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Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:51 pm
by marko69
nicscreamer wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:27 pm
But we won, and with half a team who have only been at the club 5 minutes. Let’s be positive and maybe they can gel over the next week or two so we can get some hope back.
Yes, agreed. I think just for tonight, all stats can fk off oot the windae.

The great escape has started.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:54 pm
by marko69
Charnwood wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:14 pm
On a ferry in the Bay of Biscay.......
Ooooo, close to having similar Saturdays, Charnwood. I was on the couch with a Box of Biscuits.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:00 pm
by nicscreamer
marko69 wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:54 pm
Charnwood wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:14 pm
On a ferry in the Bay of Biscay.......
Ooooo, close to having similar Saturdays, Charnwood. I was on the couch with a Box of Biscuits.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:08 pm
by Blue Wilf
First the positives:-

We won!!
Collins was awesome - a real rock
Will Keane looked good first half
Other new signings looked OK
We have missed Skuse
20K crowd - we need to keep getting that many every home game
Fab entertainment, albeit stressful - everyone celebrated it like an FA cup win (the final, ot the 3rd round - even though that would have been nice!)

Less positive:-

Gerken does my head in - great shot stopper but totally inept at any other goalkeeping skill - especially owning his area and coming off his line! He also does not shout to hetnplayers to leave the ball as he stands like a muppett on his line all game!!
Why can't we play 2 good halves ever??!!
We made Rotherham look good second half. I thought that we would be the physical side but they out muscled us everywhere
Why do we sit back in games? We used to do it under MM and still seem to have that in our make up
Does no-one tell people they have time any more? So many headers without someone telling the player they have time and should put their foot on the ball!
How many free kicks from 25 yards did we give away? 6? 8? 10? I lost count! We seem to do it every game

Had a great afternoon of poor football but fun - cos it matters. Lets hope its the start of something truly amazing - keep the faith...

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:16 pm
by derick_ipsw
Did Sears miss another sitter in the first half?

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:20 pm
by Blue Wilf
I don't remember him missing one. He played wide left as he had for MM where he was pretty ineffective. I thought he was equally ineffective today tbh but then i heard someone on radio Suffolk saying he was great first half - if he was, i missed it...

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:28 pm
by Steve and Jo
derick_ipsw wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:16 pm
Did Sears miss another sitter in the first half?

Yes Sears did though could argue he was one who certainly played big part in our goal.. Got to say for me Taylor's miss for them was worse than Sears.

Collins, Collins he was so good i name him twice. For me he's what we been calling out for. 100% totally committed defender who was eminence

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:34 pm
by Steve and Jo
Blue Wilf wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:20 pm
I don't remember him missing one. He played wide left as he had for MM where he was pretty ineffective. I thought he was equally ineffective today tbh but then i heard someone on radio Suffolk saying he was great first half - if he was, i missed it...
He missed one just before half time hooking over. He played well though, he linked up with the new signings, it was his cross that lead to the goal.

Sears is NOT an out and out striker. Hes not the answer to score goals needed but he does put defences under pressure, when used with better attacking options Sears can be a lot for defence to handle. Without him this season instead of having very small chance to survive in this league we would have ZERO!!! Pure fact

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:56 pm
by Blue Wilf
I agree it is fact but for me, he is not the answer. If he is not an out and out striker, i am not sure what he is. If (as many seemed to believe - me inclided) that he was ineffective out wide and if as you suggest he is not an out and out striker - what is he? I would rather we have someone who is a better winger playing in that position to get crosses in - maybe todays system would actually have better suited edwards (even though he has faded recently). Not saying you are wrong but if he is in the team, now we have other options, he needs to add more value than he did today. Just my opinion.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:57 pm
by Bluemike
Strangely enough I'm not nervous at all today, I think realisation that we are going down has eased any tension for this one
That was my quote to Marko early on today, well forgot that cus I was about as nervous as it gets for the entire second half today, stressed out doesn't come close. The most important thing is that we won and got the points, after that second half I have no idea how we did it but we did, after a first half that was relatively comfortable I was not expecting that second half barrage.

