Ipswich Town - Bringing Back The Glory Days

We head into the new year of the back of the news that Newcastle are considering George Burley for the role of their manager after the sacking off Steve Bruce. Will Burley jump ship, or stay with Ipswich?



I only allowed two players to leave this month as I didn't want out youth sides to be even more depleted than they already were. The first was Jack Lancaster, who was struggling for game time behind Mlakar and Keane, and Fylde came in for a loan deal, and because he has so much potential I didn't want to stagnate his career, so I let him go until the end of the season.

The second was Janoi Donacien. Portsmouth came in about 10 days before the transfer window was about to close, asking what price we'd be willing to part with for him. With Vincent-Young returning to full fitness, and Lewie Coyle coming in and overtaking Donacien, it made sense to let him leave for first team football. Glad we got £400k for him though, very nice.



02/01/21

The first game of the month sees us move away from the Championship and into the FA Cup, and we face a tough task of getting into the 4th round. Our opponents are Arsenal, and we are drawn away so will be travelling to the Emirates for this game.

Arsenal are performing very well in the Premier League this season as they sit 3rd currently, however they do have a massive injury crisis for today’s game. Rodrigo Bentacur, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shkodran Mustafi are definitely unavailable for the game; whilst Bernd Leno, Bukayo Shaka and Juan Quintero are all doubts today.

Ipswich will once again be without Vincent Young, but will also be without Will Keane for a few weeks who has a pulled hamstring. Konstantinos Mavropanos is ineligible for the game as he is currently on loan from Arsenal.




Expected nothing less from this game, Arsenal are another level above us technically and they made us pay. Even with all their injuries they have way to many good players for us to deal with, especially as we were missing three key players as well.



05/01/21

From now till the end of the season we are only focusing on the league, so let’s see if we can keep this insane season going and push for an unlikely play off spot to end the season of.

Huddersfield are in excellent form right now as they sit 7th in the league, on the verge of getting right into the play off mix. For this game they will be without Ramadan Sobhi, Jonathan Hogg and Chancel Mbemba who are all out injured.

For Ipswich, they are still without KVY and Will Keane, and they will also be hampered by the news that Luke Woolfenden will be missing the next two games through suspension, but will be replaced by Mavropanos who returns from being ineligible for the Arsenal game.




What a win! 2-0 down, win 3-2 away from home against a play off rival. I did not expect that whatsoever. Luke McCowan has been on fire in 2021, this could be his year to shine.



09/01/21

Up next for Ipswich Town is Derby County, who are sitting in 14th in the league. Derby are closer to the relegation zone than to the play offs, and will be hoping not to be dragged into a relegation battle for the rest of the season.

Derby have slowly picked up their form with 2 wins from 3 games, and have a fully fit side to choose from for this tie with Ipswich. They will be hoping of a repeat of their win earlier in the season against Ipswich to push themselves up the table

Ipswich are still without Luke Woolfenden, whilst Daniel Iversen is unavailable with a cold, but have received the massive news that Kane Vincent-Young has returned to full training and may be in line for a return to the first team before the end of January. Will Keane has also returned to training.




A tough game but one we should have at least got a point from. I can tell why Daniel Iversen is our keeper however because he is miles better than Bart. Need to start snatching points from games like these because sooner or later we could start falling away.


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Exclusively here on BBC Sport, we can confirm that George Burley has rejected the contract offer set for him by Newcastle United, in favour of staying with his beloved Ipswich Town.

We spoke to George earlier at his press conference about this discovery, and he had to say: ‘I love this club with all my heart, and I’ve started something special right now, and I’m not going anywhere until I’ve done what I set out to do when I joined. Newcastle are a big club, no doubt about it, but there’s no place i’d rather be right now.’

There we have it, Burley stays with Ipswich Town. His heart has led his head in this, as he wants to make sure he fulfills his promises to the fans and to Marcus Evans, and I for one can’t wait to see what Burley can achieve with this Ipswich Town side.



16/01/21

The fourth game of the month sees us host Fulham, and is the first game since the news of George Burley rejected the offer from Newcastle. Fulham, who are sat a few places above us in 4th, have been excellent this season, and can’t afford to slip up with how close the league is getting right now.

