Ipswich Town vs Bristol City Preview & Matchday Thread

[Charnwood]

I've bet on Town to draw, so based on recent betting outcomes it's highly likely we should win this one now.

[lucy]

2-1 to ipswich pitman

[Charnwood]

This could prove to be a very important win. Stats suggest a much better second half, I'm sure Bluemike report will tell all.

[Frosty]

we were always going to win this one, it was just by how much, and a good opportunity to gain another 6 points from the next 3 fixtures

[phily bon bon]

Fair dos three welcomed points, let's see what the next couple of games brings. For me we could easily loose the next game. Inconsistent is the best way to describe our season so far.

[number 9]

Nice to hear Dozzell and Kenlock having an impact! Well done, COYB!

[hallamblue]

http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/10 ... istol-city



http://www.twtd.co.uk/league-tables/

[Bluemike]

That's a bit more like it Town !!! I suppose anything would have been a improvement on the Fulham debacle but I was quite pleased with much of what I saw tonight. Kenlock in for Knudsen was a good start and McGoldrick & Ward in from the off gave the line up quite an attacking look to it. I felt we started very well and had Bristol on the back foot without creating anything of note, what was obvious from the off was that Town were attempting to play the ball on the floor without the usual hoofing upfield at every opportunity. Lawrence & ward had started brightly while Didsy was also seeing a fair bit of the ball, City were finding it hard to get into our half apart from one occasion when Berra had to be lively to get in front of Abraham who had found himself free. Despite our promising build up play too many attacks were breaking down before we could get a shot away and the City keeper had not been overly tested.

Finally we did string a good move together which resulted in Town taking the lead, good work from Webster played Lawrence in who put in a peach of a ball for Bru to turn it home, it was a nice move and a well taken finish to give us a deserved lead. It was important to get to half time ahead and this we did with little trouble. It had been a good half from town with some nice approach play from Ward, Lawrence & Bru while at the back Webster stood out again, his reading of the game and positional play was very good while Berra too stood firm, young Kenlock had done little wrong and I must admit I felt far more comfortable with him there than I do with Knudsen, Chambo too had not looked out of place as he has so often recently.

Bristol started the second half brightly and it wasn't long before they drew level, again it was Town gifting our opponents a goal, this time Berra & Bialkowski getting in a muddle, the ball falling to Abraham who stroked it home. The first half of the second period had seen City have their best spell of the game and Town were looking a little bit edgy following the equaliser. Gradually Town were getting another foothold in the game and chances started to come with some regularity, first pitman and then Lawrence had efforts saved by Fielding. What was pleasing for me was the first substitution, nothing negative for a change as Dozzell was introduced at the expense of Bru and it proved to be a good change as young Dozzell was to have a big part to play in the final quarter of the game. Chances continued to come and go as Lawrence, Webster and Pitman all had a pop at goal, Dozzell was threading through some lovely balls, something we have been crying out for in games, creativity from midfield and it was the kid supplying it.

As we continued to come forward it looked for all the world like a defender cleared the ball off the line with his arm but nothing was given, then we came so close to getting our noses in front again, another lovely ball from Dozzell played in Pitman who found Sears and as the defence got in a mess Sears saw his effort somehow blocked on the line with the defender knowing little about it. Town really had been unlucky not to be ahead but finally the breakthrough came and what a goal it was, Sears was again put through by the impressive Lawrence and his cross was sublime, finding Pitman at the far post who smashed home a super overhead kick to send the fans into wild celebrations. The final 5 minutes were seen out with little trouble and the points were ours.

As bad as things have been lately I have to give everyone the credit they deserve tonight for a much improved showing, MM gave us a more attack minded line up and the style of play was more pleasing on the eye as we tried to play football for a change. By and large the defence stood firm against Abraham who is a real handfull, in Midfield the wide players of Ward & Lawrence were very prominent and tried to get the ball down and run at defenders, Bru sprayed passess around and got the all important goal while Skuse did what Skuse does in front of the back four. Pitman & Didsy worked hard and got on the end of a few balls, both had chances to score before Pitman got the winner, the subs were spot on tonight, Dozzell had his best cameo in a Town shirt and put through 3 or 4 defence splitting balls while sears supplied the killer cross for the winning goal.