A pleasing line up showing no Spence or Nolan saw League debuts for Keane, Quaner, Collins and Elder with the unfortunate Kenlock missing out, Pennington moved to RB at the expense of Spence (YAY!!!). Town started the game in confident mood, passing the ball around and looking to move it forward at pace, Quaner was putting himself about early doors and making a nuisance of himself while Lankester was showing one or two neat and clever touches, the only thing lacking in the opening period of the game was any clear cut openings or chances at goal. it was noticable that Callum Elder's first two or Three touches were sideways or backwards with a bit of hesitancy to get it forward. Will Keane showed a nice touch before setting up Skusey for what was our first effort at goal but it was easily closed down and came to nothing.

Rotherham had shown nothing as an attacking force but when they had got forward Collins & Chambers had looked solid, Collins especially has a calming influence about him and was always in the right place at the right time to mop up. With half hour on the clock we got ourselves that precious lead, Keane & Sears combining on the left saw the former set up by sears, his first attempt was a bit of a flap but for once it fell kindly and the new man swept it home giving the keeper no chance. Gone was the time wasting tactics of the visitors which had littered play for most of the half as they looked to impose themselves more as the half came to a close, sears hooking an opportunist effort just over the bar the last meaningful action of a half which Town just about deserved to lead albeit with very few chances on goal.

what followed in the second was a barrage of incessant Rotherham pressure, cross after cross fired into our box, play rarely got out of our half and that is no exaggeration, we just could not get our foot on the ball at all, passes were going astray, possession given up time and time again as we sat deeper and deeper the longer the game went on. Gerken was called upon to get down to a couple of chances from the visitors which he dealt with well, the downside of it was that the keeper failed time after time to relieve the pressure on the defence as he either started to come for balls only to hesitate and stop or he opted to stay rooted to the spot, on a couple of occasions he definitely ducked out of collisions with onrushing strikers.

What was obvious since the restart was that we had lost the centre midfield, at times it appeared to be awol as Rotherham ran it, Skuse and Chalobah were second best and finding it hard to win any ball, Lankester had faded and was replaced while Keane and Sears were starved of any ball, Quaner had ran out of steam and he too was replaced as we looked to hold on. One chance for Rotherham saw a header flash wide when it looked a goal all the way, Town were getting outplayed at times and could not stem the tide of pressure.

With the clock ticking down we finally had a breakaway, the move started by Chalobah saw sears away and his ball to Keane needed to be better but it was wasted and the half chance came to nothing. standing firm among all the pressure and mayhem was James Collins and to a lesser degree Chambers & Pennington, they were soaking up so much and putting their bodies on the line but still we just about hung on. he ref seemed to give them freekick after freekick as if he was willing them to pump it into our box but Collins and co were not to be denied. Gerken was called upon a couple of times more in the dying minutes and he was up to the task, one ridiculous scramble in our box saw Collins block it two or Three times before clearing it away much to the delight of the nervous home crowd. finally the whistle came to our rescue with our defence out on their feet, everyone had given their all but the shift put in by the defence should not be underestimated.

The scenes at the end were fantastic, it was only Three points after all but the sight of new boys James Collins and Will keane punching the air showed just what it meant to them, they have endeared themselves to the fans already, Chambo too showing what it meant to him and Paul Lambert geeing up the North stand to celebrate the win, such a contrast to last Saturday and wow did the fans respond in kind.


Gerken...(6) Two or Three saves but was very hesitant at times and did not relieve the pressure on his defence, but it's a clean sheet.

Pennington...(7) Assured for the most part and defended resolutely in that second half barrage, more solid that Spence for sure.

Chambers...(7) Won numerous headers and has the heart of a lion, seemed more comfortable with Collins beside him.

Collins...(8) Love him already !! As I said what a colossus today, stood firm and won so much when it mattered, a calming influence. MOTM

Elder...(6) Needs time for sure, still undecided but time will tell, Kenlock looks better at the moment. Not an easy debut though.

Sears...(6) A typical Freddie performance, runs miles and gives it everything, no goal threat but had a hand in the vital winner.