Ipswich have been boosted by the news that they have a fully fit side for this game against Fulham. Woolfenden is back form suspension, whilst Iversen has recovered from his cold to retake his place in the first team.

Fulham are struggling with a small injury crisis as the moment, with a key players possibly missing for today’s game. Jean Michel Seri and Marcus Bettinelli are both definitely out injured for today, whilst Josh Onomah, Stefan Johanson and Aleksandar Mitrovic are all doubtful.




I’ll take a point considering how good their squad, annoying that we couldn’t hold into the lead despite being the better side, but a point is a point for a side like ours.



30/01/21

Next up is an away tie to relegation threatened Oxford United, in what should have been a home tie vs Swansea City; but the game as postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at Portman Road. We’ve never called a game off for a waterlogged pitch before, so don’t know what this game is thinking?

Oxford have been in dreadful form and have lost their last 5 games in a row, and will be hoping to stop the rot when they host play off pushing Ipswich Town today. However, for the game, they will be without none of their players has the have a fully fit squad to choose from

Ipswich have been handed a small dent in their play off push as Andre Green has twisted his ankle and will be out for the next few games, meaning Alan Judge or Kayden Jackson will need to be drafted in.




Great result. Perfect way to end a tough month for us. We also now have a game in hand on the teams around us after our game with Swansea with postponed, so hopefully we can take advantage of that and move further up the league.



It’s been an excellent month for two players in January, but for me Luke McCowan pips serial winner Jan Mlakar to the Player of the Month crown for this month. 4 goals and 2 assists from 5 games is a terrific return from the youngster.




4 league games later we are still sat in 8th position, but we do have a game in hand that could see us jump up into 6th. The best part about this month is that we have opened up a 6 point gap on the two teams sat directly behind us, which gives us a nice cushion to fall upon.






TheLFCFan - it was a tough decision to make, but I think Burley has made the right one. After he rejected them they went after Brendan Rodgers, so no harm for them!

Imagine - league is getting tougher and tougher after each game, just hope the squad can keep up for the rest of the season.

Makes a lot of sense, getting whatever revenue you can from Donacien. As for results, not the best, not the worst month. Standing in good stead in the league.

A decent month all in all. You're certainly keeping the pressure on when it comes to chasing a playoff spot. Turning Newcastle down is a big decision for George, but one that is understandable given his reasoning. The next month promises a real mixed bag of fixtures, but there are some perfect games in there when you compare league positions. Those have to be games Ipswich win if they want to be taken seriously.

Next month should be interesting especially with Wednesday and Swansea at the bottom. Hopefully you can get a few good results here and be able to start a nice streak.

We move closer and closer to the end of the season now, with a tough month of games coming up for us to try and tackle.


02/02/21

The first game of the month sees us host Swansea City in a rearranged fixture from the middle of January. ‘This is our game in hand that could see us jump up into the play offs.

Ipswich are blessed with a full fit squad for this home tie with relegation threatened Swansea City, and will be looking to take advantage of their game in hand to push themselves into the play offs.

Swansea will be desperate for the win to try and push themselves out and away from the relegation zone, but will be without Cian Harries and Borja Baston for this tie as they look to snatch victory from Ipswich.




Brilliant result to push as closer to promotion, and 6 goals as well to push us onwards. Glad so many different people scored for us as with goals all around us in this game.



06/02/21

After that excellent result against Swansea, we have another home clash against mid table Barnsley, one of many teams looking to make a late surge into the play offs.

For Ipswich, they are once again blessed with a fully fit squad to choose from, but having played only a few days before, will they be forced into rotating some of their players slightly for this game.

Barnsley have been in woeful form having lost their last 5 games, and will be looking to put a stop to that run against Ipswich, but will have to do so without some key players. Kenny Dougall is out for the long term; whilst Cauley Woodrow and Jacob Brown are both doubts with broken bones.




Horrible result. 30 shots to their 3, should have decimated them; but had to rely on a substitute to snatch us a late draw. Not good enough.



09/02/21

Up next for Ipswich Town are Bristol City, who have struggled this season and currently sit in 16th place. Ipswich will need a much improved performance compared to last week.