Bart (6) Chambers (6) Berra (7) Webster (7) Kenlock (6) Ward (7) Skuse (6) Bru (7) Lawrence (8) Pitman (7) McGoldrick (6)

SUBS :- Dozzell (8) Sears (7) Varney (6)

It's just one win but it could be a massive one, pleasing football from an attack minded line up, heads didn't drop when we conceded, despite a tight first half chances started to flow in the last quarter of the game and we could have won by more. the efforts of Dozzell were very impressive while ward had a good game at last too, young Kenlock looked at home at LB and Webster showed once more what a good signing he is. There was not a single negative song or boo aimed at the manager or players and the fans also made the atmosphere the best one it has been for some time, getting behind the players makes a difference as could be seen in much of how we played. The real test comes at QPR on Monday but there are reasons to be hopeful. Loftus road here we come. COYB'S.

[Magicmark]

http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/10 ... istol-city



http://www.twtd.co.uk/league-tables/

Lovely goal by pitman

[TODD66]

Nicely taken winner there from Mr Pitman!

[Shed on tour]

Typical, miss the game because of a poxy flat tyre (I would like to meet the pr*ck who came up with the idea of not having a spare in modern cars) and we put in our best home performance for a while.

No doubt normality will be resumed on Monday when I will be at Loftus Road.

[arana peligrosa]

Three minutes away from the 1 - 1 prediction pre game but Pitman scored something deserving of winning any game. Bristol are arguably one of the poorest teams this league can offer this season but we kept our focus and didn't capitulate when the opposition took it level. Essentially paper over cracks in a hitherto poor and disappointing season, but hopefully players and manager will see the positives from today and take it into subsequent games.

[bluejacko]

That's a bit more like it Town !!! I suppose anything would have been a improvement on the Fulham debacle but I was quite pleased with much of what I saw tonight. Kenlock in for Knudsen was a good start and McGoldrick & Ward in from the off gave the line up quite an attacking look to it. I felt we started very well and had Bristol on the back foot without creating anything of note, what was obvious from the off was that Town were attempting to play the ball on the floor without the usual hoofing upfield at every opportunity. Lawrence & ward had started brightly while Didsy was also seeing a fair bit of the ball, City were finding it hard to get into our half apart from one occasion when Berra had to be lively to get in front of Abraham who had found himself free. Despite our promising build up play too many attacks were breaking down before we could get a shot away and the City keeper had not been overly tested.

Finally we did string a good move together which resulted in Town taking the lead, good work from Webster played Lawrence in who put in a peach of a ball for Bru to turn it home, it was a nice move and a well taken finish to give us a deserved lead. It was important to get to half time ahead and this we did with little trouble. It had been a good half from town with some nice approach play from Ward, Lawrence & Bru while at the back Webster stood out again, his reading of the game and positional play was very good while Berra too stood firm, young Kenlock had done little wrong and I must admit I felt far more comfortable with him there than I do with Knudsen, Chambo too had not looked out of place as he has so often recently.

Bristol started the second half brightly and it wasn't long before they drew level, again it was Town gifting our opponents a goal, this time Berra & Bialkowski getting in a muddle, the ball falling to Abraham who stroked it home. The first half of the second period had seen City have their best spell of the game and Town were looking a little bit edgy following the equaliser. Gradually Town were getting another foothold in the game and chances started to come with some regularity, first pitman and then Lawrence had efforts saved by Fielding. What was pleasing for me was the first substitution, nothing negative for a change as Dozzell was introduced at the expense of Bru and it proved to be a good change as young Dozzell was to have a big part to play in the final quarter of the game. Chances continued to come and go as Lawrence, Webster and Pitman all had a pop at goal, Dozzell was threading through some lovely balls, something we have been crying out for in games, creativity from midfield and it was the kid supplying it.

As we continued to come forward it looked for all the world like a defender cleared the ball off the line with his arm but nothing was given, then we came so close to getting our noses in front again, another lovely ball from Dozzell played in Pitman who found Sears and as the defence got in a mess Sears saw his effort somehow blocked on the line with the defender knowing little about it. Town really had been unlucky not to be ahead but finally the breakthrough came and what a goal it was, Sears was again put through by the impressive Lawrence and his cross was sublime, finding Pitman at the far post who smashed home a super overhead kick to send the fans into wild celebrations. The final 5 minutes were seen out with little trouble and the points were ours.

