Ipswich Town v Barnsley preview and matchday thread

[phily bon bon]

Get in.

[shamm]

Need a goal to settle the nerves.

4-2 Thank you Ward. 3 Goals

[phily bon bon]

I think we just may have discovered our new John Wark

[Dubai Blue]

Grant Ward hatrick. Not a bad way to start son.

[lucy]

Ward for top goal scorer this year?

[shamm]

Need 1 more to top the table. If not it will be our neighbours.

[phily bon bon]

Can't wait to see the match reports from the lads at the match, and ladies of course. Great win with lots of goals. Need to tighten up at the back. Mick won't be happy to concede from a set piece.

[lucy]

4 goals at home, can't remember when that last happened.

[phily bon bon]

4 goals at home, can't remember when that last happened.

Four two against Barnsley we went up.

[shamm]

Colin Viljoen - from my country (South Africa) was the last to score 3 goal on debut.
Well done Ward.

[arana peligrosa]

4 goals at home, can't remember when that last happened.

2/24/2015

Ipswich Town 4 Birmingham City 2


First and foremost pleased about this victory but it's one game at the beginning of a very long road ahead and while take this opportunity to thank all involved for the three points, judgments can't be made on one score alone.

Haven't seen any of the action, all I got is the result and some sporadic reaction post-game, but the ideal start on the first day of this new campaign. We realize it's been far too long now in this same division and everyone is anxious for a return to top level play, but taking one game at a time.

[Bluemike]

Well what a way to start the new season, Four Goals, Three Points and a debut hat-trick for Grant Ward, things couldn't be any better could they ? Well yes actually they could because we still contrived to defend poorly and give away Two silly goals which on another day would almost certainly be costing us points, it is hard to be too critical after scoring Four second half goals while taking into account we had Three players on the field at various times getting used to their new teammates and surroundings.

I felt we started the first half ok without really causing the Barnsley goal too many problems but it was all a bit stop start and scrappy to be fair, after a decent enough opening 20 minutes it was Barnsley who really had the two better chances, one which bart comfortably caught and the other a fantastic save from almost point blank range when the striker should really have scored, sandwiched in between was a great chance for Sears who for me continues to look laboured and dis-interested, after being nicely put through by the impressive Didsy he managed a weak effort straight to the keeper when he really should have scored. The formation hadn't really worked with Sears and Bishop out wide and although Bish had a few runs he was often dispossessed before making a final pass. Webster had setteld in ok and was playing it safe rather than running out from the back with the ball, Knudsen for me was having a rough time of it and looked to be struggling at times. All in all a level score at HT was pretty much the right outcome.

The old cliche a game of Two halves could not be more accurate. With the introduction of our "Two Grants" it was chalk and cheese. With literally his first touch of the ball Ward gave Town the lead, Murphy got a touch to a throw and Ward was on hand to stroke the ball home, cue wild celebrations behind the goal. As in true Town tradition we fail to hold on to a lead and typically Hourihane pulls them level after they had won a high ball in the ares, Bart no chance 1-1. I was struggling to work out exactly what formation we were playing to be honest as the Two newbies who are noted for playing wide were both seemingly in the middle of our Midfield.

It wasn't long before Ward had his second following a Knudsen cross the ball fell for ward who took a touch before showing great composure before rifling it into the net with the help of a small deflection which in truth made little difference. Almost straight away it was Three as Murphy charged into the box only to be hauled down for a pretty clear spot kick, Didsy making no mistake as he sent the keeper the wrong way. 3-1 and game over you would think, but this is Town and yet again we leave a player a completely free header in our box, 3-2 and game very much on, hard to tell who was at fault but it seems our Two CB's need time to get to know one anothers game. Thankfully it was not to prove costly as that man Ward grabbed his debut day hat-trick with a cool finish, the ball falling nicely for the new hero following a super delivery from the corner by Conor Grant, 4-2 and this time it was indeed game over.

The positives are there for all to see, Four Goals, Three points, a debut Hat-trick and the sign of some really good additions to the squad. The negatives are that we still need to sort out a leaky defence, hopefully this will come with games, we got away with it today, we may not against stronger opposition. Freddie Sears for me is another negative, still looks jaded and the body language is not right, he wants to play as a striker which I get but even when through in a strikers position he continues to frap it up when he should do better. The first half was like watching last seasons style of play although not loads of hoofing it, but it is the first day and we can make allowances for that, no doubt the newbies will be in from the off in the not too distant future once they are fully fit and up to speed. Second in the league !!!! Prem here we come.

Bart (7) Chambo (6) Webster (6) Berra (6) (Knudsen (5) Bishop (6) Bru (6) Skuse (6) Sears (5) Didsy (8) Murphy (6)

Subs :- Ward (9) Grant (7) Pitman (6)

[phily bon bon]

Thank you bluemike an accurate fans eye view of todays action. Exactly what we that weren't able to attend need. Real fans as opposed to journalists sometimes say it as it is. Without blue tinted specs and truthful even if it hurts.