Bristol City were in decent form going into their last game, but a defeat to Watford has slowed their revival down slightly. For this game they will be without Rene Gilmartin, Tomas Kalas and Famara Diedhiou for this tie as they look to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.

Ipswich are still working with a fully fit squad for the third game in a row, but with this being their 3rd game in 7 days, they may look at changing some things up to keep their side fresh for the next game.




Another point on the board, but it should have been all three as Alan Judge missed a penalty late on in the game to give us the three points. But, a point is better than none.



13/02/21

The fourth game of the month sees us travel to top of the league Watford. They are still having an insane season and are on the verge of securing promotion with at least 10 games to play. 2 defeats in 32, can we make it three?

Watford have been the best team in the Championship by a country mile this year, and probably one of the best the league has ever seen. They are 18 points about 2nd place, and 27 above 3rd. Way to good for this league. For this game, they will be without Erik Lamela and possibly Troy Deeney.

Ipswich’s run of fully available squads has come to an end, as Konstantinos Mavropanos has been suspended for this game after picking up 10 yellows this season. Other than that they have a full team, but face a very tough task.




Outclassed. Simply outclassed by a better side. On to the next game.



20/02/21

Next up is a home tie with Southampton, as we look to bounce back from that defeat to Watford and put ourselves back into the play offs.

Ipswich will be looking to increase the gap between themselves and today’s opponents Southampton, but will have to do so without Mavropanos once again, but also without Daniel Iversen who has a twisted knee.

Southampton are on the verge of the play offs, and sit in 10th place currently as they look to overtake Ipswich in the coming weeks. Today, they will have to make do possibly without Ryan Bertrand and Danny Ings.




Great result. Absolutely brilliant result for us on this quest for the play offs. A Southampton side full of Premier League internationals got slapped by a side made up of pretty much League One players. Love that!



23/02/21

Another game to navigate, as Ipswich host mid table Birmingham as they look to put more pressure on the sides above them. A win here could see them back into the play offs.

Ipswich will be buoyed by the returns of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Daniel Iversen, but have been hit by the news that Luke McCowan will be until April with a calf strain, meaning either Ben Morris or Gwion Edwards will need to step up.

Birmingham have been in woeful form, losing their last 5 games, and have slipped down to 15th in the league. They are only 7 points above the relegation zone; so will need to pick up their form soon. They will be without Kadeem Harris, and possibly Gary Gardner and Pau Miguelez.




Comfortable result in a game we usually slip up in, but thank god we didn’t because it would have been a problem if we did. Two wins in a row; can we make it three?



27/02/21

The final game of the month sees us travel to bottom of the league Sheffield Wednesday as we look to make it 3 wins in a row to end the month.

Sheffield Wednesday have lost their last 4 games, sit rock bottom of the Championship on 25 points, 10 behind 21st. They looked condemned to relegation, but can make life tough for Ipswich and stop their play off push. They will be without Jordan Rhodes and Stefan Okaka.

Ipswich will be hoping to keep their good form going with a win here today, but will still be without Luke McCowan for the foreseeable future. Flynn Downes had a knock against Birmingham so may be rested for this game.




Another excellent performance, which could have been even better if Ben Morris had converted his penalty. Another 3 goals on the board, and once again multiple goal scorers. No need to rely on one player this year like last year.



It’s been an excellent month for so many players. Andre Dozzell has been excellent with the ball at his feet this month. Jan Mlakar is so clinical in front of goal. Andre Green is providing both goals and assists. But I’ve decided to give it to Luke Woolfenden, who has been outstanding this month. Goals, assists, clean sheets. He’s been playing really well the past few months.




It’s been a very good month for us, as we lose only 1 of our 7 games this month, and we move up from 8th to 5th in the league. It’s still very tight, with us most likely finishing between 3rd and 9th. Any of those sides could displace the other and cause a very tense end to the season






Jack - he was never going to play, shocked I got that much for him.

ScottT - Newcastle would have been a massive job for Burley, but I guess he’s shown his loyalty to his boyhood club and wants to develop them for as long as he can.

MJK46 - the teams at the bottom are usually the hardest because they are fighting for every inch and point that they can grab.

