Tractor-Boys.com

Norwich City v Ipswich Town


Saturday 16th May 2015 – 12:15 – Championship Play-Off Semi Final 2nd Leg

Carrot Road

Live on Sky Sports





Opening Thought – Jamma


24 hours after our first appearance in the play-offs for a decade and reflecting on Saturday's events still produces the tingle down the back of the neck which Mick McCarthy alluded to in his post-match comments. Personally speaking, it was my first 'live' experience of the play-off semi-finals and it certainly didn't disappoint! From Rob Chandler on the P.A. cranking up the atmosphere ahead of the match by challenging the four stands to outdo each other with their rendition of 'Singing the Blues', through to the show of mutual appreciation between players and supporters on the final whistle, it was a special occasion at Portman Road. With such hype around the so-called 'biggest ever East Anglian derby', there was a risk that the build-up would overshadow the main event, detracting from what was really at stake. But, once the first whistle sounded, it was clear that both teams were fully focused on the task at hand, resulting in an absorbing – if not always free-flowing – game of football. I won't go as far as to suggest anything approaching respect between the two sets of supporters but the usual levels of hostility even seemed to take a back seat to the importance of the football, which was played out in generally good spirits.

All the talk in the build-up was about how form and previous encounters would count for nothing, and that was epitomised by the pattern of the match. Ipswich came flying out of the traps and, if it hadn't been for a terrific double-save from John Ruddy, would have been rewarded with an early lead. The game ebbed and flowed, with neither side able to gain the upper hand. Although Norwich had started to show more intent in the final third, there was a sense of injustice about their goal, with Cameron Jerome using all his physicality to win the ball against Tommy Smith before crossing for Jonny Howson to convert. But the Blue Army had seen more than enough to encourage them, and only intensified their support in response to this setback. The ensuing 10 minutes before half-time were more like the final stages of a 2nd leg, as we pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Our attacking endeavour was rewarded in the dying stages of the half, as the lively Paul Anderson followed up on efforts by Freddie Sears and Daryl Murphy to send Portman Road into delirium. If ever there was an image of the so-called underdog hitting back to prove a point, it was this one. The second period was an understandably cagier affair, with the fans' anxiety on the terraces echoed down on the pitch, as the importance of not losing ground to our rivals took precedence over the prospect of taking a lead into the return fixture. It was almost as if both teams were sizing each other up, knowing that we were only approaching half time in the tie. We will go again at Carrow Road on Saturday, then, with the scores effectively reset to 0-0. The only difference this time, of course, is that there will have to be a result, whatever it takes...




The Opposition – Norwich City


Family Reunion





Norwich City F.C. was formed on 17 June 1902.

Following an FA Commission, the club was ousted from the amateur game in 1905, as it was deemed to be a professional organisation. Later that year, Norwich were elected to play in the Southern League and ,with increasing crowds, they were forced to leave Newmarket Road in 1908, moving to The Nest, a disused chalk pit. The club's original nickname was the Citizens, although this was superseded by 1907 by the more familiar 'Canaries' after the club's chairman (who was a keen breeder of canaries) dubbed his boys 'The Canaries' and changed their strip to yellow and green. During the First World War, with football suspended and facing spiralling debts, City went into voluntary liquidation on 10 December 1917.

The club was officially reformed on 15 February 1919. When, in May 1920, the Football League formed a third Division, Norwich joined the Third Division for the following season. The club went on to endure a mediocre decade, finishing no higher than eighth but no lower than 18th. The following decade proved more successful for the club, with promotion as champions to the Second Division in the 1933–34 season. With crowds continuing to rise, and with the Football Association raising concerns over the suitability of The Nest, the club considered renovation of the ground, but ultimately decided on a move to Carrow Road. The club was relegated to the 3rd Division just before the outbreak of the Second World War. The league was suspended the following season and did not resume until the 1946–47 season. City finished this and the following season in 21st place, the poor results forcing the club to apply for re-election to the league.