If the markings are a new thing then I welcome them.

Blue army

[Bluemike]

http://www.skysports.com/football/ipswi ... ley/358116

[Quasar]

Brilliant stuff

[herforder]

The key issue is this: why did MM ditch the tracksuit, and appear in the dugout wearing a very smart shirt and tie ensemble? We need the truth and we need it now!

As for the game, Bluemike's report is spot on - as were MM's post match comments. Not a time to be over critical, but both full back areas remain the team's main cause for concern.

[number 9]

Just goes to show what we've been missing; last season after Fraser went out we'd have lost that sort of game. I couldn't be happier for Ward! Hatrick on his debut...brilliant!

[bluepeter]

Basically has made my weekend. Now down to MM & TC to hone this squad. Bluemike ...spot on as usual bud.

[Tangfastic]

Thanks for the report, Mike. How do you get the report in so quick - not even time for a celebratory pint?

Great start .. and a great debut for the new lad.

Still got problems leaking goals, but I suppose we have to weigh in Webbo coming in to partner Berra.

Still some tweaking here with formations / starting line up and maybe with a relatively easy fixture list at the start might give us time to sort it out. Most likely its the same with all clubs.

[Bluemike]

Well I did it as soon as I got home, as I was out in the evening for that celebratory pint haha, not to mention the ones before the game. It is also easier while fresh in the mind. As you say still issues to address and sort out what with the defence and formations etc but given it was the opening day and the fact we didn't play particularly well a 4-2 victory is hard to knock.

[hallamblue]

I think Micks man management was spot on. He was faithful to those players (mostly) that played last season. Hence the "same old, same old" in the first half. Changes early 2nd half and BOOM Town score goals.

The major concern I have is the effect playing wide, and out of the picture so much in games, is having on Sears game. I'd rather he came on a sub in place of McGoldrick but then played centrally shish is where he should be and where we would see the real Freddie Sears.
All in all an excellent start. But Mick needs to sort the defence and quick. We can't keep gifting goals like this.

[Tangfastic]

I think Micks man management was spot on. He was faithful to those players (mostly) that played last season. Hence the "same old, same old" in the first half. Changes early 2nd half and BOOM Town score goals.

The major concern I have is the effect playing wide, and out of the picture so much in games, is having on Sears game. I'd rather he came on a sub in place of McGoldrick but then played centrally shish is where he should be and where we would see the real Freddie Sears.
All in all an excellent start. But Mick needs to sort the defence and quick. We can't keep gifting goals like this.

With the defence frailties - I'm a bit surprised a McCarthy team keeps on leaking these soft goals. He's a former defender and so I would have thought that would be our strongest department. Yes - big factor - we have Webster coming in, but even last season we had the same back four . Chambo, Berra and Knudsen are pretty much established. Other factors - assistance from midfield, but could need a bit of tweaking and , if necessary, drop one or two if soft goals keep on going in. He's incredibly loyal to certain players - and maybe they need to give back that loyalty. Smith is waiting in the wings and its good competition. Would be good if we had more competition in the FB positions. We have a couple of young lads, but not sure they are ready.

Not a moan - just interested how team selection will develop over the next few games. Nice to start the season with a feel good factor. It can change very quickly

[marko69]

Starting line up:

Bart, Chambo, Webster, Berra, Knudsen
Skuse, Bru, Bish, Sears
Murph, McG

Subs:

Gerks, Smith, Digby, Ward, Grant, Douglas

You sad boring tit McCarthy, you should be playing the Grant twins. FFS Boring same old sh*te.

You nailed it there, Buddy!

[marko69]

Convincing enough scoreline, although the press and fan reports don't read as if it was convincing at all.

BUT, wigs back on please...... It's the first game, everyone finding their feet etc. Big test next weekend @ Brentford.

[derick_ipsw]

Starting line up:

Bart, Chambo, Webster, Berra, Knudsen
Skuse, Bru, Bish, Sears
Murph, McG

Subs:

Gerks, Smith, Digby, Ward, Grant, Douglas

You sad boring tit McCarthy, you should be playing the Grant twins. FFS Boring same old sh*te.

You nailed it there, Buddy!

He just annoys me because he is so negative. When he read this at half time and took my advice everything changed for the better. I will tell him on Friday which team to pick.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Well I bet Grant Ward will be starting next week!!!
Was talking with Mike before the game, and he said he hopes we get a few more penalties this season as we had not had many of late. Funny how things work out.

Definitely a game of two halves - I must confess to being really disappointed when the team was announced, and the first half was really a continuation of last season and barring an absolutely wonderful save from Bart we would have gone in behind and to be honest would have deserved to do so.