A good run of form towards the end of the month has you sat in a fantastic position in the league. I agree with you that there doesn't seem to a heavy reliance on anyone as heavily as their was last season. McCowan seems to be an excellent player but very injury prone, which is a concern. Regardless, next month will be an excellent test to see whether you have the ability to hold onto your current league position.

Some improved results and good to see Burley stay at Ipswich as he has done a great job here so far. Back into the playoffs is great and with not many games to go, the belief has to be there that you can stay in those places and potentially even go up this year!

10 games to go as we look to secure a shock play off spot in our first season back in the Championship, but we do have some tough games to work through.


06/03/21

The first game of the month sees us travel to relegation threatened Middlesbrough, with both sides unable to afford to slip up at a key time in the season.

Middlesbrough, despite sitting 20th in the league, have been playing quite well lately getting 3 wins from their last 5 games. They will need another win here to keep themselves above the relegation zone; but will have to do so without Ashley Fletcher and possibly Sean Raggett.

Ipswich are blessed with a full fit squad besides Luke McCowan, who is still a few weeks away from being fit enough for the first team. Flynn Downes has returned from his knock and will probably slot back into the first team.




Not good enough I’m afraid. Shouldn’t be losing to teams fighting for survival. Will need to pick it up massively when we host Stoke in the next game.



13/03/21

The second game of the month see us host mid table Stoke City, who will be looking at us as a side to overtake in their quest for Premier League football once again

For Ipswich, they will once again be without Luke McCowan but he should be fit for the trip to Blackburn. They will also be without Kane Vincent-Young for the next two games after he picked up 10 yellow cards.

Stoke are making a late surge for the play offs, and currently sit two points behind Cardiff who are 6th. For this game, they will be without Antonio Barreca as they look to take some points from their promotion rivals.




Much better. After the disaster of the Middlesbrough game, to get three points against a play off rival is absolutely massive right now. On to the next game, and it’s a big one.



16/03/21

Up next for Ipswich Town are promotion favourites West Brom at Portman Road. This is a massive game in Ipswich’s season, because a victory here will show other clubs they mean business in the crunch games.

Ipswich are still without McCowan and Vincent-Young, but have also been hampered by the suspension to Luke Woolfenden for the next few games. They will need Luke Chambers to step up for the next few whilst Luke sits them out.

West Brom are flying high in 2nd place, and have won their last two games in the league. However, they are only 5 points ahead of 3rd placed Fulham, so will be looking for a win here to bridge the gap further.




Too good for us on the day, didn’t expect us to take anything from the game. Makes the Blackburn game coming up so important for the rest of our season.



20/03/21

The final game of the month sees us travel to mid table Blackburn Rovers needing a win to keep our play off hopes alive. Blackburn will be hoping they can move away from the relegation zone with a win.

Blackburn will be keeping an eye on the teams below them as they look to move away from the relegation zone, but will be without Bradley Dack and Derrick Williams for this game as they look to stop Ipswich’s play off run.

Ipswich are still without Luke Woolfenden, and will be for at least one more game after this. They will also be without Emyr Huws for the most of the season after he sprained his ankle ligaments.




Huge. Absolutely huge. What a way to bounce back from that defeat to West Brom. Puts us in an amazing position going into the final 6 games of the season.



The man solely responsible for our win over Stoke City earlier in the month, and the man who kicked started our most recent win over Blackburn. Jan Mlakar has been a revelation this season for us, and an amazing loan signing all year long.




It’s been a very 50/50 month for us in March, but it hasn’t had an effect on our league position, as we still sit in 5th position but it is by no means comfortable with so many teams still trying to get into the coveted play offs.




Our annual youth intake has come through, and once again we have some good youth players to look at for the next few years. Martin Wright looks like a good right midfielder, shame we don’t play a formation that directly involves a RM. Lee Black is a Scotsman, much to the admiration of George Burley, who looks like a good striker for us. However, our best prospect is RB Dennis Bussens, he’s got 20 bravery so don’t anyone square up to this kid. He will not back down!






ScottT - McCowan is such huge talent, who is already being tipped as a potential Premier League player in the future. If he can keep his injuries down, he’ll go far.