Chalobah....(6) Not up to his performances of recent weeks but still tried his best, seemed a little lost second half.

Skuse...(6) Good to see him back but I question if it was a bit rushed, like Chalobah was overrun after the break and struggled.

Lankester...(6) Some lovely touches in the first half and the quality he has shows through, faded after the break but still a great prospect.

Quaner...(6) Liked the look of him before clearly tiring, puts himself about and gives us the physical presence we craved.

Keane...(7) The match winner and instant hero, I like the look of him and I maybe did him an injustice when he signed, a good debut.


SUBS :-

Downes...(6) Came on to tighten up the Midfield and got stuck in as always.

Dawkins...(5) Hmmmm, first Three touches weren't great but time will tell.

Nsiala...(6) Only on a matter of minutes but Two crucial headers when needed and put his head in where it hurts.


I said before the game we were down and in all probability it will come to pass, however the gap is down to seven, we could do no more, the new boys made a big difference having only been thrown together a few days ago, another week on the training ground will make it better still and with the prospect of more signings to come who knows. What we need is to win the games like this that we should win but also pick up a couple of shock one's along the way, should we do that who knows? Blackburn next week would be a good place to start but avoiding defeat is paramount, any point is vital and can make a difference. Am I saying we are back in the game ? Heart would like to say yes, head is still saying no....At the moment.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 8:02 pm
by Steve and Jo
Blue Wilf wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:56 pm
I agree it is fact but for me, he is not the answer. If he is not an out and out striker, i am not sure what he is. If (as many seemed to believe - me inclided) that he was ineffective out wide and if as you suggest he is not an out and out striker - what is he? I would rather we have someone who is a better winger playing in that position to get crosses in - maybe todays system would actually have better suited edwards (even though he has faded recently). Not saying you are wrong but if he is in the team, now we have other options, he needs to add more value than he did today. Just my opinion.
But it was his cross that got us the goal AND its not first cross this season either which lead to goals. He can play off an out and striker. Again hes not the best but hes not the worse player we have at the club

Edwards is a winger, tell me last time he did something truly positive in scoring or creating a goal?

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 8:10 pm
by Blue Wilf
As i said, edwards hasnt been great recently (althiugh at the start of the season he was being raved about) but at least we know what he IS (ie a winger). Sears is not an out and out forward and is also not very effective on the wing so that means he is not a specialist. Yes he is useful and i am glad we have him but i actually thought he has been more effective as a center forward - albeit that he has missed a dozen 'easy' chances this season. Like i say - not saying you are wrong - i just did not see him as a big player for us today and playing him out wide again just brought back the thought of 40 games without a goal in my mind again...

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 8:53 pm
by AylesburyBlue
Caption: This is how much I care about ITFC

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 9:07 pm
by patthegimp
We will be safe. I know it. COYB

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 9:37 pm
by marko69
Thanks for the in-depth match report.

AT LAST, a defence that can defend. Ok, it was only Rovveram but it’s still defending wave after wave of attacks. Great to read.

And well done, Sears for the cross and Will Keane on his debut goal.

Next 3pts @ Ewood? Seems like an eternity ago when Hurst took to the stage @ PR v Mowbray.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 11:54 pm
by Charnwood
marko69 wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:54 pm
Charnwood wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:14 pm
On a ferry in the Bay of Biscay.......
Ooooo, close to having similar Saturdays, Charnwood. I was on the couch with a Box of Biscuits.

Not sure which I’d prefer most Marko 🤔

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:03 am
by Charnwood
Thanks for the report Mike, much better reading than some of the other recent disappointing reports. Great to see Lambert blooding some of his recent signings esp James Collins who I’ve always liked and always used to have as a cheap option in my Fantasy Football team.