Second half was a real transformation: inspired substitutions? Well interpret it how you will but Bru had to be taken off or he would in all probability have been sent off, and Bishop was so slow first half he was awful. Cue the new boys, and whilst Grant Ward will deservedly take the plaudits for an extremely well taken hat-trick, for me it was Connor Grant who was a revelation - he looked class every time he got the ball and his corner that led to the final goal was sublime, how long have we waiting for somebody who can actually deliver from dead-ball, I think we may just have found him. Personally I took great satisfaction in that we looked a different side with the 2 new players, and a number of us had been advocating them both starting.

So a good result and an entertaining second half, but unfortunately was marred for me by terrible defending. How long must we wait for this to be addressed? For me the problem is Berra, and it was summed up wonderfully for me by Mick Mills post match -when asked why he would have played Smith instead of Berra, his answer was that Berra plays only for himself, wheras Smith is more aware of his team-mates. Hopefully the defence will be sorted before it can do us too much damage.

[jaykay]

glad mick took bru off.as he was a red card cert.didnt get a chance to go and see what the fanzone was like,but heard mainly good reports
just they didnt expect as many people as they got.so a long wait to get a pint.
thought we looked a bit jaded first half,and lucky to go in all square.thanx to barts wonder save.
second half was worth the entrance fee alone,6 goal feast.the defence did look a bit shaky at times but think they will gel.
mick also had a plan b today went from 442 first half to 433 second half,which i like to see in home games.
we got what many of us had been looking for a box to box midfielder who can score goals.3 goals in one match
nearly as many as all midfield scored last year.

[Bluemike]

Well I bet Grant Ward will be starting next week!!!
Was talking with Mike before the game, and he said he hopes we get a few more penalties this season as we had not had many of late. Funny how things work out.

Definitely a game of two halves - I must confess to being really disappointed when the team was announced, and the first half was really a continuation of last season and barring an absolutely wonderful save from Bart we would have gone in behind and to be honest would have deserved to do so.

Second half was a real transformation: inspired substitutions? Well interpret it how you will but Bru had to be taken off or he would in all probability have been sent off, and Bishop was so slow first half he was awful. Cue the new boys, and whilst Grant Ward will deservedly take the plaudits for an extremely well taken hat-trick, for me it was Connor Grant who was a revelation - he looked class every time he got the ball and his corner that led to the final goal was sublime, how long have we waiting for somebody who can actually deliver from dead-ball, I think we may just have found him. Personally I took great satisfaction in that we looked a different side with the 2 new players, and a number of us had been advocating them both starting.

So a good result and an entertaining second half, but unfortunately was marred for me by terrible defending. How long must we wait for this to be addressed? For me the problem is Berra, and it was summed up wonderfully for me by Mick Mills post match -when asked why he would have played Smith instead of Berra, his answer was that Berra plays only for himself, wheras Smith is more aware of his team-mates. Hopefully the defence will be sorted before it can do us too much damage.

Gary, if that carries on it won't be long before Smith is in with Webster, I am not sure how you saw it but I thought it was Berra at fault for the Barnsley second goal ? It was hard to make it out, AylesburyBlue thought it was Murphy at fault but I thought it was way too high for Murph to get to it.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Well I bet Grant Ward will be starting next week!!!
Was talking with Mike before the game, and he said he hopes we get a few more penalties this season as we had not had many of late. Funny how things work out.

Definitely a game of two halves - I must confess to being really disappointed when the team was announced, and the first half was really a continuation of last season and barring an absolutely wonderful save from Bart we would have gone in behind and to be honest would have deserved to do so.

Second half was a real transformation: inspired substitutions? Well interpret it how you will but Bru had to be taken off or he would in all probability have been sent off, and Bishop was so slow first half he was awful. Cue the new boys, and whilst Grant Ward will deservedly take the plaudits for an extremely well taken hat-trick, for me it was Connor Grant who was a revelation - he looked class every time he got the ball and his corner that led to the final goal was sublime, how long have we waiting for somebody who can actually deliver from dead-ball, I think we may just have found him. Personally I took great satisfaction in that we looked a different side with the 2 new players, and a number of us had been advocating them both starting.

So a good result and an entertaining second half, but unfortunately was marred for me by terrible defending. How long must we wait for this to be addressed? For me the problem is Berra, and it was summed up wonderfully for me by Mick Mills post match -when asked why he would have played Smith instead of Berra, his answer was that Berra plays only for himself, wheras Smith is more aware of his team-mates. Hopefully the defence will be sorted before it can do us too much damage.

Gary, if that carries on it won't be long before Smith is in with Webster, I am not sure how you saw it but I thought it was Berra at fault for the Barnsley second goal ? It was hard to make it out, AylesburyBlue thought it was Murphy at fault but I thought it was way too high for Murph to get to it.

Mike, yeah I don't think Murphy had a chance of getting to it unless he'd been on stilts, the way I saw it Berra lost both his man and the flight of the ball.

[herforder]

We should not have given away the free kicks that presented the scoring opportunities! Poor full back defending.