Blackburn Rovers vs Ipswich Town Match Preview

[Bluemike]

Bloody hell, just home from Blackburn and what a rollercoaster of an afternoon that was, do we ever do anything easy ???? Such a good start and for 20 mins in control, great goal form Murphy and sears crashes one off the bar, then we seem to self destruct with p*ss poor defending again. In fairness Blackburns third was really unlucky on us and I thought we played well after the break and created loads of chances, quite how Sears missed from 2 yards god only knows.

It is the first time I have been in a crowd and start rejoicing at events elsewhere, it was all slipping away when we were 3-1 down and Derby just needed 1 goal to put us out but the celebrations when news filtered through Reading had got a second and then a third was surreal. It is easy to say we got lucky today but over 46 games you finish where you deserve to and we deserve our play off slot. Absoultely no pressure on us now, the team finishing third always feel like they should already be up while the team that creeps in the back feel they have another chance at it, Twice the scum have had the rub of the green against us, maybe, just maybe it is our turn now. Two massive games to come and this season is far from over.

How were the nerves Mike?. I was watching at home and i felt nervous as hell.

They were awful when we fell behind Lucy as the whole feel among the fans changed to one of utter disbelief and we were all just expecting the news that Derby had scored so to hear that Reading were romping turned it into jubilation, apart from 20 mins when a lot of the damage was done I thought we did ok really.

[marko69]

Nice post, Mike. The celebrations when you guys heard the Reading result looked great.

[Charnwood]

...and for what it's worth I really fancy an Ipswich v Brentford final, how good would that be.

[bjorks]

so because I don't post comments everyday means I don't know what I'm talking about? Enjoy the moment, let's be as one! We want the same thing, promotion...sorry if I don't agree with your point of view. That's football, all about opinions x

[marko69]

The post was about "football" ya fanny. And it was posted in the nicest way possible. I couldn't give a monkeys ring piece whether you agree with it or not. Tommy Smith is f**king shyte......, BUT well done Ipswich on today. Unfuckingreal.

[Shed on tour]

What a day.
Think I have been through every emotion possible. Said to bluemike & hallam at the end I can't take anymore of this!
I agree with Mike in that the pressure is off us now. In many peoples eyes we won't be expected to beat Norwich but we shall see what happens. Whatever the outcome this season has surely been eventful.

COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bluemike]

Great to see you Shed, this is no lie at 3-1 down and Derby only needing one goal I seriously felt so ill, never felt like that before at a game.

[bjorks]

Sorry, how many teams do u support? Please remind me! Love to know when u saw Ipswich last. Sorry if I've posted more than twice in 2 weeks

[J4ck22]

At 3-1 I also thought that was it, I thought there was no way that Derby would lose even being a goal down already. I even started worrying that Blackburn would score more and Wolves would batter Millwall even harder and just beat us to it. Thank you Reading, you magnificent bastards

[marko69]

Sorry, how many teams do u support? Please remind me! Love to know when u saw Ipswich last. Sorry if I've posted more than twice in 2 weeks

Yeah, I'll leave it at that buddy, you sound a bit young after that ^ post.

[Shed on tour]

Great to see you Shed, this is no lie at 3-1 down and Derby only needing one goal I seriously felt so ill, never felt like that before at a game.

Really thought it had gone when we went 3-1 down and was just waiting for somebody to say Derby had equalised. When I heard the bloke a couple of rows behind me say that Reading had scored a 2nd thought he was joking and then virtually at the same time everybody started jumping up and down and I realised he wasn't.

Today will certainly remain in the memory for a long time.

[bjorks]

Ha ha..40 years old with a few more grey hairs after today...I know a reading fan, got to buy him a drink I think.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

Immense relief. Two sides of the story. Blackburn game and the season in general.

Take todays game as first.
Will we ever get a point at Ewood Park? That last minute equaliser from Mogga or sensational Mason's winner in FA Cup game seems like ancient history today. Unfortunately today was a proper description of our issues that have been lashing us ever since January. Mick kept the faith with the same defence, the shaky defence and the problem remains. We keep conceding stupid goals.
We were under no big threat from in the first half but we invited them to come back. Architects of our downfall. Ridiculous first goal where Smith didn't do much to pull Rhodes. Unfortunately he has hardly been reliable since January. Too many mistakes.
Second one was without a doubt Parr's fault.
The third quite ridiculous too and fatal Mings' intervention and after that we were 'enforced' to show an attacking intent. Since then the game was certainly exciting to watch for neutrals. Freddie Sears has had a mare today with the chances he has missed but what a revelation he's been since January so no word of critic.