How about a surprise win at Blackburn next week, now that really would be good.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:07 am
by goldandblack
Great win and also great crowd today, was there a reason for the 20k+

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:17 am
by Bluemike
Yes they stuck 2 fingers up to us season ticket holders yet again and gave away tickets for a tenner I believe.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:31 am
by hallamblue
Steve and Jo wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 8:02 pm
Blue Wilf wrote:
Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:56 pm
I agree it is fact but for me, he is not the answer. If he is not an out and out striker, i am not sure what he is. If (as many seemed to believe - me inclided) that he was ineffective out wide and if as you suggest he is not an out and out striker - what is he? I would rather we have someone who is a better winger playing in that position to get crosses in - maybe todays system would actually have better suited edwards (even though he has faded recently). Not saying you are wrong but if he is in the team, now we have other options, he needs to add more value than he did today. Just my opinion.

I’d have Sears in ahead of Edwards any day of the week . Sears is a workaholic on Speed. Edwards by comparison flatters to deceive and does f luck all when not in possession . Wouldn’t be surprised to see him offloaded tbh.
But it was his cross that got us the goal AND its not first cross this season either which lead to goals. He can play off an out and striker. Again hes not the best but hes not the worse player we have at the club

Edwards is a winger, tell me last time he did something truly positive in scoring or creating a goal?

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:35 am
by goldandblack
Bluemike wrote:
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:17 am
Yes they stuck 2 fingers up to us season ticket holders yet again and gave away tickets for a tenner I believe.
spot on Mike, bet they wont give you a refund, a tenner is what the price should be week in week out. well 1s-6d to see WBA LOL. do you think things will kick on now mate.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:41 am
by Bluemike
I think we will improve and win more games, making up the deficit may just be too much but a couple of shock wins and you just never know.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:46 am
by goldandblack
Bluemike wrote:
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:41 am
I think we will improve and win more games, making up the deficit may just be too much but a couple of shock wins and you just never know.
7 points isn't much these days with 3 points a win. I recon Rotherham will go down with Bolton and Reading. happy days.

and Sears will be the legend that scores the goals, a statue perhaps :wink:

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:48 am
by Charnwood
Bluemike wrote:
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:41 am
I think we will improve and win more games, making up the deficit may just be too much but a couple of shock wins and you just never know.

Please, please please, I really don’t want Town to drop to League One ☝️

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:55 am
by goldandblack
Charnwood wrote:
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:48 am
Bluemike wrote:
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:41 am
I think we will improve and win more games, making up the deficit may just be too much but a couple of shock wins and you just never know.

Please, please please, I really don’t want Town to drop to League One ☝️
its great fun down there as long as you bounce back at first attempt. I still have nightmares of the time we went straight though that division into the old fourth Div. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, well except Portsmouth perhaps :lol:

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 1:44 am
by arana peligrosa
Bottom line it was a victory. May not have been anything pretty and maybe the team struggled at times against such opposition but three points it is to assist a much precarious situation. 20,000 + also in attendance while impressive was a surprise. Guess we got some extras in due to recent transfer activity. Not getting carried away to any extent, all indication suggests it could have gone either way by end of game but the eventual victory (that many appear insistent) would seem the only real factor.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 2:04 am
by MasseyFerguson
It's a game we had to win, and we did.

Only time will tell whether it leads to a turnaround in our fortunes. Until then, let's just bask in the glow of three hard earned points and the gap reduction.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 8:42 am
by Andym
goldandblack wrote:
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:46 am


7 points isn't much these days with 3 points a win. I recon Rotherham will go down with Bolton and Reading. happy days.
Based on yesterday I really would expect the gap between us and Rotherham to get bigger rather than smaller. It was largely route 1 by them in the second half but it was still an assault on our goal unlike anything we could ever manage. I can certainly see them picking up points, and although I was delighted with the win, it wasnt in any way convincing.

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:54 am
by hallamblue
I think we have to make allowances for yet another set of wholesale changes to the side. 5 players, many of whom hadn’t played much football in the season- yet we held firm. Not too teams will adopt The Millers tactics and I think we will now start to pick up points ourselves. This relegation battle was always destined to go to the last game after Hursts “ interventions”. We’re not down yet !

Re: Ipswich Town vs Rotherham FC Preview & Matchday Thread

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:55 am
by hallamblue
Bluemike wrote:
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:41 am
I think we will improve and win more games, making up the deficit may just be too much but a couple of shock wins and you just never know.
Ooooh do I see a glimmer of hope there Mikey ??? :lol: