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When I said in the Barnsley preview that Ipswich Town’s 2016/17 would be sure to be full of ups and downs, I wasn’t expecting there to be quite so many in the space of 45 minutes on Saturday! The Blues started brightly, pressing forward in an attempt to make home advantage count. The clearest opportunity to take the early initiative came when Daryl Murphy failed to test the ‘keeper from a Kevin Bru through-ball. After weathering this early storm, the Tykes began to grow in confidence, and were proving a threat down the flanks up against the narrowness of Freddie Sears and, in particular, the roaming Teddy Bishop. Tom Bradshaw had already sent a header straight at Bartosz Bialkowski when, just before half time, he found himself one-on-one with the Pole again thanks to some static defending. This time, Bart produced a wonder save, somehow managing to get a hand to the ball and claw away the seemingly goalbound shot. If that was a turning point in the match, another crucial intervention came when Mick McCarthy decided to make a double substitution at the break, bringing on new arrivals Grant Ward and Conor Grant and reverting to an adventurous 4-3-3 formation. Within less than a minute, Ward had scored with his first touch, from a smart snap shot on the edge of the area. He followed this up, after former Blue Conor Hourihane’s instant reply, with another composed finish, and David McGoldrick’s penalty looked to have sealed the points. When Marley Watkins converted from a Hourihane free kick to reduce the arrears, the Blue Army may have been reminded of a similar scenario in the Play-Off final of 2000. Sure enough, Ward sealed the win, à la Martijn Reuser, to become the first Town debutant to score a league hat-trick since Colin Viljoen in 1967.
Having waited until the 23rd and final home league match of 2015/16 to score 3 goals in a game at Portman Road, we went one better at the first time of asking on Saturday. While it is too early to point to this as evidence of a more enterprising approach, there were plenty of positive signs. It was all too easy for supporters to call for the two new signings to be introduced at half time to inject a bit of energy, with Kevin Bru an obvious candidate to be withdrawn having been fortunate to escape a second yellow card. But for Mick to also take off Teddy Bishop, and go with three up front, showed an adventurous intent to shake things up. It was a refreshing change from last season, when we may have been content to stick with what we had rather than take the game to the opposition on our home patch. Town admittedly rode their luck at times, and on another day could have conceded four themselves, but it was clear to see that there is plenty to work with. This depth of options should be reinforced with the start of the newly-rebranded EFL Cup, as McCarthy will look to give minutes to some of the fringe players. Stevenage may be familiar opponents to us, after we were drawn against them at this stage of the competition for the second time in as many seasons. But the Blues’ line-up is likely to be quite different from twelve months ago, as senior pros and youngsters alike get their chance to show what they can do. Having been terrorised by one former Town player’s son, Alex Kiwomya, against Crewe on Saturday, Stevenage will not be particularly keen to see a certain Andre Dozzell on the teamsheet on Tuesday night…
The Opposition – Stevenage FC
Stevenage Borough were formed in 1976 following the bankruptcy of Stevenage Athletic.
The new club started out playing in the Chiltern Youth League on a roped-off pitch at the town's King George V playing fields. In 1980, the club reacquired the lease for Broadhall Way and the asset passed on to Stevenage Borough Council, who in turn allowed the football club to become its tenant. The club were also granted consent to incorporate the name “Borough” in their title and to adopt the town’s civic emblem as the club badge. With the council as their landlords and a refurbished stadium, Stevenage Borough took on senior status and joined the United Counties Football League in the same year.
During the 1993–94 season, Stevenage won the Isthmian Premier Division, and were subsequently promoted to the Football Conference. Two seasons later, they won the Conference, but were denied promotion to the Football League, due to insufficient ground facilities.
The 1996–97 season witnessed the club progress to the Third Round of the FA Cup for the first time and, the following season, the club went one better, reaching the Fourth Round, where they drew Premier League club Newcastle United.
Despite earning a vast amount of revenue from the two respective cup runs, news emerged that the club were in financial difficulties and that the chairman, Victor Green, was going to close the club down if no buyer was found. However, after several weeks of uncertainty, Phil Wallace purchased the club and set about rebuilding the finances and the relationship with the local council.
In the 2001–02 season, the club reached the FA Trophy final for the first time, but lost 2–0 to Yeovil Town at Villa Park. During the 2004–05 season, Boro' managed to make the play–offs for the first time after finishing fifth. The 2006–07 campaign saw the club reach the FA Trophy final again, where they came back from 2–0 down to beat Kidderminster Harriers 3–2 in front of a record FA Trophy crowd of 53,262. The victory meant that Stevenage were the first team to win a competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium.
