Ipswich vs Brentford Preview & Matchday Thread

[barmy billy]

Well done Ipswich. Amazing start to the season: keep if going.

Caption: 'Spot the dyslexic.'

[Shed on tour]

Few things, in order of importance:

1/ Karlywoo. All the very best to you. I echo Bluemikes words, word for word. Get the health sorted and enjoy restoring the motorbikes.

2/ Hope the bairn enjoyed being mascot at PR today, Ando. The win will make it all the more memorable.

3/ ITFC....... awesome win again. Knudsen @ CB?? Very interested to read how he faired. Well done to Mick & Co.

4/ HFC??? Absolutely no clue how it went so colossally tits up today. Defeats happen, just didn't expect it be Hamilton at ER.

5/ Wolferino....... sounded like a superb game at the Mol, but very unlucky today. I'd say well done Cardiff, but they are keeping ITFC off top spot, so in the words of Harry Enfield......
"CARDIFF CITY..... NOOOOO!"

Marko
For me Knudsen probably had his best game since he joined Town. Others may very well had seen it completely differently but I thought he was outstanding today.

[derick_ipsw]

Wow I'm in dream land. Had did the centre backs play? Keep it going Town.

[herforder]

Agree with Shed - both Knudsen and Spence were excellent as 'makeshift' CBs today. (Kenlock and Iorfa got better as the game progressed).

[derick_ipsw]

Caption : Are you shore the game is today , there is nobody else here.

[Bluemike]

What an absolutely crazy start to the season this has been, just who could have envisaged us winning our first Five games in all competitions. With the injury crisis getting beyond silly I really had nothing but bad feelings about today, a make shift defence to put it mildly against a very capable Brentford side who score for fun could only end one way surely ? How wrong I was as I did not take into account the incredible efforts of Thirteen heroes this afternoon. Yes we had some scary moments, particularly in the first half, yes we had to absorb so much pressure in the final twenty minutes but we did it and for that defensive display we thoroughly deserved it. I have never been Jonas Knudsen's biggest fan but today take a bow Jonas cus you were without doubt the MOTM, a rock at the back and so organised and disciplined, Jordan Spence was not far behind, in turth we had Eleven MOTM performances today as they ran themselves into the ground and were running on empty come the final whistle.

The game started pretty much as I expected the whole afternoon was going to go, Brentford in the ascendancy and going forward with their slick passing game while Town were struggling to get any kind of possession of the ball. Two or Three early half chances were either blocked or snuffed out by Town's rearguard before Bart had his first save to make after 15 minutes but it was pretty comfortable. The big man had to make his first "real" save a few minutes as he got down to a shot that was creeping inside the post. Finally Town showed themselves as an attacking force and it was young Kenlock who played a sublime ball down the left wing for Freddie Sears to find himself in acres of space as he bore in on goal, having got himself inside the box he was tackled at the last second when a simple ball across the box would surely have seen Waghorn score.

Town were now starting to look more of a threat and the feel of the game was changing, we had ridden out the early pressure fairly well in truth and our Four pronged attack with waghorn & Sears out wide were starting to cause problems. Ward saw a looping cross tipped away by Bentley while at the other end Bart had to be quick off his line to avert the danger as Brentford looked to break. Incredibly Town then took the lead, the hard working Skuse broke up play in the middle of the park, McGoldrick then surged forward and was taken out as he got into the box, it would surely have been a penalty had the ref not played an excellent advantage, the ball found its way to Waghorn who made no mistake to score his Fourth of the season. Brentford looked for an equaliser before the break and Bart was tested again befor we really did get away with one as a shot smashed back of the crossbar with Bart beaten. A half chance at either end saw the first half come to a close. It had been a very disciplined defensive performance from Town with everyone working their socks off and despite soaking up a lot of pressure we had again found a way to get ourselves in front.

The second hald was barely Five minutes when incredibly we found ourselves 2-0 up, Didsy's excellent closing down saw him dispossess a defender and the resultant cross was cleared for a corner, another top delivery from Ward saw Garner rise to head goalwards but it was cleared away from the goal by a defenders leg, it looked over the line and thankfully the ref agreed and signalled a goal, fantastic scenes in the North Stand as we could hardly believe this patched up team were Two in front. Brentford had to go for broke now and the onslaught was expected although at times we still looked dangerous on the break. Bart made a hash of a punch to put us under pressure but the danger was cleared yet again. Kenlock's second excellent through ball of the day almost saw Garner through but a superb last ditch tackle denied him as he was about to pull the trigger.

The final Tweny minutes saw Town dropping deeper and deeper with two banks of Four but every man did his job and worked so bloody hard, Didsy and Sears were tracking back and nicking the ball off strikers, while Skuse was all over the place with lunging blocks and tackles, Ward and garner still looked to break but this was becoming less and less as they were out on their feet, all the time Knudsen & Spence stood firm with blocks, tackles and headers, Downes had come on to offer that calming influence when on the ball that belies his years. Iorfa & Kenlock were often the outlets to launch the ball up field to safety. To be honest our goal was not overly troubled with significant chances as we saw the final few minutes out although it was still so bloody tense. The relief at the final whistle was incredible and despite everything we had done it, as I said Thirteen heroes on the day who put in a shift we can all be proud of.

Bart (7) Iorfa (7) Spence (7) Knudsen (8) Kenlock (7) Ward (6) Skuse (7) Waghorn (7) Sears (6) McGoldrick (7) Garner (7)

SUBS :- Downes (6) Rowe (6) Nydam (6)

What fantastic start to the season this has been and in the face of much adversity we are getting the job done, people are stepping up to the plate and doing it well. Knudsen today was exceptional so I take my hat off to him, no way did I see Mick going with the line up and formation that he did today. Jordan Spence is improving all the time, up frony Waggy and Garner are the real deal and will score plenty of goals, the rest all did the job superbly well with Skusey running more than I have ever seen, he did the captains job so well. It was fitting that our MOTM Jonas Knudsen stepped in to do the fist pump and he did Chambo proud and boy how he loved it. So proud of the lads today. COYB'S.

[bluepeter]

What a fabulous weekend to look forward to!! The blues hopefully making it five in a row, can,t wait to see the team sheet and just how on earth MM is going to make a defence out of next to sod all! soo excited about this game, then tomorrow, my 1970 Honda CB 350 arrives for me to sit beside my 500 in the spare bedroom, another 12 month project in the warm through the winter nights, life just don,t get much better for me at the mo!! apart from my health to worry about (Big C ) but my boys in blue and my bikes keep me happy, i think we can do this today, what a high that will be come 5pm?

Chin up Bud.Two nice bikes (both twins ?) and 2 goals.
I was a RD250 hoolie in 1978 also a GT185 ...North Norfolk is also my 2nd home...booked a few days in Sept.
Beat the c.
COYB.

[Tricky]

Well I go that one right. Feel a bit sorry for the Brentford fans, only a little, but that was a bit of a robbery today. We took the chances and that is what matters, but they must feel a little aggrieved. After the last couple of seasons I couldn't really care how we win though. That is 4 on the bounce and long may it continue. Oh.... and those at carrot road lost, so a double victory.

[charlton837]

Gutsy performance today. Knudsen and Spence really put everything they had into that and did their jobs superbly. In 2nd half Kenlock was fantastic too, defensively he was much better than recently and did really well. Garner working his as* off up top, all very positive today

We need players back as we couldn't sustain playing that team in too many games, but all of them deserve credit today.

[J4ck22]

Bloody superb win today! Everyone put in 100% and worked their socks off for the three points. Knudsen, Skuse, McGoldrick and Garner in particular were all brilliant. I think we've got a real gem in Joe Garner, the guy goes for absolutely everything and gives it his all as well as getting into the minds of the defenders he comes up against and rattling them for the whole 90 minutes. He gives a much needed bite in the side and I feel he'll be very important to us this season.

[BLUEBLOOD]

Caption Comp: 5s the magic number

[Frosty]

Fantastic stuff.

I am right in thinking the attendance seemed very low at around the 15K mark?

Perhaps there were a lot of ST's not renewed

[Andym]

Pretty well agree with everything Bluemike wrote. Knudsen was outstanding, Skuse as captain led by example.
How did we win when we had so little possession? By playing as a Team, running our guts out, blocking shots and minimising their chances. Most of Brentford's shots were blocked, the majority of the remainder easily saved. Yes there were a few scares but we coped pretty well.
And again we managed to score with 2 of our 3 shots on target. I felt we deserved the win overall despite the lack of possession.

Delighted for MM. Not a fan of his but to win with so many defenders out is outstanding. Delighted for the team and the back 4 in particular with a clean sheet.

[number 9]

It's like MM said post-match, we're scoring goals now. Last season, lack of goals was our Achilles heel. Imagine how much stronger we'll be when everyone's fit! At the moment, Garner and Waghorn seem the perfect fit for Ipswich. Even Knudsen is being called MOTM! One thing I really like about this team...is the ability to counter-attack. There's still a long way to go, but the trend is looking up this season. You can't ignore or call 5 wins in a row lucky. Something is clicking!

[Andym]

It's like MM said post-match, we're scoring goals now. Last season, lack of goals was our Achilles heel. Imagine how much stronger we'll be when everyone's fit! At the moment, Garner and Waghorn seem the perfect fit for Ipswich. Even Knudsen is being called MOTM! One thing I really like about this team...is the ability to counter-attack. There's still a long way to go, but the trend is looking up this season. You can't ignore or call 5 wins in a row lucky. Something is clicking!

I think you make a very good point about counterattacking. Previously we have hoofed It, been too slow or have found no one in the box. This season we are breaking quickly and with strikers with a poacher' s instinct.

[number 9]

It's like MM said post-match, we're scoring goals now. Last season, lack of goals was our Achilles heel. Imagine how much stronger we'll be when everyone's fit! At the moment, Garner and Waghorn seem the perfect fit for Ipswich. Even Knudsen is being called MOTM! One thing I really like about this team...is the ability to counter-attack. There's still a long way to go, but the trend is looking up this season. You can't ignore or call 5 wins in a row lucky. Something is clicking!

I think you make a very good point about counterattacking. Previously we have hoofed It, been too slow or have found no one in the box. This season we are breaking quickly and with strikers with a poacher' s instinct.

Counter-attacking football is also exciting, Andy. It's what we've been missing! Take a look at some of the comments from BBC. It's great to feel good about ITFC again!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40907802

[marko69]

Pretty well agree with everything Bluemike wrote. Knudsen was outstanding, Skuse as captain led by example.
How did we win when we had so little possession? By playing as a Team, running our guts out, blocking shots and minimising their chances. Most of Brentford's shots were blocked, the majority of the remainder easily saved. Yes there were a few scares but we coped pretty well.
And again we managed to score with 2 of our 3 shots on target. I felt we deserved the win overall despite the lack of possession.

Delighted for MM. Not a fan of his but to win with so many defenders out is outstanding. Delighted for the team and the back 4 in particular with a clean sheet.

Two outstanding's in the one post, Andy? Go have a wee sit down, buddy!

[Ohiotractorboy]

Don't let this end!!!

Great job again bluemike!

[arana peligrosa]

How the f*ck can this club go from playing garbage week in week out and being witness to one disaster to another than all of the sudden being on this plateau of achievement. Fair enough it's only two or three weeks in but the difference in a short space of time is nothing short of astounding. McCarthy's going to win the August manager of the month honor, all this a few days after being castigated left and right and being labeled one of the most ineffectual managers in club history.

Christ, already you could be looking towards a play-off position and we're still in the first month of a new campaign. I mean, four wins out of four is going to generate some level of enthusiasm. Say again how we have changed in such a short space of time is something of an enigma, obviously the new additions have made their difference but for everyone else, why couldn't we begin like this during last season.

In any event take the opportunity to offer thanks to those involved who have provided something you can believe in once again. Take the cup competitions seriously and this could be the most enterprising season seen here since Joe Royle's tenure.

[Bluemike]

"One of the most ineffectual managers in the clubs history" ? What total f**king bullshit !! In your eyes maybe and no doubt several hundred more who just don't grasp certain things.

As for whats changed, Two new strikers for one thing, but we start with a clean slate, last season needs to be written off and forgotten about, just as many do the Two relatively successful seasons that went before it. There are a few reasons why things are diffeent at the moment and long may it continue. I just hope when the first defeat or two roll along people like you don't jump back on to their ridiculous Mick out bandwagon, I have no doubt it will happen as some only support in the true sense when we are winning.

[J4ck22]

"One of the most ineffectual managers in the clubs history" ? What total f**king bullshit !! In your eyes maybe and no doubt several hundred more who just don't grasp certain things.

As for whats changed, Two new strikers for one thing, but we start with a clean slate, last season needs to be written off and forgotten about, just as many do the Two relatively successful seasons that went before it. There are a few reasons why things are diffeent at the moment and long may it continue. I just hope when the first defeat or two roll along people like you don't jump back on to their ridiculous Mick out bandwagon, I have no doubt it will happen as some only support in the true sense when we are winning.

Agreed.

I think the Play-off season is enough for Mick to be no where near one of the most ineffectual of our history. Do people really forget about Keane and Jewell that quickly?! Because THAT was ineffectual.

[herforder]

A root and branch examination across all areas of the Club occurred; it started on day 1 of the close season, with the realisation that we were in a very bad place - both on and off the field - and. if allowed to continue, there might be no way back from disaster. Sounds a bit dramatic, but that's what's happened.

The outcomes are clear to see: some modest investment, spent wisely and effectively in terms of what we're now witnessing; MM less beligerent and giving interesting and honest interviews; manager and players accepting that last season's performances were mostly unacceptable, and that the major elemet of change was going to be down to them; a far greater effort by the club to connect with supporters and the local community, with improved PR and communication - rebuilding the critical bond. Just some of the issues under scrutiny and action, but the top priority was to reverse the drab, predictably mediocre stuff that was driving supporters away. The Club keeping faith with MM, and vice versa, was seen as key to achieving that. Early days, but so far so good on that one!

[marko69]

....last season needs to be written off and forgotten about, just as many do the two relatively successful seasons that went before it....

Couldn't agree more ^^^

Some football supporters and their double standard thinking can be very irritating indeed. Read a few complete tw@ts thinking Neil Lennon has done all he can due to the Accies result. If they're not trolling bstds, then it's unbelievable.

[Ando]

Good to see the ground buzzing again even with a smaller crowd. Brentford fans played their part until the second goal.

There was certainly more exceptence from the crowd when Brentford dominated the first 20 mins. If that would have been last season the crowd would have been restless to say the least.

I think it's important that expectations are managed and people don't get carried away. I think MM hit the nail on the head when he said he was not worried about the defence today because of Brenfords style they play. Had we been up against a couple of lumps things would have been tougher.

I like Knudsen better in a more central role maybe as part of a back three and agree with others he had his best game since joining.

It will be interesting what MM does when we get players back from injury. Surely we can't play 4 strikers all season, can we?

Lad had a great time as ball boy he got three touches, one being a pass off Kenlock. He also got trodden on by a Brentford player when he was shoved off the pitch.

[number 9]

....last season needs to be written off and forgotten about, just as many do the two relatively successful seasons that went before it....

Couldn't agree more ^^^

Some football supporters and their double standard thinking can be very irritating indeed. Read a few complete tw@ts thinking Neil Lennon has done all he can due to the Accies result. If they're not trolling bstds, then it's unbelievable.

LOL! You and Bluemike both were calling for MM's resignation just like everybody else! Double-standard haha! Based on last season's performance, I'd still want MM to p*ss off. I'm glad he's finally changing his ways. Like many of us have said consistently, you have to play attacking football to have a chance of winning. That's what we're doing now. So, good for Mick...he is an experienced manager and now he's using his experience to succeed. COYB!

[Bluemike]

....last season needs to be written off and forgotten about, just as many do the two relatively successful seasons that went before it....

Couldn't agree more ^^^

Some football supporters and their double standard thinking can be very irritating indeed. Read a few complete tw@ts thinking Neil Lennon has done all he can due to the Accies result. If they're not trolling bstds, then it's unbelievable.

LOL! You and Bluemike both were calling for MM's resignation just like everybody else! Double-standard haha! Based on last season's performance, I'd still want MM to p*ss off. I'm glad he's finally changing his ways. Like many of us have said consistently, you have to play attacking football to have a chance of winning. That's what we're doing now. So, good for Mick...he is an experienced manager and now he's using his experience to succeed. COYB!

You need to get your facts right, read my posts again, the only reason i ever said he had to go etc was because prats like you had made the situation too bad to ever retrieve it, i actually let the idiot element of the fans sway my judgement, it wont happen again.

[number 9]

Oh come on Mikey! It's just a bit of banter. I'm sure your decision was finally swayed by the crap that was being dished out on the pitch. I don't think you'd let yourself be swayed by an idiot like me haha! We all just want our 'Town to win, that's all! Let's all hope it continues to be positive.

[Bluemike]

Mate I have no issue with banter, thats all good but apart from maybe one game last season when I had a big wobble against Mick my only reason 95% of the time for feeling he had to go was down to the way the situation had turned with fans, thankfully the fickle nature is stonger than I thought and most seem to now be buying into MM again.

[Ohiotractorboy]

I was one of the biggest MM pom poms when he was hired, and I have to admit I had swayed to he had to go also last season. This just shows what happens when new blood comes in, and produces on the pitch. The team as a whole buys in, and the whole culture of the team changes. And credit to Mick for seemingly changing his style both on and off the pitch. No need to look back, enjoy the hell out of this now.

It is like baseball, if a few players start to hit better, the whole team will also. It is strange.

[number 9]

Mate I have no issue with banter, thats all good but apart from maybe one game last season when I had a big wobble against Mick my only reason 95% of the time for feeling he had to go was down to the way the situation had turned with fans, thankfully the fickle nature is stonger than I thought and most seem to now be buying into MM again.

I really was just kidding, mate! I've stated more than once, that you are the type of fan ITFC needs to keep. You stuck with MM until the very end, and you only changed your mind when it seemed like all was lost. In fact, your unrestrained positiveness kept me and many other fans on board until the very end. You can even go back and read my posts. I even said I'd be willing to give MM another chance if ME coughed up some money. One of these days when I'm back in Suffolk, I'll buy you a couple pints. We're all Ipswich fans after all!