed on tour]

Man I so thought we were going to throw the 3 points today. I mean 4 minutes in and Blackpool score ball down the left squared to a free Orlandi in the middle to tap home which provided a complete hush at Portman Road, then Sears lovely goal smashed in the top corner following a Mings knock down, then for once Town got 2 big slices of luck in the game today and yes it had to happen against team against Blackpool where lucky for us a defender's block fell to Sears where somehow it goes through the keepers legs. Then Berra's back header beats Bart but goes just wide of the post. Then we gift them another goal where we switch off a quickly taken free kick an identical goal but from the right squared for Cameron to tap home at the back post. Then for once we saw a late goal by Town at Portman Road Murphy lovely dinked ball at the back post for Berra to head home, anyone know if he was offside or not? In all honesty who cares as I can't believe we are back in the play-offs after losing to Huddersfield on Monday! What a difference a game makes

The way we conceded that goal can only be described as a fecking disgrace.

If a school boy team gave away a goal like that they would deserve to get a bollicking. Summary of game for me, 3 points but definitely will need to improve if we are to get anything out of our last 4 games.

[J4ck22]

Man that was stressful, but at least we got the points in the end

[James Scharmann]

Man that was stressful, but at least we got the points in the end

I've never been so stressed watching Town game all season it was so painful knowing this is a team we should be beating easily and to concede 2 sloppy goals which was there only 2 shots on target, it looked like we were going to throw away our season against Blackpool on all teams.

[Bluemike]

Well we sure do make hard work of it, pretty it wasnt, impressive it wasnt, deserved it was....just. We just seem unable to defend at all the last few weeks, the defence has gone from one of being reasonably solid to one that panics at every opportunity. I actually think Blackpool scoring so early did us a favour as we had to go on the offensive, something we dont always do when level. The opening goal by Blackpool was embarrasing from our point of view as it was so simple and cut us open. Thankfully that man Freddie Sears came to the rescue again with a quickfire double, the first was a lovely strike and the second courtesy of a Blackpool defenders error. I must admit at this point I thought we would cruise to victory, even though we werent that good Blackpool are truly woeful.

We had a great chance to put the game to bed early in the 2nd half when murphy was put clean through but he blasted wide, then Sears had a great chance to get his hatrick but shot straight at the keeper having done all the hard work. Typically we were to rue the missed opportunities as Blackpool grabbed an equaliser out of nothing, first Tabb gave away a needless freekick and Chambers decided to have a sleep and let his man nip in ahead of him to poke the ball home.

With the clock ticking down I honestly thought we had blown a glorious chance but thankfully Berra saved the day with a header from close range to grab the win, thankfully there were not too many scary moments after the third goal. Despite not playing great we are back in the top six with another winnable home game on Tuesday, I felt MM got the team right today and the form of sears makes his decision to drop him at Huddersfield even more bizzare to be honest. Skuse had another solid game after his dip on Monday, some say Murphy looks jaded but I thought he was improved today and worked hard, he also had a hand in Sears second goal while supplied a great cross for the winner so for me was instrumental in the win. Mings looked a bit better than before his ban and got forward well at times without getting the delivery right most of the time. Results couldnt really have gone better for us with Brentford & Derby drawing and Wolves getting beat, Four to go and it is back in our hands. We aint done with just yet guys and gals.

[marko69]

Nice reports James & Mike. Cheers

I think it's close to a case of "all form out the window" for these next 4 games. Anything can (and will) happen.

[marko69]

Spot on...... What a game that will be, Charnwood. You going to that one?

Unfortunately not Marko. I'm away with 15 pals playing golf Monday - Thursday in Lincolnshire and will be in London Friday - Monday spending the weekend with my daughters and grand children. I can't rearrange cos me and the missus are then heading off to Spain for 10 weeks the following weekend.

Pretty bad timing I know but I've already agreed with the wife that should we make a Wembley play off final I'm flying home. The only problem with that is that she says she's coming too which just doubles the cost.

