Huddersfield Town v Ipswich Town preview and matchday thread

[lucy]

Shocking performance but it's points that count

[lucy]

Ipswich had 6 shots to Huddersfields 22

[derick_ipsw]

Ipswich had 6 shots to Huddersfields 22

But they only had 5 on target. We had 1 and won. Hope this a spring board for a nice little run. Well done Town.

[Charnwood]

Always pleased with 3 points however they're achieved, however the stats don't look too encouraging and we may well have committed highway robbery with just 33% possession and only 1 shot on target.

As always looking forward to Bluemike & Mach's first hand reports.

Forest have had a bad day today and won't be feeling too confident, a win next weekend and we're back in with a shout albeit by all accounts whilst playing badly.

[marko69]

ITFC are the only good thing about today........, predicted the 5 goals at the Hibs game, but FK SAKE! And Forest, Charnwood? They were the sole team to let me down on collecting £150-00. Useless gits!

BUT........, quite moaning. Well done ITFC, excellent result. At this stage of the season, results are what matters.

And lets face it....., the fans talk about "performance; the lads must've shown some level of performance to come out winners with stats like that. Again, well done.

[barmy billy]

YEAH! A yard o' Lager and Fud sandwiches! Ye cannae beat it, Barmy.

That's not what it showed in my Anglo-Scottish dictionary!

[herforder]

If ever there was a match to highlight the 'performance vs result' debate, then this was it! The stats might show a huge deficit in terms of possession, passes completed and shots on goal. However, the single stat that really matters is 100% of the goals. So well done to MM and the lads for somehow gaining us 3 invaluable points; and a win that will hopefully give us a platform to push on from. A win over NF next week and the whole landscape will look much better.

From the Suffolk Radio commentary, Bart clearly played another blinder. If folk thought that we had two average-ish GKs, with not much to chose between them, then Bart's consistently high-level prrformances since regaining his place may have edged him ahead of Gerks. Freddie Sears also mentioned highly in despatches, whilst Berra seemed to get stronger as the game progressed. MM's change of formation, when we getting overrun by their midfield and attacking FBs, also noteworthy.

So, from Alex Mathie describing some of our first half play as shambolic and disorganised, we somehow not only survived, but went on to triumph. A typical MM performance then - went for a point, come home with all three. Also pleased I managed to get the pre-match prediction right!

900 or so travelling fans - amazing. Nice haappy journey home for them.

[barmy billy]

An unexpected surprise having listened to the match,

Welcome points gratefully received.

[marko69]

Its a west coast word, Barmy......., you'll not hear many Edinburgers using it.

[number 9]

Shame to hear our display was 'shambolic' and 'shocking'. I can't argue though, we'll definitely take the points. Kudos to Pringle for the goal! Well done, lad!

[arana peligrosa]

Shame to hear our display was 'shambolic' and 'shocking'. I can't argue though, we'll definitely take the points. Kudos to Pringle for the goal! Well done, lad!

Of all the probable scorers for the team Pringle would have been one of the least expected. Still a concern that the usual recognized names aren't adding enough to their respective tallies but as mentioned, we'll take the score regardless of how it went down.

Huddersfield must have wondered how they lost it but it's not the first time a Town side has traveled away and took something from a game that was hardly deserving. Here is a link to highlights from today's game courtesy of Sky Sports. (Running time 2 minutes 20)

http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sp ... -1-ipswich

[barmy billy]

Its a west coast word, Barmy......., you'll not hear many Edinburgers using it.

Skip the translation: I'll stick to Corned Beef.

Hope your back is improving.

[phily bon bon]

A win is a win and though the purists wont be happy with the stats, we have to bo grately pleased with the three points.
I never saw anything in it for us today,and i did'nt even see us scoring. But Credit due to Mick and TC and of course the players.
Delighted and i guess i would take points over substance any day of the week.