For the 2008/09 season, Graham Westley began his second stint as Stevenage Manager (having been their manager previously for a three-and-a-half-year period). Stevenage started the season slowly, but went on a 27–game unbeaten run from December to March and reached the play-offs, where they lost in the semi-finals. During the same season, Stevenage enjoyed success in cup competitions, winning the Herts Senior Cup for the first time, as well as winning the FA Trophy again.
The following season, Westley retained the majority of the squad and ‘Boro were promoted to the Football League for the first time in the club's history with two games to spare, as well as appearing in the FA Trophy final again.
Shortly after the end of the season, chairman Phil Wallace announced that the club would start its life in the Football League as Stevenage Football Club, dropping the word ‘Borough’ from its name as of June 2010.
Stevenage's first ever season in the Football League was a memorable one! The club reached the League Two play-offs, following a sixth-place finish. The club overcame fifth-placed Accrington Stanley over two legs in the semi-finals and then beat Torquay United in the League Two play-off final on 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford. By securing a place in League One, the club had also earned back-to-back promotions. During the same season, Stevenage equalled their previous best performance in the FA Cup, reaching the Fourth Round
Despite the dramatic rise through the leagues in such a short space of time, Stevenage started their first ever season in League One brightly, and a run of four wins in their last five games meant that Stevenage rallied late to finish sixth, their highest ever League placing to date.
Things started to decline, however, in the 2012/13 season, in which they finished in 18th place, and things got even worse in the 2013/2014 season, as they finished in last place and were relegated back to League 2.
Last season in League 2, they finished in a disappointing 18th place.
The Gaffer – Darren Sarll
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
Highlights of Stevenage’s last visit to Portman Road, this time last year:
Colchester W 1-0 Away Cambridge D 1-1 Away Charlton D 0-0 Away Royal Union Saint-Gilloise L 1-2 Home Barnsley W 4-2 Home
Stevenage FC Last 5 Matches
Brighton & Hove Albion W 1-0 Home Boreham Wood D 0-0 Away St. Neots Town D 0-0 Away MK Dons W 4-1 Home Crewe Alexandra L 1-2 Home
Match Referee – Charles Breakspear
Final Thought – Bluemike
We may only be one game into the new season but already the Portman Road faithful have a new hero – step forward hat-trick hero Grant Ward. What a way to kick off your Town career. A second-half three-goal salvo from Ward made sure that we got off to the start we all hoped for while also ensuring he has endeared himself to the home fans instantly. While the win and goal blitz was most welcome, it should not go unnoticed that we still have some serious frailties at the back that really do need sorting out, and quickly. We also can expect a period of chop and change while MM tinkers with formations and personnel etc. as at times Saturday our shape was all over the place.
What pleased me as much as anything is that I am certain the game against Barnsley would not have been won last season so from that perspective it was an improvement. There is little doubt the new signings have a massive part to play and, while Ward took all the opening day plaudits, it should be mentioned that Conor Grant also looked the part with some great delivery and composed play in the centre of the pitch. He may have been overshadowed on this occasion but he will have a significant part to play for sure.
We now turn our attentions to the League Cup or whatever it is called these days and a tie against Stevenage. Much has been made in recent seasons of our lack of respect for the cups given team selections etc. and I am not expecting it to be any different this time out. In all honesty, I am totally in agreement with playing fringe and young players in these games – it is the only way to get them game time. I would also hate to see us lose one of our top players for the sake of a cup game. In any case, we should still be able to field a team more than capable of winning this tie. The likes of Douglas, Gerken, Smith, Digby, Kenlock, Emmanuel, McDonnell etc. can all expect to feature and stake their claim. Whoever we line up with, I see Town running out victors by the tune of 2-1. To those attending, enjoy the game.
Well that line up has blew my thoughts right out of the window. I have to say i am pleased in one way to see that he is trying to win the game while giving some players game time to get up to full speed, the likes of Gerks, Douglas, Digby have to be ready to go should we need them in the coming weeks and playing these games is the right thing to do. I am pleased to see the new boys starting as they both need a game or two to get fully fit having not had much pre season, while Dozzell is always good to see in the team. I was a little surprised to see Chambers & Knudsen start over Emmanuel & Kenlock but as has already been mentioned maybe MM wants the game won early and then he can bring them on. MM certainly can't be accused of not taking this cup tie seriously as has been muted in the past.