As bad as things have been lately I have to give everyone the credit they deserve tonight for a much improved showing, MM gave us a more attack minded line up and the style of play was more pleasing on the eye as we tried to play football for a change. By and large the defence stood firm against Abraham who is a real handfull, in Midfield the wide players of Ward & Lawrence were very prominent and tried to get the ball down and run at defenders, Bru sprayed passess around and got the all important goal while Skuse did what Skuse does in front of the back four. Pitman & Didsy worked hard and got on the end of a few balls, both had chances to score before Pitman got the winner, the subs were spot on tonight, Dozzell had his best cameo in a Town shirt and put through 3 or 4 defence splitting balls while sears supplied the killer cross for the winning goal.

Bart (6) Chambers (6) Berra (7) Webster (7) Kenlock (6) Ward (7) Skuse (6) Bru (7) Lawrence (8) Pitman (7) McGoldrick (6)

SUBS :- Dozzell (8) Sears (7) Varney (6)

It's just one win but it could be a massive one, pleasing football from an attack minded line up, heads didn't drop when we conceded, despite a tight first half chances started to flow in the last quarter of the game and we could have won by more. the efforts of Dozzell were very impressive while ward had a good game at last too, young Kenlock looked at home at LB and Webster showed once more what a good signing he is. There was not a single negative song or boo aimed at the manager or players and the fans also made the atmosphere the best one it has been for some time, getting behind the players makes a difference as could be seen in much of how we played. The real test comes at QPR on Monday but there are reasons to be hopeful. Loftus road here we come. COYB'S.

Good report Mike, it's a pity there was not that much effort in front of 4000 extra fans!
Still a good result despite the ref doing his best to get in the way.

[AzzurroMark]

I enjoyed the game last night, especially as it was April 2015 when I last saw a PR home win. OK we were no world beaters and many will argue it was only Bristol City (look at some other teams we should've beaten at PR but didn't). While this might've only been my 2nd game this season, I must praise the effort the players put in last night. Yes, genuine goal attempts were few and far between in the first half, but we were certainly getting forward a lot. In the second half, only good goalkeeping /defending prevented a larger scoreline in our favour.

Have to give special praise to the SBR Lower stand last night too. Was best atmosphere I have heard in a time.A few prolonged bursts of 'Blue Amy" and all round positive support. Hopefully both the performance from the team and the fans will rub off on each other to lift some of the gloom that 2016 saw at PR.

Some may suggest I wear blue-tinted glasses, but hey I know last night will count for very little if we follow it up with an abject performance at QPR. I know we have had false dawns before, and i know one win against lowly opposition was just one game. All that said, I liken our performance this past year to an apple tree. The harvest of fruit has been exceptionally poor, but with the right nurturing I still feel there is evidence of a team that can play and produce a harvest suitable for what we are.

[Bluemike]

I enjoyed the game last night, especially as it was April 2015 when I last saw a PR home win. OK we were no world beaters and many will argue it was only Bristol City (look at some other teams we should've beaten at PR but didn't). While this might've only been my 2nd game this season, I must praise the effort the players put in last night. Yes, genuine goal attempts were few and far between in the first half, but we were certainly getting forward a lot. In the second half, only good goalkeeping /defending prevented a larger scoreline in our favour.

Have to give special praise to the SBR Lower stand last night too. Was best atmosphere I have heard in a time.A few prolonged bursts of 'Blue Amy" and all round positive support. Hopefully both the performance from the team and the fans will rub off on each other to lift some of the gloom that 2016 saw at PR.

Some may suggest I wear blue-tinted glasses, but hey I know last night will count for very little if we follow it up with an abject performance at QPR. I know we have had false dawns before, and i know one win against lowly opposition was just one game. All that said, I liken our performance this past year to an apple tree. The harvest of fruit has been exceptionally poor, but with the right nurturing I still feel there is evidence of a team that can play and produce a harvest suitable for what we are.

Spot on 611, it's not about Blue tinted specs, how you saw the game is exactly how it was, unfortunately you will get those that will not see any good in anything we do now, personally I like to take each individual game on its own merits and last night was pretty good in comparison to many others, I also don't buy into this " it's only bristol city" cobblers, after all they were "only playing Ipswich".

[hallamblue]

Spot on 611.......That's exactly how I saw it and I too enjoyed the game. Made a pleasant change to see Town attempting football on the ground. Confidence is a massive influence and many players are clearly short on that.

I can't recall if our best spell of sustained multi pronged attacking came when young Dozzell came on? I'd like to.think it was. Sears also made an impact.

COYBS

[Charnwood]

Certainly Pitman's goal was worthy of a match winning goal and very well taken. If only we could build on this and win two consecutive games for the first time this season.

[Tangfastic]

That's very encouraging.