[BLUEBLOOD]

'shambolic' and 'shocking' If we play like this and win every game I will take it.
We have played much better and lost many games before.
How many games in the past have we had 20 or more shots on target and not scored and the other team has 1 shot and wins the match.
Maybe OUR luck is changing.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

I'm really beaming this evening as this win has been a slap in the 'Mick Out we want an entertainment' brigade's faces. We never deserved to win it. Do I care? Not in the slightest as we've got 3 points.
First half was one of the most one-sided football games I've seen for a long while and best proof that you don't always get what you deserved in football. Huddersfield's first two chances in the opening 15 minutes ought to have been goals. Simple header from a close range went wide and Wells' one on one opportunity was somehow blocked by Bialkowski's leg.
One of the rare counter attacks from us and Pringle's shot and slight ricochet ended successfully. I still thought though we were gonna lose it.

The overall picture of the game didn't change. Huddersfield were still on the front foot, still creating opportunites and they particularly seemed to enjoy stretching our defence. How on earth we ended up winning this half 1-0 I didn't know. But we did a little bit of Huddersfield style too as nice passing ended with Murphy wasting a chance from close range in final seconds of 1st half.

Second half more even than the first one but still with the hosts having much of the ball. But despite that it wasn't as one-sided as in the first half and not as many chances. Bialkowski when needed to do this job reacted brilliantly to stop particularly Hogg's shot from 16 yards. 5 minutes before Murphy could have put the game to bed but his shot went couple of inches off their post.

The best of their chances was bizarelly wasted by Davidson who somehow missed from a few yards when simple shot on target was a formality.

Huddersfield as expected kept the ball on the ground and rarely hoofed but seemed desperately to unlock our rigid defence through the middle. Yes, rigid in the 2nd half as apart from Bialkowski there were two players in our central backs who were tough to get past. Berra and Smith were really impressive which hadn't been as good in the first half.

Huddersfield should have considered hoofing as it might have yielded some effects and saved a point at least for them.

5 minutes before end real scramble in our box, Chambers really hesitant with his reaction and once Bialkowski saved us and grabbed the ball.

Very tense final moments and what relief which followed the final whistle.

Bialkowski our MOTM without shadow of doubt. Berra and Smith for their second half performance. Once again we've had a proof that Pitman isn't a starter and does better as a sub.

We never deserved to win, I'm not saying we did enough even to get a draw. I would have been moaning if we had lost the game, I would have been moaning about lack of imaginations, drab hoofball and not using plan B when hoofball doesn't work out etc etc. Football is about wins no matter how they are achieved.

Wonder how is ' Mick Out, we want an entertainment' brigade, how is your evening? You'd rather us to have lot 3-4 today having played sexy football rather than win 1-0 having played ugly, wouldn't you? Huddersfield tried to play pretty football whereas ours was ugly. When will you fathom that no manager is going to make us better without money to spend? Evans' policy and reluctance to give Mick money to improve the team is the biggest issue for us. Summer talks between them may turn out to be a key to the clubs nearest future.

Social side perfect as ever when it comes to away days, plenty of chuffed and smiled Town fans particularly after the game, we've won so perfect day out. Bluemike thanks for your fantastic company ! Still don't think though we're gonna make top 6 but I thought we were never gonna get anything today so we need to wait to see.

[number 9]

I'm delighted that we won! It's about time we had some luck. Of course, I respect everyone's opinion whether you're for or against the manager or the owner. So if any of that 'Mach-Smack' is directed to me...cheer up lad, we've just grinded out 3 points!

[barmy billy]

I'm delighted that we won! It's about time we had some luck. Of course, I respect everyone's opinion whether you're for or against the manager or the owner. So if any of that 'Mach-Smack' is directed to me...cheer up lad, we've just grinded out 3 points!

I totally agree.