TheLFCFan - the play off push has given us some ups and downs, and it doesn’t look like it’s about to stop anytime soon.

Losing to Middlesbrough could have sent you down a slippery slope, but the squad bounced back well. West Brom are always tough opposition so there's no shame in losing there. Solid enough to keep you within those all important positions, now to keep it up. The intake looks decent, too. Hopefully someone can emerge from the pack, most likely Bussens, in the future.

10 games to go as we look to secure a shock play off spot in our first season back in the Championship, but we do have some tough games to work through.


02/04/21

The first game of the month sees us travel to relegation threatened Sunderland, with both sides desperate for a good result to help their respective positions.

Sunderland have been in dreadful form and because of they they sit 23rd in the Championship. The newly promoted side have found it much tougher than ourselves and Oxford, 5 points from safety. They may be without Cyrus Christie today.

Ipswich have a few alterations to make to their side for today, with Luke Woolfenden serving the last of his three game ban, but joined by Lewie Coyle who is suspended for the next two games. Huws is still our ankle issues, but Luke McCowan is full fit for today.




It’s another point closer to the play offs, but we should be looking at beating teams like Sunderland if we want to guarantee our spot in the play offs.



05/04/21

The second game of the month see us host another relegation threatened side in Luton Town. In a game that should be an easy win for the home side; Ipswich have been known to slip up against the poorer sides in the league.

For Ipswich, they will once again be without Lewie Coyle for one more game, but are boosted by the return of Luke Woolfenden to the first team. Huws is still a few games away from being back in the first team picture.

Luton are in woeful form and are falling very fast back into League One. However, they do have a good in hand that could see them jump back up a few places. Today they will be without Kazenga LuaLua and George Thomas, whilst Dan Potts is a doubt.




No words. They’ve lost 5 in a row, then do that. Ruined our play off push.



10/04/21

Up next for Ipswich Town are play off hopefuls Preston North End. A win for either side could be massive in their hunt for glory, especially Ipswich who need to get back to form.

Preston have been in decent form going into this game, as they sit 5 points behind Ipswich with a game in hand. They will be without Patrick Bauer for the rest of the season after he broke his leg.

Ipswich would have had Lewie Coyle back for today’s game, but he broke down in training and will be out for the next week. They have also been hit by the news that Luke Woolfenden will be out injured for the rest of the month, putting a massive dent in their play off hopes.




A massive result at such a key point in the season. Puts us 8 clear of Preston with their game in hand still in play, but massive for the rest of the year. Another goal for Ben Morris is very nice to see as well.



17/04/21

3 games to play on the league, and we are in an exceptional position after that victory over Preston, because Cardiff also lost their game so their is now a gap to the teams below us.

Here’s the state of play: Fulham, Brentford and Huddersfield have all secured the play offs for this season. Ipswich are sat in 6th place on 72 points, and can still fall as far as 11th if results massively go against them. However; Cardiff in 7th place are on only 65 points. So a win from Ipswich today against Sheff Utd should see them secure a play off spot, but Southampton (63 points) have a game in hand on everyone else. If they win, it could still continue for another week.

Ipswich are still without Luke Woolfenden, and will be for at least one more game after this. Alan Judge has also been ruled out until May with an ankle problem. However, they have been boosted by the returns to training from Emyr Huws and Lewie Coyle, and they will need as many first teamers fit for this end of season push.

Sheffield United have lost their last two games, but go into this tie knowing a win could put a dent in Ipswich’s play off hopes. They have a fully fit side to choose from; with the tension all on the home side so expect a Sheff Utd win today.




NOW THAT IS HOW YOU SECURE YOURSELFS A PLAY OFF SPOT!!!!! what a brilliant win against recently relegated Sheffield United. So many excellent performances in this game, what a win!



24/04/21

Now that Ipswich have secured a play off spot, two thoughts will have crossed their mind. Do they hold off now and rest some key players for the play offs, or do they open their eyes and see that both Huddersfield and Brentford dropped points and are in touching distance of being overtaken?