Now, we've had this discussion before........ You definitely are playing golf? Don't be leaving your clubs in the boot and getting "caught"!

I hope and pray that I can go to Sicily for weeks in end in the years to come. Probably need a lottery win though!

[marko69]

And will Mike & Hallam be getting tickets for the Mol for next weekend? If defeated, get Liz to beat up Wolfie?

[lucy]

Just rewatched goals on TV, Sears 2nd goal was a nice goal. Through the legs of Blackpool keeper. But i think Berra's goal beats them both. He comes running in beats the Blackpool player to ball and heads it hard and strong into net.

[ipswichtownNo1]

And will Mike & Hallam be getting tickets for the Mol for next weekend? If defeated, get Liz to beat up Wolfie?

Hey marco, wolves game is live on tv next sat.

[ipswichtownNo1]

Well we sure do make hard work of it, pretty it wasnt, impressive it wasnt, deserved it was....just. We just seem unable to defend at all the last few weeks, the defence has gone from one of being reasonably solid to one that panics at every opportunity. I actually think Blackpool scoring so early did us a favour as we had to go on the offensive, something we dont always do when level. The opening goal by Blackpool was embarrasing from our point of view as it was so simple and cut us open. Thankfully that man Freddie Sears came to the rescue again with a quickfire double, the first was a lovely strike and the second courtesy of a Blackpool defenders error. I must admit at this point I thought we would cruise to victory, even though we werent that good Blackpool are truly woeful.

We had a great chance to put the game to bed early in the 2nd half when murphy was put clean through but he blasted wide, then Sears had a great chance to get his hatrick but shot straight at the keeper having done all the hard work. Typically we were to rue the missed opportunities as Blackpool grabbed an equaliser out of nothing, first Tabb gave away a needless freekick and Chambers decided to have a sleep and let his man nip in ahead of him to poke the ball home.

With the clock ticking down I honestly thought we had blown a glorious chance but thankfully Berra saved the day with a header from close range to grab the win, thankfully there were not too many scary moments after the third goal. Despite not playing great we are back in the top six with another winnable home game on Tuesday, I felt MM got the team right today and the form of sears makes his decision to drop him at Huddersfield even more bizzare to be honest. Skuse had another solid game after his dip on Monday, some say Murphy looks jaded but I thought he was improved today and worked hard, he also had a hand in Sears second goal while supplied a great cross for the winner so for me was instrumental in the win. Mings looked a bit better than before his ban and got forward well at times without getting the delivery right most of the time. Results couldnt really have gone better for us with Brentford & Derby drawing and Wolves getting beat, Four to go and it is back in our hands. We aint done with just yet guys and gals.

Good report mike, thanks. Sounds like today was a hard fought slog, not due to blackpool playing well but town making it hard for themselves. Nice to hear sears put in a good performance after being benched last outing and maybe the rest has done mings a favour? All in all 3 points in the bag and we took advantage of other results going our way for a change.looking forward to wolves on tv and my next match i can physically go to is nottingham forrest on the 25th so cant wait for that now. Looks like we might still be in the mix come then.

[marko69]

And will Mike & Hallam be getting tickets for the Mol for next weekend? If defeated, get Liz to beat up Wolfie?

Hey marco, wolves game is live on tv next sat.

I'll be at Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi, ITNO1, Hibs v Falkirk......., I'll be recording the Town v Wolves game though.

[ipswichtownNo1]

And will Mike & Hallam be getting tickets for the Mol for next weekend? If defeated, get Liz to beat up Wolfie?

Hey marco, wolves game is live on tv next sat.

I'll be at Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi, ITNO1, Hibs v Falkirk......., I'll be recording the Town v Wolves game though.