[jaykay]

got home a couple of hours ago,good 3 points.also three things stood out for me,murphy had his best game for awhile hope it continues.bart for me is the beter keeper of the 2.also knudsen the butt of many, is learning and improving no end

[ashfordblue]

I'm really beaming this evening as this win has been a slap in the 'Mick Out we want an entertainment' brigade's faces. We never deserved to win it. Do I care? Not in the slightest as we've got 3 points.
First half was one of the most one-sided football games I've seen for a long while and best proof that you don't always get what you deserved in football. Huddersfield's first two chances in the opening 15 minutes ought to have been goals. Simple header from a close range went wide and Wells' one on one opportunity was somehow blocked by Bialkowski's leg.
One of the rare counter attacks from us and Pringle's shot and slight ricochet ended successfully. I still thought though we were gonna lose it.

The overall picture of the game didn't change. Huddersfield were still on the front foot, still creating opportunites and they particularly seemed to enjoy stretching our defence. How on earth we ended up winning this half 1-0 I didn't know. But we did a little bit of Huddersfield style too as nice passing ended with Murphy wasting a chance from close range in final seconds of 1st half.

Second half more even than the first one but still with the hosts having much of the ball. But despite that it wasn't as one-sided as in the first half and not as many chances. Bialkowski when needed to do this job reacted brilliantly to stop particularly Hogg's shot from 16 yards. 5 minutes before Murphy could have put the game to bed but his shot went couple of inches off their post.

The best of their chances was bizarelly wasted by Davidson who somehow missed from a few yards when simple shot on target was a formality.

Huddersfield as expected kept the ball on the ground and rarely hoofed but seemed desperately to unlock our rigid defence through the middle. Yes, rigid in the 2nd half as apart from Bialkowski there were two players in our central backs who were tough to get past. Berra and Smith were really impressive which hadn't been as good in the first half.

Huddersfield should have considered hoofing as it might have yielded some effects and saved a point at least for them.

5 minutes before end real scramble in our box, Chambers really hesitant with his reaction and once Bialkowski saved us and grabbed the ball.

Very tense final moments and what relief which followed the final whistle.

Bialkowski our MOTM without shadow of doubt. Berra and Smith for their second half performance. Once again we've had a proof that Pitman isn't a starter and does better as a sub.

We never deserved to win, I'm not saying we did enough even to get a draw. I would have been moaning if we had lost the game, I would have been moaning about lack of imaginations, drab hoofball and not using plan B when hoofball doesn't work out etc etc. Football is about wins no matter how they are achieved.

Wonder how is ' Mick Out, we want an entertainment' brigade, how is your evening? You'd rather us to have lot 3-4 today having played sexy football rather than win 1-0 having played ugly, wouldn't you? Huddersfield tried to play pretty football whereas ours was ugly. When will you fathom that no manager is going to make us better without money to spend? Evans' policy and reluctance to give Mick money to improve the team is the biggest issue for us. Summer talks between them may turn out to be a key to the clubs nearest future.

Social side perfect as ever when it comes to away days, plenty of chuffed and smiled Town fans particularly after the game, we've won so perfect day out. Bluemike thanks for your fantastic company ! Still don't think though we're gonna make top 6 but I thought we were never gonna get anything today so we need to wait to see.

Mac read my blog re Micks çomments in EADT would welcome your views on this, there's a bit of twist in it, but read the EADT first for your reaction to it

[Charnwood]

ITFC are the only good thing about today........, predicted the 5 goals at the Hibs game, but FK SAKE! And Forest, Charnwood? They were the sole team to let me down on collecting £150-00. Useless gits!

BUT........, quite moaning. Well done ITFC, excellent result. At this stage of the season, results are what matters.

And lets face it....., the fans talk about "performance; the lads must've shown some level of performance to come out winners with stats like that. Again, well done.

You're not the only one Marko, they f*cked my accumulator up too, Tuesday it was Sheff Wed v QPR today fuckin Forest, there"s always one!

[Bluemike]

We often bemoan the fact that we don't always get "what we deserve" from games and I guess it would be true to say that is exactly what Huddersfield fans are saying this morning, we have said it a fair few times this season already, Brentford & Forest away and Wolves at home spring to mind. I have already read comments like "Shocking" "shambolic" and "lucky" to describe our win yesterday, really ? Delve a little deeper and it may not be as bad as some would have you believe. Yes it is true to say that in that first half we did indeed ride our luck at times, particularly in the opening 25 minutes where Huddersfield missed a couple of very good chances, a clear header on goal going wide when it was easier to score and Bart doing what he has been doing helped to keep us level. So it was something against the run of play when we took the lead thanks in no small part to some superb and persistent work from Murphy who out foxed Lynch before setting up Pringle with a neat cross, the latter finished with aplomb for his first Town goal.

It is often said that MM has no plan B, well yesterday his decision to switch to a 4-3-3 in recognition of the fact we were getting overrun may not have been that evident in the first half but it definitely went a long way to evening things up in the second 45, Pitman going wide left saw the previously ononymous striker put in some good work. After the break our CB's Berra & Smith looked far more assured although still had a couple of hairy moments, while for me the lad Knudsen grew into the game after a shaky opening to put in what may well be his best efforts to date. Sears ran his socks off as always and Douglas & Foley did all the ugly stuff that usually goes unnoticed.

Were we lucky ? Well we did not get a dodgy penalty decision go our way, nor did they have a goal disallowed or anything like that, we may have been lucky when they squandered a couple of chances that may well have been easier to score from but it works both ways, none more so than when just before half time Murphy contrived to put a great chance the wrong side of the post which capped off our best move of the half or when mid way through the second half the big man brilliantly spun his marker before surging into the box and sending a low hard drive an inch or Two wide of the far post which would have been game over, so in that sense the Terriers got lucky, luck tends to work both ways.

It has to be remembered that half of the team are there to do a key job and that is defend !! We did that manfully yesterday, closing down shots, getting heads to the ball and throwing bodies on the line, it is part and parcel of the game after all, we did it and when it mattered most Huddersfield didn't because we scored from it. I suppose looking at the stats paints a picture of home dominance and for a time in the first half that is correct, this team had been flying and scoring goals for fun so it was expected, the second half for me was far more even, Bart made a couple of saves yes but it was hardly a siege by any means, possession stats mean nothing, it is what you do with it and where that really counts. All this talk about performance being more important than the result is nonsense, I don't buy it and I certainly don't believe it, ask the Huddersfield fans this morning.

I had said that I believed we needed Seven points from our next Three games so to get Three yesterday gives us a great chance to go on and do that, maybe even better it but we have to follow this win up with one at home to Forest, momentum at this stage of the season is massive, it may only be one win but it can soon turn into a run and that is what we need. Teams around us faltered this weekend with Sheff Weds, Preston, Birmingham and Derby all failing to win so we have made up ground and still have a game in hand to close up even more. There is a long way to go but we are still in the mix and in with a chance. Pretty we ain't, honest as the day is long we most definitely are and nobody can ever accuse the lads of not putting in a 110% effort.

Mach my friend, it was a pleasure as always to meet up with you yesterday and to see us win made it the icing on the cake mate, we will meet up again soon at Bolton & Cardiff and who knows we could be celebrating another Two away wins to go with the 8 we already have, which by the way is the joint best in the divison so it isn't all bad by any means. Maybe a bit more proper support at home instead of whinging and whining would help the players relax that bit more and the results could flow. Anyway this is one happy Bluemike right now, still believing and still hoping for a good end to the season. LUCKY ??? SHOCKING ??? SHAMBOLIC ??? Not on your nelly !!! COYB's.

[hallamblue]

Good on yer Mike!