Hull can still be relegated, but it would take a massive amount of bad luck for them to go down, as they are 5 points above the relegation zone and sat in 16th, so with so many sides below them I can’t see them going down. They will be without Will Mannion for this game.

Ipswich have secured the play offs, so may look at making a few changes with Lewie Coyle and Emyr Huws back from injury. Woolfenden is still a game away, whilst Judge won’t be back till the play offs. Kurzweg will miss the play offs altogether.




Even with rotation we were still able to pick up the win, but so did Huddersfield and Brentford so it will go down to the final day to see who will finish where. Conveniently, we play Brentford.



I’m going to give to our most improved player do the last two seasons. Ben Morris has made the step up from the U23s to the first team seamlessly, and has improved every game. Finally got his chance when McCowan got his injury, and has proved he can hang in the Championship.




As you can see, we secured ourselves the play offs with two games to play, but that’s not the end for us right now. The top row is secured, but the none of the 4 teams in the play offs are secure in their position, as the final day could see a lot of movement.






ScottT - Middlesbrough was rough, but luckily that win over Blackburn gave us our confidence back. Bussens looks a good prospect for the future.

Football is a funny old game. You get absolutely thumped by a struggling side at the bottom and then go on to play brilliantly afterwards! Best of luck in the play-offs.

1 game to go as we look to better our play off rivals Brentford in this tie, which could give us an advantage in the play offs if we are drawn against them. It’s Brentford, Fulham or Huddersfield that awaits us in the next round.


02/05/21

The final game see us keep an eye on the games involving Fulham and Huddersfield, whilst hoping we can come out on top against Brentford.

Ipswich have been hit by the news that Emyr Huws and Luke McCowan will be out for the rest of the season, alongside Peter Kurzweg, and will miss the play offs semi final and possibly the final if we reach it.

Brentford have their own slight injury problem, with Rico Henry and Mads Bech Sorensen both doubtful for today’s game, but if not passed fit they should be for the play off final.




Annoying to lose on the final day, but fitness wasn’t their for some players. Annoying thing is, we now have to face Brentford twice more in the Play Offs. Here’s hoping we cause an upset.



08/05/21

At the beginning of the season, our board told us to fight bravely against relegation. By 2023/24, they wanted us to become an established Championship side. We have defied all expectations of us this season, and find ourselves two games away from a second trip to Wembley in as many games.

Standing between us and the Wembley pitch is Brentford. They’ve had our number all year, beating us twice this year and there’s not much we have been able to do about it. But, it’s a different stage in the play offs, as nerves can play a factor. Can the 30,000 strong Portman Road buoy the Ipswich players on?

Ipswich have been struck by match fixing by Football Manager before the game; as Myles Kenlock, Gwion Edwards and Ben Morris both sustain ‘injuries’ which keep them out till the end of the play offs. The game is doing everything it can to keep Ipswich out of the Premier League. Ipswich have all 3 RM’s out injured.

Brentford have ‘conveniently’ not suffered any more injuries since the last fixture whilst Ipswich have had three. Rico Henry is back fit for them today, but Sorensen is still a doubt.




0’ KICK OFF - Brentford get the game under way at a packed out Portman Road.

16’ THROW IN IPSWICH - Vincent-Young stands over the throw in about half way into the Brentford half. Throws it into Green, back to Vincent-Young, he moves towards the box, whips it in...... but safely in the hands of Raya in net. He launches it, headed down by Mbuemo, back to Norgaard, ball through to Dalsgaard....... but he drags his shot wide. Should have done better there.

18’ IPSWICH FREE KICK Alan Judges stands over this about 5 yards from the left corner flag. He whips it to the far post, but Raya is there to punch it clear and now Brentford counter. Mbuemo is through on goal, but that is an excellent tackle from Woolfenden to clear it for a corner.

20’ BRENTFORD CORNER - Henry with the corner, finds Vesga at the back post, he shoots but it’s blocked by Keane, falls to Mbuemo who shoots..........and what a block that is from Alan Judge on the line. Brilliant goal line clears even Ipswich under the cosh here.