Cool, great day of footie for you then. Will you check result or watch it when you got in? Maybe best not to check forum that day

[marko69]

Don't know about you, mate, but I can't watch recorded football if I know the score. So I'll be keeping away from the score. But I guarantee you my son will be checking and doing all this....., "Ohhhhhh, you'll never guess what's happening at Molineux, oh my God!"

[herforder]

Obviously pleased with the win; and three, hard-earned, points. It was a close run thing, and shouldn't have been - but doing things the easy way just takes all the fun out of being a Town supporter! The earlier reports sum the match up very well.

Without wishing to harp back to an old theme, an unbalanced defence that is playing well and high on confidence may get away with it most of the time. But one that is clearly nervous, prone to panic and concedes far too many free kicks, and makes individual errors, won't. This is something MM really has to come to terms with and act.

[ipswichtownNo1]

Don't know about you, mate, but I can't watch recorded football if I know the score. So I'll be keeping away from the score. But I guarantee you my son will be checking and doing all this....., "Ohhhhhh, you'll never guess what's happening at Molineux, oh my God!"

Yep, many times ive had it ruined by some arse who thinks its funny to shout out results. I dont even bother watchimg match of the day if i know the scores!. Mind you, i did once pop round inlaws and said of the rugby result "ere, del ( father inlaw ) didnt england do well". Needless to say i wasnt flavour of the day!!

[Bluemike]

And will Mike & Hallam be getting tickets for the Mol for next weekend? If defeated, get Liz to beat up Wolfie?

No Marko, unfortunately cant do this one.

[marko69]

Don't know about you, mate, but I can't watch recorded football if I know the score. So I'll be keeping away from the score. But I guarantee you my son will be checking and doing all this....., "Ohhhhhh, you'll never guess what's happening at Molineux, oh my God!"

Yep, many times ive had it ruined by some arse who thinks its funny to shout out results. I dont even bother watchimg match of the day if i know the scores!. Mind you, i did once pop round inlaws and said of the rugby result "ere, del ( father inlaw ) didnt england do well". Needless to say i wasnt flavour of the day!!

Haha! Nice. It can work both ways though. One of my buddies, Graham, couldn't make the 2012 Cup Final against the Jambofkrs and recorded it. My other buddy Ben said, "Fk that, we can't let him watch that pish!" .... then phoned him with the result and told him not to bother watching it.

It'll definitely be a great game at the Mol......, how many tickets will ITFC be getting for it? 3 or 4K?

[ashfordblue]

I always knew this would be a tough one as by the result today, that's why I predicted a possible upset, trust me I get no pleasure seeing us throw points away, and this was as close as it gets, thank god for Sears, and as I have said this could well come down to goal difference in the end, and to literally chuck gift goals away won't do, we need to really tighten up at the back and concentrate 100%, and we need to win one or more of our remaining games by a very convincing margin, as Cardiff, Wolves, Forest & Blackburn are as tough as it gets, and we need to stop giving stupid goals away, otherwise I can see this all ending in tears, so Tuesday night let's rip the Bluebirds to shreds

[Charnwood]

Cardiff won't be an easy game, far from it. After their win at Leeds today they're undefeated on the road since their 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough on 20 January. Since then they've drawn at Sheffield Wed, Huddersfield & Reading and notched up wins at Wigan, Rotherham Brentford and of course Leeds, quite impressive for a team sitting in mid table. But at least with form as good as this MM should have the players well prepared and up for it.

[Charnwood]

Spot on...... What a game that will be, Charnwood. You going to that one?

Unfortunately not Marko. I'm away with 15 pals playing golf Monday - Thursday in Lincolnshire and will be in London Friday - Monday spending the weekend with my daughters and grand children. I can't rearrange cos me and the missus are then heading off to Spain for 10 weeks the following weekend.

Pretty bad timing I know but I've already agreed with the wife that should we make a Wembley play off final I'm flying home. The only problem with that is that she says she's coming too which just doubles the cost.

Now, we've had this discussion before........ You definitely are playing golf? Don't be leaving your clubs in the boot and getting "caught"!