In the 1959–60 season, Norwich were promoted to the Second Division after finishing in second place. In 1962, Ron Ashman guided Norwich to their first trophy, in a two-legged final to win the League Cup.

Sixth place in the league was the closest the club came to promotion to the First Division during the 1960s, but after winning the division in the 1971–72 season under manager Ron Saunders, Norwich City reached the highest level of English football for the first time. Relegation to the Second Division in 1974 resulted in the resignation of Saunders and the appointment of John Bond. A highly successful first season saw promotion back to the First Division. Bond resigned during the 1980–81 season and the club were relegated, but bounced back the following season after finishing third.

The 1984–85 season was of mixed fortunes for the club; under Ken Brown's guidance, they reached the final of the Football League Cup at Wembley Stadium, having defeated Ipswich Town in the semi-final. In the final, they beat Sunderland, but in the league both Norwich and Sunderland were relegated to the second tier of English football. This made Norwich the first English club to win a major trophy and suffer relegation in the same season.

City bounced back to the top flight by winning the Second Division championship in the 1985–86 season. This was the start of what remains in 2012 a club-record nine consecutive seasons in the top division of English football until they were relegated to the First Division at the end of the 1994/95 season.

English television cook Delia Smith and husband Michael Wynn-Jones took over the majority of Norwich City's shares in 1996.

Nigel Worthington took over as Norwich City manager in December 2000 following an unsuccessful two years for the club under Bruce Rioch and then Bryan Hamilton.

The 2003–04 campaign saw the club win the First Division title, and they returned to the top flight for the first time since 1995, but were relegated after one season.

Following this relegation, the club entered a 'dark' period with Worthington, Peter Grant, Glenn Roeder and Bryan Gunn all taking on the Manager’s role and achieving mediocre results, culminating in relegation to League 1 at the end of the 2008/9 season.

Following their relegation, their first game of the season resulted in a shock 7–1 home defeat against East Anglian rivals Colchester United. This was the club's heaviest ever home defeat, succeeding a record that had stood since 1946, and Gunn was sacked six days later.

On 18 August 2009, Paul Lambert was announced as the new manager, leaving his post at Colchester, and nine months later led Norwich to promotion back to the Championship as League One Champions, after a single season in League One. The following season saw Norwich promoted to the Premier League, finishing second in the table, completing the first back-to-back promotions from the 3rd tier to the 1st.

A generally successful season saw the club finish in 12th place in their first season back in the Premier League. Manager Paul Lambert resigned within a month of the season's close to take up the vacant managerial spot at Aston Villa, and was replaced by Chris Hughton.

The 2012–13 season started poorly and a bad run of form that was followed by a club record unbeaten run in the Premier League. A 1–0 home defeat to Luton Town on 26 January 2013 resulted in Norwich becoming the first English top flight team to lose an FA Cup tie to a non-league side in 24 years.

Norwich secured their third year in the Premier League with consecutive victories in the last two games of the season, to finish 11th in the league. However, they were relegated back to the Championship after finishing 18th in the 2013–14 season.


One To Watch – Sebastien Bassong





With this being the fourth derby clash of the season, I am just a flapping former England goalkeeper short of a Norwich City 5-a-side ‘dream team’... As it is looking likely that Town will have to breach the Canaries’ backline again to progress, it is time to focus our attention on centre-back Sebastien Bassong.

The experienced Cameroonian defender arrived at Carrow Road in August 2012, joining the club from Tottenham, where he had worked under Chris Hughton. Bassong had had a mixed 3 years at White Hart Lane, claiming the distinction of scoring Spurs’ first Champions League goal in their history in 2010 but making a total of only 45 league appearances. The writing appeared to be on the wall at the back end of 2011/12, when he was allowed to join Wolves on loan, and the man who had initially cost a reported £8m signed for Norwich for an undisclosed fee that summer. The change of scene seemed to do the trick, as Bassong played 34 times in the Premier League, scoring 3 goals, to help the club to an impressive 11th place finish. His individual form resulted in him being named City’s Player of the Season and given the club captaincy for the following campaign. Following relegation, the 28-year-old spent time on loan at Watford earlier this season but has since struck up a solid partnership with current skipper Russell Martin. The former France U21 international, who came through the famous Clairefontaine academy, switched allegiances to Cameroon in 2009 and has won 15 caps for his country.


The Gaffer – Alex Neil





A central midfielder, Neil began his career at Airdrie in 1999, making 16 appearances before joining Barnsley in 2000.

Neil spent four years at Barnsley and featured 121 times before, in 2004, joining Mansfield Town, where he spent only one season, although he played in 41 of that season’s matches.

In 2005, he signed for Hamilton Academical, where he saw out his playing career, making 211 appearances for the club.

Known for his aggressive playing style, he is a fans’ favourite for many of the Accies supporters. Neil won the Scottish First Division with Hamilton Academical in 2008.

After manager Billy Reid vacated his managerial position at Hamilton in April 2013, Neil was appointed player/manager on an interim basis. He was made manager on a permanent basis on 24 May 2013.

Neil led the club to promotion back to the top flight in his first full season, winning through the play-off system in May 2014.

Hamilton then enjoyed a good start to the 2014–15 Scottish Premiership, defeating Celtic away for the first time in 76 years.

In January 2015, Norwich City obtained permission from Hamilton to speak to Neil about their managerial vacancy.

On 9 January 2015, Neil was confirmed as Norwich City manager, making him the youngest manager in the English Football leagues.


Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev







Trev's Trivia

Players to play for both Ipswich and that lot:

Clive Baker Ipswich 1992-1994, that lot 1977-1984

Trevor Putney Ipswich 1980-1986, that lot 1986-1989

Andy Marshall Ipswich 2001-2004, that lot 1994-2001

Alan Lee Ipswich 2006-2008 2013-2014, that lot 2009 loan

Kevin Lisbie Ipswich 2008-2011, that lot 2005 loan

John Deehan Ipswich 1986-1988, that lot 1981-1986

Media Watch - K L Blue

A reclusive millionaire football club owner has broken cover by posing for a photograph with a young fan.


Marcus Evans, who has a reported wealth of £765m, has owned Ipswich Town since 2007 but the club has never released any photos of him.

Darren Shenston said he saw him after Saturday's play-off semi-final against Norwich at Portman Road and asked if he would have a photo with his son Jake.

"I thought how nice and pleasant the chap was," Mr Shenston said.

Events management tycoon Evans has kept his identity a closely guarded secret since taking over at Portman Road. He rarely gives interviews and when he has it has been on the proviso that no recording would be used.

A photo purporting to be of Evans has circulated around the internet, and three years ago footage of him playing in a golf tournament was broadcast on Sky.

"We saw a nice Bentley and we saw him talking to one of the players, Stephen Hunt," he said.

"I said 'excuse me, are you Marcus Evans?' And he said 'yes',"

As well as posing for the photo, Mr Shenston's 13-year-old son asked him to sign his shirt.

"He was gobsmacked," he said. "He didn't think anyone would want a signature on a shirt - just the footballers'."

However, the club said Evans was not changing his stance on keeping a low profile.

Steve Pearce, media manager, said: "Marcus has always preferred to stay in the background and that won't change.

"He is not one to seek publicity and thinks the attention of the fans and the media should be on those on the pitch."

Carl Day, from the Ipswich Town Supporters' Trust, welcomed the interaction with fans.

"It's good to see he's embracing the fans," he said. "It's obvious that he's become a fan of the club since taking over."