A real nightmare to deal with when we were losing 1-3 and Derby 0-1. That took all crap out of me + at least 5 years of my life. The question was when Derby would finally get an equaliser.

Bizarre game, bizarre feeling where we were happy despite the defeat in a game which underlined our defensive issues.

Season in general? Massive relief and hugely chuffed. Yes I had a couple of moments of resignation. One of them was baffling team selection at Leeds and subsequent 1-2 defeat and the other one was dreadful performance at Huddersfield after which I said we weren't good enough for the top 6. Micks decisions particularly not addressing defensive issues in New Years' slump were disturbing too. However despite all those issues my dream and personal target became a fact : WE ARE A TOP 6 CLUB ! Thank you Mick and Terry ! Magnificent achievement given very tight budget. 10 years of dross and disaster when Magilton, Keane and Jewell were unable to assemble proper teams. Amazing team in terms of team spirit, no big time charlies to take the p*ss out of ITFC as it was the case in recent years.

It's gonna be my first ever experience with Town other than 46 league games or cup ones. Arrived to UK 10 years ago and we haven't been in the top 6 during that duration. Feeling immensely proud, happy and relieved today. Top 6 has been made and this is what matters today !!!

Norwich? It would be so sweet to produce a payback in the 30th anniversary of Bruce's goal but we need to wait and see.

Right now toasting Mick, Terry and our 'horrible' bunch.

[Charnwood]

I can't believe Derby have only won two of their last ten games, what a shocking time for them to find their worst run of form this season, and how fortuitous for us.

Sad for Wolves missing the play offs with 78 points... I'm sure I heard this afternoon that teams have previously gained automatic promotion with 78 points!

[arana peligrosa]

Let's be realistic, it was only because of a score elsewhere today that we achieved a top six finish. We didn't get the point we had to and were only saved by Derby's ineptitude in front of their own supporters. Today was too close for comfort and our defense will have to improve on today if we really are to become an EPL team again next season.

Yes there's another thread for it, but to keep things in one post, both games with Norwich are at a noon start time. Guessing this is to keep alcohol intake to a minimum and had it been any other opposition we would be playing a bit later in the day ? Looking back on past experiences we performed better with an early start only to fall short with an evening game in the second leg. Those two defeats to West Ham in successive years being one example so this time things may just work out better.

Being truthful I can't help but feel a little trepidation about these Norwich games, maybe it's just the thought of losing to this opposition (and never hearing the end of it) and would have wanted someone else but while it's going to be tough, we have the capabilities to progress and two strikers of merit in Murphy and Sears, so once again we'll give it a damn try and have a real at go at them, and whoever lies in wait at the national stadium, should we make it.

[phily bon bon]

Absolutly delighted so glad i recieved texts from my mate back home,could not give a toss about derby, shame for Wolves.

[derick_ipsw]

It was not pretty today and we were lucky derby were sh*te, but well done to all connected with Ipswich Town FC and lets hope the football gods shine on us against the scum.

[hallamblue]

Amen to.that Bros!

[Bluemike]

I can't believe Derby have only won two of their last ten games, what a shocking time for them to find their worst run of form this season, and how fortuitous for us.

Sad for Wolves missing the play offs with 78 points... I'm sure I heard this afternoon that teams have previously gained automatic promotion with 78 points!

And maybe here is a lesson to be learned, a few months back many Town fans on here and elsewhere were bemoaning the fact that Derby had spent Millions and were bringing in Ince, Lingaard, Bent blah blah blah while we had penny pinched, spent bugger all and brought in has beens, money does not guarantee you anything. Who are moaning today, Town fans or Derby fans ????

[AylesburyBlue]

Well yesterday was easily the most stressful day of football I have been too. When the Reading second and third goals went in the celebrations were un-real.
I do feel sorry for the lads in a way as they clearly wanted to get the point and make it themselves but boy did we miss some sitters.

Roll on the scum next week. I will be making the journey down and my Christ do we owe them one.

If we beat them in both legs I will get the players and management tattooed on my arse.

COYB.

[Bluemike]

I hope that will be the first Bishop you have had anywhere near your arse !!!!

[herforder]

I can't believe Derby have only won two of their last ten games, what a shocking time for them to find their worst run of form this season, and how fortuitous for us.

Sad for Wolves missing the play offs with 78 points... I'm sure I heard this afternoon that teams have previously gained automatic promotion with 78 points!

And maybe here is a lesson to be learned, a few months back many Town fans on here and elsewhere were bemoaning the fact that Derby had spent Millions and were bringing in Ince, Lingaard, Bent blah blah blah while we had penny pinched, spent bugger all and brought in has beens, money does not guarantee you anything. Who are moaning today, Town fans or Derby fans ????

Particularly that Derby Director who made some particularly snide comments about us, following their narrow win here. Wonder how that individual feels this morning? Hopefully gagging on a large portion of humble pie!

[lucy]

Season ticket holders check your baskets on direct website. My ticket is there waiting for me to buy even though Season Ticket Holder's can't buy until tomorrow.

Although now trying to pay for it and it won't let me

[Bluemike]

I can't believe Derby have only won two of their last ten games, what a shocking time for them to find their worst run of form this season, and how fortuitous for us.

Sad for Wolves missing the play offs with 78 points... I'm sure I heard this afternoon that teams have previously gained automatic promotion with 78 points!

And maybe here is a lesson to be learned, a few months back many Town fans on here and elsewhere were bemoaning the fact that Derby had spent Millions and were bringing in Ince, Lingaard, Bent blah blah blah while we had penny pinched, spent bugger all and brought in has beens, money does not guarantee you anything. Who are moaning today, Town fans or Derby fans ????

Particularly that Derby Director who made some particularly snide comments about us, following their narrow win here. Wonder how that individual feels this morning? Hopefully gagging on a large portion of humble pie!

Exactly, big headed tosser.

[barmy billy]

I'm still trying to take it in to be honest. A great achievement by the management and players. Just the old enemy now who I am sure we will brush aside.

[nicscreamer]

Whatever happens between now a a week Saturday, this season has been a true roller coaster of a ride and I am immensely thankful to MM and TC for their efforts.

They have turned a mixed bag of players into a solid and hard working team, that has very much overachieved this year. I am proud of the team and the way they have conducted themselves this season.

I am sure there will be some heart stopping moments against the scum, but we should all be proud ITFC fans no matter what the outcome.

COYB

[number 9]

I can't believe Derby have only won two of their last ten games, what a shocking time for them to find their worst run of form this season, and how fortuitous for us.

Sad for Wolves missing the play offs with 78 points... I'm sure I heard this afternoon that teams have previously gained automatic promotion with 78 points!

And maybe here is a lesson to be learned, a few months back many Town fans on here and elsewhere were bemoaning the fact that Derby had spent Millions and were bringing in Ince, Lingaard, Bent blah blah blah while we had penny pinched, spent bugger all and brought in has beens, money does not guarantee you anything. Who are moaning today, Town fans or Derby fans ????

I don't want to get into a slinging match here, but one could argue a little investment may have got us automatic promotion. It's never guaranteed of course, and I am chuffed we made the play offs...especially after that miserable run we had. Regardless of what happens against that other team, this season has indeed been very rewarding for us fans!

[Bluemike]

I can't believe Derby have only won two of their last ten games, what a shocking time for them to find their worst run of form this season, and how fortuitous for us.

Sad for Wolves missing the play offs with 78 points... I'm sure I heard this afternoon that teams have previously gained automatic promotion with 78 points!

And maybe here is a lesson to be learned, a few months back many Town fans on here and elsewhere were bemoaning the fact that Derby had spent Millions and were bringing in Ince, Lingaard, Bent blah blah blah while we had penny pinched, spent bugger all and brought in has beens, money does not guarantee you anything. Who are moaning today, Town fans or Derby fans ????

I don't want to get into a slinging match here, but one could argue a little investment may have got us automatic promotion. It's never guaranteed of course, and I am chuffed we made the play offs...especially after that miserable run we had. Regardless of what happens against that other team, this season has indeed been very rewarding for us fans!

That is the thing, it is a gamble and we will never know, had we taken that gamble with money we don't have and ended up "Doing a Derby" we would be even more in the cart and probably going backwards yet again, thats not what I want to see for sure.

[Charnwood]

To be honest when you see what McCarthy can do with nowt, just imagine what he could do with a sensible budget.

If I were Mr Evans I'd be more than happy to trust him to spend wisely.

[ashfordblue]

Well if Mick hasn't learned all about the scum now after two matches and two losses, and know how to beat them, then some thing is drastically wrong, BUT this is a different couple of games now, and I reckon Mick & TC will certainly have the boys geed up for this one, as I said earlier I'm sure Mick is on a Million pound bonus to get us promoted, which should be incentive enough, but like always we will probably do it the hard way as usual, finger nails chewed to the quick's, so lets see what happens.