I hope and pray that I can go to Sicily for weeks in end in the years to come. Probably need a lottery win though!

Definitely playing golf Marko and two very good courses included at Seacroft and Woodhall Spa which are amongst the best in the UK. You jest not about leaving clubs in the boot etc.... I've know of at least two situations where people I know have been caught doing exactly as you've suggested.... one of whom is one of my best pals who is an ex Prem League goalkeeper and who's on our trip next week.

We're only off to Spain for an extended stay cos the missus finished work for good last Friday, normally our maximum stint has been 2/3 weeks so it will be a bit of a novelty. I'm sure your turn will come mate and I'm equally sure you won't be needing or waiting for a lottery win!

[herforder]

Hopefully going to make it to Scicily later in the year, Marko. If I see a villa that I think would suit, I'll buy it for you as a gift - for your brilliant efforts at keeping us entertained, and for your Goons-like sense of humour. Love it!

Have a good extended break in Spain, too, Charnie. Which part of the country do you own?

[Charnwood]

Hopefully going to make it to Scicily later in the year, Marko. If I see a villa that I think would suit, I'll buy it for you as a gift - for your brilliant efforts at keeping us entertained, and for your Goons-like sense of humour. Love it!

Have a good extended break in Spain, too, Charnie. Which part of the country do you own?

I've a feeling Marko already has a place over there somewhere that his Grannie bought him, although who knows with his humour.

We certainly missed the fella when he went awol last year and whilst I'm sure he irritates some we certainly miss him when he's not around. Good job Scotland didn't get Independence cos I'm sure they'd have rebuilt Hadrians Wall and cut off communication from civilisation.

As for Spain, I think we'll end up living there for 6 mths a year ... that's the retirement plan anyway. The tiny little plot we've owned for the past 11 years is just crying out to be lived in a little more. ...

Back on subject..... having watch the brief highlights on the football league show last night we certainly going to need to tighten up defensively in the final four games if we're serious about making the play offs, although positively it's good to see Sears taking his chances well and taking some of the pressure off Murphy.

Attractive pretty football isn't important over the next four games which will be all about winning in whichever way we can and essentially scoring one more goal than the opposition. I'd be more than happy to see us concede two sloppy goals every game so long as we score three.

In reality the next two games could well define our season, and whatever the outcome it will still have been the best season to be a Town fan for quite some time and I think we all owe MM a big "thank you" for that.

Four games to play and still everything to play for, that's quite novel for us Tractor Boy's & Girls.

[Bluemike]

I always knew this would be a tough one as by the result today, that's why I predicted a possible upset, trust me I get no pleasure seeing us throw points away, and this was as close as it gets, thank god for Sears, and as I have said this could well come down to goal difference in the end, and to literally chuck gift goals away won't do, we need to really tighten up at the back and concentrate 100%, and we need to win one or more of our remaining games by a very convincing margin, as Cardiff, Wolves, Forest & Blackburn are as tough as it gets, and we need to stop giving stupid goals away, otherwise I can see this all ending in tears, so Tuesday night let's rip the Bluebirds to shreds

Could say that about Wolves too, did you see the howler they gave away ? It isn't just us believe it or not.

[hallamblue]

No but it depends on how often you give away howlers. Our back four seem to do it every bloody week nowadays!ie Huddersfield last week!

[Bluemike]

Well we can't have done it as much as Wolves & Brentford as our goal difference is superior to the both of them over 42 games.

[Shed on tour]

No but it depends on how often you give away howlers. Our back four seem to do it every bloody week nowadays!ie Huddersfield last week!

Already made my thoughts known about their 2nd goal yesterday.

Don't know about switched off more like a total power cut! God knows what Mick must have thought about it.

[hallamblue]

Yes but will he change it at the back? Of course not. I honestly don'tknow what he sees in Smith at CB. His form has been poor for months.