[number 9]

We often bemoan the fact that we don't always get "what we deserve" from games and I guess it would be true to say that is exactly what Huddersfield fans are saying this morning, we have said it a fair few times this season already, Brentford & Forest away and Wolves at home spring to mind. I have already read comments like "Shocking" "shambolic" and "lucky" to describe our win yesterday, really ? Delve a little deeper and it may not be as bad as some would have you believe. Yes it is true to say that in that first half we did indeed ride our luck at times, particularly in the opening 25 minutes where Huddersfield missed a couple of very good chances, a clear header on goal going wide when it was easier to score and Bart doing what he has been doing helped to keep us level. So it was something against the run of play when we took the lead thanks in no small part to some superb and persistent work from Murphy who out foxed Lynch before setting up Pringle with a neat cross, the latter finished with aplomb for his first Town goal.

It is often said that MM has no plan B, well yesterday his decision to switch to a 4-3-3 in recognition of the fact we were getting overrun may not have been that evident in the first half but it definitely went a long way to evening things up in the second 45, Pitman going wide left saw the previously ononymous striker put in some good work. After the break our CB's Berra & Smith looked far more assured although still had a couple of hairy moments, while for me the lad Knudsen grew into the game after a shaky opening to put in what may well be his best efforts to date. Sears ran his socks off as always and Douglas & Foley did all the ugly stuff that usually goes unnoticed.

Were we lucky ? Well we did not get a dodgy penalty decision go our way, nor did they have a goal disallowed or anything like that, we may have been lucky when they squandered a couple of chances that may well have been easier to score from but it works both ways, none more so than when just before half time Murphy contrived to put a great chance the wrong side of the post which capped off our best move of the half or when mid way through the second half the big man brilliantly spun his marker before surging into the box and sending a low hard drive an inch or Two wide of the far post which would have been game over, so in that sense the Terriers got lucky, luck tends to work both ways.

It has to be remembered that half of the team are there to do a key job and that is defend !! We did that manfully yesterday, closing down shots, getting heads to the ball and throwing bodies on the line, it is part and parcel of the game after all, we did it and when it mattered most Huddersfield didn't because we scored from it. I suppose looking at the stats paints a picture of home dominance and for a time in the first half that is correct, this team had been flying and scoring goals for fun so it was expected, the second half for me was far more even, Bart made a couple of saves yes but it was hardly a siege by any means, possession stats mean nothing, it is what you do with it and where that really counts. All this talk about performance being more important than the result is nonsense, I don't buy it and I certainly don't believe it, ask the Huddersfield fans this morning.

I had said that I believed we needed Seven points from our next Three games so to get Three yesterday gives us a great chance to go on and do that, maybe even better it but we have to follow this win up with one at home to Forest, momentum at this stage of the season is massive, it may only be one win but it can soon turn into a run and that is what we need. Teams around us faltered this weekend with Sheff Weds, Preston, Birmingham and Derby all failing to win so we have made up ground and still have a game in hand to close up even more. There is a long way to go but we are still in the mix and in with a chance. Pretty we ain't, honest as the day is long we most definitely are and nobody can ever accuse the lads of not putting in a 110% effort.

Mach my friend, it was a pleasure as always to meet up with you yesterday and to see us win made it the icing on the cake mate, we will meet up again soon at Bolton & Cardiff and who knows we could be celebrating another Two away wins to go with the 8 we already have, which by the way is the joint best in the divison so it isn't all bad by any means. Maybe a bit more proper support at home instead of whinging and whining would help the players relax that bit more and the results could flow. Anyway this is one happy Bluemike right now, still believing and still hoping for a good end to the season. LUCKY ??? SHOCKING ??? SHAMBOLIC ??? Not on your nelly !!! COYB's.

That's good to hear Mike! I'm glad the display wasn't as bad as some have suggested. A win is win...COYB!

[herforder]

Great heartfelt report from Bluemike, not in the least bit blue tinted!