30’ IPSWICH CORNER - 30 minutes has gone by with not much to show for it so far. But Ipswich do have a corner that Andre Dozzell will take. He whips it far post........AND MLAKAR SCORES FOR IPSWICH!!!! Wait hang on, the ref has blown his whistle for a foul from Woolfenden and disallowed it. The linesman didn’t give the foul, but Mike Dean who was 30 yards away and blocked by a few players decided he was board and disallowed it. Still 0-0.

33’ IPSWICH CORNER - Another Ipswich corner, to be taken by Dozzell again. Everyone is looking at Mike Dean who is even further away now and not even watching. Dozzell lays it off to Judge, he loses it. Brentford counter for the 5th time today, Dalgaard gets to the byline and whips it in, but Iversen claims it before Marcondes.

36’ IPSWICH POSSESSION Ipswich have had a lot more of the ball recently, they just need to bypass Alan Judge at all costs. Dozzell picks it up in the middle; and he plays a wonderful pass over the top and Mlakar is through on goal................ AND HE CHIPS IT OVER THE KEEPER AND IPSWICH LEAD 1-0!!!!!! What a beautiful ball that was by Andre Dozzell, perfectly waits for Mlakar who sees the keeper of his line and puts it over him. 1-0.

45+1’ IPSWICH THROW IN Ipswich are going in the strongest at half time, and have a throw in with KVY. He finds Will Keane, little lay of to Judge, back to Vincent-Young. Cross field ball to Downes, into Andre Green. Ipswich popping it around nicely. Out wide to Vincent-Young. Back post cross.......... and Green puts it over. He should be scoring that!

45’ HALF TIME - Ipswich 1-0 Brentford.



There hadn’t been much in this game until Jan Mlakar opened the scoring for Ipswich Town. It was a beautiful ball from Dozzell which gave Ipswich the lead, and since then they have been the side on top, forcing 7 shots on target already. They will need a second goal to give themselves a bigger lead for the second leg.


46’ KICK OFF - Ipswich will get us underway here as they look to double their lead.

57’ IPSWICH THROW IN - Vincent Young from just inside his own half stands over the ball. He throws it down to Mlakar, back to KVY. He loses it and Brentford counter (again). Mbuemo finds it and carries on forward, but his strike flew over the bar and Ipswich stay in the lead.

64’ BRENTFORD THROW IN - Brentford throw in, on half way. Mbuemo flick it forward, Mavropanos steps in and finds KVY. Across to Coyle. Loses it Jansson, long ball over the top, Marcondes 20 yards out...........AND HE’S PUT IT IN! Brenford’s second shot on target has resulted in a goal. Ipswich are getting flashbacks from the Leasing.Com Trophy final from last year. 1-1.

66’ BRENTFORD SUB - Canos off, Dervisoglu on.

71’ BRENTFORD SUB - Mbuemo off, Watkins on.

71’ BRENTFORD SUB - Henry off, Thompson on.

71’ IPSWICH SUB - Judge off, Jackson on.

73’ BRENTFORD CHANCE. Long ball from the keeper, bounces between two Ipswich defenders. Watkins picks it up, puts the cross in........AND ITS GONE IN! It’s happened again to Ipswich. 3 shots on target, 2 goals from Brentford. Dervisoglu scores and puts them 2-1 up.

82’ IPSWICH SUB - Downes off, Bishop on.

82’ IPSWICH SUB - Keane off, Thorne on.

90’ FULL TIME - the whistle blows. Brentford have won it. 3 shots on target, 2 goals. They won’t care how they’ve done it, but they take the lead going into the next leg.


If we can’t convert the multitude of shots that we are creating, then we don’t deserve to be in the Premier League. Absolutely joke how many times we lead and dominant me, and then throw it away at the end.



13/05/21

The second leg has arrived and Brentford are the side in the drivers seat. A 2-1 win away from home against Ipswich means that the away side need a win to have any chance of going into the Play Off Final.

Brentford have a few players out for today’s game, with goal scorer Halil Dervisoglu down with a virus, and Said Benrahma being unavailable with a hip injury. Their side should still be to strong for an Ipswich side curses by injuries.

Ipswich, still without Luke McCowan, Emyr Huws, Ben Morris, Peter Kurzweg and Myles Kenlock, are now without Kane Vincent-Young who is suspended for the rest of the play offs. The squad is depleted, Football Manager have got their wish.