That win was really needed... also great to hear people saying they actually enjoyed the game.

It's got to be followed up with good results, but, if not, good performances and going into games with a positive outlook.

I found it odd that Dozzel was plunged into the first team from nowhere for the last two games. Bringing him on for the last 20 minutes is obviously the best way to introduce him.

Big decision ( or not) for Mick. Will he go back with Knudsen and drop Kenlock? If the man has any sense... keep going with Kenlock. He might not be putting in world-class performances, but it's really unhealthy to keep going on and on with the same under-performing players. What message does that say to the players watching knowing they could do a better job.

We're not getting relegated.... and we're not getting promoted ... So why not go out and win over the fans. Returning to negative tactics and over-loading on aged journeymen has got nothing to do with 3 or 5 point plans.

[Bluemike]

Kenlock might not be putting in world class performances but he is in my opinion and without question much better than knudsen already, I feel so much more comfortable with him at LB. As for Dozzell I think MM is actually doing things the right way with him, I was one of the few that thought he looked ok against Fulham and last night he had a super little cameo. I still think he is going to be some player.

[hallamblue]

...Sadly not with us.

[Andym]

Certainly a better performance. But still a game I thought we might lose at one point.

The first half showed us at our best and worst. Good passing, lots of possession. But by halftime we had managed just 3 shots, one blocked, one wide and one goal. Meanwhile a poor Bristol side had tested Bart 3 times with ,3 of their 5 on target. The wide players were having great games. But Pitman is very lazy, and Bru and Skuse are hampered by the 50 yard lengths of rope that tied them to our goalposts preventing them from crossing the halfway line. Consequently we rarely had more than one man in the box.

The goal was a good one. A poor corner was cancelled out by laughable attempts by Bristol to clear. But a couple of good passes led to Bru, who had untied his rope to come up for the corner, to score. As I say some good build up play throughout the half but never looking dangerous. I just wanted to see Bru or Skuse or both bust a gut to support an attack but neither ever breaks into a sweat. Both had reasonable games but without movement in centre mid we will always struggle.

Not sure what happened at half time but the second half started badly. We hardly touched the ball and it was no surprise when Bristol equalised, even if it was a terrible defensive error that gave them the goal. Our midfield struggled for a long period, and I felt that if either side would manage a second goal it wouldn't be us.

Fortunately McCarthy made changes before we could go behind. Call it inspired or call it doing the bleeding obvious. He brought on Dozzell to give us a central midfielder in the opposing half, and a central-playing Sears to give us 2 strikers with McGokdrick behind. Dozzell made some neat passes but it shows what you can do hen there actually players in front of you. A wonderful 88th minute goal from Pitman who probably could see the point in moving his arse now he had some support. From the moment those two substitutions were made we were never going to lose. But for 70 minutes we never looked dangerous despite the decent build up play of the first half. But suddenly 2 central strikers, McGokdrick behind and a central midfielder who wants to (or is allowed to? Who knows?) cross the halfway line and we looked good.

I thought Webster looked good again. Kenlock didn't inspire me or fill me with confidence. I think Knudsen is better.

Ward had a great first half. Great goal from Pitman but lazy for much of the game.

[Bluemike]

Totally disagree with you on the kenlock/Knudsen thing but I guess that is opinions, for me knudsen is sh*te where as kenlock is just beginning to break in to the first team. Chalk and cheese for me.

[Andym]

Totally disagree with you on the kenlock/Knudsen thing but I guess that is opinions, for me knudsen is sh*te where as kenlock is just beginning to break in to the first team. Chalk and cheese for me.

I don't rate Knudsen either. I just didn't feel safe watching Kenlock either and never have done. Thought he got beaten too often, and once or twice got caught hesitating on the ball. I'd still persevere and hope he improves. But I don't think either are very good.

[herforder]

Kenlock has the potential to improve significantly; not sure Knudsen ever will.

Winning was down to MM recognising and responding to the changes BC made at the start of the second half - they moved Freeman into centre-mid, which we were dominating in the first half. That caused us problems, until MM's changes - particularly young JD, whose contribution was very impressive. Sears could have had a couple, with better finishing - but the chances came.

But a hard-fought win, which will hopefully strengthen belief and confidence to take to QPR - who I see won away at Wolves today. Much better atmosphere, with those present really seeming to be enjoying the moment, and dropping all the negative and toxic stuff. Let's hope we can keep it going on Monday.

A very Happy and Healthy New Year to all.