Serious point is for all those at PR on Saturday to bin the recent negativity and flat atmosphere, and support and encourage. It might just become infectious and help the lads on the pitch. Who, as Mike says, despite their shortcomings never give anything less than total commitment. We should aim to match it.

[marko69]

That can open up another point of view though, Herforder......, the fans "matching it" thing.

The fans "pay" (top dollar by the sound of it) to see it.
The players are "paid" (top dollar compared to the average fan) to "DO IT".

Yes, I suppose the get out answer would be, "don't pay it then, stay at home"......, but like Number 9 has sort of said, The "semi" older and "big bit" older generation (no names, ) would still like to be entertained on some level, like the days of old.

The new, younger, point of view of "win at any cost" is very common now, (even at Hibs, it's changed)......, point being, "The Win, or be entertained" debate is like trying to obtain world peace. At this particular moment in time regarding ITFC, there will ALWAYS be a discontentment there.

[Bluemike]

Great heartfelt report from Bluemike, not in the least bit blue tinted!

Serious point is for all those at PR on Saturday to bin the recent negativity and flat atmosphere, and support and encourage. It might just become infectious and help the lads on the pitch. Who, as Mike says, despite their shortcomings never give anything less than total commitment. We should aim to match it.

Which bit is Blue tinted then ?

[number 9]

That can open up another point of view though, Herforder......, the fans "matching it" thing.

The fans "pay" (top dollar by the sound of it) to see it.
The players are "paid" (top dollar compared to the average fan) to "DO IT".

Yes, I suppose the get out answer would be, "don't pay it then, stay at home"......, but like Number 9 has sort of said, The "semi" older and "big bit" older generation (no names, ) would still like to be entertained on some level, like the days of old.

The new, younger, point of view of "win at any cost" is very common now, (even at Hibs, it's changed)......, point being, "The Win, or be entertained" debate is like trying to obtain world peace. At this particular moment in time regarding ITFC, there will ALWAYS be a discontentment there.

Hey Marko, I think what Herforder is saying is that we need more 'Cowbell' in the stands!

[herforder]

Totally get your point, Marko. Criticism, frustration, elation etc are all part of the supporter's lot and, as you say, they pay big bucks to get their fix and, with it, a right to moan!

My point was really more immediate. We bagged an unlikely 3 points yesterday, 3 more on Saturday are well within our grasp, and those in the ground can do their bit to help get them. The wider issues, discussed at length on this site, will remain. But you can bet your bottom dollar that another win on Saturday will see a remarkable change in some folks' attitudes!

On the style over results issue, I go for carving out the points as the first priority, then add the whistles and bells as investment in better quality hopefully arrives!

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

was interested to see Mike's report of the game - it tallied with my impression from both listening to the game and watching the highlights that maybe we were not as lucky as all that.
Sure they had the lions share of possession, but that's as it should be, they were the home team.
This time our brand of football worked and we came out on top. Who could not be happy about that!!

My feelings on MM are well known, but really you cant expect his team to play any other way considering the lack of funds he has been given.
Most would agree we desperately need some class, and imho loan signings are not the answer, not even season-long loans.
ME HAS to support MM by making more funds available to him - I said this at the start of the season and questioned the ambition of ME - interesting now that it's a topic being bandied about on here quite regularly.

So I'm really pleased that we won: not really bothered about how we played because the 3 points just about keeps us in with a play-off chance. If we continue to get good results and stay there or thereabouts then I suppose how we play is of minor importance. If we slide the other way then I would definitely want the attractiveness of the football we play to improve.
Oh dear, does this make me a fickle fan?

[marko69]

Hey Marko, I think what Herforder is saying is that we need more 'Cowbell' in the stands!

Aw No...., fk off, maaaaan! You just sent me of laughing my as* off again! The wife just said, "Not that cowbell thing again? Give it a rest will you!"

"I got a fever......., and the only prescription........., is more cowbell!"

I've been saying that ^^^^ all feckin week, 9!