Stat Time


Head to Head


Norwich Wins................32 (37.65%)
Ipswich Wins.................38 (44.71%)
Draws.........................15 (16.67%)

Norwich Goals...................99 (ave. 1.16/match)
Ipswich Goals...................130 (ave. 1.53/match)


Head to Head at Norwich


Norwich Wins....................18 (42.86%)
Ipswich Wins.....................23 (35.71%)
Draws..............................9 (21.43%)


Norwich Goals...................53 (ave. 1.26/match)
Ipswich Goals....................49 (ave. 1.17match)






The Predicted Teams



Norwich


01 Ruddy
02 Whittaker
05 Martin
30 Bassong
23 Olsson
27 Tettey
41 Dorrans
22 Redmond
08 Howson
04 Johnson
10 Jerome


Ipswich Town


Anderson or Tabb?


33 Bialkowski
04 Chambers
05 Smith
06 Berra
03 Mings
17 Bru
08 Skuse
11 Anderson
27 Bishop
20 Sears
09 Murphy



Match Referee – Roger East





Final Thought - Frosty


Not a lot I can add really, it’s either the last game of the season or the penultimate match before our biggest fixture in a decade.

The draw from last weekend certainly gives one real hope that the return semi-final leg is not beyond our abilities.

The first leg was classic finals football and except for a 10 minute period or so in mid-way first half where Norwich looked dominant, particularly down the right flank, I felt it was basically anyone’s game. If anything, I feel Town can go into this second leg with more confidence than the opposition as I would have been picking that Norwich would have felt that they could have come away from PR with a win.

It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if this match came down to penalties as it’s clear from the first leg that free flowing football probably won’t be the order of the day and one can expect more of the same. It will be interesting to see how this match is refereed versus last Saturday and whether the home crowd will make a difference.

Either way, and regardless of the outcome, I am really proud of the progress the team has made this season and no-one can argue with any conviction that it has not been a successful one.

If you are travelling up to Norwich, safe journeys and I am sure excitement is already building inside for what is going to be an extremely tense 90 or 120 of football with the real possibility of penalties to follow.


NORWICH CITY 1 IPSWICH TOWN 1

2-0 to Norwich for me but really hope we surprise everyone some how get through to Wembley

Will be no where close to any TV or pub this Saturday, so hoping the news coming through on the results app is good news. An extra time, maybe even penalties win to the play off final.

Unfortunately I think ITFC will be pumped 3-0. Which I honestly don't think would be a disgrace. It will have been an immense season, and Norwich genuinely have the better squad at this moment in time......., certainly a squad who would have a better chance of surviving the EPL. But as said above......., hoping and praying to the Mevans above that it's going to be a play off final for the Tractor Boys.

Ref:

Ref: WHAT did you say?
Player: What, you can't hear me with those fking ears?

Hope I don't get blasted for this but unless that ME photo is a wind-up I would be a little uncomfortable about publishing it. Should we not consider his wish for privacy to be worth respecting?

Great piece as always guys. Hope there is one more left to write, we will know mid afternoon Saturday.

Not going to try and predict this one.

Head says the scum to go through but since before Christmas I've said to the others in the household that I had a feeling we would meet them in the playoffs and do them this time. Just hope my feeling is more reliable than my head!

Whatever happens ITFC are back on the right track in terms of a side that can challenge in this league again and for that I'm grateful.

Dubai....... If there was no more left to write, that'd mean there'd be no Play off final?!!

Dubai Blue wrote:Hope I don't get blasted for this but unless that ME photo is a wind-up I would be a little uncomfortable about publishing it. Should we not consider his wish for privacy to be worth respecting?

Great piece as always guys. Hope there is one more left to write, we will know mid afternoon Saturday.

I took the picture and article from the BBC football website DB, So I assumed they had done their homework, but I did think along the lines you are saying mate.