Happy with MM's selections; will be interesting to see who he finally selects as subs. So far as Chambers and Knudsen are concerned, I think it's as much about getting more competitive game time and match sharpness into them. If we get well on top, however, Kenlock and/or Emmanuel may well get some time - hope so! Expect a 4-3-3 set up.
First and foremost, we're not going to win the damn competition. All right, there's been some surprise names in recent years such as Swansea, Blackburn, Middlesbrough etc (club sides that could be argued are no bigger in stature than ourselves) but while expecting to maneuver this first round, can't see beyond an elimination by a more 'recognized' name in early subsequent fixtures.
So McCarthy will field a stronger starting XI than previous years ? Still doesn't compensate for those said previous setbacks in past competition when the team just surrendered from the off and decided any future participation wasn't a factor. Don't get me wrong, I would like a run in this event, (something that is an omission from our honors list) but common sense dictates we're not going to get near the end games and not expecting any further progression from the most earliest games of competition.
Let's not p*ss around here, the majority of the support cares zero for this competition (it's just an immaterial objective / distraction from the league) and a good number wouldn't look twice if we were to be eliminated in this one game, but in the simplest terms, hope we can go a long way, go as far as the manager and players allow it, and keep this running throughout the season as we battle on other fronts.
saint jude wrote:So McCarthy will field a stronger starting XI than previous years ? Still doesn't compensate for those said previous setbacks in past competition.......
Why not? Of course it does. I'm with you wanting ITFC to take the League Cup seriously, and it's decent news that the team will be stronger.
Don't forget though, Judy......, another 90+ teams will not win it either.
SJ, all last season you went on about how we should be taking the cups seriously, if Wigan could do it then why can't we was one comment, so we put out a strong side but still you don't seem happy and go as far as to say "we can't win the damn thing" which is exactly what I and others have been saying and why it is pointless risking our better players. I'm not sure what it is you want. I am quite pleased at the line up but would have been equally as pleased with a team of 10 changes.
REF CAPTION. .."f*ck me there's a Pokemon on the pitch"
Though i went to school in Stevenage I hope we cain them tonught. Good to see mick taking it seriously though it will please some and not others. It wont be easy and could easily go to extra time, but i hope and expect us to have a Little too much for them. 3-2 aet.
Sitting in Easter Road stadium, decided to check the HT's. Took a look at the starting line before KO,....., with Sears apparently through the middle and the other recent new guys in, was expecting some goals. Nil effin Nil? Now this is NOT Micks fault. Come on, lads......, you all gelled on Saturday......, get it the fk done. Jaysus H!
When is this arrogant pri*k McCarthy going to learn. Picking your team a day before is totally disrespectful to the opposition and just fires them up. He did it against Portsmouth and got dicked and the same tonight. Please for the love of god get the fu*k out of Town will you.
Another roller coaster ride being a Town fan. Sears was really poor. Not sure why he stayed on
till the end. Felt like we gave our extras a training run. No urgency. No ambition, no plan.
Smith and Digby was really sloppy in the middle of the defense.
Well that was so bloody poor form start to finish. A team of that strength should have easiuly been good enough to beat lower league opposition but we just had no urgency to our game, it was laboured beyond belief, no tempo until the final Five minutes or so by which time it was way too late. OK we made changes but we still had what I class as first team players out there, with the exception of Dozzell.
The first half was just a complete non event with nothing on target at either end until Gerks was forced into a save in the last minute of the half, I thouhgt young Dozzell had a good opening 20 minutes and Chambers too did a lot of good work, mainly due to continually having to cover for Digby who it has to be said was all over the shop.
The second half was little better and it was no surprise when the took the lead with what proved to be the winner, I didnt have a great view of the goal but by all accounts it was a deflection that fell their way after ward who by the way was our best player again was dispossessed as he tried to break. The introductions of Didsy & Bishop definitely improved us but in truth we could only improve. As the game wore on we tried to rally a bit and the stats say we had 20+ shots but most of them were charged down on the edge of the box by some super Stevenage defending, it never ever felt like we were going to score and so it proved.