0’ KICK OFF - Ipswich kick the game off in front of a packed Brentford Comminutiy Stadium.

3’ IPSWICH THROW IN - Kenlock with the throw in on the left, down to Dobra. Back to Kenlock. He hits a first time ball into the box..............AND GWION EDWARDS HAS ARRIVED AT THE NEAR POST TO SLAM IT HOME!!!! Ipswich have struck after only 3 minutes; and have levelled up the tie instantly. 0-1.

6’ IPSWICH CORNER Ipswich have been piling on the pressure in the early stages of the game. Dozzell with the corner, ball punched clear by Raya. Dobra hits it from 12 yards..............and Raya saves but can’t stop the rebound!!!! IPSWICH LEAD 2-0 AFTER 6 MINUTES! Flynn Downes with the final touch to send the ball over the line. Ipswich have turned the game on it’s head. Now Brentford need the goal.

21’ IPSWICH THROW Coyle throw in. Into Edwards, who cuts back inside and past his man. Into Downes, back to Dozzell. First time through ball sends Mlakar through on goal.........but Raya makes the save. Ipswich are on fire right now.

24’ BRENTFORD BALL - Marcondes plays it back to Barlaser who finds Dalsgaard unmarked on the right hand side. Drives to the byline. Cross deflects of Green...........and it slams into the post. Green’s blushes have been saved there.

45’ BRENTFORD BALL Ipswich corner falls to Canos who smashes up field to Mbuemo. He skips round Kenlock as it a foot race between himself and Coyle.........AND HE FINDS TANKOVIC WHO SLAMS IT HOME!!!!!! But the linesman has raised his flag, Tankovic strayed into an offside position. Goal disallowed. Ipswich still lead 3-2 on aggregate.

45’ HALF TIME - Brentford 0-2 Ipswich.



Ipswich have played brilliantly in this first half, and deserve their two goal lead. A half fit Gwion Edwards did wonderfully to get his head on an early Kenlock cross, and Flynn Downes’ awareness in the box has given Ipswich a 2-0 lead, but more importantly they lead 3-2 on aggregate.


46’ KICK OFF - Brentford will get us underway here as they look to come from behind.

52’ BRENTFORD SUB - Barlaser off, Mokotjo on.

57’ BRENTFORD SUB - Tankovic off, Valencia on.

57’ BRENTFORD SUB - Marcondes off, Watkins on.

65’ BRENTFORD CHANCE Canos has it down the right, and he plays a wonderful ball over the top for Mbuemo, and he’s through on goal...........but Iversen is there to make the save.

86’ BRENTFORD CHANCE Dalsgaard picks it up and finds Valencia in the middle. He drives past Flynn Downes and is staring down at goal. He finds some space............but he shot flies wide of the goal, how important will that miss be.

89’ BRENTFORD CHANCE Jansson smashes it forward and finds Canos. He drops it in to Mbuemo, who find the onrushing Canos continuing his run forward. He’s pushed wide, but digs out a cross to the back post..............AND WHAT HAVE WE JUST SEEN HERE AT BRENTFORD. WATKINS HAS JUST MISSED AN OPEN GOAL AND HIT BOTH POSTS IN THE PROCESS. How did not go in, and how are Ipswich still surviving here.

90’ FULL TIME - the whistle blows. Ipswich have done it. They have defied all the odds and turned their 2-1 first leg defeat around and have picked up the win. Wembley awaits for the boys from the south east!


WE HAVE DONE IT! We have turned it around fully and reach the Championship Play Off Final at the first time of asking. Now we turn our attention to Huddersfield Town, but George Burley has worked a miracle here getting them this far.

Incredible stuff! You would have put money on a player of Ollie Watkins's ability to have finished that chance off, but instead he fluffs his lines and consequently costs his side a chance at going to Wembley. Fantastic from an Ipswich perspective though. All of that even with a depleted squad. They certainly have fighting spirit. Let's hope that can help them win successive promotions to the Premier League by beating Huddersfield.

Ohh the suspense...

2020-01-15 21:27#265401 Imagine : Ohh the suspense...

I like to make it interesting