Gives no pleasure in doing so but voted for them the victory on the day. Yes they're a decent side right now, will start as favorites and have some good players in there and we can give them a good game but just think they'll have too much on the day in question. Looks like the winner will play Middlesbrough in the final game and I'd fancy our chances in that at the national stadium but it's this obstacle here that may well prevent any further progress. I can only hope we don't get to hear about this from them at any opportunity for the next 30 years should they beat us again in a semi-final. Pity is I really believe they're going to do it.

Home team 2 Ipswich Town 1

I have a feeling that we're just going to do this.
I'd like to say that it will be easy, but of course it will not.
They are a good team that cost a lot of money to put together - if they play as they can then we could be in real trouble.
But the pressure and expectation will be on them, and the momentum is with us (after 4 straight wins, I think they really expected to beat us easily last Saturday: they couldn't and it will affect their confidence, while we have addressed that 4 match losing run and will be confident of finally beating them).
I expect, though, that the game will go into extra time.

Naaarwich 2 - Ipswich 2 (FT)
Naaarwich 2 - Ipswich 3 (AET)

finishing higher and thereby securing home advantage in the 2nd leg is, i believe, highly beneficial to nodge. although, the pressure might just work in our favour.
it is also a pity that instead of playing them at home on a friday night, we got stuck with a saturday luchtime - i think a floodlight game might have seen us ahead.

regardless, i fancy us to take the tie, it might not be pretty but we surely can't lose 5 on the bounce to those rotters!
no idea on the score but we'll edge it

i'm going to be watching at portman road with pie and pint in hand (s) - anyone else going?

Must ask, Mr Punch, (out of pure curiosity and nothing else) ....., why do you think ITFC would have an advantage in a floodlit game?

marko69 wrote:Must ask, Mr Punch, (out of pure curiosity and nothing else) ....., why do you think ITFC would have an advantage in a floodlit game?

statistics might not back me up but i think playing under lights always favours the home team
- why do you think we never got beaten at home in europe?

Ye see, now I'm glad I asked......... I did not know ITFC had never been beaten at home in Europe. That's quite an impressive statistic.

We got this guys, this is our time. 2-1 Ipswich.

It's our f**king turn you yellow pricks!

Scum 0 Town 1, and I have booked my Wembley hospitality place for the 25th 3pm us versus Boro

As each game arrives they just get bigger and bigger, this is massive but I am of the belief that we have every chance of doing this. There was nothing between the sides at PR and we werent anywhere near our best, all the pressure and expectation is on them while the crowd will be demanding, something they havent always coped with in the past. I believe the first 20 minutes are absolutely crucial and we really must avoid conceding in this period of the game, the longer we keep them out the more I fancy us to turn them over.

We must cut out their attacks down the wings better than we did in the first leg though, Mings did ok against Redmond but he did get into some good positions while the centre midfielders need to win more 50/50 balls, it wouldnt surprise me to see Tabb come in for Bish. Anderson has also earned his place as replacement for Varney which a few weeks agho would bother me greatly but he has looked better the last few times he has got on.

It really could go all the way, ET and penalties will probably finish me off so I hope we can do it in the regulation 90 minutes, I would love to see us go against the grain and attack them as I believe this is when we are at our most dangerous while they look very suspect at the back and Russell Martin is definitely a weakness which we can hopefully exploit. I dont remember wanting to win a game more than I want this one, one more massive effort please lads and the prize that awaits could be massive.

2-1 Town win A.E.T.

I want to believe, but that's a dangerous trait with Ipswich.

I really can't see anything but a big win for Norwich, if they play to their potential they should win convincingly. Not up for leaving Carrow road disappointed again this season though.

Looking forward to shouting abuse at the home fans with Shed.

As has already been said, it's been a terrific season. Many more ups than downs and we've over achieved to get to this stage.

Well done everybody in blue for a superb effort.

I honestly cant call it. Head in sand time for me. Would be totally different if I was a player mind. Id be right in there and scum would know theyd been in a game.

Going to stick my neck on the line here, we are going to win.