One thing we did learn tonight is that MM won't have too many selection issues on Saturday as some of the players that came in will be on the bench at best at Brentford, it also shows how much we miss Murphy & Skuse, Two of our most influential players. For me Digby struggled at CB while Douglas is clearly lost for pace now when played as the sole defensive Midfielder. I am afraid to say Freddie Sears just has to be removed from the starting Eleven, played up front as a striker but still bloody hopeless, he cannot start Saturday. Grant Ward again showed me what a big player he is going to be while Conor Grant grew more into the game after the break. Gerks also did well saving Four Stevenage efforts.
Gerkin (6) Chambers(7) Digby (5) Smith (6) Knudsen (6) Dozzell (6) Douglas (5) Bru (6) Grant (6) Ward (7) Sears (5)
Subs :- Didsy (6) Bishop (6)
Disappointed yes but I would rather it be tonight than Saturday, lets get our best Eleven out there from the off and put this one behind us, we are just sh*te in cup competitions for some reason. I think our team Saturday picks itself although he will not drop Berra after one game so for me it should be :- Bart, Chambo, Webster, Berra, Knudsen, Ward, Skuse, Bishop, Grant, McGoldrick, Murphy.
I find it really disappointing that Sears isn't playing well. On all TV games (except one) last season, he was one of the best players on the pitch. There was always a sense of urgency, and he was certainly always either receiving great through passes or looking around looking to deliver passes himself. Not good reading that he's hopeless. Does he actually look as if he's disinterested at the moment?
Phily Bon Bon mentioned that he was hoping Grant Ward would be the new John Wark....., I was hoping Sears would've been close to the new Eric Gates. Not going to happen by the sound of it.
Marko, I have always liked Freddie but yes he is totally disinterested and demotivated, at the moment he is a liability, we were actually playing with no worthwhile striker on the pitch at times.
Only got the score some time after the game had finished. Took in a write-up on the TWTD pages to ascertain relevant details on what had occurred.
Initial reaction was one of surprise, but mixed with frustration and resignation. In some 39, 40 years of taking an interest in whatever this club aims to achieve, have never been witness to a League Cup success and by Christ, it's not going to happen in whatever time remains. So McCarthy made changes to the line-up, (and) even seeing the team fielded it seemed competent enough to have taken us through - having home advantage with an opposition from lower leagues - but no, once again it's another sorry-as* story and we've gone out at one of the earliest rounds of a "major" competition.
Seems the players didn't care much for it. Make no mistake, by the time of the next league game no-ones going to give a sh*t about this score, any initial anger and resentment was a spontaneous action, but when it gets round to the end games early next year and see the last remaining teams involved, some will look back to this night and realize another missed opportunity.
McCarthy's record as Town manager in cup competition reads as such : 2 wins in 13 games. Sorry, but this is a sub-standard statistic and so long as the name in question remains in position, realistically we're not going to win a damn thing by way of tournaments of this nature.
Lo and behold if we were to get a victory in the next league game, everything will be all right with the world and a return for those to who wish to blow sunshine up McCarthy's as*, but really : a home loss at this stage of the competition to some obscure opposition I couldn't even name which league they are based ? This is an embarrassment
Only 6,000 were in attendance so says TWTD and while keeping in mind it's a mid-week game in some competition many fail to recognize, that for me represents a sorry turn-out. Guess they saw ahead of time what was to come and did the right thing in staying away.
Suffice to say all that's left is the FA Cup and while you got to try and remain upbeat, with McCarthy's sorry as* overseeing things, another early elimination would seem likely. So it's the league and nothing else, let's move on from this - another - unsatisfactory cup score and get out of this f**king league once and for all.
Tonight (as before) represented another missed opportunity.
I don't know what it is about this bloody cup but Eight Championship sides dumped out last night including Sheff Wed who are supposed to be the dogs bollocks, Birmingham, Brentford, Wigan, Huddersfield, Rotherham & Barnsley the others.
Marko, I think the poor attendance is partly down to MM's previous lack of interest in the cup competitions, and knowing that we - like most other clubs of similar standing - won't field a first XI. The fact that he named a stronger squad than usual, along with Saturday's 4 goals,probably resulted in the relatively high number paying at the gate.
I'll comment on the performance later....being called out to be a plumber's mate. The joys of fatherhood.
Aw no, Andy......, I'm always guilty of throwing threads off track, but you've forced this one! What's the plumbing job involved? (Plumbing & heating geek here! )
Ipswich Town vs Stevenage F.C. 