Swindon and Southend, two teams I try to follow have made it through, fancy Town to make it a hat trick, may even put a few quid on.

COYB!!!

Hopefully someone votes in the poll soon........, its 6-6-6 up there. That'll be "hell" if it stays that way.

Come on you positive gits, get voting.

Just gave a big fat yes on the poll Marko lol

Excellent job frostynz.

So early wakey wakey for me on Saturday morning and trip down to Norfolk. Am I hopeful? Of course I am. As long as Ipswich players give their all I'll accept any result even defeat. No matter what happens though I'll be leaving Carrow Road with my head being held high due to the significant progress we will have made this season.

If we win it's going to be unimaginable joy as we go to Wembley and beat local rivals at their place.

If we lose though I will be upset but not devastated as it will have been a decent season for us and big step forward following years of dross.

My prediction is 2-0 Norwich..... however anything can happen. This game is like a cup tie and nerves are going to be a key factor. Norwich have better players quality wise but we're a team where everyone knows his duties.

Last time I predicted a defeat we were playing Watford away last March, predicted heavy 0-4 defeat and we produced amazing team performance and grabbed a win. Would love repeat of that performance come Saturday.

If we either have to chase the game or badly need a goal in the 2nd half there is an option for us. Excellent option. Returning star, forgotten man in Didsy. Obviously no guarantee he's gonna score but definitely not unlikely. David McGoldrick !!! He should be ready for 20 minutes. I remember opening game of the season against Fulham where he wasn't really expected to play a big part. However he played about 50 minutes, scored a great goal from 16 yards and was a key factor in our 2-1 win.

So don't let us down Blues !!! Make us proud and give your all on Saturday !!!

http://www.twtd.co.uk/forum/344486/pabl ... morrow!/#6

Cheers guys

marko69 wrote:Hopefully someone votes in the poll soon........, its 6-6-6 up there. That'll be "hell" if it stays that way.

Come on you positive gits, get voting.

Its now 7-7-6 marco, the same as out formation!!!

ipswichtownNo1 wrote:

marko69 wrote:Hopefully someone votes in the poll soon........, its 6-6-6 up there. That'll be "hell" if it stays that way.

Come on you positive gits, get voting.

Its now 7-7-6 marco, the same as out formation!!!

You reckon that's what will be required, ITNO1? Now that's not very positive!

Nice post, Mach Polish Blue. Hope it's a joyous trip home for all. And please......, no broken laptops when the club website freezes on the ticket section.

Looks like we've got Boro at Wembley!

Payback time lol

Most of you have witnessed our big games in the modern era. 1992 and promotion at Oxford, play-offs in late 90's, European nights at Torpedo Moscow, Helsingborg and Inter Milan. I have seen them all on telly but watching on telly and attending games like that is a different thing.
I have never attended a Town game of the magnitude that tomorrow is. Have waited so long for moment like that. More than 34 years from the Ipswich - Widzew Lodz games when I got 'hooked' as a very little boy.

Have been thinking all week about tomorrows game and it's been hard to concentrate on work or anything else. Sometimes a game of football means more than vast majority of others you've experienced. Tomorrow is one of the days like that.

My alarm is set for 5am and journey from Manchester to Norwich follows. Going to be a sleepless night. The day I have waited so long for. If we win I'll probably 'shout out' all 34 years and my joy is going to be unimaginable.

By far my biggest ever game. As long as our players give their all tomorrow on the pitch I'll accept any result.

We can do this despite them having arguably better players than we have !!! Don't really know why I have so much belief.

Exactly Mach, believe mate, I have a good feeling too.

Enjoy the game and let's all hope it turns out to be a real cracker, can except any result if the commitment and effort is there, sweat blood boys.

So Middlesbrough await Ipswich or Norwich in final. Beating Brentford 5-1 (3-0) so far tonight.

Time for bed but I just cant contemplate sleep, I just wanna get on that train.